Tips for photographing families with older kids
Photographing families is a delightful experience that allows us to freeze moments in time, creating cherished memories that will be treasured for years to come. When it comes to families with older kids, a unique dynamic emerges, offering opportunities for deeper connections and authentic expressions. In this guide, we'll explore tips and techniques to help you capture the essence of these families and create stunning portraits that resonate with their personalities.
Communication is Key: Before the photo session, engage in open communication with the family. Discuss their vision, preferences, and any specific ideas they may have. Understanding their expectations will guide your approach and ensure a successful shoot.
Choose the Right Location: Selecting an appropriate location is crucial. Opt for places that hold sentimental value to the family or provide a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. Whether it's the family home, a scenic park, or a charming urban setting, the environment should reflect the family's personality.
Encourage Natural Interaction: Older kids often have well-defined personalities and interests. Encourage them to engage with each other, sharing laughter, stories, or activities they enjoy. These candid moments capture genuine emotions and connections.
Diverse Poses and Compositions: A variety of poses and compositions will yield a well-rounded collection of images. Capture group shots, individual portraits, and candid moments. Experiment with different angles and distances to create visual interest.
Focus on Authentic Emotions: Older kids are more likely to express a wide range of emotions. Pay close attention to their expressions and aim to capture genuine smiles, laughter, and thoughtful gazes. These images convey the true essence of the family.
Building Connection and Trust: Establishing a rapport with the family, especially the kids, is paramount. Be patient, friendly, and approachable. Taking the time to connect with each family member will lead to more relaxed and natural photos.
Showcasing Individual Personalities: Every family member has their own unique personality. Capture moments that reflect these traits, whether it's a quiet contemplation, a burst of energy, or a shared joke.
Photographing families with older kids offers a wonderful opportunity to capture the evolving dynamics and individual personalities within a family unit. By following these tips and techniques, you'll be well-equipped to create portraits that resonate deeply with both the family and anyone who has the pleasure of viewing them. Embrace the authenticity of these moments, and let your photography tell the story of a family's unique journey. Happy shooting!
Tips for a Newborn In-home Session
Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! There is nothing quite like the newborn stage, and it is a special time that you will want to remember forever. As a photographer, I know firsthand how important it is to document these precious moments of your family's story. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you capture your little one with ease.
The first step is to find a place in your home with the best natural light. Open those blinds and shut off any overhead lighting, as this will create harsh yellow shadows. Natural light, on the other hand, will provide a natural glow to everything in the room. The best times to shoot are mid-morning or mid-afternoon to get the sunniest moments in your home.
Before your session, clean up just a little bit. Your house doesn't need to be magazine-ready, but make sure your bed is made and that anything you wouldn't want shown in a photo is hidden or moved to the side. Let's capture the best version of your home!
Try to allow the baby to have some awake time right before our session. Also, make sure to feed them so that they have a full belly and are one happy baby!
If you are shooting during a chilly month, turn up the heat! Babies love to be warm and cozy. If you know a space will be a little chilly, throw your space heater in it for a few hours beforehand.
Have a few other outfits and swaddles on hand! It's fun to switch it up during the shoot, and if the baby is up for it, I always love babies in white, and neutral colors are best.
Capturing your newborn is such an important moment in your family's story. These tips and tricks will help you document this sweet time with ease. Hold your little one tight because I swear they get bigger every day!
Kansas City Plaza Engagement
As a photographer, I am always thrilled to be a part of such a special moment in someone's life. Capturing the joy, excitement, and love during a proposal is an absolute honor and one of the highlights of my job. I recently had the pleasure of photographing Sarah and Justin's proposal, and it was an unforgettable experience.
Sarah and Justin's love story is a unique one, having met during the pandemic on a dating app. But from the moment they connected, it was clear they were meant to be. As their friend, I had the privilege of watching their relationship blossom, so when Justin reached out to me about capturing their proposal, I was over the moon.
We worked together to choose the perfect location that was special to their relationship, settling on the Plaza in Kansas City. It was where they had their first date, and they had spent many days together walking around the shops and Sarah's apartment. The location held a lot of sentimental value for them, and it made the proposal even more meaningful.
On the day of the proposal, I arrived early to scout the location and make sure everything was set up perfectly. Justin had shared his game plan with me, and we were ready to go. As Sarah approached, Justin got down on one knee, and the emotion in the air was palpable. Sarah was overjoyed, and I was able to capture every moment of their happiness.
Are you thinking of popping the big question? if so I will work with you to create a personalized experience that perfectly captures your love story. From the moment you make the big question to the tears of joy and excitement, I will be there to capture every moment and emotion. I understand the importance of this moment, and that's why I go above and beyond to make sure everything is perfect. From scouting the location beforehand to coordinating with you beforehand, I will work to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that your proposal session is a beautiful and memorable experience for both you and your partner.
If you're planning a proposal and want to create an unforgettable experience, I would love to work with you. Let's chat about your vision and create something special that captures your love story in the perfect way.
Adventure Engagement Session
Late summer dreamy engagement session
Engagement sessions are a perfect way to capture the essence of a couple's relationship. It can be anything from a simple picnic in the park to an adventurous hike in the mountains. But for Margaret and Aiden, their love for the outdoors and water led them to choose a unique engagement photography session - canoeing on the water!
