A Knoxville Family Summer // Carrie, Shane, and Harper

From the moment I saw the spread in W Magazine called “Domestic Bliss,” which featured Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as an early-1960′s couple around their home with their children (and yes, I realize the irony what with it being released in 2005, around the time Mr. & Mrs. Smith came out and their affair happened), I was head over heels in love. And that was before the idea of being a professional photographer had ever entered my mind. So years later, I found myself still thinking about those images and itching to do a family shoot with a similar concept. However, I also wanted to put the Morgan touch on it, so I didn’t want it to be too model-y and pose-y and perfect. A real family, on a real day, but with a dash of really cool retro summer style sprinkled in.

The first family that came to mind was the Bulls. Interestingly enough, I first met Carrie that summer in 2005, when she introduced me to Jamie (my now husband). We were instant friends and have been ever since, and I say without hesitation that she’s one of the coolest people I know, even more so now with her hip little family. Being a Mad Men fanatic and already having a colorful, funky, rockabilly, vintage aesthetic (remember the Alice in Wonderland birthday party she and Shane planned for Harper last year?), I knew she would get my vision when I emailed her my proposal, and she definitely did. So we excitedly planned to shoot the next time I was in Knoxville, which was a couple of weeks ago.

One of the reasons I wanted to do a project like this is because I’m hoping to inspire other families out there to embrace these kinds of “lifestyle” sessions, where it’s not just about getting a pretty, smiley portrait of everyone to hang over the mantle (not that there’s anything wrong with that!). Telling the story is a vital part of my job as a photographer, and I think one of the best ways to do that is for me to come along with your family as you do something together, whether it’s making breakfast at home on a Saturday morning or going to the zoo on Sunday afternoon. Kids are so much more comfortable when they don’t have to sit still in front of a camera, and I’m so much more likely to capture those perfectly imperfect interactions that show who you are as a family.

For this session, Carrie and Shane decided to grill hamburgers for dinner, so we had playtime in the backyard, eating, and then settling down for the night. It was awesome to get to hang out with them WHILE shooting them, and I can never pass up an opportunity to see how much little Miss Harper has grown up. (Seems like just yesterday we were holding her tiny little self in our arms… *sniff*.) But enough of my commentary… on to the goods!

When I posted the image below as a preview on Facebook, everyone made a comment to the effect of what a hot mama Carrie is. Um, YUP! I like to think she’s the Lucille Ball of 2011. :) (p.s. That most perfect shade of red hair is thanks to Justin at Tease Salon… if you’re in Knoxville, you should look him up!)

Love, love, love this one.

PBR, tattoos, vintage clothes…. a recipe for cool parents. :)

Ridiculously cute. I love how she has Shane’s eyes and Carrie’s button nose. Eeee!

I can verify that this was just as delicious as it looks.

One of my faves. I love that Carrie’s art is on display in the background, the walls are purple, and Harper is making one of her gloriously hilarious faces.

Dora and Diego time! So, sooo sweet.

 

Thank you guys so much for indulging my craziness and allowing me to exploit your coolness and our friendship for a photo shoot. :) It was great to see you and spend time with you, and I can’t wait til our next session!