Family Photos, Chicken Shit and Smiles
When a friend of mine was growing up, whenever they were taking a family photo, instead of saying “1, 2, 3… smile!” her mother would tell the family to yell “chicken shit!” It worked because it made all of the kids actually relax and smile, instead of the fake smiles that kids produce on demand.
I promise I won’t ask your kids to yell out “chicken shit!” because I have other ways of creating the relaxed, spontaneous atmosphere that results in photographs that capture your children's personalities, not their performances.
My approach to family photography is simple, warm and down-to-earth. Rather than posing for the camera, you can expect a much more relaxed experience. I’ll take photos while you are walking, talking, and laughing, with the goal of capturing you and your family in as genuine a way as possible. If you work with me, you will end up with a collection of images that communicate personalities and show your connection, not a posed composition which harkens back to the 1950s.
As a parent of two children myself, I understand that first and foremost, we have to let kids be kids. That means the start of the session could be filled with a lot of silliness. Silliness is good! It helps everyone relax and I can capture some great shots of the kids as we like to remember them - just as they naturally are in their happy, relaxed moments.
Next, I encourage the parents to pay attention to their kids, to BE with them and try to ignore me. Whether it is me shouting “Say chickenshit!” or another adult standing behind me telling the kids to smile, that kind of instruction ruins the vibe. This is why, if we do a family photo session together, I will remind you “Please don’t tell your kids to smile.” If everyone relaxes and focuses on each other, I guarantee you, your kids will smile on their own. They will also naturally express other emotions and aspects of their personality and I will capture as many of those subtle shifts as I can.
I look forward to meeting you and creating spirited, insightful and intimate photos of your beautiful family.
P.S. It works with kids of every age! Scroll down to see…
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