As a photographer in the Outer Banks, I love capturing the love between families. But I especially love photographing children and the spontaneity of emotion that they bring to the table. Sometimes it’s a bit terrifying..but it’s exhilarating too. Genuine. Honest. Free spirited. Raw. Little ones are nothing if not that. So when I saw a pic of a friend’s son (a local boy from Kill Devil Hills NC) in his amazing Halloween costume late last year, I was inspired to take images of him in a little fantasy dress up photo shoot. It was fun to have complete creative control and set up – with this fun “Where the Wild Things Are” styled shoot for Turner near his 2nd birthday! This first photo below was recently entered on a whim to a photo contest for Shoot and Share. This particular image came in better than the TOP 1% of children and toddler photos – and as a personal project is a favorite of mine as well.

Maurice Sendak is a favorite illustrator of mine and I’ve always had a special fondness for the children’s book Where the Wild Things Are. In fact, back when I went back to school for graphic design, one of my award winning 3D art projects was called Max meets Magritte. It combines a surrealist painting of Margritte and incorporates it with the illustrations of the children’s story. Must be a lucky book for me. 

“that very night in max’s room a forest grew.

…and grew… and grew until his ceiling hung with vines… and the walls became the world all around”

Turner’s big sister Lily also got in a little of the action too.This giant number balloon (above, right), was provided by The Flower Field in Kitty Hawk. It was his 2nd birthday after all…so we wanted to get one shot to celebrate that fact.  Turner’s mom works with the Flower Field..and it happens to be a great place to pick up an amazing arrangement or a flower crown for a special photo shoot (hint hint!).All of these images are back in the Nags Head Woods Nature preserve. This little bridge seemed like a fun backdrop for the kids to play..and dance! Hugs from brother “Max.”