I think it's a shame that for us on-location photographers in Seattle, business slows down a bit - okay, a LOT, in the wintertime. Don't get me wrong, I definitely get the appeal of our summer warmth, but I truly believe that anytime of year is a great time to shoot.
While the weather, the location, the styling can all play into the feeling of the shoot & appearance of final photos, the absolute, hands-down, most important factor is YOU - the subject, the purpose, whatever reason that this shoot is taking place. The reason you have hired, paid, and signed a contract for someone else to take these photos of you.
I love parents Todd & Becky for recognizing this split moment in their lives. As their 5 year wedding anniversary was fast approaching, they had also just celebrated the 3rd birthday of their first son, and the first birthday of their youngest. Holidays are right around the corner, and really, their plates couldn't be more full. But they stopped for photos. They made time for photos. To them, this was a moment in time that needed to be documented.
I was a bit nervous. We'd planned an early morning shoot (for reasons of sunlight & kids' best moods), and it. was. cold. Super cold. So cold, the grass was frozen white. I had no idea how the kids would react to the weather. I was most nervous about Chase, the one-year-old getting cold. But as always, I took a deep breath, filled my mind with positive thoughts, and headed in.
I chose a few of my favorites to post here, and I'm going to take a quick moment to tell what I like about each shot. Yes, photos do speak for themselves, but hey, it's a blog, and I just feel the need to say what's in my head tonight...
While the weather, the location, the styling can all play into the feeling of the shoot & appearance of final photos, the absolute, hands-down, most important factor is YOU - the subject, the purpose, whatever reason that this shoot is taking place. The reason you have hired, paid, and signed a contract for someone else to take these photos of you.
I love parents Todd & Becky for recognizing this split moment in their lives. As their 5 year wedding anniversary was fast approaching, they had also just celebrated the 3rd birthday of their first son, and the first birthday of their youngest. Holidays are right around the corner, and really, their plates couldn't be more full. But they stopped for photos. They made time for photos. To them, this was a moment in time that needed to be documented.
I was a bit nervous. We'd planned an early morning shoot (for reasons of sunlight & kids' best moods), and it. was. cold. Super cold. So cold, the grass was frozen white. I had no idea how the kids would react to the weather. I was most nervous about Chase, the one-year-old getting cold. But as always, I took a deep breath, filled my mind with positive thoughts, and headed in.
I chose a few of my favorites to post here, and I'm going to take a quick moment to tell what I like about each shot. Yes, photos do speak for themselves, but hey, it's a blog, and I just feel the need to say what's in my head tonight...
------------------
This first one was just for me. A selfish & personal shot. I have been wanting an Autumn/Leafy shoot and just couldn't believe I would be getting it all the way in December! So happy the leaves are still falling. So pretty.
This is one of my favorite family shots ever captured. The look this little guy is giving his dad says so much. They eyes are so powerful, and my heart swells every time I look at this.
In my opinion, this is a great family shot. I know, poor Lawson's face isn't featured too well (the 3-year old in mom's arms), but the laughter and joy screams out loud from within the print, and I love that. And Lawson gets some more camera time later, so all is well :)
I laugh every time I look at this one, and then I feel bad because Chase looks so incredibly sad. But I can't help but giggle. It's just an ironic shot because most kids find falling leaves so fun and fascinating, but not Chase. He was happiest when in mom or dad's arms. I loved the vibrant color in the original shot, but thought the expression played out well in vintage too. Don't hate me for loving his sad, adorable face...
Lawson. 3 years old. Carefree and so adorable. This is a great shot for me as a photographer, because we were in a completely shaded area underneath a gigantic tree, and only one stream of sunlight was shining through, about 10 inches wide. Lawson was running around like a wild man, and I was ready when this happened. Check out the sunlight hitting those leaves. This is waiting for the shot!
Love this family shot on the left. Not planned by me at all. Just naturally happened. Same with little Chase on the right. I imagine he planted himself in that spot for a few moments because the sunlight was warming his back. Amazing that such a cool morning could look so warm.
This is one of those shots that I keep staring at, and I can't even quite figure out why. These types of shots always end up being my favorites because they make me think.
Parents are always the best at entertaining their kids. I love this one on the right because big brother is so happy, but little brother is soooo not amused. Such is life, huh?
Father and son. Priceless.
Love this one on the left because of the sun flare & the fact that dad decided to throw them up on this gigantic tree stump about 5 feet high (don't worry - mom and dad were doing a great job spotting!). And this shot on the right is because ever kid needs a classic black and white of their parents. I love looking at photos of my parents when my sister and I were young. It's fun to see them at different times in their life. I think the parents are just as important to document as the kids.
On the left, big brother leading little brother... need I say more? And this shot on the right was one of our last shots of the day. Great winter colors & everyone's having fun. Just feels good.
Very nice the family shots!
(01.04.10 @ 04:25 PM)