Family Photo Session on the beach in East Greenwich, RI
When I photograph kids, my goal is to create a set of photographs that are natural and candid but which also have variety. There will be close-up face shots, group shots, both looking at the camera and looking away. I like to get several that involve motion, running, jumping, hugging etc. In order to accomplish this, it’s important to create an environment where kids can be themselves. When kids are introduced to a new person and asked to do something that seems important to their parents, they get nervous. They want to please, but are never positive exactly what is expected of them. Sometimes they will misbehave to force their parent to engage with them, even though it makes the parent stressed and frustrated. Yes, I’m telling you it’s not just your kid, it’s all kids!
When kids arrive to a photo shoot, I like to start by asking them silly questions or playing a goofy game. I want to let them know that this will be a fun experience and that all they have to do is be themselves. I explain that I will be taking pictures but that if I need them to do anything specific, I will ask. Otherwise, they are welcome to do their thing. We play red-light-green-light, tag, we see who can jump the highest, sometimes we dance or play music freeze.
It is of course possible to intimidate a kid into wearing a formal outfit, standing still and posing perfectly for a picture, but more often than not, that pose and situation are reflective of a parent or photographer’s ideal and don’t capture the actual kids. “Perfect poses” will mean nothing ten years from now.
A picture where the children are interacting with each other, moving, or laughing will conjure your memories long into the future. When you look at the photo ten years from now, you will be able to feel your child’s touch and hear their laugh. This will be much more meaningful than any “perfect” pose.
Last thing I want to mention about natural and candid children’s photography… the larger a candid is printed, the better. And a candid in black-and-white printed huge on your wall is absollutely the best. That is something I can make for you right here in the studio!
Some local beaches which are ideal for summer family sessions...
