Family Portraits at Mills College Oakland

Last month I started teaching photography at Pittsburg High School in Pittsburg, California. I love teaching, but I miss being a photographer. Fortunately, I was able to be a photographer last weekend when a friend asked me to photograph her family. We met at Mills College in Oakland, California for a portrait session with her husband and three children.

 (bryan farley)

When Libertad (Libby) Rivera asked me if I were still available to take family portraits, I had just started my new teaching position. At the time, I did not realize that I needed to take pictures more than Libby needed to have her picture taken.  I did not need the money. I needed to know that I could still take a decent picture.

 (bryan farley)

Sometimes I know if I have taken a good picture before I see it on my monitor. Last Sunday, I did not know if I had any good pictures, but as soon as I saw the first photograph uploaded to my screen I felt alright. This is a simple photo of a child’s sandal, but it reminded me that I knew how to use a camera AND interact with people. If I could get this one right, the others would be OK.

 (bryan farley)

I am always surprised that people seem relaxed when I take their photo. If I were to guess at my secret power it would be that I am more nervous than the people I photograph. Somehow, my nervous quotient relaxes people. People feel at ease around me, because I am so uneasy. That is my best guess.

Oh, and I always feel incredibly grateful to take a person’s picture. Here are more pictures from the session.

4 Responses to “Family Portraits at Mills College Oakland”

  1. The whole gallery is visible at the bottom of the post. Go to then end and click on a link like this one http://bryanfarley.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/Libertad-Rivera-Family-Portraits/G0000pbO8PaSre7g/I0000h9glCHSvXxY/C0000E1jkRLIthWk and see more photos.

  2. Karen Clark says:

    Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous pictures as usual Bryan! I don’t have a favorite. I love them all.

  3. Karen Clark says:

    Fabulous pictures, Bryan. I love them all!

  4. Bryan Farley says:

    Thank you Karen. I really enjoyed taking them. I must remember to maintain my process, as we discussed last month.