I went to Costa Rica to take a break from winter in the midwest and I had a good reason to go as a friend was teaching at a surf camp there.  I had been working on a Lake Michigan surf story for Traverse Magazine over the past year, and ending up loving the community as well as being in the water more, so I bought a board to learn on.  I figured I would go to Costa Rica and give surfing a shot privately as I feel a bit intimidated in my own turf.  I also offered to take some surfing photos while there.

Although I think surfing is definitely a new activity for me (if I could figure out how not to nosedive every time I try and catch a wave), and as much as I enjoy the challenge of photographing surfers, I'm thinking I'm probably not going to become a famous surf photographer.  What am I good at that I enjoy?  I was contemplating this on my sunrise beach walk when I looked up and saw children jumping through the waves.  Their energy and spirits prompted me to walk up to their parents and strike up conversation.  During our conversation it dawned on me that I wanted to photograph their children for my portfolio.  So I asked.  And, as you will see below, they said yes.  I hope you also notice I answered my own question.   ~ Beth

Peach wore his favorite bandana and wrapped it snugly around his head and eyes like a blindfold.  No client had ever suggested we have the groom wear a blindfold, but then again it was Megan and Peach.  They are very creative as well as sentimental.  When Megan was in front of him when the bandana was lifted. What a fabulous first moment it was to be a part of, as these two are incredibly natural in their love for one another.

Then Megan stubbed her toe and it began to bleed.  She laughed and Peach knelt down and used his bandana to stop her bleeding, laughing too. Jess went and grabbed our wedding kit for band aids, Jan and I kept shooting imagery, and not a person freaked out.  Ever.    

I never took a photo of the shoes Megan actually wore as it wasn't any of her three pairs and the day went by so quickly after that.  In fact, my favorite images of the day are when she is shoeless on the beach.  And honestly it never was about the shoes, even though I had taken plenty of photos of them.  It was, and is, about love, taking care of one another, and going with the flow. Even when things don't work out perfectly, Megan and Peach still have one another.    ~ Beth

 

These prints are a reminder that children are a huge part of my life.  I am grateful that they stop by with their parents and feel comfortable enough to place their hands on my door, unafraid to make marks.  I feel success as it is exactly the environment I worked hard to create, one that is comfortable and welcoming so that it's naturally okay not to think about where you place your hands.

This realization prompted me to pick up my camera and shoot the handprints which became even more beautiful to me in front of my camera lens.  So I want to thank my small yet very significant friends for reminding me of your importance and for leaving your mark upon my door.  Just for that I am not cleaning it anytime soon.    ~ Beth

There's something to be said about children and the beauty that unfolds when you let them roam during a portrait session.  There's also something to be said about lighting and time of day that the photos are taken.  The below session is what I consider perfection and is why I keep coming back for more.   ~ Beth

p.s. Thanks to Heather and Katherine for being fantastic travel/running companions and for casually stepping in when needed and assisting me during this session.  Read Heather's blog post about our NWM run HERE.

Cake: Cake Connection  Flowers: DIY