I might be a tad biased (I’ve babysat these children since #1 was not quite 2, #2 was six months away from making his debut into the world, and #3 had yet to be imagined, and two years ago they were my junior bridesmaid, Bible bearer, and ring bearer, respectively), but I think this is an incredible family. Not only are they some truly fun, funny people, but they knew how to have a fun, funny time in front of the camera. And how to stage an amazing family portrait session!

From moving their whole dining room outside to gathering unique accents, like the fabulous brass scale and U-shaped settee, to their impeccable wardrobes to their beautiful backyard, every note was pitch-perfect at the McDonalds’ family photo shoot, with the Halifax River as our backdrop. The biggest challenge Danny and I faced came after the shoot, when we had to choose the best images. Because, really, there were hundreds of frame-worthy shots from this fantastic afternoon.

Sue’s idea was to create an elegantly surreal scene, which I translated to “deconstructed whimsy” for my own pre-planning purposes. (I come from an English-degree-background, after all, and I have to put my 8:00 a.m. literary criticism class to use somehow!) She styled it like a pro, even if her kids did think it was a bit crazy to be taking pictures alongside a sculpture of a hand. Of course, they were wrong; it was awesome to be taking pictures alongside a sculpture of a hand. Whatever you choose to call the style — whimsical, surreal, crazy — I think that idea came to life, enhancing but not distracting from their family photos. I love them. The photos, and the family.
I loved-loved-loved so many of the portraits from this day — but the one below left is currently my favorite portrait ever.
Penelope the Chihuahua made an appearance at the table and blended right in.
Weird and whimsical touches? Oh yes. And it worked so well. Personally, I was quite taken with the little snowman and the framed Christmas card.
He laughs and laughs, and just when you think he can’t possibly have any oxygen left, he bleats out a final giggle. When he isn’t laughing himself, he likes to make other people laugh, so I’ve labeled him the ham and cheese. You might be able to tell — from the pictures and my own smiles that are surely popping right through my keyboard and onto your screen — that I think these are three good kids.
I just love this next picture. I can’t even explain how much. Danny caught it at the perfect split second.
They both looked beautiful. Dresses, hair, makeup, jewelry — flawless.
The other dogs, Scooby and Vanessa, got to put in an appearance when we headed down onto their beach. This family has — seriously — one of the best riverfront properties in the area, because instead of a seawall, they have a totally usable beach, which, at low tide, is as wide as some ocean beaches. It’s a great place to play. Or a great place for family photos at sunset.
I loved the whole vibe of the day — the whimsy, the Town & Country/classic Americana/vacation in the Hamptons feel that arose from their wardrobes and the spectacular setting. And this next picture of the brothers really sums that up for me.
The sun burned more and more gold, and at last we were ready to get the pictures that we had come for.
This next one is not over-saturated or recolored; instead, it is a seven-exposure HDR image — seven photos, from three stops underexposed all the way to three stops overexposed, layered one image on top of the other. The colors in this picture were all there in real life. They just don’t show up in a photograph unless you expose for the sky in some images and for faces in others, then composite them for a final product like this. It simply took my breath away.
We were running low on sunlight, but not on ideas for even more pictures. These next ones come courtesy of Dave’s imagination. Doctor by day . . . photo shoot stylist by night?
We knew we were in for an incredible sunset. We were right.
I believe of all the photo shoots Danny and I have done, this one currently sits at the top of my list of favorites. Any surprise?

~ Laura