It was a beautiful Saturday morning—a day as warm and comforting as green tea with a breeze that felt like a perfect yoga stretch. My assistant and I embarked on an ambitious photo shoot with the Swanson family in Chestertown, Maryland. The Swansons, known for their creative ventures, Bobbledy Books and Idiots’ Books, were the perfect subjects for a full-day photography session. The plan was to cover various locations around Chestertown, capturing everything from intimate couple shots to full family moments. The day was filled with outfit changes, laughter, and the excitement of documenting the essence of their family.
The Swanson family brought an incredible energy to the shoot. The kids, bursting with joy, zoomed around like little sparks of happiness, while Matthew and Robbi guided them with the ease of a perfectly matched team. Their playful silliness was a joy to capture, and it’s clear that this quality is a core part of what makes them such a unique and healthy family. By the end of the day, the satisfaction of a good meal never felt more deserved. Photographing the Swansons was not just a job; it was an opportunity to witness and document the beautiful dynamics of a family that truly embodies creativity and connection.
The Value of Family Photos
Family photos hold a special place in our hearts. They are not just images; they are visual memories that capture the love, joy, and unique dynamics of a family. My experience with the Swanson family reinforced this belief. Through the lens, I was able to capture their energy, laughter, and the intimate moments that define their relationship. These photos serve as a timeless reminder of the joy they share, allowing them to relive these moments for years to come.
Moreover, family photos like these help to strengthen family bonds. According to experts, regularly capturing and displaying family photos can improve children’s self-esteem, giving them a sense of belonging and love. Photos provide a way to document growth, celebrate milestones, and cherish the everyday moments that make life special. In the case of the Swansons, their photos not only tell their family’s story but also reflect the creative spirit that drives their work with Bobbledy Books and Idiots’ Books. For them, these photos are a beautiful blend of family life and artistic expression.
Gear Talk: Capturing the Magic
To document the Swanson family’s vibrant day, I used some of my favorite gear:
- Camera: Canon EOS 7D
- Lenses:
- EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM
- EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
- EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
The Canon EOS 7D was my go-to for this shoot. It offered the flexibility and precision needed to capture a wide range of scenes. The EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM lens allowed me to create dynamic, wide-angle shots. This lens captured the full scope of the locations we visited. The EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM lens was perfect for versatile shooting. It enabled me to switch between wide family shots and more intimate portraits. Lastly, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens provided the zoom capability needed to capture candid moments from a distance. It did so without disturbing the scene. Together, this gear enabled me to document the Swanson family’s day with creativity and clarity.
Watch the Wacky Family Day Video
The energy of the Swanson family’s day didn’t just stay in the photos—it came alive in an incredible video I created, featuring 3,472 photographs from the shoot. Set to the energetic soundtrack “The New South” by Drew Bunting, this video captures the full spirit of the day. From the kids’ joyful antics to the tender moments between Matthew and Robbi, the video tells the story of a family day like no other. Watch the wacky family day video on YouTube and see the highlights of this unforgettable shoot. Don’t forget to explore more of the Swansons’ creative world at BobbledyBooks.com and Idiotsbooks.com.
Explore more vibrant family photos and experience the joy that family photography captures!
Co-Founder, Co-Owner, and Writer, Bobbledy Books
Matthew Swanson
“We chose Jiho because we have long admired his combination of technical skill and artistic intuition.”
I hired Jiho Sohn to spend a day photographing my family. The objective was a combination of family shots and publicity photos. My wife and I are an author/illustrator pair who run a small creative business and publish books together. We needed new images for our media kit, website, book jackets, etc. We chose Jiho because we have long admired his combination of technical skill and artistic intuition.
