Be yourself...
Have you ever asked a child to smile for a photo? I know I used to and the results were pretty mixed, from something quite terrifying to false and awkward. What I would rarely get was the genuine happy smile I was after.
I think for most people young or old having a camera shoved in their face and told to smile or worse "say cheese" is their idea of hell - it definitely is mine! I also think it's often the reason why some people think that a photoshoot is not for them and I get it, I really do!
Let me explain I've always been a photo addict. If I've not been taking them then I would be looking at them either for work (in a design studio searching through and editing images for various marketing and advertising campaigns) or just because I wanted to capture and relive different moments and experiences in my life.
So when it came to choosing a photographer for our wedding - let's just say I was a little choosey!
I made sure that I saw examples of their work and got plenty of genuine recommendations so by the time we were invited to attend a planned shoot for our engagement I was pretty excited.
That was until we got there and found ourselves in the back of some garage style lockup with a suspended roll of white paper running down one wall and over part of the floor. We were then asked to give each other piggy backs and other such HORRORS! I don't think I've ever felt more awkward or embarrassed. Needless to say, the results weren't quite what I'd been hoping for! On top of this we also felt compelled to spend a small fortune on the results just incase it "upset" him and he didn't want to do our wedding!
The pictures - yes we do still have them and although they were framed (at yet more expense!) have never made it further than a dusty pile under our bed.
Now that I find myself on the other side of the camera lens those photographs continue to be a great reminder of exactly what NOT to do.
You will never find me suggesting unnatural studio spaces, asking for silly poses or use intrusive lights. Instead let's simply go for a walk or visit your favourite picnic spot and if a child wants to climb a tree, throw sticks or just roll around in the grass that's all fine by me! Once the children are happy their parents tend to relax too all of which makes for better pictures. So if you are looking for relaxed and natural photography of families and children just being and enjoying themselves, then I may just be who you are looking for.
Just don't blame me if we all go home with a few leaves and twigs in our hair! 🍂
Emily x
