The last hour of the day is commonly referred to as golden hour. It can be used to create a beautiful glowy photo. Or if used incorrectly, the image can be filled with lots of white blown-out highlights. So, how do you do a photo shoot at golden hour?
Is 20 minutes really enough time for a mini-session?
If you ask any of my clients that have had a mini-session with me, the answer will be a re-sounding YES.
When I started my business in 2007, I spent hours pouring over online articles. I wanted to know how it all worked. How do you book a session, how long should it take, how do you decide which photos to edit, what software do you use to edit them? SO. MANY QUESTIONS.
I’m a big fan of muted neutral colors for photo sessions. This palette has just the right amount of color mixed with pattern and texture.
Family Photographer Newport Beach
When clients book me for the first time, they ask…can you really get good photos in 20 minutes? The short answer: YES.
I love working with little kids because they are so authentic. They don’t mince words and once they’re on my side, we’re winning. I can get them to create the images I know their mom and dad will love while they think we’re playing a game.
Sometimes we look at a photo and feel like it all just fell into place. When in reality, as photographers, we are spinning quite a few plates. Here’s a little bit of what’s inside the mind of a photographer. During a photo session, I’m thinking about my camera settings and light angles first. But if that’s all I thought about, my photos would be boring. I’m also reading people (and kids!). I’m trying to get to know them…and eventually make them laugh. I want my angles to be flattering, so I’m thinking about that too. THEN, you throw in something like the wind. I have to trouble shoot the wind be placing my subjects in a way that won’t leave them with hair flying everywhere. And if I can manage to keep all the plates spinning, I can end up with beautiful, authentic photos.
I love working with kids. They don’t have any pretenses. And they aren’t conformed by social norms. If they want to do something, they just do it. And I love it! It’s what makes them kids. And they grow out of it eventually. So, it’s super sweet to have these little moments during the photo session when they just let their personality shine.
During this particular session with twins, he was reserved and she was silly and funny and moving all around. Even the multi-colored nails were just HER. Love it!
I start the session by asking, is your baby serious? One year olds can be all business. They have a whole world to learn! And if I try to get too silly, it will just back fire and scare them. But, if I ease into things, the smiles will come at the end of the session.
This particular session started out with the baby just checking me out. She was curious about me and the big black camera. But, before long, she forgot she was at a photo session and her mom and dad were able to get her laughing and smiling.
That’s the beauty of reading people (and babies). If you ask questions and be accommodating, everything goes your way!
Photos by Family Photographer Huntington Beach, Kristin Eldridge.
Here’s another one year photo session to check out.
It’s no secret that I’m a sucker for the golden light that happens at the end of the day. So, every year, we try to schedule their photo session at the end of the day. It’s cousins and aunts and uncles, everyone’s there! During my sessions that include more than one family, I switch it up, bouncing back and forth between kids and family. That way everyone gets a break. No one has to be ‘on’ the whole time. Scheduling a session with extended family is such a great idea. I love the dynamic that happens between all the relatives.
photos taken in Huntington Beach // Huntington Beach Family Photographer, Kristin Eldridge
January is the hardest month. We’re coming off sugar cookies and a constant string of parties. January just seems so dull. The most exciting thing happening is the drawers I’m re-organizing. And let’s not even talk about weight-loss goals. But, it’s behind us now. February is a short month, with the highlight of Valentine’s Day right in the middle and even a day off school! I hope your February is off to a good start. Are you planning your Valentine’s yet? I did a round up of free printable Valentine’s over on Modern Parents Messy Kids if you want to check it out. And in the meantime, here’s a little flash back from a super cute family’s holiday photo session.
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