When Joanna first contacted me about pictures for her little girls’ first birthday, I was excited. First birthdays are always fun. When she said she didn’t really want to do a cake smash, but focus more on candid shots, I was even MORE excited because candid shots are my jam. I’m willing to capture people in whatever way they’d like BUT it’s always exciting, and a lot of fun, when the client and I have a similar vision.
If you read my blog earlier last week, you know that I’ve been thinking a lot about connection. I’m taking a parenting course that is focused on teaching connection first, everything else second. I only mention that because I really felt that way with this family. The kids were a lot of fun, and Timothy reminded me a lot of Ellie. Joanna and Tim were so sweet with the kids and I could tell that connection was important to them too. It’s always interesting to see the family dynamic in a, let’s be honest, somewhat stressful situation. The process of taking pictures can always be a little tense because there are a lot of expectations and things never go as planned.
And to be honest, what makes a good session isn’t necessarily how the pictures turn out but more, how relaxed is everyone during the shoot. I think that most people understand when they hire me that I’m more of a candid photographer and so the expectation that we get tons of posed pictures with everyone smiling isn’t there. That makes for a more relaxed session. Joanna was so laid back and I had a fun time because of that. We focused on those posed, christmas card worthy photos first and then, we got to have the real fun!
This shoot was all about sweet Ava. She was celebrating such a fun time in her life, her first year. I love this age and little Ava was so sweet. She was very curious, and I’m going to say her favorite thing was the balloons. She had the best gold sequin dress and little pink shoes. This age is so fun because their little personalities start to come out, but they’re still too sweet to say no.
This shoot was all about Ava but I did have to sneak a few of Timothy because he was so fun and so sweet. He had so much energy and loved trucks. I felt right at home taking pictures of him because it was a lot like taking pictures of my own kids. I basically just sit back and let the action unfold. There’s no other way to take them!
What a fun day and I’m so grateful Joanna reached out to me.
If you’re looking to have pictures mades, please check out my portfolio, my services, and give me a call. Thanks so much!
