When one-year-old Cailin's grandmom Vicki got in touch for a session, I thought it would be a fun challenge to photograph the whole extended family during their Thanksgiving weekend visit. The session went well; the light was cooperative, little Cailin was in good spirits, and even the puppy was a good poser! A big group session like this one is great because you can get extended family shots, plus little nuclear family shots done all in one go!
The other evening, I had the pleasure of hanging out with little Miss Gracie and her mom, Amy. Amy had never had a pro take photos of her little girl and she decided it was high time. I met with them at their home and pretty much did as I always do, let the kid make the decisions! I followed Gracie around and did my thing in the dusk light. Amy also came up with the fun idea of photographing tubby time, which I thought was great! Capturing day-to-day moments like that is something I really love to do because I think those moments are fleeting - time flies so fast! - and it's rare when a parent might have their evening routine captured on "film". I was happy to do it for them.
I often get asked by my clients what they can expect from their session and how they should prepare. So, I thought I would take this opportunity to make a little entry about this very topic. Things to keep in mind when you're having a session with Cydney Scott Photography. 1. Wardrobe is important. Think layers, patterns and accessories. Don't overdue it by covering your two year old with bangles, but try to avoid too much plain, and try to avoid uncomfortable. You won't get natural shots of your child if they are uncomfortable with what they are wearing. dressing your child (or letting them dress themselves!) to show their personality can really add to their photos.
When it comes to babies, be minimalist. Put them in something simple so the baby doesn't get overshadowed by a showy outfit. As for props and staging; I often just use what I find in your home. By doing this, it gives your photos a personal touch that's relevant to your family.
Noah sports some cool layers and sneaks with character.
With Liam's simple onesie, we are drawn to his eyes and not layers of clothes.
When it comes to family sessions, avoid being too matchy matchy. It doesn't let your family's fun-loving personality come-out if you're all wearing the same exact outfit. Wear colors that work together but are not exactly the same.
2. If you are relaxed, your child will be relaxed. How would you feel if you had multiple people barking at you to "smile!". Not so great, right? So come to your sessions with an open mind and breathe deep. Not all wonderful photos are of kids smiling right into the camera. Sing a song or tell a knock knock joke that you know you're kid will find funny. Make silly faces. Or, simply take a walk and leave it to me!
3. Go into your session with an open mind. Your session might include lots of moving around. I might plop your kids in the middle of your bed (provided you don't mind) and let them jump around for some fun action shots, or maybe on my way to your home I notice an interesting stone wall in your neighborhood. We may end up takin' a walk to hang out on that wall. This helps you get a variety of shots, and it keeps things fresh and helps prevent boredom. Alternatively, I may come into your home and find everything we need for the perfect session is right there in front of me. You just never know. Just remember to go with the flow and enjoy the experience!
4. Have on hand a favorite toy or two. Their stuffed bunny might seem ratty, but they add to the photos a great deal if it's something your little one loves.
5. When the family's all together for a photo, don't worry too much about the camera. You don't always have to be looking right into the lens. Sit with your child and tickle them, chat with them, sing a little song with them, read them a book. Those moment shots are often the best kind of family pics!
Your children grow-up fast. I want you to enjoy your session as much as I love being able to help you preserve those fleeting moments for you!
An update of my friend, Christina's cuties!
This past week end I got together with my friend Amanda and photographed her son, Noah, who turned two in February. I cannot believe how fast he's growing! Our backdrop was Salem and we had a great time basically following him around and shooting as he explored.
How cute is little one-year-old Aayan? Let me count the ways! I photographed Aayan six months ago (SEE HERE) and I was so excited when his happy parents contacted me to photograph him again at one year. He was such a good sport considering he was breathing like a mini-Darth Vader with his cold. Here are some favorites of mine!
I was thrilled to get a call from Sarah this year to photograph her and her family again. Such fun people! The children, Alex and Hannah, sent me home with a bag full of goodies - cookies and drawings and even a handmade dreidel magnet!Hannah came to me at the end of the session and asked that I read her a book about wheels. We got comfy on the nearest plushy chair and I read to her about wheels on cars and bikes and more. On one page was a bike race and there were spectators. Three of the spectators stood with cameras and one had it hanging down from his neck. I told Hannah, "Here's a photographer who will never get work because he's not taking any pictures and the action is just flying by him!"
Her parents laughed.
Bennet's mom Sharon found my work and liked it. So she hired me to come to her place and photograph her little one with her and her husband, Jeff. They were such nice people and what a great home to take photos in! It was a photographer's dream to have such a nice location! And the subject was too cute to boot!
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| Hello, fingers! I'm Bennet! |
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| I think this one's my favorite from the session. |
A fun shoot in Hopkinton with this nice trio along with their dog, Magda! Brian and Lauren's home was a great location for this family shoot.
The very nice kudos that Lauren sent me after seeing her pictures...
Thanks you for sharing your talents with us. Best Lauren
If I was an immoral person and little five-month- old Aayan's parents were not such nice people, there is a distinct possibility that I would have stuck him in my back pocket and brought him home with me.
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| I mean, c'mon, could he BE cuter? |
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| ...and could his mother be more beautiful? |
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| Look! He's the perfect size for a back pocket! |
Julie was visiting family locally from Louisiana and made a photo session appointment with me. These are some favorites form her session with her daughter, Sarah, who was not feeling too smiley til the end of the shoot. Who can blame her with out hot hot weather and the strange lady with the big black thing in front of her face!
I went to school with Jason and Jamie. We were "band geeks" together. It's so bizaare but great to reconnect with people from what feels like so far from my past. They are now married after running into each other once out of high school and hitting it off. And now they are parents to Miss Hailey, who is just under two years-old!
