Blake Roseland's playground is the game of life itself... and he's maximizing his time at recess.
You'll have to forgive me if I leave out some of the details her for those of you that don't know the kid. I've watched this kid grow up. Photographed family (they're the Roselands... they're seemingly related to everyone around here)... rooted for him... marveled as his drumming... floored by his singing.
On top of all that, he's a HULK of a young man, but a ornery smile that lets you know that while he COULD squash ya like an ant... he won't. Flat out a nice guy that's well rounded... grounded... and humble, despite all that's going for him.
To say that I was looking forward to this session also grossly undershoots the mark. Mama Kelley was in the year prior for Cousin Karly's session, and the fun this lady like to have... well, anyone that knows her... knows it's infectious. Add in a couple of amazing sisters (Samantha is already jockeying for 2014 favorite senior status a year in advance) and we were set up for an session of epic proportions.
The day began with a trip out to Uncle Bob's farm south of LeGrand on Highway 146. Have you ever driven by that beautiful log home and unique barn and wondered to yourself if that's as cool as it looks? I can end the suspense for ya.
It is.
Id always wanted to photograph around that Amish built barn... and that day was my chance. What's more Iowa Boy than Blake Roseland in a pair of jeans, plaid shirt and a hay-filled barn? Answer? Nothing.
After catching up a bit with Bob, we were off to get a bit of the other side of the spectrum with some urban images. The street of Tama did the trick and we then headed back to Montour to knock off some indoor. But before we could get there... I could feel the vibe from Kelley that we were missing something.
That something? Fall color.
Due to the early turn of the season, our color was already dwindling... and yet... I was undaunted.
It became a mission of sorts... and we drove all over, nearly veering off the road while scoping the country side for a tree.. ANY tree that might still have some fall POP to it.
Finally we tracked one down out by Hinegardner Lake and with that in our hip pocket... we finally returned to Montour to get one of Blake's two main passions knocked off.
The first... was football. This session was SUPPOSED to be in August... but knowing the young man... and his propensity to be JUST like his photographer and sweat BULLETS in the summer heat... I put my foot down.
"No WAY we're photographing THAT kid in August," is what I told Kelley back in July. :)
So, October 15 is was... and while avoided the perspiration issue when we NEEDED to... there was ONE area we WANTED it.
For the football stuff!
A little oil... and little water... and BAM... ol' No. 75 may not have actually played four quarters... but he looked like it! Check out that football collage. KILLER!
We did save the best for last however... as many in this area know Blake for his talents in the band, Minor Night.
He and a group of buddies are throwbacks to a old-time rock-n-roll era. Inspired by a family full of rockers (and shufflers) the boys can keep you entertained for hours like they've been doing it for years... and, come to think of it... they kinda have... even at their young age.
The plan was to hit up the Roseland Farms, Inc. machine shed at Papa Russ and Mama Kelley's where, with the help of band member, Cousin Trevor Long... a virtual live set was all prepped and ready for me to roll in with full set of photo gear to capture these all-important images.
I couldn't have been happier with the results as one wouldn't think a machine shed would be the best place to make art... but put Blake and I's minds together... and look what you get.
The day ended with both of us having a little pizza... and reflecting a bit on our several hours of labor (play time, really). I shook his hand and, as always thanked him for choosing our studio for his once-in-a-lifetime images.
"I wouldn't have gone anywhere else," he said.
Athletic, musically gifted... and smart to boot.
Thanks Team Roseland... you guys rock.
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