Alsie Gray. It’s a name that just sounds good, doesn’t it? Just like classic names such as Ava Gardner, Marlene Dietrich, Audrey Hepburn, Bridgitte Bardot.
Alsie Gray.
Alsie is celebrating her 70th birthday next month, and when I say celebrating, I mean CELEBRATING. She’s throwing a party for 150 guests. She’s lined up a band, caterer, the works. And lucky me, she commissioned me to photograph her as part of the celebration. And I’m invited to the party!
I first met Alsie last year while photographing her daughter’s wedding dress fitting. Thalia and Trevor’s wedding was a lovely affair held at Toronto’s Old Mill Inn and Spa.
Alsie started joking with me almost the moment we met. She reminds me of Dora De Pedry Hunt, whom I met at her 90th birthday party. I was producing a television documentary about Dora’s life story, and when I first introduced myself to her I said I was looking forward to telling her story. She replied: “That’s great because I don’t even know my story, so I’m looking forward to it!”.
Alsie and I had a lot of fun during her photo session. She is such a pleasure to photograph. We chatted while we hung out. I would give her direction when needed, though she didn’t really need much (had you done this before, Alsie?). I enjoyed photographing her, not just because she’s a lovely person, but because I know it was special to her. The portraits I created will be at the party for everyone to see and will be passed on to future generations. Thalia was with us, too, quietly observing from a distance, though I did capture a few frames of them together (oh, I’m so sneaky!).
What a great way to spend a Saturday morning.
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Dean,
How great are these?! I love it. You’re definitely sneaky because neither Mom or I had no idea that you caught some of us together! I read Mom this post over the phone as soon as I saw it….she wants me to print her a copy
Since she doesn’t have internet access, we’re bringing her over here on Wednesday to see this. When you have the password for the rest of the gallery, let me know and I’ll make sure she sees them. If there’s any way to put it under my account, that would be great too! Thanks again for a wonderful morning!
Hi Thalia!
I’m really happy it was a fun morning for you and Mama Alsie! These portraits are my favs. They’ll look great in the guest book we’re making (or as a canvas gallery wrap like the one I showed you). I’m going to include some of the floral photos in the book, too : )
Dean