What are are we doing here...
I know that photos can feel awkward. I have had moments where I've stepped in front of the camera and all of a sudden felt like everything is clunky. Trust me when I say, that's so normal.
Something else that is also completely normal, is for the beautiful, authentic, candid moments that everyone loves photos of, evolving and emerging from the moments that may feel a bit more cumbersome.
Do I have to pose?
Don't worry, I'll help you every step of the way...
just get ready to step in front of the camera and I'll start directing you.
And its small, simple adjustments usually, so please don't think too hard about it...
try to follow the different prompts, and if you're feeling like your best self, add your own little flare.
"Take a moment to look at each other..."
"Bring your lady's hand up to your mouth for a kiss..."
"Both of you, look directly at the camera..."
"enjoy a little slow dance..."
"go in for a little kiss..."
"give your lady a kiss on the forehead..."
Prompts vs poses
There are moments of your photo session where I may offer you props, and encourage you to play with them in different ways.. this is not the same as direct posing..
Prompts sounds more like this... "spread the blanket out ON TOP of the kids, we'll lift it up and down a few times to play peek-a-boo..."
Posing, Prompts, and Candid moments...
Some images build themselves. Some moments need a little help...
Posing- "Mom and Dad, go in like you're going to slow dance, look back over your shoulder at me."
Prompt- "kiddos, can you run really fast around and around Mom & Dad?!"
Candid moments - coming from the giggles and mischievous glances of the kids while they run.
Prompting- "run to mom for a hug!"
Kids move fast!! And, they don't tolerate staying in one spot for too long.. we're going to embrace it! Sometimes this means the prompts include intentional movement, capturing the essence of these time babies while they're small.
Turns into- Capturing the candid moments of motherhood.
Where the smiles are pure, the hugs are wholesome, the laughs are sugar sweet, and the imprint of little arms wrapped around your neck linger for a lifetime.
Tip:
Leaning into each other and standing nice and tight helps everyone look cozy and comfortable.
Tip:
Use your hands to connect with each other. If you feel like you might not know what to do with your hands, rest it on a shoulder, or arm, or play with your baby's hands.
Tip:
It's okay to just look at each other sometimes and go with the flow... Especially when there are children involved.
Don't sweat the small stuff.
Lifestyle Photos
These are photos of your life. Photos of how you interact with each other, photos of how you connect with each other and examples of how you show love.
In the moment
My intention is to help guide you through your photo session, while also allowing you to show off your own personality and characteristics.
Enjoying this moment has no strict pose.
The Goal
I want you to remember what this season of your life felt like... not just what it looked like. I want you to be able to recall exactly how this journey felt when you look at your photos.
I want you to simply look at an image of you and your child and be able to FEEL the rumble of the giggle in their throat again or their velvety soft cheek pressed against yours...
So yes... you have to "pose"...
"put your cheeks together!"
but, there's so much more that goes into your photos than the "pose"...
a soft gentle smile
When in doubt
this is your life. this is your story. I know every day is different.
Take a breathe, drop your shoulders. and give me a soft, gentle smile...
