There’s something special about taking pictures of a family in their own home – their safe place, where all pretense falls away and they can just be themselves perhaps even a little bit more than elsewhere.  This morning I was thinking about my photography style.  Is it photojournalistic?  Posed?  Candid?  What I’ve decided is that it’s a bit of a combination between posed and candid/photojournalistic.  I often begin with a pose so that people have somewhere to go and don’t feel quite so lost, and then the magic happens as they naturally interact while getting into their places, or while they’re waiting for me.  The first shot of this great family, the Merkels, effectively conveys this strategy… the plan was to have them begin by sitting on the steps of their front porch together.  I wouldn’t have dreamt up Oscar’s position lying on the stairs under his mom and dad’s legs, but it was perfect!  I love just watching to see what will happen as a family does their thing.  Charlie’s old enough now that he was able to look relaxed and happy for the camera, and Max still has his signature entertaining facial expressions.  I love when one photo can capture the feel of a family’s current stage, and then a series of photos even more so.  Oscar snuggling with a sippy cup, Charlie reading his books, Max entertaining.  The Merkels are pretty great people, and I’m excited that you get to have a little glimpse of who they are!