Hudson Valley Lifestyle Family and Newborn Photographer
Capturing your children authentically and honestly
More often than not, when families with young kids book a session with me, they will express some nerves about how their children will be for photos. Tantrums? Camera Shy? You name it, I have heard it. While I can not predict how our session will go, I can honestly say, I haven’t had a bad one yet. My formula is simple: keep it fun, keep it moving, and be flexible based on how each child is during our session.
I’d like to think I’m pretty good with kids. My nursing career focused on pediatrics and neonatal. I have three small kids myself, and I photograph young families often. I have dealt with kids with varying personalities. My philosophy is the same for all- keeping the session child centered.
What does this mean? While I may have a mental list of poses, and shot ideas, I am always willing to adjust course if the situation calls for it. One thing I have learned from my experience with kids is that if you tell them to do something, more often than not, they will do the opposite. My goal as a lifestyle photographer, whether I am doing a family session, child session, or newborn session with an older sibling, is to keep my portraits honest. It is very easy to discern a posed smile, to authentic laughter. Capturing true and honest wonderment and curiosity in children is one of my favorite things to do. I especially love to document children outdoors in nature.
While cake smashes and studio posed child photography may work for some, my work does contrast. If you are looking to commemorate your little one’s birthday or other milestone, I would love to talk to you about ideas to document your child honestly and naturally…doing the things they truly love. My goal is for you to reminisce on these images as the years go by, and re count nuances, a look, a smile, or a hobby that they loved so much.
Another element that helps images of children stand out is their clothing. Dressing your child in timeless clothing (no busy prints, no characters) will add to the strength of the image. I love rich, solid colors (they photograph beautifully!) and layered neutrals.
Childhood really is so magical. Let’s bottle up all that good stuff!
