The moment Matt approached the artistically positioned tractor in the tall grasses and planted himself on the tire I knew this was the shot. It was as if somehow it was the most comfortable place in the world for him. This was the magic moment that I patiently hope for and anticipate during every photo shoot. This level of comfort could only have been cultivated by two loving individuals who have encouraged a young boy's fascination of mechanics and machinery. This tractor might have began as just an aged prop but it spoke volumes to me of a family legacy and passion. At that moment I knew this was the shot that would hang proudly on the living room wall for a very long time. It would be the same canvas that someday a little person with the same last name and matching determination would look at and think, "I wanna be just like him when I grow up."
You know that feeling that gives you goosebumps, that makes your mom's eyes teary and your Dad's look goofy and proud. I left the photo session tired and victorious. I had only really known this family less then 48 hours but I felt proud too, just by association.