I recently did a photo session for an amazing family that made me question a lot about myself as a photographer. I'm usually nervous before a photo shoot. I always thought that the butterflies in the stomach feeling was a good thing. It shows that you are passionate about what's coming, but more importantly that you care, and are anxious about doing a perfect job.
For this family I knew I cared, but there was something special about them and I did not really know what it was. Was it because it was my first time working with a family this size (3 toddlers)? Or because I was made aware that one of the kids was autistic? Or simply because I felt connected to this family? I mentally revisited all the other sessions that I did and uncovered that in all occasions, I was treating the job as far more than a photo session. More than camera settings, more than taking the best angle. It always started with a connection - the understanding that, although it was my nth session, this couple or family, is in front of my camera to offer a crucial slice of their life to their future. This feeling is really what drives me and creates a heightened sense of responsibility. I put myself in my subjects’ shoes, live that moment with them, get emotional with them, and subtly record these moments, hoping that one day, they will be able to remember and relive this day with their loved ones.
The challenge for this lovely family’s session was to get everyone in one frame. The little ones were very mobile…I mean VERY! I was able to get some nice shots though. However, I knew there was something more to this story. I wanted to offer to the parents timeless images of their kids, peaceful captures of these bustling little beings. Parents will relate, but most days are a blur of feeding, cleaning, running, shouting, etc. With 3 kids, I can only imagine what its like! So my goal was to share tranquil moments of their little ones, by stopping the clock for the parents to “see" their precious ones in their angelic state. I was very happy with the results and so was the family. Thanks for stoping by :)
