“I was told I looked like Magnum PI.” This is what Mike tells me when we meet to do his family portraits for his Justice of the Peace campaign here in Austin. Apparently he was using another picture and was told he needed to get some professional shots taken and was referred to me. Of course when I heard this, we all laughed, but deep inside I could feel the pressure squeeze my tummy as I thought about how I really wanted to deliver him images he and his campaign would be proud to use.
So we met on a Sunday at St Catherine’s church in the Oak Hill area. I was greeted by Mike’s wife, Christine, and their three kids, Mikey, Stephanie, and Andrew. Being winter here in Texas, it was cold. As Christine warmed up the bench they sat on, the kids were amazingly polite and helpful, even though I could tell they’d probably rather be at the dentist or something than take pictures at that time. But everyone was all smiles for dad’s shots and I could feel the love they all shared as a family.
Then the unthinkable happened (at least for me). I realized that the lens I was using the last 30 minutes wasn’t focusing properly. (Argh! Bad photographer for not noticing sooner.) I switch out my lens and shoot furiously for the remaining time, hoping to get as many usable shots for them as possible. When I got home, I edited everything and, with tears in my eyes and sheer embarrassment, sent a note to them saying what had happened and offered to do a re-shoot if there weren’t any images he could use from the first round.
We made plans to meet the following Sunday again. I asked Mike beforehand what I could do to “make-good” with his kids for having to endure yet another photoshoot. He said “Well, they like donuts!” So off to Dunkin Donuts I went. And yes, I do think that helped ease their pain a little as they begged mom to eat them. :)
Mike and Christine were completely compassionate and understanding of the mishap and even had the nerve to offer to pay me more, which of course I just couldn’t accept. In the end, we were able to get some fun additional family shots of them and the kids, which was a blast. His daughter, Stephanie, seemed to really warm up to being photographed. And recently, I was told by Christine that they got her daughter a camera for Christmas and she was modeling for everyone. I love it!
Anyway, tough lesson learned. I’m sure I’ll have many more to come…
Happy New Years world!
XOXO
Rita Q
LOL – Well Magnun, I’m so happy it all worked out for you and really send my gratitude to you and your family for letting me photograph you all. You guys are awesome! xoxo-Rita
Katie – now look what you’ve done! I told Rita you thought my old family picture (with the Hawaiian shirts) made me look like Magnum PI, and now it’s out of control. Everyone’s going to think I’m conceited or something! If everyone starts calling me “Magnum,” I’ll have you to thank! ;-)
But come to think of it, that’s not a bad nickname for someone who supports the 2nd Amendment. :-0
Still, I’m glad you referred me to Rita. She did a very good job, and she is a pleasure to work with — not to mention a LOLA lady.