to [paint] with light

This latest session I did with yet another amazing family really made me think about the etymology of the word photography.

Did you know that the word photography essentially means to paint with light? It comes from the Greek words photos, meaning light, and graphos, meaning writing or painting. I love this as an explanation for what I do. Photography is all about telling a story using light as a paintbrush.

I was thinking about painting with light when I entered the home of this family because I was greeted not only by mom, dad and three terrific kids, but by gorgeous artwork on the walls. It turns out that mom, Tina, is an amazing artist and created the paintings you'll see in some of these photos. I was so inspired by her work that I couldn't wait to get photos of the kids with some of her creations. I guess I've always thought of myself as an artist, so I enjoyed spending time with a kindred spirit like Tina. My only regret was not taking photos of the art that was in the kid's bedrooms. It was youthful and charming and so incredibly marketable that I even tried to convince Tina to start selling her work again. (Although I guess being a busy mom to three young kids doesn't leave much time for painting!)

Thanks Tina and Brent for a wonderful session (and the tea yesterday Tina!) Your kids are a delight and I look forward to working with you again one day.