Family Relationships Shine Through Because of Openness

A client’s trust, openness and generosity with information about their family’s personality really helps me tune in to their feelings and relationships. I love nothing more than collaborating with people to achieve the style and mood of photography that suits them best. I recently photographed a small extended family on the beach who responded to our Family Information questionnaire with a touching amount of sincerity and humor that really opened the door to their story.

Meg’s email says, “I want to remember this time with both extended and immediate family groupings; the fun that we have together, and how we love each other and enjoy being together. Our relationships extend beyond just the immediate family groups and cross over between the smaller family groups. I like some posed images, but I really like the casual ‘activity’ shots.”  She  goes on with some funny and descriptive anecdotes about her family as she sees them. On her feedback form she lets us know who’s a funny-guy cut-up, which little granddaughter loves to pose for the camera, which grandson is a bit shy and how he opens up around the family dog, and how their children met their spouses through a shared college cheer leading connection!

With this understanding, I was able to set up playful scenarios to capture candid moments on the beach. I saw all of the beautiful elements that make up Meg’s family as she experiences them. I’m so thrilled by the images we made together; it was truly a collaboration and it all happened because Meg opened up her heart. Check out these lovely images!

How to Prepare your Children for a Beach Shoot

Generally, the best way to prepare younger children for the beach portrait photography experience is to be low-key and matter of fact about it. Try not to pre-condition your son or daughter to “smile pretty.” Lots of kids will over do it in an an attempt to please their parents (or just the opposite!). This often results in an over the top or unnatural expression in the portrait. Casually telling them that the whole family is going to the beach together, and there will be a photographer there taking pictures is a great start. Add that it’ll be lots of FUN; which is absolutely true, of course!

I love the innocence of Children.

Sometimes a portrait of a child can be very powerful with out a smile!
A peaceful expression shows a completely different side of a little one.
A very important part of her personality that we will want to remember.

Gary & Michele’s Wedding at Sandbridge Beach, Virginia Beach

Congratulations to Gary and Michele!  Married on the beach by Sanctuary Resorts.  Take a peak to see the wonderful time they had!