Margaret and Aiden met while working at a youth summer camp, where their shared love for the outdoors, working with children, and making others laugh sparked their relationship. When they reached out about the possibility of capturing their engagement photos while canoeing, I was so excited!!
As the sun began to set, they pushed off from the shore and glided through the calm waters, their paddles slicing through the glassy surface. The tranquil atmosphere was the perfect backdrop for their engagement shoot. During their session I had them to try some unconventional canoeing positions that they would typically not do in open water, resulting in some unique and stunning shots.
Their photos capture every moment of their journey, from the peaceful moments to the giggles and goofy moments, showcasing their love and connection to one another. For Margaret and Aiden, their engagement photography session was an unforgettable experience that captured their love for each other and their shared passion for adventure. The photos will serve as a beautiful reminder of their love story for years to come.
Engagement sessions are a beautiful way to capture the essence of a couple's relationship, and it can be tailored to your unique interests and passions. For couples like Margaret and Aiden, who love the outdoors and water, canoeing proved to be a perfect way to capture their love story. So, whether it's a picnic in the park, a hike in the mountains, or canoeing on the water, the possibilities are endless when it comes to your session!
Golden Years Session
Jerry and Rose 60th Anniversary Session
As a photographer, I am always looking for ways to capture moments that matter. And when my husband's grandparents, Rose and Jerry, were celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary, I knew that this was a moment that deserved to be documented in a special way.
Rose and Jerry are some of the funniest and most loving grandparents. They have lived long enough to have seen it all and have endless stories to tell. They have reached a point in their lives where they no longer care about what others think and speak their minds freely, which makes the best stories.
When my husband and I were discussing gift ideas for their 60th anniversary, I suggested a Gold Years Session. Gold Years Sessions are a wonderful way to capture the memories, stories, and advice of our elders. They are a chance to preserve their legacy and pass it on to future generations.
At first, Rose and Jerry were hesitant about the idea of being photographed at their age. They felt that no one would want to see pictures of them at this point in their lives. But as we explained the concept of the Gold Years session, they warmed up to the idea.
The session was filled with storytelling, advice, and capturing of life moments. We were able to document their humor, wisdom, and joy. We also incorporated their favorite morning ritual. Dr. Pepper time. Every morning in their front driveway they enjoy a Dr. Pepper and their neighbors come over for a morning chat. They have been enjoying this tradition for years.
The final gallery of Rose and Jerry's Gold Years session was truly a sight to behold. When we shared it with their children and grandchildren, it brought tears to their eyes. They were overwhelmed with joy to have something to look back on, capturing the happiness and goofiness of their beloved parents in such a beautiful way.
It's moments like these that remind us of the importance of documenting the lives of our loved ones. A photograph is more than just an image, it's a time capsule that preserves a moment in time, a memory that can be cherished for generations to come. As a photographer, it's an honor to be able to capture these moments and preserve them in a way that can be treasured by families for years to come.
The Gold Years session is a beautiful way to celebrate our elders, to honor their legacy, and to pass on their wisdom and stories to future generations. It's a way to capture their unique personalities and quirks, and to showcase the joy and love that they bring to our lives.
In the end, it's not just about the photographs themselves, but the memories that they represent. The Gold Years session is a celebration of life, of love, and of the bond that we share with our families. It's a way to ensure that our loved ones are never forgotten, and that their legacy lives on through the generations.
So let us raise a glass to Rose and Jerry, and to all the wonderful elders in our lives. May we continue to cherish their memories, honor their legacy, and pass on their wisdom to future generations.
Tips for bring your dog to your session
Fall session with Bella, the pup
Bringing your furry friend to a family photo shoot can be a great way to capture some unforgettable moments with all of your loved ones. However, it can also come with some challenges if you're not prepared. To help make your dog's inclusion in the photoshoot a success, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Bring Lots of Treats: High-value treats are a great way to keep your dog engaged and focused during the photo shoot. Bring plenty of treats that your dog loves and use them as a reward for good behavior or to get their attention when you need it.
Choose a Cute Leash and Collar: Your dog's leash and collar will likely be visible in many of the photos, so why not make them part of the outfit? Choose a neutral color or one that matches your outfits and your dog's fur.
Bring a Tether or Use a System to Keep Your Dog in Place: It's important to have a plan in place to keep your dog in one spot while you're taking family or couple shots. This could be as simple as having a family member hold the leash, or you can bring a tether to attach your dog to for a short period.
Exercise Your Dog Before the Shoot: A tired dog is a well-behaved dog, so make sure to give your furry friend plenty of exercise before the photo shoot. Take them for a long walk or play with them in the yard to help them release any pent-up energy.
Embrace the Dog's Personality: Finally, don't forget to embrace your dog's unique personality during the photo shoot. Let them be themselves and capture those candid moments of them rolling in the grass or chasing a butterfly. These moments will make for some of the most memorable photos.
In conclusion, bringing your dog to a family photo shoot can be a great way to include all of your loved ones in the memories. With these tips in mind, you can make sure your furry friend is well-behaved, comfortable, and a
