For newborns and babies: I have extensive experience with newborns both as a caregiver and a photographer, so you can rest assured that they are safe and in good hands. Newborn sessions are long and breaks are needed to keep the baby happy. As for older babies, it can some work to make them laugh and smile. I like my clients to know that all babies tend to fixate on something (such as grass blowing in the breeze, which happens all of the time!) and seem "uncooperative". They are just noticing the world and I encourage singing a song they love or bringing toys that seem to grab their attention easily. I am not above singing and dancing to get them to look and smile. :) For young and older kids: I try to keep kids on the move. We walk around and explore and I talk to them about their favorite character or color or food, whatever gets them talking. I encourage parents to stay around, but fall back a little. It's that whole "children listen to others more than they listen to their parents" deal that we all know too well. However, if your child is shy, I encourage you to use your judgement as to whether you can fall back a bit or whether they need you by their side. :) I take a candid approach and do not generally try to get kids to just sit and look at the camera. We will of course try for those shots but it isn't the focus of the entire session. Family shots: "Patience is a virtue". That statement couldn't be more true. Sometimes kids just don't want to sit and smile at the camera. We get creative and I ask that anyone who wants to have a session with me, not just focus on that "perfect" sitting all in a row smiling at the lens picture. I find the pictures that are loved the most are the ones where everyone is showing their personality even if it means Johnny is looking at his brother who is making a funny face at the camera. ;) (We will still try for that sitting looking and smiling photo though!). Head Shots/Senior Portraits: I will talk to you and make you feel at ease. We will find beautiful locations and I will help you choose what to wear and guide you into poses that feel comfortable and natural. I've been told over and over that their head shots have been "so much easier than expected". |