Posts in Family Photography
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but...

....The truth is fall is just around the corner.  And yes my friend, that means it’s time to start thinking about your holiday photos. I know that I sound like a crazy person talking about holiday photos on August 1st, but as you know,  August, September and October are usually our best months, weather wise. So lets take advantage of the pretty light while we have it!  And, by booking your fall session now, you’ll be able sit back and relax knowing that you’re one step ahead of the holiday rush!

Here are a few tips on how to make this years portrait session, the best ever!!

  1. Schedule early.  Everyone wants those prime weekend spots.  But remember, there are only four 10:00 am Saturday morning appointments on my calendar every month.  If a morning appointment is going to work best for your little ones, then get it on the books now!
  2. Think outside the nap box.  If you need to work around naps when planning your photo session, think about booking something in the late afternoon, or early evening.  That "Golden Hour" is absolutely stunning in the fall, and you'll get beautiful, dreamy photos out of it.
  3. Pick a family friendly location.  Parents often want to meet at a playground or favorite park for their photo session.  But, sadly, choosing a beloved playground or park usually results in a very unhappy kids.  Most toddlers would much rather play at their favorite spot than get their picture taken.  Instead, ask me for a suggestions.  I know a ton of  great spots around Seattle, and then stop off at the park on the way home. That way everybody wins!

have a great day, and I look forward to seeing you soon!

~Sandra

I'm Sorry

I need to make a public apology to you Seattle.  You see, I've been talking behind your back for awhile now.  I've sat outside, in the rain, at the park and cursed your name.  I've  dressed my kids in long pants and raincoats (in July) and asked myself "why do I live in this godforsaken place?"  I've advised friends against moving here.  But the truth is Seattle, when you're nice, you're really, really nice.  And I do love you.  I do. So I'm sorry for all the bad things I've said.  I'll change my ways, I promise.  Just please give me more days like yesterday.  If you can do that, I'll never say another bad thing about you..... well, at least until October.

Shenanigans!

I know it's in poor taste to post another photographer's work without their permission, but when the photographer(s) is six, and your son (or sons, as the case may be) then I think it's ok. My two little monkeys got a hold of my iPhone this morning and proceeded to take almost 300 pictures, all within the span of about 15 minutes.  Now maybe I'm just blinded by my mommy goggles, but I think some of them are really good!  Do I have a couple of little artist on my hands!?

Here is a peek into my home through the eyes of two six year olds.  I hope you enjoy these as much as I do!

 

Five Tips for Photographing Kids

The Fourth of July is just around the corner.  I'm sure you are busy planning your family outings, BBQ's and fireworks.  Hopefully you are also planning to take lots of pictures of your kids enjoying this fun holiday.

That, my friend, is why I'm going to share my five favorite tips for photographing kids!

1.Don't ask them to say cheese.  Ever. Instead, try getting down to their level and acting silly. Sing songs, make funny noises, tell jokes, whatever it takes to get your kids to laugh at you.  Once they're laughing, then take your pictures.  You'll have more than one of a true, genuine smile.  I promise!

2. Be a spy!  Or a wild-life photographer!  Just sit back and quietly observe.  Photographing kids in their natural environment, while they are just doing their thing is the best way to get those lovely candids we all love.

3. Let them be themselves!  Let them wear crazy outfits!  Let them pose with their legos or stuffed animals!  Let them make silly faces!  In twenty years, every wacky photo you've ever taken will be family treasure.
4. Be fast!  You don’t have long before your child will tire of you and your camera.  Shoot fast and furious… you can always edit later!
5. Edit.  This is a hard one for parents.  But remember, just because your child is in a picture, doesn't mean it's a good picture.  Look for the best of the best.  The rest can go.  Your child will thank you later.

Want to know more?  Well stay tuned, I'll be sharing more tips and tricks all summer long!  And if you really want to learn how to get great photos of your kids, then sign up for my newsletter!  I'll be teaching my Photography 101 for parents again soon, as well as my iPhone class.  Being on the mailing list means that when I do, you'll be the first to know!

 

Happy Shooting!

Sandra