“We hired Janet for a beach portrait and had a great time with her. She scheduled our time around sunset. She and her assistant introduced themselves and we immediately liked her personal approach to her work. She was interested in us, obviously – this wasn’t just a business transaction to her. She is an artist, but without the ‘attitude’ some artists might have. However, she clearly wanted to produce something special for us.
So, we walked around chatting while she composed photos in her mind – at the lifeguard stand, by some sand castles, close to the water (timing the breaking waves perfectly), close ups, family shots, various groupings. Janet moved us around without being bossy, listened to the input we gave her (the photos that we wanted), and set up every shot we had hoped for.
She was challenged by intermittent clouds that totally changed the light, a sad two year old (who was denied access to one of the sand castles by it’s owner), two boys that would rather leap off the lifeguard stand rather than sit still. By the way, Janet took advantage of the leaping kids to get some of the coolest pictures. Picture a two year and four year old with big grins and big eyes flying through the air and you have it. We gave those pictures to the grandparents for Christmas. Grandma and Grandpa grin every time they look at them.
Valerie and I had fun, too. Personally, I was NOT looking forward to the experience. It was my wife’s idea and I was “just going along with it.” But the excitement that Valerie and Janet had between them caught me, too. I enjoyed meeting Janet and learning more about her work. We all had a very good time for the time we were together.
If nothing else, the results speak for themselves. We used them as our Christmas cards, gifts to various relatives, and feature them prominently in our home. Everyone who checks out our “Family Wall” comments on them. I expect other people who use her will have a similar story to tell.”
Stephen Worden, Wilmington, Delaware