These siblings look forward to growing up in a family together. Cordell, or CJ, as he likes to be called, takes his role as older brother seriously. He loves to direct Brandon and show him how to do things. Cordell is all boy and has recently joined the track team. He loves sports, which allows him an outlet for all his energy. Cordell also loves anything outdoors, video games, and just hanging out with his friends. Cordell needs a strong father figure in his life to guide him.

Brandon loves to be inside as much as Cordell likes to be out. Brandon also enjoys video games and hanging out, but is often found in some kind of art activity. Brandon loves to color, paint, and work with clay. Brandon enjoys playing with toys and using his imagination in made-up games.

These brothers need a loving and stable two-parent home where they can have the male influence Cordell needs, and the maternal aspect that Brandon craves. Both of these have been absent from their lives for far too long. Cordell and Brandon also want to stay in touch with their sister.

Age  (11) Cordell and  (8) Brandon 

Brandon looks for any excuse to be delighted. He loves to play, to kid around, and he likes to climb trees. He found a rock embedded in the dirt that caught his interest, and he and his brother, Cordell, decided that the time was right to dig up that rock. There was near silence, apart from the occasional suggestion about what to do next about getting that rock loose. This was a scene of intense concentration, and for about 15 minutes I could only photograph them hard at work.

Cordell projects quiet dignity, and yet he has a ready smile and has fun laughing at himself. He also has carved out a role for himself with his brother, Brandon. Cordell is there as a solid place to lean on, and to relax with confidence. The two entwined themselves for their portraits together, and it obviously wasn't the first time they have expressed their affection for each other. They have a routine all worked out, and it makes for beautiful portraits. —Dan Wilson, Photographer