This weekend was long but incredible. Saturday and Sunday each consisted of about five hours of shooting. Both jobs were incredibly fulfilling, and we were honored to be a part of them.
On Saturday, we were invited to document the Canez family's reunion. We were told it was the first time the entire family has ever been together in the same place! We couldn't have asked for a better afternoon or for better subjects. In addition to being really great looking people, the entire family was made up of some of the most welcoming and loving people we've ever had the pleasure of meeting.
As if that wasn't enough, the camera loved this family! Such great looking people, and with an energy that was infectious!
It left me thinking a lot about our role as photographers at these events. I've seen a lot of photographers' pitches that talk about how well they're flies on the wall who stay completely remote and observational during the day.
Mel and I would be lying if we pretended we work that remotely from our subjects. The truth is that, by the end of the day, we know you pretty well, and you know us. We felt so welcome at the Canez family reunion, and it was an incredible gift to be a guest there. By the end of the shoot, we'd laughed and cried with the family and felt more than a hint of how it must feel to be the children or grandchildren of Cristina and Ricardo.
It was an experience we won't soon forget, and we're very grateful for being given the opportunity to share it with them.