Sisters. It’s a bond no one can break. Even from the beginning, they know they are connected for life. If you have a sister, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
It stormed all last weekend, so I ended up doing newborn shoots Saturday and Sunday, all cozied up in my clients’ homes. This session happened on Sunday in the afternoon and as we were running out of light and the boys were still napping, these wonderful sibling moments just landed in my lap. Mom and dad woke up the boys, I got my settings dialed in on the camera, lined up my little ‘bribes’ and toys and all the stars aligned. What a gift
Dads have such a great bond with their kids. It changes a guy when he becomes a dad. And I love capturing that connection. I used to be intimidated when photographing guys. It’s weird, I know. But, I just felt the sense that sometimes they weren’t pumped about being in front of the camera. But, let’s face it, most people aren’t extremely comfortable in front of the camera.
Instead of letting the situation turn awkward, the first thing I do is acknowledge the feeling and move on. I might say something like, I bet this isn’t on the top of your list of ‘things to do on a Saturday afternoon.’ It gets a laugh and then they know I don’t expect them to be a model. Just relax and have fun.
I also constantly keep the focus on the kids. Instead of trying to pose someone, I’ll help create a moment. Asking what they do at home when they are just goofing around usually results in throwing the baby or kid up in the air! Sometimes I’ll tell the kids that when I count to 3 their dad is going to tickle them. And if it’s more of a serious child or an older child I will just tell the child to be sweet with their dad or to cuddle with their dad.
Thanks for letting me share how I photograph dads and hope it helps if you are sometimes intimidated like me!
Formula for success: Rise early, work hard, strike oil.
-J. Paul Getty
There’s a million quotes about working hard in business. But, I think parents provide the best example of working hard for their kids. My grandpa was a horse shoer and made his own business. On top of that he delivered papers in the early morning. He had his boys on bikes slinging papers from the time they were in first grade. My dad also went on to start his own business. When the economy was terrible, he made it. He kept working hard and didn’t quit when things weren’t easy. Even if that meant working for a boss during the day and starting up his own business in the evenings.
I was raised to be a hard-worker. It’s one the things I appreciate most about my heritage. I’ve had tons of wonderful opportunities with photography and most of them came from rising early and working hard. Sometimes, you have to be in the right place at the right time, but you have to put in the hard work to get there.
My kids are still young, but I hope that the subtle ways I learned about hard work are passed down to them. How about you, do you love to work hard? How do you teach your kids about work?
By the way, this is a photo of my grandpa. One of my favorites.
And here’s the product of some of my hard work recently! (photos taken in Long Beach)
Oh, where to begin? I’ve been a little neglectful of this space. As per usual for this time of year. I got overwhelmed when it came to what to share, so I decided to just close my eyes and pick a folder to share. These were taken in Laguna on a beautiful summer, I mean fall day. But, I think all my photo sessions this year were spent in warm weather. Meaning, everyone that’s wearing a sweater in their photo is hot, uncomfortably hot. 🙂
In other news, I just got an email from an editor at The Bump. My photographs of Erica’s nursery have been featured on iVillage. So fun to see!
Here are a few favorites from my recent photo shoot at Rascals to Rebels in Rossmoor for Halloween!
It’s that time again! Holiday photo sessions at Rascals. This year the backdrop is grey/taupe velvet damask. It’s so very classic and neutral…it will go with everything! Drop by the store to spend a minimum of $50 to get your free photo session. The prints and digitals are sold separately and can be viewed on my website.
The fine details are…this is for kids 12 and under, with a maximum of 3 kids per photo session.
TGIFriday’s was my first real job. And I had to talk my way into it. I was working as a hostess trying to get into waiting tables, because anyone knows that’s where the real money is. I went to my interview and said I would prove what a great server I could be. I know I didn’t have any experience, but give me a chance. Nine months later I was realizing what a great server I wasn’t. But, you know what got me by? Being nice. I was never given the best shifts. Those are reserved for the bulldogs. Servers that bark orders in the kitchen and don’t take NO for an answer. And if you don’t tip them well, um. Look out. I was given the parties 12 or more. I was given the tables with the messiest kids. The shifts that were a bit on the slow side and known for difficult customers. Because I was nice.
My managers could count on me to give the best customers service. But over the years, I turned those crappy shifts waiting tables into a strength. Not everyone finds it easy to be nice. But, nice is my specialty. I may not be ferocious and I may not always end up on top, but a lot can be said for nice.
Figure out what your strengths are. Maybe you are ferocious and strong. Maybe you know how to take the bull by the horns and get things done. Or maybe your a mouse like me and you have oodles of patience. Things don’t bother you and it’s just easy to be kind. Whatever it is, play to it. Make it your trademark and figure out how to make it work for you.
Here’s a bit of what I’ve been up to lately with my mini-sessions around Long Beach and Orange County. And a big thanks to Stephanie who assisted me. Hope you enjoy seeing the finished product!
I just got back from another group of photo sessions by the bay. One of the moms commented on how her kids love each other the most when they’re with me. They are lovey and hugging and being sweet. Now, I’ve got to say I’m right with her on that one. My kids aren’t hugging and cuddling on the couch while we watch TV. But, they do love each other.
Part of my job is to get you to open up. Not in an unauthentic, cheesy way, but truly show me how much you love each other. Families respond to that. Especially if they’ve seen me a time or two before. They relax, have fun and show the love!
Guess what’s just around the corner!? Oh, just some of the cutest photos you’ll take all year. I mean, who can’t resist a baby dressed up in a fuzzy costume or a kid so proud to show off their face paint or their cape!?
The last two years, I’ve been at Rascals to Rebels offering this amazing deal to get photos of your kids in their Halloween costumes. It’s just $20 (cash or check only) for 3 digital images that will be emailed to you. They are big enough to print and cute enough to share! There are no appointments, so come by the Rossmoor store (12185 Seal Beach Blvd., Seal Beach, CA 90740) any time between 3 and 5pm on October 27. It’s going to be a blast, so don’t miss out!
