Kiddo caricatures and portrait aspirations

January 25, 2009

This past week was winter carnival at the college where Damien works. The week is full of activities for the students, including concerts that start at 10:30pm. Who goes to concerts at 10:30pm?? College kids apparently.

But one evening is open to the whole college community. A large gym is filled with astronomical bouncy houses and race courses. The ubiquitous chocolate fountains (they show up at all college functions) are set up on tables against the walls. Fruit, marshmallows, graham crackers, pretzels, and chocolate chip cookies - all served for the dipping. Oh and don't forget the cotton candy machine. Yep, the kiddos were in sugar heaven.

But what I was most pleased with (next to connecting with neighbor, illustrator and fellow blogger Tracey Miller) was the caricature artists doing free sketches. It was well worth the short wait in line to have this sketch done of the kiddos. I love it!

What amazes me is how a total stranger can take a look at my kids for 10 minutes and capture their characters so well. Maybe Celine's calm inner strength, Brienne's mischievous spirit and Laurent's zest for life is hidden in their blue eyes. It's pure magic as far as I'm concerned that an artist can capture these qualities in my children in the few minutes he saw them.

This challenges me as a photographer. I want my portraits to capture the spirit of a person. I don't know much about this since I have very, very little experience in portrait shoots. I'm such a newbie when it comes to photography but I have high expectations about where I want to with this art.

I was inspired by this caricature artist. Hopefully my photography skills will grow so I too can capture a person with the click of a shutter. Who knew a winter carnival/sugar fest would provide such artistic food for thought?