You can have cute pictures and memories like this too! All is takes is two things 1) a little plan and 2) a little bribe. I’ll go into these two things separately.
1) The Plan: When you call the studio and book your appointment (whether it be for a family session, an engagement session, or of your cutie-pie kids or babies) we LOVE it when you tell us some of the things you love and what you are looking for. I’m aware that not everyone has the same taste, and that some of you are out of the box session thinkers. Challenge us… let us use our creativity (with a little guidance from you on your likes and dislikes). Some people like a sunkist look to their pictures (these are usually done later in the day before sunset), some people like a more candid approach to their family sessions (less looking at the camera and more playing with your kids with a little guidance), and some people like a more traditional aspect to their photos. We offer indoor and outdoor but if you want to do more of one or the other, let us know! Me personally? I love nature! I love a photo that looks more candid and has an out of the box, unique feeling to it but yet I also want a good shot of my kids looking at the camera! But I also understand that everyone we work with is going to like things a different way. If we are given a little guidance it makes things on our end a ton easier. I can only imagine that you are going to walk away feeling like we got exactly your style if we understand your taste before you get here… we will have time to prepare and have put thought and energy into what fits your style!
And 2: BRIBES: As photographer, we often see things from a different perspective. This also means that if you have to resort to a sucker or cookie during the session it does not mean that you failed as a parents and gave into a bribe to early, nor does it mean that the session is now ruined. I use bribery for most of my job (as a mom and a photographer… or at least when the parents allow me to and catch on to what I am trying to get out of the bribe). I don’t see myself as a mom who thinks bribery works for all parts of everyday and then giving in when it still didn’t work but by all means let bribery be a part of your photography session! You’ve invested too much to pretend to be above a little bribe or two. It will be worth it in the end… so a “we’ll go to McDonald’s when we’re done” or a “do you want ice cream?” or “how about a sucker?” is definitely okay to get some great smiles. It almost always works… and then when you give in… wallah… some really awesome shots of them indulging in the treats at the end of the session might just make for even better shots than the intentional part of the session itself! Just a little fyi… my Christmas card the last few years have not been without a marshmallow/s’more, large lollipop, and even a cookie! These bribes definitely gave me a little sanity as a parent! I had a session with my niece, Lucy, last night and held a sucker above my head during the whole session. It made for her to look at me and made for some great smiles! My one piece of advise as far as bribes go is… make them photo friendly. So say we have to break into the bribe early? With a photo-friendly bribe we haven’t ruined the picture with a mouth full of gerber puffs or boring cheerios which turn to mush and drool in seconds but an awesome bright big lollipop that just enhanced the final product and smile in your photographs. FYI… we have a refrigerator and freezer in the studio. =)
So… I guess what I am saying is sometimes giving in isn’t so bad. Ice cream makes for a cute and candid session too! And, I promise to be better about asking before your appointment if you have any ideas or fun things you’d like to pull ‘out of the box’ for your session! We have lots of props here but feel free to bring your own box! We’ll have lots of fun coming up with something new.