As a child of 10, Bridget Larson began viewing the world through a lens, snapping the shutter to encapsulate a moment in time.
Her father, who taught photography, art and drama, fostered her interest. At 12, she began winning prizes at a state level. One of her photos, her sister often bragged, went on a national tour.
In high school, her interest shifted a bit, moving into drama, under her parents' direction.
Now she has melded the two - sets and costumes creating a unique ambiance in her photos.
"My passion is children's photography," said the mother of three.
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Larson worked in a studio in Wichita, KS specializing in children's photography, quickly to become the most requested photographer on staff.
When husband Mark was discharged from the military, the family moved to Wyoming, home turf. Her profession became a hobby - briefly.
Friends, spotting her photographs, began requesting her work. When the couple moved to Osage in 2003, Mark encouraged her to continue. "He brags to people," she said, grinning.
Larson will photograph on site or at her studio, where this spring Peter Rabbit's Garden awaits kids decked out in their Easter best.
She talks to parents to get an idea of the child's personality. "I try to capture the magic, their playfulness, their fascination with the world. I see a child as the all-American dream.
"I want personality - pouts, tears and funny faces," Larson said.
Children's unique features shouldn't be relegated to memory, but captured on film, she said.
"My children are my guinea pigs," Larson said of Tyler, 11, Andrew, 8, and KateLynn, 2.
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New babies grow so fast, she said. Each month their appearance changes. "Tiny hands that at first could barely grab your finger will soon be leaving hand prints all over the walls," she observed. "Tiny feet, so soft, so delicate, soon will be carrying your baby away from you."
Young children are taken on a tour of the "studio," to introduce them to the equipment. She invites them to set off the flash a few times before "the shoot."
She asks parents how the photograph is to be used - wall portrait or Christmas card, for example.
"I have no problem bringing my studio into the house," Larson said, including backdrops and lights.
She will also shoot glamour shots for women, assisting with makeup and advising on apparel. "Wear what's comfortable," she recommends.
Graduation photos are a specialty, Larson photographing in the senior's environment.
She is about to implement a Senior Ambassador Program, seeking a male and female from each of the Park Rapids, Menahga and Nevis schools to act as "models."
She is looking for "outgoing, fun students," who are well known among their peers, and willing to refer her to fellow students. The Ambassador portraits will be used in displays and shows, participants earning a complimentary photograph.
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"I want people to view my portraits as a work of art - and hang it on the wall," she said.
Larson is also working with her father, Cary Cox, on computer-aided canvas portraits.
Larson shoots on film, which is transferred to digital images. She refines the photographs in a digital format.
Working with a lab in Kansas City, she usually has proofs within a week.
To schedule an appointment or for more information. contact Larson at 573-2481. Her Web site is www.larsonportraits.com .
