Kiddo caricatures and portrait aspirations

January 25, 2009

This past week was winter carnival at the college where Damien works. The week is full of activities for the students, including concerts that start at 10:30pm. Who goes to concerts at 10:30pm?? College kids apparently.

But one evening is open to the whole college community. A large gym is filled with astronomical bouncy houses and race courses. The ubiquitous chocolate fountains (they show up at all college functions) are set up on tables against the walls. Fruit, marshmallows, graham crackers, pretzels, and chocolate chip cookies - all served for the dipping. Oh and don't forget the cotton candy machine. Yep, the kiddos were in sugar heaven.

But what I was most pleased with (next to connecting with neighbor, illustrator and fellow blogger Tracey Miller) was the caricature artists doing free sketches. It was well worth the short wait in line to have this sketch done of the kiddos. I love it!

What amazes me is how a total stranger can take a look at my kids for 10 minutes and capture their characters so well. Maybe Celine's calm inner strength, Brienne's mischievous spirit and Laurent's zest for life is hidden in their blue eyes. It's pure magic as far as I'm concerned that an artist can capture these qualities in my children in the few minutes he saw them.

This challenges me as a photographer. I want my portraits to capture the spirit of a person. I don't know much about this since I have very, very little experience in portrait shoots. I'm such a newbie when it comes to photography but I have high expectations about where I want to with this art.

I was inspired by this caricature artist. Hopefully my photography skills will grow so I too can capture a person with the click of a shutter. Who knew a winter carnival/sugar fest would provide such artistic food for thought?

Filed Under

Family Life & Kids

Comments
Subscribe to Comments

Andie on Jan. 26, 2009, 11:23 p.m.

That did turn out good!!! Usually not so much, but that looks just like your adorable kiddos.

reply

Tracey Miller on Jan. 27, 2009, 12:28 a.m.

Hi Renee! I'm so flattered that you've mentioned me; thank you for the link as well! I very much enjoyed chatting with you as well. It's nice to have a local blogger-friend! If you are interested in portraiture, you may want to take a look at my mother-in-law's blog: http://marthamillerart.blogspot.com. She does mixed-media portraits, as opposed to photography, but she does think and write quite a lot about the subject of portraiture. She is very inspiring (and not everyone can say that about their mother-in-law!).

reply

Shawna on Jan. 27, 2009, 3:18 a.m.

your reflections are very true about portraits. it's what portrait photographers strive for, right? i'm in that very spot right now, wondering how to make my photos say all they can in that moment and it's such a learning experience. how do you go about making a photo show more than you would ever notice in person? i've been trying to pinpoint exactly what i love about this or that photo, just as you did with your kids' portrait. and of course, finding as many subjects as i can (that aren't my immediate family members!) seems to be a big step. i have a feeling you will go very far in your photography journey .

reply

laura-dolcepics on Jan. 27, 2009, 8:02 a.m.

Hi Renee~

It's been a while since I've stopped by. I like the new blog format here. Nice work! Love those caricatures. Your descriptions of your kids really do match well with the artist's work. I think portraits are very challenging because you really do want to capture the subject's spirit. (never mind trying to match their skin tones... another challenge!) Best wishes in your growth as a photographer. I'd say you're growing very nicely! :)

reply

~kristina~ on Jan. 28, 2009, 11:40 p.m.

This is awesome! What fun for your family to enjoy this portrait. I've never had one done - perhaps we'll have to next time the opportunity arises!

reply