There is something magical about photographing a first time mama-to-be. Meet Becky, isn't she darling? I spent my Friday morning with her, chatting about all the wonder and woe that pregnancy brings. The exciting news is that Becky and her husband Todd are expecting TWIN girls! This photo session was fantastic because I can't think of a time when I have seen Becky and she isn't smiling. Her session was no different, all smile and all glowing. I am so excited to meet the babies!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
]]>
Have you ever hired a professional photographer, spent hours deciding on the perfect coordinated family outfits, even made it to your session on time (phew!) only to have your child end up having a complete melt down?
You are definitely not alone in this situation! And I am here to help.
There are two things that make family photos and children cooperative a difficult combination. First, you have spent a considerable amount of money for an hour or two with your photographer, and you want things to go well. Due to this, you are probably feeling a little anxious or stressed. Second, it seems like the more pressure there is for a child to be at their best during a certain time frame, the less likely it is to happen.
I think the two issues are closely related and I am going to give you some tips on how to help keep this from happening to you.
1. Timing. Please do not schedule your photos during naptime! Schedule your session at a time of the day when your kiddos are typically in a good mood! Most kids are in a great mood first thing in the morning. Let’s capitalize on that! Lighting is also fantastic at that time of day.
2. Choose comfortable clothing. Your children could have a difficult time sitting still if she’s uncomfortable! And it doesn’t hurt to bring a change of clothes, just in case.
3. Feed Them! A hungry child is a cranky child. Be sure they have eaten recently and bring along some water and a little snack just in case. Sometimes a few crackers is all it takes to get things back on track.
4. Bring the Lovey. If your child starts to feel uncomfortable, sometimes the special stuffed animal or blanket will comfort them and get the show back on the road.
5. Explain. Before the session give them an explanation about what is going to happen. Sometimes some pre-session instructions can decrease warm up time. I love when parents drop me an email before our session sharing some special things about their child. A favorite sport, movie, color, etc. so that I can quickly help your child feel comfortable with me.
6. Arrive Early. By showing up to the location about 10 minutes early your child can look around and get comfortable with where they are. They might also be able to get some energy out!
7. Take Breaks. We can only expect so much, especially from toddlers. We will take some photos and then a break, some more photos, and another break. Some of the best photos happen when we aren’t trying!
8. Avoid Bribes. I hear a lot of parents bribing their children, heck, I’ve even done it myself! The issue with the bribing approach, especially, for younger children, is that they don’t understand delayed gratification. One click later they are expecting a treat. If you don't come through a meltdown usually come next. Not to mention, a bribe implies they aren't going to enjoy the process. Family photos can be a lot of fun, and who needs a bribe to have fun?
9. Relax. This is the big one! The number one reason children have melt downs is because they can sense you are anxious. Try not to let your child know that you are nervous, anxious or stressed about the session. The more stressed you are, the more likely it is they will act out. Children are intuitive little creatures. Mine, for one, always seem to up their antics when I am already having a difficult time.
10. Don’t React. If your child does begin to have a melt-down, please do not get upset! The more you react to them being upset the worse it gets. I promise. Remain calm ask why they are feeling frustrated and what you can do to help them.
I am not sure if I just wrote an article on effective parenting or helping your family photos go well, but the two probably go hand in hand. If you want to go ahead and book a session despite being in the midst of the terrible twos, I am up for the challenge! Email me at [email protected] for information or to book your family session!
