The kids next door

What started as a Mother's Day gift in 2006 has turned into one of my favorite traditions. The intention from the start was to surprise their mother with pictures. Though, it may not have been much of a surprise the first time — mom had to know why her kids were being sent over to the neighbors' house in matching outfits — but the results, I'm sure, were. I'll never forget watching them come up the street to my parent's house. In a row. Barefoot. And how the youngest, Crew, was on the verge of tears the entire time. I kept thinking oh, please, don't lose it little guy. Since then, we have met up every five years to take new pictures for their mom. It's always fun to see them and catch up. And, even though, this year, questions were asked about why the youngest needed a clean white t-shirt and where he was going, I think we finally pulled off a surprise.

Photographed March 2021

Denim and white

It’s been denim and white from the very beginning.

Heavily influenced by the look of Gap ads, denim and white has been my go to. It’s casual, cool, classic, and looks good on everyone. There’s no doubt I wanted these kids to look like they belonged in a Gap Kids ad. Unfortunately, at the time, my lack of skills behind the camera didn’t quite hit that mark. But I digress.

We’ve kept the denim and white look going for the last three times we’ve met up and even though I started having doubts and gave thought to changing it up a little this time, I’m glad I got easily talked out of that. You just can’t go wrong with classic.

Maybe the 20th year will bring something new.