One of my first attempts at an artistic portrait. My folks gave me my first 35mm camera for my graduation from high school, and it was that very summer that the family gathered at my childhood home (perhaps even a graduation party) when I clicked a few portraits of family and family friends attending.

It’s not an outstanding shot by any means, but I’ve always had a knack of catching something special, something true to the inner self of the person I am photographing.

Aunt Toots was a free thinking woman with a sly sense of humor – always full of energy and loved a good party. I think you can see that in this image, which is why, to me, it transcends a simple snap shot.

For the family – Aunt Toots was my grandmother’s sister.