Getting the Perfect Holiday Photo

Getting the Perfect Holiday Photo- The Mini Session Disaster!

It really should be simple shouldn't it?

Nope, not a chance...never!  Here's what I hear at every session.  

"I need just one good one for our Christmas Cards"

"We're not photogenic, so I don't know if you will get any good ones"

"Sorry about our kids, hopefully you got a couple"

If you have asked your photographer one of these questions then you need to read on.

Here's the deal... Kids are unpredictable... weather is unpredictable but pictures when unplanned can be some of the best photos you ever own.  If you are worrying about the perfect smiles and posture of every member in your family you just simply won't get the photo that really describes them.  

Sometimes all you need to do is chill out.  When you relax and let the photographer take over, its amazing what happens.  The Photographer knows what they are looking for. They know what photos will best suit your family and how to get them.  As a photographer, I also know you know your kids best and what they can handle...so work together...thats really how you get the best shot.

Now putting that aside, the best shot doesn't always come at will.  Sometimes you have to work at.  Sometimes there are tears.... sometimes there are silly faces, sometimes it may take a bit longer than the 20 minute session that you booked, and sometimes, sometimes it takes bribery!!!!

                           

                         

                          




As a pro, my best advice is to go with the flow but follow a few simple things to help you make the most out of your holiday session.

1.  Make sure you pick a time that best suits your schedule.  So if your little people are happy in the morning book the earliest session possible.  If they are best after their afternoon nap... then book after that.  Most photographers will have mini sessions in both the morning and afternoon to accommodate your schedule.  Just up to you to book early to get the best spot.

2.  Make sure the little ones are fed before hand.  Bringing them to a shoot hungry will only make them uncooperative.  And unless you are using snacks for positive reinforcement during a shoot for super little ones, don't bring snacks or candy for during the session as it may distract the kids from he project at hand.   Its better to give the kids a reward after the session.  It will give them something to work towards and you will get more from them.  If they get the reward during the session, they are less likely to do what you want.  And don't stress.  Experienced photographers are used to the tantrum child and will work through it.  It is best though that if your child tantrums every time you have pro photos done, to do a separate session where time isn't a factor.  Mini sessions are several small sessions one right after the other so time is very important.  If your bit needs more time, then book the extra!

3.  Wear comfortable clothing.  Absolutely match them up.  Comfortable doesn't mean jogging pants though.  What I mean, is something the kids will be able to move in but not play with or pull sleeves etc.  If they are comfortable and can move or are dressed appropriately for an outdoor shoot where it may be too hot or too cold, you will get more cooperation as well.

4.  Let them do a crazy photo.  Whether with one of their toys or stuffies or making funny faces, or posing silly.  If you give a little, you get a little.

5.  Lastly, listen to your photographer!  Experienced photographers will have ideas for you to help you through your session and to keep control all while keeping within the time allotted.

Hope I was able to give you some insight into how to get the best out of your Holiday Mini Session.

Enjoy and happy picturing!

Like my post?  Have your say below!

5 SIMPLE THINGS TO GETTING YOUR KID TO SMILE

5 SIMPLE THINGS TO GETTING YOUR KID TO SMILE

As a photographer I always get asked if I got the shot with the kids smiling... well... the answer is...not always.

Let's be realistic, kids will be kids.  And more often than not they will not smile on command, so my job is to make sure that we get at least a couple of good smiles.

Here's how to do just that.

The friend or parent that you bring along to get little Jimmy's attention is not actually helping.  In fact they are a distraction.  Little Jimmy doesn't know me the photographer but having Grandpa Bill standing behind me making funny faces and jingling keys vigorously over my head is not helping.
Why?  Because Grandpa Bill doesn't normally do this with little Jimmy, so he is confused and now a shy because Grandpa Bill is acting like a nut and the stranger is carrying some huge crazy contraction (my camera) that scares him.

So how do we fix this.  Bring Grandpa Bill along of course, but as a part of the session.  Leave the rest up to your photographer.  I always come prepared, whether with a toy or ready to play peek-a-boo or make silly faces.  It is how I get the little ones to trust me.  My biggest challenge however, is that once I have little Jimmy smiling the parents and siblings are usually making a funny face and looking away.

We as photographers hate that.  Parents....look at me.  We may only get one shot at getting the perfect family photo with everyone looking straight.  It's really quiet this simple.

I am a photographer not a Photoshop editor.  So if you ask me to photoshop something I will, but I'd rather get the perfect shot first and I think so would you.




5 SIMPLE THINGS TO GETTING YOUR KID TO SMILE

1.  Don't over stimulate the child.  Too much of something is not always good.
2.  Make sure they get their naps in before a shoot.
3.  Make sure they have a meal or a snack before a shoot.
4.  Bring along their favourite toy.
5.  Don't be forceful or get upset.  The smiles will come, just listen to your photographer.





















And that's all there is to it!  Hope this helped you prepare for your next session!

Why Mini Sessions Make Sense

Why Mini Sessions Make Sense

Looking for family photos?  Your photographer has disappeared and now you have no idea who to hire to take memorable moments of your family?  

So of course where does everyone go to get information and referrals?  Facebook!  Facebook groups are and have become the be all and end all of photographer referrals.  Many a time I have been referred along with several other photographers.  And of course its a pigeon shoot-who has the best style, best deal, best props, most experience.  Where do you really even start?  It can become quiet frustrating not just for you as the client but for us as the potential photographer.

You don't know if photographer A, B, or C is the right choice for you and by the time you look at price lists you are so overwhelmed that you just skip this years photos all together or have Uncle Fred take it with your point and shoot.  Not the best photo but at least it is a photo to go on your wall.

Well I have the best solution for you...mini sessions.  Mini sessions are great for a few reasons.

1.  Affordable

2.  Most little Wee Bits can only handle about 20 minutes before they begin to get tired and overwhelmed and distracted.

3.  If you ultimately don't know the photographer, this is a great way to test out if they are truly good photographer and meet your standards and style of photography that you like.

It's important to have a good relationship with your photographer.  Thats always how the best photos come to life.  So take time to look for the following when choosing a mini session to test our your new photographer.

1.  How much experience do they have?- Experience isn't everything but it certainly is important for the quality of photos you will get back.  

2.  What type of camera do they own?  Not all photographers have professional grade cameras and while a Rebel can still take the photos, you want to make sure your photographer is a pro and take their job seriously.  That this is their living and not their hobby.

3.  Do they have referrals?  Don't kid yourself... referrals are important to know who you are giving your money too.  Do they get photos back within a timely manner and are they available to speak to without the fear of them disappearing with your money and photos?

A lot to think about at the end of the day, but definitely worth it, if you take your time to research the photographers listed and ask the questions.  And if you think great photos can't be taken in 20 minutes, have a look at these below.  A recent fall mini session right here in Brampton.  

  

                       

And We Are Back!!!!

And we are back!

Looking forward to sharing tips on photography, special techniques and amazing memorable family photo sessions with you!