This is a bit more of a personal entry … if you feel the need, skip to the next entry. 
We train them young … in reality I didn’t do anything to push her. 
My little girl is just over two years old. Dani and I both have art backgrounds and we have discussed at length the desire to not push our children into the art field. Let them choose their likes and dislikes and support them in their choice of talents and desires etc. So when I was hanging outside the library with Lauren I was a bit surprised when she said, “Daddy, I want to take a picture!” I said sure … so I proceeded to tell her where to look through and which buttons to press. She did it and immediately began chimping (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chimping). I can’t blame her though … she is only two. She then grabs the camera and proceeds to pull the strap from my neck. I know not to mess with this determined two year old. So somewhat reluctantly … remember I do this for a living … this camera and particular lens was not only very heavy … I am guessing 6 lbs … she is two remember … but it is also very expensive. Perhaps more expensive then her first car. That is if I have anything to do with the first car purchase. Everyone has to drive a beater car to high school. I did, my wife did, you probably did. Anyway I put the strap around her neck and she just started rapid firing … click click click click click … then she would chimp and laugh. “Daddy’s foot! Laurens foot!” Of course her subject matter was limited since she really couldn’t lift the camera all that high. It was the coolest thing. I was so excited!
And no joke … just about everyday since then she asks or declares … “Daddy I wanna take a picture!”. How can I resist ..can’t stifle her creative spirit. So here you go a shot from Laurens first shoot behind the camera. Don’t worry … she won’t be working your wedding or event for a while but isn’t she just awesome!!??
For her first shot!!! Wow … this little one is going places!
Judging by composition and subject matter I am pretty sure this is her first fully handheld shot. I could be a few shots off but I don’t think so. Again … this is where she laughed because she saw her foot while she was chimping after the shot! Go Lauren!
This was one of my favorites of Lauren on this day.
This last shot was me doing something other then him lying on his back in the stroller. I spent quite a bit less time on him this day just because of the quickness of Lauren. Forgive me but sometimes the squeaky wheel gets the grease. She was a bit more needy then he was. She basically was go go go! He didn’t enjoy this episode of tummy time. But you can tell he is eyeing the camera. “Yeah that’s right Dad. Just a little closer … and its mine!”
Lots of fun to be had. Hope this more personal post was enjoying.
Matt Wheeler – Super Dad
