nose-squishers

 
Ask young brothers to get in close proximity of one another for a portrait and a photographer may soon find herself in for more than she bargained for. Hugs can quickly evolve into head-locks, and kisses morph into exaggerated attempts to gross brother out by licking his face. A full on wrestling match is certain to ensue if one isn’t careful.

These little guys were actually quite loving and affectionate with each other, but super high energy. I couldn’t get them to remain still in one place together for anything. So finally I created a “base-station”, where I told them they had to return together periodically for refueling of a magic gasoline that would cause them to jump higher, run faster and catch more bad guys. Surprisingly, they bought the idea, even waiting until the “beep” I gave that signified their tank was full. I had the location metered ahead of time so I could be ready with camera, the light was good, and boy did I feel clever.

They were looking cute as they waited somewhat patiently for their tanks to fill, but their heads were still rather far apart and unengaged, so I asked if they would move their faces just a bit closer together. Their interpretation of my request each and every time: nose-squishing closeness. I suggested: “Now how about putting your ears close together?” Nose-squishing and lots of giggles their reply. “Let’s try putting cheeks close together”, I tried again. More nose-squishing and even more giggling as now they knew they were thwarting this poor photographer’s attempts at a normal portrait and loving it.

So it turns out I wasn’t so clever after all. I’ve always said that I don’t know how anyone can remain a kid photographer and become at all arrogant, as these pint-sized intelligent beings will knock you off your high horse and on your butt real quick. But that’s okay with me. Because when it works……..when I’m able to get past my own preconceived notions of how I think things should go, drop the oars and float with the current rather than fighting it……..they take me always to a place far more brilliant than I might have previously imagined.

 
~Cynthia