3. Let them be!!!
One thing I stopped doing very early on was looking at other photographers work or pinning ideas on pinterest. I learned that for me it 1. made me compare & feel like I would never be as good as someone else and 2. it made my sessions awkward. I would try to pose couples like I saw on pinterest and they wouldn’t feel comfortable. Yes, at some points you will have to guide couples along, but for the majority, I tell my couples to just be. If it’s a family session, I just tell them to interact with their kids. I capture the candid moments. Then, once they have naturally placed themselves, I’ll guide a family member or two to stand at a certain spot or turn a certain way. Some guidance obviously has to be given, but try to let things go as naturally as possible. Come up with your own arrangements and let them just be! My favorite family shots have come from moments where no direction was given & things just happened.
^^In this family session, I don’t ever remember telling them how to pose. I simply said “love on him” and the parents just fell right into natural poses.
For all you mommas out there, just let your kiddos do their thing. You probably find when you stop to pose them they become irritable and don’t wanna play along. So instead, let them play and you adjust. You’ll be so grateful that one day you captured them doing what they do. Their personality shines the brightest in those moments & they end up being the most treasured photos. Oh, and always always keep your camera near by:)
^^I wanted to capture one last photo of my sweet C’s gummy smile before his four top teeth broke through. Instead of trying to sit him down and keep him still, I let him crawl all over the husband. Sure enough, that got some chuckles out of him and I snapped away. And yes, I know, he’s the cutest thing ever, right?
^^this is one of my most treasured photos. I sat C down before a bath to grab a towel. I came back and saw this. Thankfully, my camera was semi close. They are the best of friends and one day I’ll be so thankful for this image… what am i saying?? I’m thankful now! So sweet and so them. I never could have gotten this image posing them if I tried.
4. My secret weapon
This tutorial. No joke, it’s going to change your life. Everything I’ve stated up there is soooooo much better explained in this tutorial. It’s hands down the BEST investment you can make as a beginner. Buy it. DO it. TRUST ME. And if you feel like you’ve conquered shooting in manual but want some help in the editing department check out this tutorial.
People I’m not joking BUY THOSE TUTORIALS!
Thanks again sweet girl for having me over today! I really hope that this helped some of you guys out there! I’d love to have you guys over at my place! Stop by and say hello:)
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Wasn’t that just amazing? I know I will definitely be adding that reflector to my photography wish list! Have a safe holiday everyone!
Candice @ Just Stay Lovely says
thank you for the freebie! I will definitely be rocking it on my iPhone this weekend. So happy there to see other canon girls around ;) — i have a canon t3i and i LOVE It.
hope you have a great holiday, i think a blogger weekend off is in order for everyone!
Lisette says
You’re welcome! And I’m so jealous you have one!
Amanda @ Rhyme & Ribbons says
Lovely, lovely, lovely photographs!
Lisette says
Kate is awesome, isn’t she?
Sarah Beth says
Such a cute little man and great tips. Thanks for posting, and hope you feel better and more like yourself soon :)
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