Kids Next Door

The holidays were full of hustle & bustle. Rushing to get family photos captured for everyone while the "children" where home for the holidays keeps me so busy, I sometimes can't see straight. However, this year I got to photograph the "kids" down the street from my parents. We had such a blast just working our way down our street to the neighborhood beach. This is what our casual, 20 minute, shoot yielded.

I LOVE freedom!!!

Sometimes I ditch my "professional" camera and roam with my hand-held Canon A630
I used to worry what my clients would think or if I was going to appear unprofessional if I showed up with my little camera, but times have CHANGED. I realized that I'm the professional & my camera the tool... would you mind which camera I used if these were the photos from your family's photo session?

Creating Your Dream Image

If the thought of taking your triplets for photos is making you queezy, you should know that the above image was taken in less than 20 minutes & is actually derived from three different photos.

You could call this entry: Why I'm worth your time & my session fee.

I used to run an actual "studio" where people came to get their photos taken- couples, children, families. I no longer run a studio- although I have one to use if necessary.
I no longer aim to get "the perfect" shot of a group- instead, I am for the perfect experience.

I am significantly less stressed-out about sessions & my clients are thrilled to know that no matter how crazy the session seemed to them- they are going to have an amazing image within a week... Here is a perfect example: the following three images made the final print above.

Creative License

If you want an amazing, natural setting, family photo that will stir your memories, bring smiles when you remember your photographic experience do the following:

(1) Pick a location where you can play with your kids-- really play with them. Swing them, slide down the slide, be silly & play.

(2) Ask your photographer to get there 10- 15 minutes before you & tell your kids that you want to play with them before you go take pictures.

(3) DO NOT tell your kids the photographer is at the location already.

(4) When you get to your location, walk with the kids or let them run ahead while you hold your husband/wife's hand, if you have one child do "1-2-3 swing" on your way to the park. Create loving displays for the photographer to capture... but don't pose, just remember to show some public affection.

(5) If playing on the swings- be on swings next to each other, etc...

(6) Play until the photographer "arrives" and says hello and asks the kids if they are ready to take a few family photos and get back to playing. (The children will usually say yes because the know they get to play again in a few minutes.)

(7) Go take a few "posed" shots...

You will get an amazing balance of photos in about 30 minutes. I can guarantee your kids will start liking family photo time through the years.

Suggestions of locations:

park/ beach/ friends house/ Cristmas tree lot/ boat dock / cool industrial building (if you have teens)