Personal | Curtis | (kind of) Kids

For those of you who know me, my life circles around kids and animals. They are my love and light and I'm known to turn the most hyper child completely zen. It's my special talent. I'm fairly certain that this talent will not work on my own children, right?! That said, I have a notso secret secret: I am in love with my stuffed animals. Just as pets are can be (or just are) children, my furry friends have been comforting and entertaining me forever. One of my recent clients had an old softie listed under "key people" on her questionnaire. I so get that. I love my clients.

The idea came to me as I began photographing babies and the iconic poses that are typically reserved for newborns. I think I'd be safe to say that it's pretty much reserved for newbies. Until now. I thought "huh, my guys can do this too" And as silly as it may seem to someone, I wanted these photos. A personal project has become something that I want to offer others, or if only to think about what constitutes family and who should be in your portrait. By the way, I am not kidding!

Our adventures begin with Curtis. Curtis was a birthday gift from an elementary school friend who I am going to tag in these photos on FB and either it will make her laugh or think "I knew there was something very different about that girl" and defriend me. Anyhow, Curtis went to summer camp, college, sat in the front seat on nine hour road trips to visit my college boyfriend, lived in various homes in Connecticut, New York, Georgia, and California. Curtis is attentive and loving and from the aforementioned and pictured below, he is well-read and cultured. White was never his favorite color so he's now feather grey. As you can see, his nose is worn down to pink from poking it under the covers and leaping off the bed. Spacedog, Shiatsu and Simeon sat in the living room and I snuck a few photos of them hanging out with each other. Before we wrapped, Mambo stepped in to introduce himself as his adventure begins next week.

Ideas for this series? Would you like to see them venture outside the studio? Please comment below!

I hope you enjoy meeting Curtis and give your loved ones a big hug today