I’m a local family photographer at CP Photography, based in Royersford, and just like everyone else COVID19 has affected my business. As much as I believe photography is important, it is not deemed as an ‘essential business’ and so I’ve had to cancel and postpone sessions. I’m sure many of you had Spring photo sessions planned that are now on hold. Meeting families to welcome a new baby, celebrate a birthday or update a family photo, it is something I am missing so much and I can not wait until all of this is behind us and I can capture all of your precious family milestones again. In the meantime I wanted to offer five tips, so YOU can successfully take your own photographs and not miss out on capturing sweet memories.
- Keep it simple – Don’t over do it with the props. Use a simple chair or stool. Hardwood floors and grass are perfect accents. Maybe add a pretty plant or use some trees that are in bloom in your yard. Clean and simple shows off your child, and that’s what you are wanting to really remember.
- Light – lighting is key to a photograph. If you are shooting outdoors then plan to shoot the hour before sunset, also known as ‘The Golden Hour’. The lighting is soft and will create less shadows. If you are shooting indoors then shoot by a window or door that lets in a good amount of light. Place your child or children with the light source to the side/45-degree angle. You don’t want to shoot with the light source directly in front of your subject as it can cause them to squint. Placing the light source behind them will create a silhouette.
- Change your angle – More often than not when taking a photo, you stand eye level with your subject and directly in front of them. Try something different – have your children sit down with you standing above them looking directly down on them. Get down on their level; quite often at my sessions I will be crouched down to their level or even laying on my belly to see their perspective. Move around your subject, you will be surprised how many different images you can get with one pose by changing where you are standing.
- Posed vs. natural – Sure we all want that perfect photo of our children smiling and looking at our camera. They are the ones we want to hang on the wall and send to family members. However, the natural photos of our children really show us their personalities. Have siblings tickle each other or give each other a hug. I like to play some games during my sessions; piggy-back races or Ring Around the Rosie always bring out big smiles.
- Details – Don’t be afraid to get up close and personal! Squishy cheeks, long eyelashes, baby feet, siblings holding hands; capture them! As parents we know how fast these years with our children fly by, and how quickly they change! By capturing the details you will never forget those special things that you love so much!
More than anything have fun! Make silly noises, do a silly dance. If you are relaxed and having fun, then so will your children!!
Contact Catherine at CP Photography for more information or to book at session when we get to the other side of this outbreak. prendergastphotography@yahoo.com
