My ideal clients are the ones that want genuine candids of their kids just being kids and playing. These are the families where we get a few formal family portraits together but then spend most of the session just running around and playing – it’s my favorite! The reason is because I love to get images that show children’s expressions and true personality! This is why I don’t prefer wedding photography – I think it’s beautiful and I love being able to design a shot and it turning out how I envisioned but I find myself missing moments that capture the spirit which I get when I work with children and families.
When we play I can get moments of concentration, giggles, sadness and then comfort. I aim to get joy and excitement and glimpses that show off their spirit! It’s my favorite. The Benachia family always comes to sessions for this and I love them for it! We get a few formals but then we run around and play! We make up games, stories, and I just chase them about trying to get great candids. 🙂
Our last session was no different, we got some family formals with the whole group and then mini groups but then spent the rest of the time on the playground. My advice for families who are going to get pictures taken by a professional – let them play! You will want these images when you’re older. To look back and reminisce about when they are little. You’ll want to remember how they giggled and squinted their noses, how they thought it was so silly to shout out “sticky boogers!”, how they would stick out their tongues to be goofy; you’ll want to see them as they were – as kids. Trust me – you will still get great pictures as a family but they will feel more natural and look more comfortable because they are in a safe space where they can be themselves.
Check out what I mean with these images – sure we have family formals but these are my favorites!
First we were silly and got this image: 
And then we immediately got this image right afterwards: 
Aunt Molly is the best! You can tell these kids adore her! 
