A Visit from the Germans, Part One

I enjoy special photo projects, so I was excited when I received a message from Jill about a very unique opportunity. While it included lifestyle and a regular photo session, it was different than any other assignment I'd been given.

Her former international student, Jutta, was coming to visit with her daughter and sister-in-law. I was to be documentarian for them to remember this special visit. Then, taking my photos and theirs, I was to create a photo book as a keepsake.

My first assignment was Friday evening, just after 4th of July, with a dinner at the Forney household.

We enjoyed meeting the ladies, who were delightful and sweet.

I enjoyed my role as a fly on the wall, capturing the interactions.

With the knowledge that I was to create a photo book from the pictures, I photographed a little differently, imagining layouts in my mind, and trying to add an extra measure of creativity.

While Dr. Forney grilled, we enjoyed the beautiful green backyard and reflections in the pond.

Then inside for a delicious spread of American fare.

After dinner entertainment included stories,

with too much talk of snakes for some people's tastes, followed by introduction to Jonathan's real live snake.

We also got to feel a real snake skin.

Anke's daughter is a budding photographer, so we of course exchanged photographs.

Sparkler fun was the precursor to the main show: a private fireworks show.

The colorful, direct lighting of the sparklers was great fun to work with.

The guys set up the fireworks, and it was a great show.

That's a lot of fireworks!

We ended the evening with one of Mrs. Forney's famous pies, delicious as rumored, and a perfect ending to a delightful evening.

I left, excited to review the photos, looking forward to my next assignment.