Even if you’re not a professional photographer, you should be going through your iphone photos so you don’t end up being overwhelmed with so many similar photos. And no one wants unflattering photos or photos with your eyes closed!
I’m not 100%. Case in point…this out of frame kid toss. LOL.
But, I included it in their gallery, because I think it’s light-hearted and fun. That’s what to expect in your gallery…the perfectly posed and smiling, the images and that make you laugh and everything in between.
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.
When you see photos that aren’t posed, you feel like you’re getting a ‘fly on the wall’ vantage point of the subjects life.
But, how do you achieve that as a photographer? How do you take naturally candid photos when they hired you to be there?
You might think that I have a ten step system to prepare you for getting in front of the lens. The truth is, I don’t. Having a successful photoshoot is quite simple.
We had a magical little overcast photo shoot at Little Corona Del Mar. I love how the fog sort of turns everything into a watercolor painting. It also tends to help the crowds die down.
The secret to photographing toddlers isn’t in a fast shutter speed. It’s not about your ISO or what type of lens you have. The secret to getting the best photos of a wiggly and FAST toddler is to work with them instead of against them.
I learned a long time ago that you cannot make a baby, toddler or child do something they don’t want to do during a photo session. I learned that you must make your idea their idea and run with it. Sometimes this shows up in the form of manipulating the situation. If I see a little one that enjoys pushing the limits, I might tell them…you better not smile at me. Or I’m going to come get you!
And if a toddler just want to move, we MOVE. I will have parents swing them until I count down to a pause so I can take the photo. I will have one parent chase them into the arms of another parent.
Whatever your method, just remember to make all the energy work to your advantage. Making a wiggly toddler sit still is a fool’s errand. Use all that energy to play hide and seek, so you get the biggest most authentic smile when you find them.
And for more fast and furious toddlers, check out this guy’s session at the beach.
At the end of this at home Newport Beach newborn photography session, we headed out to the beach for a few additional shots. It was a little chilly, but I’m so glad we did. The baby was all snuggled and warm, so she was happy and content for this part of the shoot. She’ll most likely grow up by the beach, so I love that her first days of life are documented there.
**Photos taken by Kristin Eldridge, Newport Beach newborn photographer
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!
