Anthony Schmidt's Car "Betty"
Preface: When we moved to Woodinville, Wa, a few months ago, I began exploring our new community via the local facebook groups. I wanted to see what was happening and what to expect from our new small town and our neighbors. What I found was this wonderful story of a boy on the autism spectrum, his love and talent for photographing miniature cars, and an amazing community that supported him. I knew his story had to be shared and reached out to his mother to see if I could help tell his and their story.
This past Sunday, members of the Woodinville community gathered, cruised their cars, held a small car show, and presented (local-celebrity) Anthony Schmidt with, what can only be described as a dream car for a 12-year-old, a 1957 Ford Custom 300 named “Betty.”
As we waited in the parking lot of Leota Middle School for the cruising cars to arrive, the rain was coming down off and on, and suddenly the cars began to appear. I’m pretty sure Anthony heard them before the rest of us saw them. He took off down the street to watch as they rolled in. More and more cars were coming, for a brief moment I didn’t know if they were all going to fit in the parking lot. After the cars all rolled in, we waited for the grand entrance and reveal of Anthony’s car. Finally she came rolling down the street and Anthony greeted her by running towards her, his arms in the air in excitement.
As his car rolled into the parking lot it was surrounding by people who cared about Anthony and his family. Anthony climbed in and could just see over the wheel, obviously a few years away from driving Betty on his own. As the trio of him, his little brother, and his friend, climbed in and out of the car countless times I could only stand there and imagine the memories the car has already witnessed and the new memories that will be made with her as well.
It takes a community to pull off what I witnessed on Sunday. A few of those community members that must be mentioned: Greg Wilkinson (donated the Ford to Anthony); NAPA Auto Parts Woodinville employees; APC Auto Spa Woodinville; Bob & Jeanie Rash; Woodinville Cruisers Car Club members; and Rich McKee who organized the event. I know I’m new here but thank you to this wonderful community for the love and support I witnessed and photographed on Sunday. I hope to continue telling Anthony’s story through photos again in the future.
Please check out Anthony’s photography:
Instagram: @anthony_ryan_schmidt
Website: www.anthonyryanschmidt.com
Facebook fan group: Friends of Anthony Schmidt Photography
Forbes Family - Day in the Life Session
With three young kiddos, the Forbes family was busy!
Growing up as an only child, I love family sessions with multiple kids. I love to watch and document each member of the household and see how they all fit together.
They made breakfast together, got ready to go out, walked down to a cafe, and then walked over to their neighborhood park. They also asked to do a few posed/relaxed family photos which I was happy to do when we were walking around their neighborhood.
If you ever want some family photos where you’re all looking at the camera during your Day in the Life session, just let me know ahead of time, so I can work it into your session in a short and painless way.
Forbes Family Slideshow
A few favorites from their session
Odigé Family - Day in the Life Session
Sara may look familiar if you’ve been following my blog, as I photographed her new motherhood circle for her business a few months ago. She is an incredible postpartum doula that takes great care of new mothers.
I revisited her on a regular Saturday morning and this time got to meet her beautiful family as they went about their regular routine. Her girls are adorable and so full of personality. I’ve posted a few of my favorites here, but scroll all the way down for their full slideshow. I especially loved trying to catch moments with everyone in the frame and give them a real glimpse of their entire family which is something I realize only an outsider can capture for them.
Enjoy!
And if you’re interested in having me document your family please don’t hesitate to contact me!
Odigé Family Slideshow
Thurber Family - Day in the Life Session - Family Documentary Photography
Because they won’t stay little very long…
I met Claudia pretty soon after moving to Montreal. Almost two years ago now, she was the first fellow mom to welcome me to the city. I remember my son was so little and her youngest was so much smaller too when we met up for coffee.
Two years later, a winding road of exploring my photography passions and here we are. Family documentary photography has captivated me for years now. I’ve been actively documenting my own family in the same journalistic manner since, well, my journalism days. Seems natural right? My kids have so many moments, everyday and milestones, captured by mom’s camera. As my own children age I can see more and more clearly the value of freezing these fast paced years in photographs. Our everyday lives are just as valuable to cherish as the yearly family portrait, if not more so. Now I am turning my camera on other families to document the fleeting and beautiful everyday moments for them to treasure as well.
After documenting just a regular Saturday morning at the Thurber house, Claudia and I again met for coffee (and tea) and I showed her the photos I had taken of their daily and weekly routines, and all the hidden beautiful real moments mixed in there. My goal was to capture their family in a way that was truly 100% them and tell their story. When she teared up watching the slideshow I knew I had accomplished just that. (And then I started to cry too.)
Below are just a few of my favorite photos from their session, scroll to the bottom to see their complete slideshow.
Thurber Family Day in the Life Slideshow
Interested in a family documentary session for your own family? Contact me here.
Eva & Aaron's Wedding - Corrales, New Mexico
It’s always an honor when a friend asks (er… insists) that I photograph their wedding. :) Eva was my dancing/choreographing partner in crime for so many years while we lived in Albuquerque so I was super excited for her and Aaron and their big day. They held a small intimate wedding at Rancho de Corrales, in Corrales, New Mexico on November 3, 2018. It was simply perfect.
