Candid family photographs are the most fun to produce and deliver! Sure, the perfectly coiffed images are lovely too. But these captures where you can hear laughter and see connection are the ones that make my heart really happy!
How do I get these stylized-but-candid family photos? I start by building a relationship with my clients, and getting the kids to be happy in front of the camera is key. I'll put a family in a space where I like the lighting, the depth, and the color (here in a field in Walpole, MA) and then ask them to interact with each other. Sometimes families just do this, and sometimes they need a little help loosening up. I have a few games and lots of funny sayings that are appropriate for all ages. Here these two siblings were introduced to the seed pods that grow in the field we were in, and they were blowing them all over each other. A moment that yes, was set up, but it was also a real moment between the siblings.
Candid family photograph isn't always the same amount of candid, sometimes I have a bigger hand in it than others, but the goal is always authentic body language and facial expressions.
These two are actually much older now but I keep it in my portfolio because this image makes me happy!
Location: 02871.