Second Family Photo Shoot

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This was my second family shoot. I used many of the things I learned on my first shoot to better the second one. I SLOWED down and made a mental note to think before I act. I tend to be a fast talker and doer. I can slow down if I keep reminding myself.

We had some fun!

I tried to mix it up between poses and candids.

I saw a shadow picture like this on Pinterest and wanted to try it out with this family.

We even got a little goofy!

This mother/son shot just melts my heart.

The adorable little girl wanted to pretend she was holding up the sun. I tried to make it work for her, but it was just too early in the day for this to happen. I thought it was great that she asked me to take a picture of what she thought would be cool! There is a pretty little natural sun flare in the shot though.

It’s no wonder that these two people have children with the most beautiful eyes!

It’s interesting how everyone’s hands are clenched like this. I certainly didn’t say, “clench your fists.” Perhaps this was in anticipation of their near-future jumping.

If the family was a band, I think this would be an excellent cover for their CD.

Sarah:)

P.S. I hope you scrolled all the way to the bottom because I want you to enter the awesome giveaway I have going on now through January 1, 2012!

15 Things I Learned at My First Family Photo Shoot

I did my first family photo session today. I learned a lot!

1. ZOOM IN! For some reason I forgot to zoom in and really wish I had. I am super happy with the “far away” shots, but am sad that I didn’t get more close-ups. Next time I will shoot at as many focal lengths as possible.

2. TAKE YOUR TIME! I rushed and rushed and in hindsight, just needed to slow down. Breathe. Relax. Take your time setting up your shots.

3. I really enjoyed doing this! I have always thought I love taking nature photos, but it was great taking shots of a family.

4. SLOW DOWN! This is directly related to #2. I should have slowed down to check the shots I’d already taken. For instance, if I wouldn’t have been in a hyper-speed mode, I would have realized that I needed my other lens for this picture.

5. Take advantage of the time between poses. They can be the best and most touching shots.

6. Sometimes the best shots are shots that you didn’t plan out at all, but the ones where the people put themselves in their own “poses”.

7. Make sure the kids have fun. If the kids aren’t having fun, no one is having fun.

8. Be sure to capture the essence of the children in between planned out poses.

9. Shoot, shoot, shoot! I took over 300 shots in about 30 minutes and I’m so glad I did. This picture captures this family so well! The mom laughs like this a lot. The older son has this somewhat serious quality to him. The younger son is quite the little comedian and the dad stands and smiles like this a lot. If I hadn’t been shooting away, I wouldn’t have caught this “real” moment.

10. Have some fun with it!

11. Try poses even if you think they’re kind of dorky. They might turn out great like this shot!

12. Ignore the rules. This too-sunny shot is perfect, even though it’s technically not perfect.

13. Be sure to capture some special moments between all family members.

14. Getting a picture of just mom and dad is important too.

15. Make sure to take individual shots of all of the kids.

Thank you so much Joly family for giving me the honor of photography your family!

Sarah:)