The Story Behind the Most Beautiful Family Portraits
Bill Barley named the portraits. He called them the “Monopoly Game” and the “Flying Toddler.” We were taking pictures of the Dwight Bundrick family. In just an hour, we’d captured the most beautiful family portraits! The mentorship of a professional paid off. This is the story!
In spring 2021, my friends and I visited Biltmore Estate in Ashville, N.C. On the second floor, in the living hall, I saw the inspiration for my first family photoshoot.
The painting of the William Cecil family drew me in with its casual warmth.
New York artist Stone Roberts painted the portrait. He wanted to render them “true and real and lively.” He successfully captured the essence of the family in a social setting as if they gathered that way all the time. I got the idea from that painting to create a family portrait that way.
Where would I find a family to try my idea? With Eddie’s help, we came up with a plan. Our friend Dwight had a birthday coming up. We discussed our family portrait idea at his favorite restaurant, Private Property, in Lexington, S.C. Their kids agreed, and we would take the picture after their new grandbaby was born in the fall! “Wining and dining” paid off!
Now to my next problem: I was over my head and needed help. Studying how to take a photo was a far cry from doing it! There were many things to consider. Was there a space in the family’s home that would work? What lights would I need, and how would I use them? How would I edit the photos? How would I print the final product?
It was September now, and the grandbaby was due in October! I called my friend and photographer, Pat DeMars. He said it might be worth trying to contact Bill Barley & Associates. He might know of someone who could help.
I looked up Bill Barley & Associates Inc. (Studio BB&A Creative Service for the Visual Arts).
I knew I was in the right place because his website showed off his beautiful work. Now, if he only knew someone who could help me with this project.
To my surprise and great relief, Mr. Barley agreed to help me himself! On Sep 7th, Bill and I met at Grecian Gardens restaurant in West Columbia, S.C. We talked for a few hours, and I learned more about Bill Barley.
He has been doing commercial, technical, and advertising photography for 50+ years. On his website, see examples of Giclée (zhee-KLAY), a beautiful form of art comprising about 60% of his work. Mr. Barley uses a Canon 5D Mk IV kit with all L series lenses and a DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone for aerial photos. He’s always incorporating new technology into his photography and printing.
He shared two critical takeaways from his art education.
“Never stop learning and embrace computer technology or latch on to others who do.” ~ Bill Barley
Dwight and his wife Jennifer invited Eddie and me to breakfast in August. They shared some of the conversations they’d had with their kids concerning the photo. Their idea was to set the stage for a Monopoly game. It was a family favorite! They determined their roles for the two images. In the first, Grandson Cooper would be reading with his Papa. Grandma Jennifer would bring in a tray of cookies. Matthew and Meghan would play Monopoly with their Daughter Reagan. Brittany and Alex would adore their new baby. With a few moves, the furniture in the home would work perfectly. They’d had a lot of fun discussing what they would wear and what they would be doing.
I’d been studying the settings for the photo and didn’t share any misgivings about how I’d pull off this first-time family photo shoot.
When baby Addison was born on October 8th, we set a date for the photo. Bill and I checked the location on December 21st and took the picture on December 28th. As I took the photos, he rushed around the room, straightening ties, adjusting props, and moving the lights. It was an exciting event, and I learned it takes two people to do it properly: one to help set up and adjust lighting and one behind the camera.
The second scene changed slightly as the family relaxed. By then, Reagan was bored with winning and picked up a book as Dad Matthew played the guitar. Grandson Cooper started reaching for his Papa, who was now playing Monopoly. Dad Alex swooped the toddler up in the air to get his attention. His head came very close to the ceiling fan, and you could see the alarm on Grandma Jennifer’s face, who was holding the baby.
“Watch out for the fan, she shouted!” Everyone looked at Cooper, and Mr. Barley called, “Snap the picture!” Capturing this unplanned moment would create one of the most beautiful family portraits ever!
To my surprise, the actual photo session was short, just an hour long, even with a change of clothes. My goal was to capture the warmth and personality of the family. Like the Cecil painting, the Bundrick portraits convey family values through everyday activities and the warmth of their home. Painter Jill Strickland’s well-known “South Carolina Welcome” print hangs over the mantle. And the sign over the door to the sunroom says it all, “Family is Everything.”
Read more about the Cecil family painting in “FAMILY PORTRAIT REFLECTS CHARACTER OF MODERN-DAY VANDERBILT CLAN.”
See more of Marie’s Portraits at Travel Notes and Storytelling Gallery.
About Bill Barley
Bill Barley has photographed South Carolina’s beauty and business since 1964. He began a career in photojournalism after graduating from Rochester Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. In 1966, he started his studio and produced creative photo solutions for the New York Times, Newsweek, UPI, The SC Governor’s Office, and New York agencies representing NASCAR racing.
With over five decades of experience, he operates his studio and specializes in aerial, advertising, and business photography. Recently, he added fine art reproduction services, producing high-quality prints for himself and numerous regional artists.
“It’s a fact of creative careers that it becomes necessary to reinvent oneself every five years” ~ Bill Barley.
Travel Note
My good fortune was that Mr. Barley agreed to help me capture the most beautiful family portraits. Working with him was a great learning experience and a joy. He’s done a lot in his lifetime. He’s enjoyed racing sports cars, riding horses, playing jazz drums, writing, and flying airplanes. And he hasn’t slowed down yet!
After a visit to his studio, I realized that his stunning photography had captured half a century of South Carolina history. It’s just waiting in his archives for discovery by the right people.
Follow Bill Barley and Associates Inc on Facebook and visit his website at Bill Barley & Associates Inc.
