Aayan is 2 and...

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there's a brother on the way! I am always happy to hear from Rumana. I have been photographing her and her family since Aayan was 6 months old.  I photographed him again at one year old.  This time, with another on the way, she asked for a few maternity shots as well as a session for Aayan's second birthday.

When I arrived, her husband Safraz took little Aayan upstairs for wardrobe prep while we shot a few photos in some lovely window light in her home. Before long, we heard the beep beep beeping of a car locking and unlocking. There was a pause. A moment of silence while Rumana thought and listened. Then he called upstairs, "Safraz!  He has your keys!"

I have my favorite pictures of them, too.

Finley

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Last weekend I had the opportunity to meet sweet Finley!  Like many clients recently, he too is brand spakin' new. I am close with his family. I used to babysit for his dad (good god, I'm old), and a year and a half ago, I photographed his wedding.

Fin was very relaxed (read: asleep) for the first part of our session, but then he stirred and was bright eyed for the remainder of it.

Noah is Three!

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This is what happens over time. They get bigger. It's just fact. Today's photo shoot with Noah took place in my home which is currently in renovation mode. With the clean painted walls and good window light, I thought it would be a nice change. I think it was pretty successful and Noah did a great job despite all the interesting distractions ("What's that?" he'd ask, pointing at paint brushes and paint cans and...saws.)

Hugh, Tom, Tia and Matthew!

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Hugh got in touch with me for some photos of his family...and their very large Mountain dogs. Hugh knows of me through my brother who is an employee of Hugh's, but also, Hugh won a photo session of mine at the Blossoms At The Beebe a few years ago. He kindly gave it to his sister. A few photos (man, did I ever edit tightly!?) can be seen HERE I arrived at their home and was immediately greeted my their massive and very sweet puppies. The children, Matthew, 4, and Tia, 7, were great kids, and energetic and wonderful photo subjects!  I learned quickly that the best way to get a genuine smile out of Matthew was by threatening him, "Whatever you do, Matthew, donnnnnnn't laugh!"

This was followed by his peels of laughter.

Since they live in my town, I asked Tia where she went to school. "Walton" she said.  That's where I went! I told her.  And she replied "Did you have Miss (So-and-So)?"

This was followed my my peels of laughter.

Jacob

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Jacob, 4, greeted me at the door.  I like to chat it up with the little ones to help them feel more comfortable about the fact that a complete stranger is in their home with a bag full of heavy gear which they will momentarily be sticking in their face. I also like to roam the house a bit to get ideas on places to shoot. I did this by asking Jacob if he would be so kind as to give me a tour.  He obliged happily, wandering through his home, pointing this way and that, presenting the various spaces and the items within it "This is the livingroon. That's a vase. There's my lunch. Here's the laundry room! And this is the kitchen again." What can I say, I'm really excited about the outcome of this session. We took a solid hour to get the collection (which I had trouble editing down to a manageable amount last night). Jacob, Sadie, 9 weeks, Rachal and Andy were photogenic and had great light in and around their home. The made my job easy!

Abby

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Last weekend I had the pleasure of meeting Abby and her mom, Alyssa. We had attempted to connect for our session the week before but we were rained out. So, last weekend, although a bit overcast, was a go! I met the two at Weir River Farm for the session and had a very nice time wandering the grounds, playing a bit of Simon Says and checkin' out the cows. Abby's outfit was too cute, and Alyssa informed me that Abby had chosen it herself, which of course made me like the two of them even more.

John Daniel

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It was back to Endicott Park for a session with cutie-pie JD!  His mom and I went to high school together and shared many band-related experiences. Now, she's a mom and I was psyched to take some good shots of her little one (actually, I photographed JD the day he was born. Kristen had hoped I would cover his birth, but a c-section brought that to a halt!).  

Gracie!

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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.

Sessions with Little Ones

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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!