As a photojournalist-style photographer, I am enamored with real moments in time. I love photographing kids because they’re so spontaneous! We adults can learn a lot from their free-spiritedness. I see a lot of moms who want their kids’ hair to be brushed just so, for their clothes to be perfect, and for their smiles to be practiced. However, none of those things speak to me of childhood. So, I encourage the kids to giggle, to run, and to explore. Yes, I have to chase them around a lot. But when they stop and catch their breath, I am ready with my camera. And, they’re usually beaming.
If you want to take better photos of your family (and set your child up to be more photogenic for life), think of yourself as a documentarian. Document what you want, yes. But don’t manipulate. Don’t ask for poses. And, don’t fuss! Let the kids enjoy themselves, and what you hold dear about this time in your life will show through in the moments you capture.
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I am eager to announce that I will be coming to southern California for child, baby, and family photo sessions from February 24-28, 2012. I love the light in California — the original Hollywood filmmakers knew what they were doing when they set up shop there. I previously spent a good amount of time there, during my stint as production coordinator of The People’s Choice Awards. It’s always wonderful to go back and capture people in that glorious California sunlight.
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Lesson 1: The 3 Threes of Composition
This lesson was shot on an iPhone 4S, in order to focus on composition, without getting bogged down by manual camera settings. I recommend you complete this project with a point-and-shoot camera, and focus on getting the best shot you can with a simple tool.
Composing your shot by deliberately using the four sides of the rectangular frame is a key component to creating a great photograph. You will want to pay attention to the way things are arranged in the frame, as well as ensure than anything unwanted is left out of the frame, by moving the camera slightly, or changing your distance to the subject. Let’s get started on this simple exercise that will improve your composition skills instantly!
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Explore the Tremont Art Walk tonight and pick up a complimentary magnet! It features my shot of the Snæfellsjökull Glacier on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland, shot on 120mm redscale film. You can claim your magnet at one of three of my favorite Tremont shops: Lilly Chocolates, Visible Voice Books, and Banyan Tree.
Supplies are very limited so make sure you stop by early.
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The arrival of your baby is monumental — it’s one of the few times in your life that practically everything is put on hold so that you can prepare the way for this precious new life to begin. While this time will inevitably be ripe with questions and newness, it is important to make a point to try to drink in the experience, no matter how sleep-deprived you are. Your child will only be a few days old this one time; the days will quickly turn to months and years. Everyone should get a document of when they were counting the days and hours, measuring the moments, when all else in life is on “pause.”
For the months of January and February 2012, I am offering a weekly drawing for a newborn session for a family in the Cleveland area. The winner will receive an in-home shoot* of their newborn baby, online proofing, and one digital file of their choosing. The drawing is for parents (new clients only) whose due date falls within that week, and the shoot must be scheduled within the first 12 days after the baby is born to qualify. It’s my way of helping Cleveland families relish and savor one of the most glorious moments of their lives — the arrival of a precious new baby.
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What a fabulous holiday season! I received bunches of gorgeous holiday cards sent from my clients using photos from our shoot together. Some of my favorites are shown here.
And, this year, I offered metal photo Christmas ornaments in a number of designs. I’ve wanted to provide an ornament option for a long time, but wanted something cool and classy. A plastic ball with a photo pasted on was not going to cut it, but it seemed to be all that was out there. When I discovered these photographs printed on metal and then die-cut into various ornament shapes, I knew I had found something special enough for my esthetically discerning clientele.
Thanks to all of my clients, I had the opportunity to serve many families with the gift of photography this year. I want all of you to know how much I appreciate your love of capturing and savoring your families on camera. It makes it possible for me to have a career doing what I love. I hope this wonderful time of year reconnects you with family and all that is important to you. Looking forward to more photo adventures in 2012.
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