You will be able to see the fun that was had during this shoot. It is all over the photos.
L’s mom asked me to take some photos of her son who has just graduated from college and is moving to San Francisco this summer for a great job opportunity. She gave me a little background, not much, but she did tell me not to force him to smile. I don’t generally force smiles, and often preferring photos without wide grins, but she wanted me to know that nice photos of his young adult face were all that she was after. Something to mark this point in time (which unfortunately often goes undocumented) and, I suspect, to give her a remembrance at as he moves across the country.
I began my planning with L. He mentioned a girlfriend, E. I said, “bring her if she wants to join.” That seemed like a good idea to all involved. She was into it. And, selfishly, I was psyched to have a client old enough to shoot in the EVENING light and in an urban location.
We met in Beacon Hill. This area is quintessential Boston. I scoped a few things out ahead of time. Perfect for a shoot involving two New Englanders about to put down new roots 3,000 miles away. We played in the alley ways, gawking at the window boxes and helping ourselves to perfectly manicured front stoops. We hung out on swank streets dreaming of the lives behind the doors and incorporated a bunch of the emblematic features of Beacon Hill into the photos.
Afterward for a change of pace I suggested a coffee, ice cream, or cocktail. By this time I was aware that I was dealing with two foodies, and that was confirmed when the idea of “just any” ice cream was frowned upon. Convenience was no good excuse for bad ice cream. So we pulled up stakes and headed closer to home to what is arguably the best ice cream in the world: Cambridge’s own Toscanini’s. Samples of salty fig, pineapple basil, and 3 drunk muskateers ensued. Followed by orders for scoops of blueberry pancake and fluffernutter. Followed by more photos.
Turns out, L’s smile was on the loose for this shoot (I think it might have had something to do with E), but the result was magic.
L and E-good luck in San Fran! I know that you will love it, and I look forward to hearing about your adventures, culinary and otherwise!
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