Little kids may not want to sit down, but you can still get some adorable pictures of them...even if you have to make a game of it! <3
Belle inspired tutu by Shoppe 3130 on Etsy.
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friends
Two + years ago, Erica and I were busy with her wedding plans, bridal photos and more. Looking back over the past two years, it's crazy to think how we (and things) have changed. Erica's hair & make-up business has grown because of her passion to do what she loves, in a place that promotes growth and encouragement ( Studio 285 ). You can follow her instagram handle to see some of her work: @elawlessat285 . More recently, she and Zac have grown their little family AND built a house to call their own.
For me, I can see how much my own photography has changed and grown. I'm constantly learning what I love in photography (posing, sessions, weddings, etc) and what I want to try (projects, goals, editing, photography techniques, genres). My man and I are expanding our family this year, hoping to sell our house, trying to become debt free and live our dreams. (What are those dreams?...we are still trying to find that out ourselves.)
Being able to grow with friends really is priceless. And for me, watching that growth through my own photography (or attempt at videography ) is even more exciting. One of these days I will post Erica and Zac's engagement and wedding photos. :)
What are your dreams? How have you grown during the past couple of years?
I've had the opportunity to capture a few proposals. All of them are fun for me. Anticipation to the max on all sides and it's like I am on cloud nine along with the couple! Here are a few tips on planning your proposal.
As a disclaimer, not all of these suggestions will work for you! This was from a recent proposal I was captured of Frank and Karen with their kiddos. We had a blast with their family photos and the proposal! Each individual is different, so plan an engagement that centers around your interests and passions. And if at all possible, consider finding a photographer that captures your style in their work!
1. Hire the photographer.
A good one. One that has a great personality and good quality images. Make sure you look at their work, and find someone who fits your style! Not every photographer is right for you. If you want to capture family photos that will be treasured for a lifetime, you do so through someone who has the ability to utilize the available light or add light as needed to enhance portraits. Your photographer need to understand posing and needs to be ready for the unknown.
Find a photographer who can make you feel relaxed and make you smile!
2. Prep the photographer.
Communicate with the photographer on your proposal plans. Call, text or email and make sure they have the information they will need. What time do you plan to propose? What props will you use, if any? What does the photographer need to look out for, in case they haven't seen the proposal site? In this story, we had to be flexible. I hadn't seen the proposal site, but had an idea of how I wanted to capture the images.
Photographers...be prepared to nix any ideas you might have! Always look for ways to recompose an image. Proposals don't usually happen in the places that would be ideal for you. You might not have the ideal lens on your camera...if that happens, no big deal! Just keep shooting with the gear you're already using. Changing gear as the proposal happens mean missing a hug, kiss or laugh. Move around to ensure you are capturing expressions of everyone involved. Don't feel like you have to stay in one place, unless you have to remain hidden.
3. Pretend it's a family photo night.
Or maybe just plan real family photos and it just so happens that you are engaged by the end of the night! A crazy Saturday afternoon, the weekend following Thanksgiving, you jump in the shower really fast and make sure your outfit is complete. You then do a double take on everyone else's hair and outfits. You know the day, you're distracted. It's so easy to miss all of the little details, like the reason your kid keeps popping out of the truck with the iPhone in hand. He gets in trouble. You carry on with family photos.
Photographers - if there is a photo op that your clients have in mind, go for it! This was Karen's idea and I LOVE how it turned out!
4. Pop the question.
Everyone plays it cool. You keep going through the photo session even though you know the sun is beginning to set. You have a "brilliant idea" of a photo you want for the end of the session, so you suggest it to the photographer. You know, the one right by the hay bales that just so happened to be arranged in a specific pattern? Yeah, that's the idea. So you walk around the corner, into the grove of hay bales, gently pushing your soon-to-be-fiance ahead of you. As soon as she sees the letters that light up the hay bales, she has a huge smile on her face, hand on her mouth in shock, tears in her eyes and she turns to see you on your knee. She says, "Yes!" and you slide the beautiful bling on her tiny finger.
5. Spend time together after the proposal.
It's important for the two of you to spend a little bit of time together, without anyone right beside you. Sometimes that's impossible, and that's okay! But if family and friends are there, try to walk away for a few minutes, giving you guys times to breathe, talk, and maybe sneak a little kiss from your new fiance. You won't regret it!
This family. I had the privilege of meeting them a couple years ago right when they moved to the area. This family loves music, family, friends, cultures. But above all things that represent who they are, their love for their Lord is evidenced in everything they do. They have been through so much over the years and no matter what happens, they have trusted God to provide for them, to place them where He wants them to be.
In August I had the honor of taking their family photos before their oldest daughter left for an adventure in a new country. Wish I could have gone with her, but I'm so excited for her opportunity! Lately I've been living my travel desires vicariously through those around me. Hoping to travel again one day soon, even if it's just to a nearby state.
Anyways, back to their family photos. We had a great time on this beautiful, relaxing August evening. The wind gently brushed our faces and the sun beautifully illuminated each of those in these images. I'm already looking forward to taking their family pictures again one day.
