One of the best parts about family photography is watching a family grow over time. And one of my favorite things is to celebrate their milestones, like birthdays.
I photographed this little girl for her first birthday and had the recent pleasure of photographing her again as she turned two!
Both sessions included some tears, but for different reasons. During her birthday shoot last year, she did not like the idea of being on the ground when she wanted to be held instead. This year, all she wanted was her sippy cup or pacifier. Both times, we let her have what she wanted. A happy kid is a happy photo session after all.
Whether a kid wants a toy or to be held or just wants to cry, it makes no difference to me. I will let them be themselves in the moment and feel what they want to feel. We'll play games and try some distractions to get them to feel comfortable and smiling. But either way, I'll take photos of them smiling, crying, running around, being held, holding a toy. Everything they do is worth capturing, especially when they are little and growing up so fast. Plus you get the best, caption worthy, images when kids are being themselves.
I love these pictures because they capture her and she is. There's an element of real life to it even though she's alone on a bridge downtown (I say alone, but her parents are there of course). I also like the family wanted an ubran background, something a little different for a kid's portrait session.
Do your kids have a fall birthday? Want to capture how much they've grown? Book a Children's Portrait or Family Session with me! I'm still booking sessions starting in August.
Right now, during the Covid-19 shelter-in-place, I encourage parents to photograph their lives while they're home with their kids. Capture them reading, drawing, doing homework, playing in the yard, baking cookies, being themselves. They don't have to be smiling or laughing. I also encourage getting in the photos with them, because you, their parents, are also important.
Want some tips? Use all natural light. Turn off those lamps and overhead lights that will just create weird shadows and odd colors. Use window light instead. Have kids look up at you into the camera. Capture those big eyes. Be on their level. If their sitting on the ground, get on the ground. It creates a different feeling and perspective. Want those smiles but getting forced ones? Try using prompts - ask them silly questions, tickle them, ask them to do something silly like look for boogers in a sibling's nose - it's how you get natural reactions or loosen someone up who is shy in front of the camera.
Need help with taking your own family photos during this time? Let me know and I'll be happy to share more tips!