Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Take My Hand



I didn't set out to collect grandfather/granddaughter street portraits, they just materialized right before my eyes and I couldn't resist.  The grandpa in the top photo was spending a lovely afternoon showing his granddaughter around the Birmingham Museum of Art.  The bottom photo was snapped while these two were enjoying Birmingham Art Walk together.  In order to capture the moment,  I had to compromise the quality of the shots a little.  In this instance,  a good trade off I think.

" Grandchildren don't stay young forever, which is a good because Pop-pops have only so many horsey rides in them."  Gene Perret  

The  Tune du Jour will be "The Forest Gump Theme" by Christopher Peacock

26 comments:

Olivier said...

j'aime beaucoup la première photo, deux générations réunies pour un même exercice, descendre les escaliers. L'un hésite et l'autre apprend. c'est très beau.
I love the first photo, two generations met for a exercice, down stairs. One hesitates and the other learns. it is very beautiful.

Webradio said...

Bonjour Virginia !
Qui est le plus heureux des deux ? Je parie que l'enfant et le grand-père sont aussi fiers l'un que l'autre...
Très jolies photos...

Katie said...

V, these are lovely photos. I miss my Grandfather so much, he was a very important part of my life. Keep up this series, it's wonderful!

Marie Reed said...

I agree 100 pro with Katie! I love how capture people so beautifully:)

PeterParis said...

I can confirm the nice feeling of walking around with a grandchild in your hand! In a moment I will join my granddaughter and bring her to her dance lesson ... Looking forward to it!

The nice feeling is perfectly illustrated in your photos!

Julie said...

This is no compromise at all, Virginia. Always let real life come before art - always!

Laurie Allee said...

Oh, Virginia, another one I simply must have a copy of! The black and white one almost makes me cry. Beautiful shot. If this is what you consider compromised quality then I just give up!

Babzy.B said...

i'd like to have grandchildren,it must be so joyful !

alice said...

Both are real treasures, Virginia. There is a phrase in French which says: "les enfants sont le sel de la Terre", you could translate it in "children are the salt of Earth" (I amn't sure it's absolutely right, but you get the idea?)

monkeyseemonkeydontdo said...

I agree with Julie, 'always let life come before art' when you do that the art comes through on its own. Thanks for sharing!

Hope said...

These photos are the kind that stir the emotions. They are beautiful! Do not speak of compromising quality...you've given us some beautiful photos to brighten our day.

Virginia said...

By "compromising quality" I meant that I was not happy with the depth of field in the BW. I think the ladies in the background detract from the image.
Thanks for all your positive comments. These two do tug at the heartstrings don't they. I think the music adds a little now that Deezer is up and running again.

PJ said...

Good morning, Virginia! These grand pops are grand and the photos are just wonderful. Funny how the same subject matter starts popping up and create a posting for you.

Rob said...

Great captures, people in their element. There is something so special between the opposite generations. Perfect portriats! I think you captured these marvelously. Sometimes there is little time to think the shot out; the shot just happens. The ladies approaching add that extra human depth for me. Now if I can only learn from your portriats and try it on my own.

Bob Crowe said...

Quite charming. There is a strong sense of trust and affection. This is an example of the saying that with photography, good luck comes to the prepared.

Chuck Pefley said...

Both images capture lovely moments of connection, guardianship and togetherness.

Virginia said...

Peter and Chuck, I thought about you two when I posted these. I knew you would enjoy them since you both enjoy your own grandchildren so very much.

Alain said...

We dont know if it is the grandfather who helps the girl to come down, or if it is the opposite.
Very moving.

marley said...

The quality may be compromised but they are brilliant photos! They both tell a lovely story. I think little girls all love their Grandads. Being a little boy I know I love my Grandma :)

Jane Hards Photography said...

It's the love that shines through. I like these kind of portraits best, not posed just natural. Her littel hand nestling in his, so safe from this big old nasty world.

Tash said...

These are so lovely, they brought tears to my eyes. There is so much care & happiness shown in each shot. So well done, Virginia.

Janet Kincaid said...

I love both of these! And, they're part of the debate over on my blog today!

D said...

Oh, these are precious. I teared up just looking at them.
I love your new header too!

angela said...

Well caught, Virginia. They're very touching photos..

Fabrizio Zanelli said...

I understand what you mean talking about quality but I agree with Julie and many other here. Both photos are absolutely gorgeous and tender.

Mame said...

I wish my kid's grandfathers didn't live 12 hours away in opposite directions! I might have to recruit a local to take her to the museum.

Nice Shots, V, as always.