Grandparents Yvonne and Donald Knerr of Poulsbo, WA were very excited about be visited by both of their grand-daughters, Emily and Ashley, from Vermont, both at the same time! They are recently out of college, Ashley graduated just this year. Yvonne knew that she would not soon again have this pleasure. She also know that this would be the time to have a very special portrait created for their daughter Dana, mother of the girls. Yvonne had seen portraits I had created for her next door neighbor Legina Priest, and she knew she wanted Intimate Portraits for women to create portraits of Emily and Ashley. Everything was scheduled prior to the girls arrival in town. I scheduled a consultation with Yvonne, Emily and Ashley at my Poulsbo showroom gallery, primarily so that Emily and Ashley would have some idea what we were working towards. We also discussed, hair, make up and clothing. Simple dresses would be just fine. The portrait session was not with out it's moments of fear and drama as Ashley (right) felt her dress and her face were not pretty enough. After reassurance from sister Emily and of course me, we proceeded. I promised Ashley that they would both look beautiful in their portrait. I decided to connect them and to bring their hands into the portrait with a long silk shawl which also just happened to hide that part of the dress which Ashley did not like. After shooting this pose to my satisfaction.

I then let Emily and Ashley know that if they had another pose in mind, as sisters sometines do, I would work with them to capture it as well. And indeed they did have a few ideas. I was convinced, when we completed the session, that I had portraits which they and I would love. With only 3 days left in town and a very busy schedule, I wanted the girls to see the images quickly. To my surprise, their favorite portrait came from the first pose I shot. I thought that pose might be more sophisticated than they might like, which is why I offered the additional options. But no - they chose from the first pose we shot. A day or so later Yvonne, their grandmother, would get to see their selection and perhaps have a different idea. Again, without hesitation, their favorite, and my favorite was her favorite as well. More that that, we had a grandmother's tears. How proud Yvonne was that she would soon be giving this amazing gift to her daughter - a gift of personal art which will be treasures for a lifetime. Of course, Yvonne and Donald have a copy of the portrait for themselves to fit in with their many unique antique and vintage possessions. Warmly, Winifred