The most common options are:
-Wait until warmer weather: I have done this one, although I often feel like at the early ages, they change SOOO quickly! by the time spring comes around, my little guy is several months older and now I can't go back in time and get that official "coming of age" portrait.
-Pop into a Photographer's studio: This is a great, safe option. There will be no crazy weather and lighting will be exact and predictable. BUT... how much personality do you get out of those images? For me, photographing young children is about capturing a little piece of them and taking a safe and "portrait-perfect-picture" doesn't do that for me. I like to tell a story and that is just my personal photography style. I want the photos to share just a little bit of how they would be shy and hide behind mom's leg, then how they were curious of the bug they found on the flower and then how they would light up at the way that bug would fly off. I want to be able to play and run around with the kids I photograph in order to get those genuine smiles that as parents, we want to always hold onto.
And that brings me to another option...
-In home, Lifestyle sessions: YAY! These have become something for me to look forward to in the winter months when I can't be in my usual outdoor settings. I get to have photo time with the little ones and their families in a place that they know, love, and are comfortable in. An added bonus is that this environment carries a TON of sentimental meaning for the entire family. Sure, I have to tote some extra lighting equipment with me, but I get to follow the kiddos around as they show me and play with their favorite toys. They might take a seat in their favorite reading spot or maybe go for a jump on Mommy and Daddy's bed. Family Pets can often find their way into the phots and I love that.
My session with Kate, the first for 2014, was an absolute Joy. I showed up to find Kate and her sister Claire in matching ADORABLE ensembles. I got my lighting set up and we just let Kate go. She played with her toys a bit then we got her to sit in a nicely lit seat and MAGIC! From her balloon to the soft light to her sweet smile... I love that image to pieces. Then we got a couple more beautifully lit shots of her staring out into the snow-filled backyard. I love these as they show another side of Kate. Not the laughing and playing one, but the Calm Kate filled with wonderment.
We did some photos on the stairs in the entry with both girls and I can't tell you how much I loved images of little ones peeking through or around objects. So when both girls started peeking through the spindles of the Stair rails... LOVE! When kate wanted her sippy cup, again, I found this to be another beautiful moment as she took some well-earned sips from her cup while Mommy held her and gave her a pep-talk to get her through the rest of our time. If sippy cups didn't work... skittles did!
Next Kate showed us her room and her favorite reading spot where she took a little rest with a book. Again, I loved this moment and the resulting shots. Caroline told me that this is a daily thing for Kate and because of that, these were a couple of my favorites.
Next, we let the girls head to mommy and daddy's room for a couple of bounce on the bed shots. Kate was still in reading-mode though and so we got yet another of her reading .
By this time, our little 2 year old super-star was pooped... but her gorgeous big sister hopped up into a chair and rocked a cute smile and pose and lord knows we had to get that photo! (ps... any of you who have followed me probably recognize this beauty. She's graced my Facebook Cover photo several times and many of my mini-session announcements. She's so photogenic and so much fun!!).
This session only confirmed for me that the best locations for children's photos aren't always what you expect. Sure, I love shooting at parks, fields, Farms, and colorful downtown Lebanon as much as the next person, but sometimes the best place to do your child's session is right in the comfort of their own home.
*For more information on sessions, please contact me!
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