Chaos 1 from series Negotiating the family portrait

While photographing the family this year, I became acutely aware of the circumstances before a seemingly desirable photograph is taken – the chaotic events that precede the decisive moment. I shifted the exposure from the time at which everyone was composed in front of the camera to a moment during assembly for the portrait. On this occasion, the preliminary process involved children vying for my equipment and taking their own wonderful photographs; progress delayed; interest lost; and the testing of patience. The conclusion: the communal relief when we achieved personal dignity and common purpose.