A darker version from the coast.

Simplicity.

Most times when Ella and Ethan are quiet, and not in sight, then there’s bound to be trouble. The other day I dashed out to grab a coffee and newspaper, leaving Gia settled on the couch nursing baby Kai. Ethan and Ella were content doing a puzzle…or so we thought!

When I returned, Ethan was in one corner of the living room and Ella the other (i.e., Time Out). Gia looked like she was about to cry. Upon closer inspection, Ella appeared a bit different…like 5+ inches-of-hair-gone different.

Turns out she had snuck upstairs, grabbed a pair of kid scissors, and decided to get creative with her hair style. She no doubt figured this was the opportune time (with Gia feeding the baby). Later on we discovered that Ethan was a victim as well, and now has a small spot of scalp showing.

Our first parental instinct — what the %#*@ were you thinking? Then (after counting to 10 calmly) I remembered an inspirational observation from photographer Jesh De Rox — “…kids are the most creative people in the world. They explore. They look at things that we take for granted…their fascination comes not from a place of thought, but from just pure expression.” Throughout the day, others that we shared the story with had similar opinions (and it must run in the family, as my Mom pulled the same gig when she was a little girl…and her Grand-Dad is a stylist).

Granted, Ella’s act of randomly chopping off chunks of her hair did have consequences, and she now knows that a license is required – and that scissors (even the kid variety) are not to be used without permission.

Later on I asked Ella if she missed her beautiful long hair. She replied, “I’m still beautiful Daddy!” She’s right. And to keep her creative spirit alive we organized a photoshoot (with Ella picking her favorites).

I’m in a abstract seascape vibe lately.

I made these images very early (5:00 a.m.-ish) with long exposures @f/22.

Black and white versions are up next. Thanks for looking.