Sunday, November 4, 2012

Fall photo shoot

Over the past few years, I have happily volunteered to photograph friends and family.  I don't mind doing so because not only does this save them hundreds of dollars, it gives me the opportunity to see if this is something that I would really want to do.  If something were to happen with my current job, I often think of photography as my Plan C.  I'm still working out Plan B.

A few weekends ago, I offered to photograph my niece's 9 month old twins, who are such little sweeties.  At the last minute, we decided on an outdoor fall photo session in the middle of the day because it was overcast.  Well, of course, the clouds blew away and I was left with the challenge of a sunny day but shady areas were plentiful so I was able to work around that.  Photographing babies and toddlers is not easy and these sessions have confirmed that I am more comfortable with photo journalism than posed photos.  Whenever my subjects ask what they should do, how should they pose, I want to say, "Just do whatever feels natural."  The twins were not happy with sitting on the grass or sitting in the wagon and finally, FINALLY, I thought to have them stand holding onto the wagon.  They loved it and I was able to get a great picture of the two of them together, both smiling.  (I don't want to post any of the pictures because she may use them for her Christmas card.)

I most definitely have a lot to learn, like how to incorporate my comfort of photo journalism into sessions.   So for now, I'm routing for the success of Plan A, which allows me to provide for my family and gives me time to work on my photography skills.

nov3aa


(Emily, Allie and Anna)

Rich and the girls joined me for this photo shoot because it was at a park with a playground and the girls love seeing the babies.  As you can see, the girls dress themselves and because I wasn't sure how many photos I would be able to take of them, I didn't push the issue or bother trying to shop for fall outfits.  Maybe I'm just lazy.

Sister squeeze

nov3bb

nov3cc

nov3dd

nov3ee

nov3ff

nov3gg

14 comments:

Jessica Anne said...

They are just adorable! I admire your photography skills. A photographer we use laughed when we asked if they would do a photo shoot when our 2nd set of twins arrive. She said she would do it, but with no guarantees! Aka, maybe we would get a good one with all 4 and maybe not!

http://urzaandluna.blogspot.com

Staceey L. said...

I think plan B would be selling the cute dresses you make. ;-)

I have a family member who I have asked numerous times to take pics of my 4 kids. She photographed my twins once and never gave me the pics....I need to find someone else, but I don't want to pay a lot of money, but I also understand you get what you pay for. I'm thinking I may just take the kids to Disneyland this month when they put the christmas tree up and take a pic myself.

Tina said...

I agree with Stacey - plan B is selling the dresses you make!!! I'll be 1st in line (after Stacey of course). ;)

Anonymous said...

Allie really shines in these pictures. She looks radiant in that first pic! You are truly blessed!

-Erin

Anonymous said...

Have the girls ever had a real haircut? Other than a trim? Their hair is soooo long!

Kelli said...

I have to say I agree that plan B should've selling the dressed you make!

Kelli said...

I have to say I agree that plan B should've selling the dressed you make!

Kayla said...

I love that you have these pics of them where they dressed themselves. Yes, kids look hysterical with some of the things they pick out (and I know I cringe when doing photo shoots with my girls, but I encourage it anyway). When you look back at these the smile on your face when you see their unique style and personalities - it's priceless.

Sofiya said...

Adorable kids! The best way to start anything is by asking friends and family, You did exactly what you needed to do.

Jessica G said...

Their outfits are adorable! You'll have plenty of posed pictures when they're older, but the sister squeeze is my favorite :)

CJ said...

So here's this blog I read and she has a whole bunch of photography tips and stuff here. She just had twins also.

http://www.becoming-mom.net/

Sarah said...

Thank you! Thank you! I actually have thought about opening a small shop to sell fabrics and clothes (with an online store) and to teach sewing lessons. I would need it to be profitable though (obviously) and I'm too conservative to take that risk.

Anon - I cut about 3 inches off of Anna's hair last year. She twists it and it was all broken off. One of Allie's friends has a cute bob. Allie said that she wanted one too so I told her that I would bring her to get it cut - she changed her mind. They do need a trim right now - they could stand to lose a few inches. They like it long.

Courtney said...

Love the pictures! Fall is the absolute best time for photoshoots. That afternoon glow is unreal. Where did you get those hair bands that Allie is wearing? I need to get some! In Ukraine, girls wear these HUGE hair bows (they look like bath poofs) when they dress up. I think it's adorable, but a bit much in this culture. Those little flower bands are perfect for helping my kiddos to feel dressed up without getting strange looks from Americans.

Anonymous said...

Love the photos and I love the long hair - so beautiful!

Katlyn