One of the most common things parents tell me before their photo session is, “We want our photos to feel natural.” They don’t want stiff poses or forced smiles. Instead, they want images that capture their family as they really are, laughing together, playing with their kids, and enjoying time at the beach.
That’s exactly what candid family photography in Orange County is all about.
One of my favorite parts of being a newborn photographer is witnessing the whole family in those first tender days. That very much includes the big brothers and sisters. I’ve photographed hundreds of sibling introductions over the years. I’ve seen immediate, melting adoration. I’ve also seen toddlers who would very much like me to put the baby back, thank you very much.
What I’ve noticed is that the toddlers who transition most smoothly have one thing in common. Their parents started preparing them early. Not with one big conversation, but with small, consistent moments leading up to the birth. Here are five things that seem to make the biggest difference.
Planning outfits for a large group can feel overwhelming, but choosing what to wear for extended family photos at Crystal Cove doesn’t have to be stressful. With its soft sandy beach, natural rock formations, and beautiful ocean views, Crystal Cove provides a timeless backdrop that works wonderfully with soft, neutral color palettes.
If you’ve recently had a baby or are expecting one soon, you’ve probably found yourself Googling newborn photographer costs at some point. Maybe you’ve even wondered whether you could just do it yourself. After all, everyone has a great camera on their phone these days, right?
As an Orange County newborn photographer who has worked with hundreds of families, I want to give you an honest, transparent look at what newborn photography actually costs in this area. More importantly, I want to explain what you’re really getting when you hire a professional.
There are sessions I photograph and then there are sessions I feel. This one was the latter.
I first met this young woman when she was a toddler. I have photographed her family through the years, watching her grow from a little girl into someone who is heading to USC on a volleyball scholarship — a full semester early, no less. When her mom reached out to book her senior session, I may have done a little happy dance in my kitchen.
Every birthday deserves to be celebrated. However, as a Long Beach studio photographer, I have found that the sessions families treasure most are not always the most elaborate ones. Sometimes the sweetest idea walks right through the door in the form of a single mint green balloon.
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?