Matthew Moore Photography Blog: Sisters

My beautiful girls, perfectly captured by an amazing and insightful Texas artist and photographer.  To see more of Matthew’s work, please visit his website by clicking ENTER below.

 

Reposted from: Matthew Moore Photography Blog

Friday, July 27, 2012

Sisters

These two sisters, Rachel & Caitlin, came to us for their “sister portraits.” When we first met them, it took less than ten seconds to realize just how polar opposite they were. Even so, it was apparent that they loved each other dearly and were completely inseparable. Needless to say, we loved them both from the start! Since Katie and I don’t always get a chance to meet our clients before the day of the shoots, I was thankful that Katie was doing their hair and makeup. This gave me a good hour or so just to observe the relationship between the two sisters, watch how they interacted, and try and figure out just what made this seemingly strange relationship work so well. Again, I’m not exaggerating when I  emphasize how polar opposite their personalities are. The oldest sister, Rachel, is very outgoing, very fun, and energetic, yet seemed to carry a heavy weight of responsibility. She was a little more direct and seemed to wear her heart right out there on her sleeve. Caitlin is a little more quiet and reserved (at least initially).  She hides her feelings well and (she’ll kill me for saying this) seemed a bit more sensitive than I think most people would assume. Katie and I really wanted to draw out these characteristics, so we decided that the relationship between them would be our sole focus of the shoot. If we came away with pretty pictures but didn’t accomplish that goal, the whole thing would have been considered a failure from our perspective.

The first image is one of my favorites and is a very good example of that relationship.  There’s a vulnerability about Caitlin (the younger sister) as she shows a softer, more tender side to her that I’m guessing not everyone is privileged to see. She seems to unveil the true love, respect, and admiration she has towards her older sister. These sentiments subtly, yet forcefully, come through.  There’s a great strength about Rachel in this image. In the same way that most people might overlook how tenderhearted Caitlin really is, you would never guess just how fierce Rachel can be if need be. You can see this sort of lioness- protective and fearless glint in her eyes and in her face. She’s the sister you want on your side looking out for you. You can hide behind her and know that come what may, she would not only fight for you, you have no doubt she’ll win.  I’m proud of these images because I feel we accomplished what we set out to do.

Springtime Girls

I am Sister.  A pet-name bestowed upon me by my own sweet parents.  I am no longer a Springtime girl.  My Spring is far behind me and I live in the early days of Fall.  Fall is good, Fall is stable.  Fall is steadfast and reliable, you know what you are getting with Fall.  The trees begin to lose their green glow of youth, but a new beauty takes its place.  Warm reds, golds and yellows color the Fall canvas and a cool brisk air stirs the inner desire to move on, to migrate to the next chapter.  I like being Fall.  These are my Springtime girls.

My oldest precious daughter is Baby Sister Girl.  She came to me in the Spring, like the first tender blossom, stretching her tiny face toward the warm sun, full of wonder and eager to meet every challenge put before her.  She is strong, she is confident, she is a go getter.  She knows what she wants out of life and she will stop at nothing to get it.  You always know where you stand with her, she pulls no punches.  I have made my share of mistakes in tending to this flower, but in spite of my shortcomings, she has thrived.  Her roots are strong, her core is solid.   In a field of flowers, she’s the one your eye is drawn to.  She is my pride and joy.

My youngest is Cake.  She is another Springtime girl and like her mother, she is an old soul.  Cake is the Ghost Orchid, a precious and rare flower.  She is one of a kind, she is unique.  She marches to the beat of a different drum.  She is excentric and hilarious, delicious and irresistible.  Cake is a bohemian, a gypsy, an artist.  Cake does not conform, she does things on own her terms.  She is tender, compassionate, loving and kind.  She is the most optimistic person I know.  Evil does not exist in her world.  She teaches me something new every day.

I am Sister, the mother, the teacher, the gardener entrusted to the care of these Springtime Girls.  My harvest is rich, my basket is full.