The Bryan Family

So, I am really far behind. I have been writing about other things that aren't so happy, so today, I'm going to try to catch up on what IS happy to me. What makes me the happiest, besides my family, is having the honor of photographing families. I know it must sound silly, and a bit empty, to say it's an honor to do that, but it is! I mean, you could choose a gazillion different people to capture your family, and who they were that year, or whatever your timing is of doing family portraits. But, the reason you choose someone to do that, would hopefully, be based on style, and compatibility with what your own style, and vision for those photographs. While I love almost all of the work that I do (yes, I said almost. Some....not so much, but hey! Why not try it all?! Right?), I love family portraits the best, I think. It's a lot of work, for sure, but being able to give that gift to someone is an amazing privilege. Being invited into this bonded unit, and trying to convey that love, and their story, through an image is really powerful to me. I love it! Photographing families may be my favorite.

One of my favorite families is the Bryan family. Amy is one of my best friends, and has played many roles in my life, these last 3 1/2 years. She has been my friend, my trainer, my therapist, my missionary, and my sister. She has been through the ringer with me. I'm not sure I could ever repay her for all of the things she has done for me. Not only are they one of the funnest families I know, but they are one of the most loving and caring families I have ever been around.

Her son, Jacob, was getting ready to leave on a mission in Brazil, and Amy wanted to get her family pictures taken. The last ones we did, her eldest son, Josh, was on his mission in Mexico, so this time, we were excited to get them all together. After a few schedule tweaks, and location discussions, we finally got them done, the day before Jacob left! I loved all of the beautiful Fall colors that were at Floyd Lamb, and I knew it would be perfect for my little Kansas friend.

This one is my favorite of the family.

Thanks for moving your head all around for me Amy. It really helped. HA!

Yup, those are some pretty good lookin boys right there.

.......and they know it, apparently. Like father, like sons!

This was actually one of the first times I really got to spend any time with Josh. I've known the other boys, but I'd only met Josh right before left on his Mission to Mexico. He was a good sport. 

Thanks for helpin out Josh.

Jared

Josh

My cute Johny

Jacob

Elder Bryan, ready or not! Here he comes!!

I just love this shot. I could've done without the cars, but I love it.

Little did I know that this would be the last session I would do with my amazing Sony a99, before it was stolen. I am so relieved that these photographs weren't still in the bag. That would've not only crushed me, but devastated my dear friend.

It really was an honor to do this for this family, and give this gift to their mother. She's been wanting family pictures for so long, and I am thrilled that I was able to give these to her! This family does so much for others, and mean so much to me, and my family. I'm glad to be able to, finally, give them this gift.