What's it Like ?

What's it like?

Our sessions will be very laid back and fun. I come to you, a place where you and your family feel comfortable, can relax and be yourselves. Think natural, or candid as some say. This is meant to be a fun time for you and the kids, a time you can look back and have fond memories of.

I can step in with suggestions if you need help or until you get accustomed to having a photographer following your every move, but I want to “see” you and I work best when I am along for the ride so to speak. Me posing you doesn’t show who you are. Pretend like I’m not there, as hard as it may be!

For the kids…

I love photographing children as you never know what they might do. That’s why I let them guide how the session is going to go, so that they are at ease and able to let their bright personalities shine through. And since their expressions change in a split second, I take hundreds of photos. Happy, silly, pouty, giggly, laughing, serious: they’re all distinct personality traits of your child and I will photograph whatever they are doing at that time.

Often I will interact with them, asking them what they want to do, giving them options. It’s a give and take that makes them understand the photo session is really about them, not what everyone else wants them to do. If they know they have creative liberty for parts of the session, it makes for a fun-filled time with lots of smiles, giggles and laughter. I want the kid to be a kid. After all, isn’t that what everyone wants to capture? True photographs of who your children are at these moments in their lives…

If Mom has an idea of a photo in mind, I can barter with a child to get those photos. For instance: “Mommy wants you to do this. Can you do that? If you do, then we can do goofy photos!” Works like a charm!

If they have a certain stuffed animal or toy that makes them more comfortable, by all means, let’s bring it into the session. I can include it in the photos if you like or I can always work around it, shooting so it’s out of the camera’s view.

Also, a parent or I might suggest something for a photo, but I don’t force anything as it can lead to crying kids. That would equal no pictures you would want to hang on your wall.

Goofy Pictures…A Favorite

We always do some goofy pictures in a session. These are actually a very important part of the session as it helps everyone loosen up and get in a good mood. It also works great if a child is starting to wilt during the session. It gives them an energy boost and gets them interested in photos again.

Kids can totally let loose here, making their best faces. Almost every kid likes to make faces and it’s a sure-fire hit for them to have fun. (As for you grown-ups, I’ll try and have you join in with your kids!) If your child isn’t one for goofy faces, we will find something that’s fun for them to do. Sometimes playing word games or saying the alphabet is more their style. I will do whatever I can to keep them happy, interested and involved.
-Check out The Goofy Gallery of the best funny faces. Make sure to show the kids!

Where do we take the photos?

I can come to your home or we can go to your favorite park. Choosing a place that has special meaning to you adds another dimension to the photographs. Outside sessions allow not only for lots of different scenery, but also for kids to run and play till their heart’s content. (It also helps them forget I am tracking their every move with a camera.)

I know of many great forest preserves and parks in Kane county and the surrounding areas, so if you need help finding a place I will be happy to help with ideas.

If you would prefer having a backdrop, my philosophy is the same: let the kids be kids. I just work with them in a smaller area. I will bring my studio lights and equipment to your home and set up a mini studio in your living room. (If you don’t mind having your furniture rearranged for a little while.) I have several different color backgrounds you can choose from.

What should we wear?

Solids work best and also help photos look timeless. You want the faces and expressions in the photos to be the center of attention in the photos, not the big, cute teddy bear on their shirt. (Crazy prints and stripes are fun, but can be very distracting in photos, especially if they are next to each other.) Bringing an extra change of clothes for the little ones is a good idea, just in case….

Do you shoot pregnancy photos?

Yes. I started shooting pregnancies a few years ago and am in awe with the beauty of it. If you are interested in this, I want to show that beauty and in a way that makes you feel most comfortable.

In closing…

Most of all, I want you to feel comfortable with me, no pressure on my end. I am an observer, not a director and I go with the flow. Remember, this is supposed to be fun!
So relax and enjoy yourselves. The last thing I want is for the kids to remember my sessions as the ones where they were tortured to take boring photos. And I promise to never make you say the word, “cheese!” (Unless you really want to…)