Laid Back Kind of Perfect

I thought about titling this post "How to get your kids to cooperate during family pictures". It felt way too much like a marketing ploy and didn't really feel like me.....so I canned that title.

That being said, here is the best way to get kids to cooperate during family pictures: stop caring.

I know....it sounds very counter-intuitive. I promise it works. As parents, we actually kind of know that it works because we do it everyday.

When your child doesn't want to play soccer with the rest of the family, you likely didn't try forcing his arms and legs into a soccer-playing position or insist that he join in, be happy, and like it (well, maybe you did, but you probably realized afterwords that you sounded a bit dumb).

When your child doesn't want to do family pictures, it's ok. Bribery works for some, if it's the right type (I don't suggest chocolate cake mid-shoot unless you're doing a cake smash session). For others, bribes and threats can just make the situation worse, because it creates pressure to perform.

Children don't need to perform to get amazing family pictures, in fact sometimes it's best when they don't. As long as you are partnered with a photographer accustomed to working with children, your job as a parent should just be to enjoy some time with your kids and let the photographer worry about the rest.

Here are a few other tips for photographers and parents. 

1. Give children something to do. A photogenic prop can be great as it gives children a purpose. Interact with the child while they play, make silly sounds, etc. and soon you'll have a natural picture of a happy child. 

This can also work without a prop, tell them to kiss mom, to hold onto a wall, or any other simple instruction. A happy child is a busy child, so get them busy doing something that will assist with the pictures.

2. Let them play. I think portraits of kids playing are so fun. Try getting them to spin, then snap a shot when they fall down, dizzy and laughing. Let them throw a ball or even try to tag the photographer. Letting them play is an easy way to get them happy about pictures.

3. Bring something to catch their eye. As cool as my camera is....children actually aren't fascinated by it. That's why I bring help. A small red doll, a large hand puppet, even a brightly colored cloth can help me capture the attention of little ones long enough to snap a picture. 

However you get your little ones to cooperate during a photo shoot, make sure to stop by somewhere and get them ice cream on the way home. They've earned it. 

Till next time, 

Introducing, Jake

So.....I kind of love fall and I wish this season would last forever. I love the beautiful weather, I love the gorgeous warm evening light (so good for getting photos), I love the hint of fog in the morning, the changing colors, everything.

One thing I've always loved about fall is getting to go to school (yes I'm that person). I always loved showing off new school sweaters and the smell of fresh pencils.

I'd like to introduce my guy senior rep for this year- he kind of looks like Clark Kent :) Try not to swoon. (He'd kill me for saying that!)

Thanks Jake for working with me this year! Stay tuned for his senior portrait party, and some awesome senior pics will be doing in the snow in the coming months (brrr! Let's not think about it ever getting cold).

Rockabilly in Style

I loved themed shoots. They can make for some pretty epic photos. Pretty much, I love the creativity allowed in themed shoots.

I started out shooting this cute little family outside, which was fun for the whole three minutes of beautiful weather we had. Then a windstorm came out of no where and pushed us inside.

Luckily we were able to get some old-school rockabilly photos in an old building downtown.

Friday Night Lights

Hanging out yesterday at a couple senior shoots, listening as onlooking friends laughed about boys, and school drama, and plans for the weekend, I realized how different a world high school is.

These cute senior girls have one final year in the crazy land of high school, then they'll be off to adventures in the great wide world doing things like they do them now, with a personal sense of style.

Happy Friday, high schoolers; and all you others out there- enjoy life in the lights.

Four to One or How to Save the Moment

As a photographer, I get that family photo shoots run the gamut of emotions. Some clients are so excited to get their pictures taken I get hugs (usually from cute children so it's not awkward). Some clients just show up because someone (read mom) forced them to come (btw this is more often than not dad).

And then some clients just do NOT want to be there. They can't be coerced, bribed, or convinced to smile or even to look at the camera. I have a bag of tricks for these clients ranging from making silly sheep noises behind the camera to photo-bombing my own pictures with a hand-puppet named OWL.

For the most part, I can get a smile, sometimes a full on giggle.

But for the rare, unhappy baby sometimes you just have to give up on cooperation and instead capture some mommy-cuddles instead.

Because I believe in making photo-shoots fun for the whole family, but if they can't be fun they should at least include cuddles.

Here's some highlights from a very loving, cuddling family.

Happy Birthday Bill!

This fun couple is out serving away from family. As it's Bill's birthday today, I decided to do a throwback to their family session I did before they left. It's amazing how far I've come....but still these grandkids are just cute.

Happy Birthday Bill!

Congratulations are In Order

Thanks for all those who participated in the senior mini-session giveaway. Kasi Jensen is our lucky winner, congratulations!

For all other participants, I have a special deal to thank you for participating, just contact me so I can get it to you, thanks!

Till next time,