sun.

Finally a few days of sun! I figured after posting about the recent flooding we've had I should come back with some nice, sunny shots from that last few trips to North Beach here in Burlington as I was looking for standalone shots for The Free Press page B1. I always feel a bit creepy and incredibly nerdy when I'm shuffling around the beach with my photo/fanny pack, two cameras, and way too much clothing. I try to move gracefully but my Crocs fill with sand and water, my equipment is heavy and the sand is HOT. Ever tried kneeling in hot sand photographing wild children splashing and throwing mud everywhere? Atleast the cold water spraying from their toys is instant relief from the burning magma your squatting on. I exaggerate.

I found all these cute kids hanging out in the sun this past week and they were all a bunch of hams. I think kids are taught in school that when they see a camera they must stop everything, freeze, pose and smile. Maybe those Picture Day photographers from LifeTouch have them trained, like little cooperative armies of cheeky grins with a single assignment: look precious. It's very difficult finding a candid moment with these kids, so I just tell them to forget I'm there and pretend they never saw me and it works almost instantly. Before I know it I'm being trampled or something is being thrown at me. Apparently children lose all sense of manners when they assume they are all "alone." I can't win.

Enjoy the photos and control your jealousy - yes, these kids were having an awesome time.