A unique family portrait session took place in Nevada, showcasing the playful spirit of a family with five children. Photographer Kelli Radwanski utilized innovative remote photography techniques to capture the essence of the Weir family while she operated from her office in Oregon.
The session occurred at 07:00 on a morning filled with potential. Sara Weir, who is expecting another child, had engaged Radwanski to document their family life during this special time. All five children were eager to display their personalities, showcasing their talents and playful expressions.
As the eldest son entered the frame holding his pot-bellied pig, Radwanski seized the moment. “Remote photography was developed during the pandemic and a handful of us still use it as one of our primary art forms,” Radwanski explained. The process involved using a specialized app that allowed her to take control of Sara’s iPhone 13 camera remotely.
Prior to the shoot, Radwanski had a virtual tour of the Weir home, enabling her to identify the best locations to capture compelling images. “I guided Sara in placing the phone on a tall standing tripod to achieve the desired angles,” she said. This innovative setup allowed the children to move freely in and out of the scenes while maintaining a consistent composition.
Radwanski has successfully used this method to photograph over 500 individuals across 14 countries. The spontaneity of the moment was captured perfectly when the little boy, named after one of the Weasley characters from the Harry Potter series, held his pig, Ronald. “They’re a family of redheads; I believe that is why they chose Ronald,” Radwanski noted.
The striking image features the boy’s contented expression, his red hair mirroring that of the pig’s hue as the morning light enveloped them. Radwanski described it as a moment of serendipity, “It was one of those perfect shots you can never plan for – and wouldn’t have the same magic if you did.”
This session highlights the evolving landscape of photography, where technology facilitates creativity and connection across distances. Radwanski’s innovative approach not only captures family memories but also reflects a trend that has emerged in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, blending traditional portraiture with modern technology.