]]>
Photographing a family that is so close-knit to each other is such a treat. We are very lucky to have the Sheerin family as friends of ours. They are so much fun to hang out with and photographing them is no different. I especially love that the kids were more than happy to pose for a photo together. These photos are from one of my fall mini sessions they stopped by for. The day I chose for the sessions turned out to be fantastic because the leaves had just turned into the bright fall foliage you see behind them, and just one week later I was at the park and all those leaves had already fallen from the trees. Such a short window of opportunity.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
]]>
Meet the Fellows family! Look at those gorgeous blue eyes the children got from their Mama! As you can tell, big sister, Evelyn, isn't so shy for the camera but it took some coaxing to get a smile from Henry. You could tell they were having fun even though it turned out to be pretty chilly that morning.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
]]>
I have been photographing this family since this gorgeous little girl, Kabella, was a newborn. In fact, Kabella was my first photo session when I began my business. I will never forget how nervous I was doing her photos! The composition of the photos turned out well, but the editing left much to be desired. So every time Kabella celebrates a birthday, I get to celebrate another year of being in the photography business. Ahem, trying not to get emotional here. Anyways, its really special getting to watch all these children grow up. This Mom is so good at booking her milestone sessions for her kiddos, I get to see them regularly. last year we relocated and now we live closer as well. It is sweet when when clients become friends!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
]]>
Autumn is my favorite season and so I am always trying to do as many sessions as possible before I spend the next 6-9 months in the studio! Once the leaves turn, I can't get enough of using them as backgrounds. They just brighten everyone's faces and are a nice change of pace from the normal greenery. This fall I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph the Stevic Family. I love how friendly they are and Dad (yes Dad!) did a fantastic job coordinating outfits. I did their family photos a couple years ago and, it is so fun when I get to work with return clients and see the families grow.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
]]>
The secret is out! This lovely Mama is expecting another addition to their family come summer 2014! The Peterson family stopped by for one of my autumn mini session dates and we took a few family photos of their family while its just the three of them. I love this little guys toothy grin, he was very animated for the camera! Isn't he just adorable?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
]]>
What a beautiful day to do family photos! The weather was perfect. Meet Brock, his darling wife Dr. Sarah and their five, soon to be six kids! A baby girl will be joining this family in the summer of 2014. This family is near and dear to me as they are one of the first families I photographed when I was learning the ropes of the photography business. I met Dr Sarah when I came in for a pregnancy adjustment and we have been friend ever since. Dr Sarah owns and operates Overlake Chiropractic on top of taking care of all these wonderful children of hers. I love our family photo sessions and can't wait for the next one, so we can meet the newest member of their family!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
]]>
I knew I was going to love working with Chelsea from her first email. Her enthusiasm was so refreshing and I quickly realized it is her personality! Needless to say, it wasn't hard getting motivated for this session because I absolutely adore Chelsea and Tyler. Aren't they the cutest couple?
The session actually got off to a rocky start when we showed up on a Saturday to find a farmers market going on at Pickering Barn! Oops, photographer fail.
|
I forgot the cardinal rule to always check the venue for possible events before scheduling a session. Fortunately we were all free the next morning so we met Sunday morning and it worked out great! The venue was empty and Pickering Barn proved to be a great setting for a country-style engagement session. Chelsea was so comfortable in front of the camera. With their gorgeous smiles and sweet interactions it was difficult narrowing down the photos. I finally came up with this set and I think the photos show how much they love each other. Congratulations you two! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
]]>
The Luedke family was such a dream to photograph, from their coordinated outfits, cheerful kiddos and perfect lighting that crept through the clouds that day! The photo you see to the right wins the award for my favorite photo of 2013! I love the girls' matching headbands. Too cute! The family stopped by for a fall mini session and just wanted a couple photos done, nothing fancy. It was hard to stop shooting though with lovely kids and happy parents!
|
|
|
|
||
]]>
What I love most about being a photographer is capturing authentic emotion and sharing it. I'll be the first to admit that I cry at almost every wedding I photograph or attend. I can't help it! What makes some sessions really special is when I have a history with the people I'm working with. Vanessa and I went to High School together lost touch during college. Luckily for us, FaceBook came along!
|
After we reconnected, she asked me to do her and Ben's engagement photos! What a treat! What Vanessa had in mind was a "Wine Country" theme! How inspiring! I immediately called up my best friend and favorite photo stylist, Tiffany Sowell. We met over coffee and salted caramel ice cream and shared with Vanessa the inspiration board for her session. The inspiration board led to a beautifully styled photo shoot for Ben and Vanessa to announce their engagement! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
]]>