I've been wanting to get some new images of the girls for some Wild Sorbet frames I ordered back in November but it's just never been the right time. (weather is bad, clothes are wrong, one is napping, one is in school etc). I don't worry too much about what my girls are wearing when I take their photos, unless it's for something specific. Since these are going on the wall in the space I use for ordering sessions, I wanted them to be somewhat coordinated. Well, yesterday the girls happened to coordinate really well and it wasn't on purpose! So couple that with this gorgeous weather and a little outdoor fun, and walla! I've got myself some images for my walls.
I'm just coming off a photography class taught by the incredible Brooke Snow and I learned so much. I thought I'd pass along a little tip I learned from Brooke that immediately impacted my images. It's not something that I hadn't heard of before, but it is something I hadn't been intentional about trying, until I had someone walk me through it. And that is what I hope to do for you. Encourage you to try something new that will improve your images!
Now, I'm obviously not a writer by trade, so I apologize if this gets wordy! The simple, but wonderful tip is to interact with your subject(s) to elicit authentic emotion. (And I mean more than just saying, "Smile!" or "Johnny, look over here!") Forget about getting everyone to look right at you. Forget about getting everyone just right and resist saying, "Smile!". Now, straying from this traditional method of photographing might force some of you out of your comfort zone (It did me!) and it may take a few minutes longer but I think you will love the results. I talked a little about it in this post.
I have leaned towards the just right, posed set-up for many years in my business and with my own kids. Everyone is situated just right, clothes and hair in place, everyone looking at the camera and if they don't, the blood starts to boil and the bribes/threats come out. 1, 2, 3, "Smile!" Click. {Camera smiles} My images were nice, but nothing like when I tried this out. As I think back on many of my ordering sessions this past year, I recall moms saying, "That's a good photo, but that's just not his/her real smile." Well, this will help you get that smile. The proof is in the eyes.
What I did:
•I told the girls we were going to go out and play and I was going to take some photos of them playing.
•I gave the girls things to do. (spin around, play ring around the rosie, run towards me, hug your sister tight) Or I talked with them about things until I got the reaction I wanted.
•I snapped away!
Can you see it in her eyes? (Yes, this 7.5 year old smile is in transition!:)
Pretty doable, right? Now don't worry. Every photo doesn't have to be of your subjects laughing. Change it up a bit. Wait through the laugh and catch the smile at the end. Or try for the soft smile, or serious look.
So, next time you take out your camera try these interactive tips. Have your kids play a little game. Have them give the other a bear hug. Ask them questions about their lives and then wait. Wait for that moment and SNAP. Grab that authentic emotion and freeze that moment.
Thanks for reading my long post and checking out the tip I learned. Hope to sprinkle more tips in my posts here and there in the next months. Let me know if you try it and tell me what you think! You can comment or email me directly.
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