Harris Family Session

The Harris Family 💕

There is one thing I love most about coming to Florida from Minnesota, and I’m not talking about the beach or the weather, or the fine white sand that gets EVERYWHERE, or the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, or the tan I get, or the cool shells I find, or even the fact that it’s a vacation and I get to rest…. the thing I love most is connecting with people when I’m in this beautiful atmosphere. My job as a photographer allows me to do this with just about anyone, but since I’ve been here, I’ve gotten to reconnect with friends and meet new people that are all from home—Minnesota. And it is an honor to capture them during such intimate phases of their lives… changing jobs, buying homes, getting married, having families (yep, even giving birth)… all of these big things that I’m so thankful to help celebrate with them. So here’s to doing that for a long, long time.

Okay, back to the session details… :) We did Tony and Jessica’s family photoshoot at Seagate beach in Naples, Florida. I love Seagate beach specifically, because the sunsets are in just the right spot, the rocks the kiddos are on are perfect for family and kiddo portraits, the area is clean, safe, a little more secluded, and quieter (except for a lovely musician that often plays on his porch overlooking the ocean at sunset). Not much more you can ask for from a beach. It’s a slice of heaven.

Tony and Jess—you two, your boys, and these photos, made my heart happy 🤍🤍🤍

Hannah & Jered//Black Beach Engagement//Duluth, MN//North Shore

It was late spring, but still FREEZING. Hannah, Jered, Jens, and I, made the trek up to Black Beach in Duluth, Minnesota. It was here that we photographed their epic engagement session—shortly after an incredible surprise proposal on the runway at Hannah’s fashion show back in Minneapolis.

It’s safe to say for a location, Black Beach far exceeded expectation. Even if it would have been close, my expectations are always crazy high—I’m a bit of a dreamer. The black sand, horizon, huge jagged rocks, the sunset at just the right spot— all of it was incredible. The only part that wasn’t ideal, was how cold the black sand was. Hannah handled all of our barefoot poses like a boss, and Jered, well…he got a good laugh ;)

If you’re thinking about Duluth or North Shore vibes for your engagement session, look no further. I can guarantee Black Beach will satisfy. I’d just say… go in June!!

Family Photos with Kids: Top Three Ways to Keep Kids Engaged at Your Next Family Photoshoot

Imagine this scenario with me for a second:

 Your kids didn’t nap today. You’ve been breaking up fights over who gets the pink Paw Patrol bowl to eat their snack in, dealing with tantrums over not finding the right shoes, and once they’re found, somehow there’s still a problem because they wanted a different “one” and you have no idea what they’re talking about now. You can’t find their water cups, so you send them off on a hunt, and they don’t come back. So you go looking around your house to find they got into your bathroom drawer. Your patience is running thin, but it was hours ago. And not only do you feel your only productivity was keeping your kids alive, you’re now stressed because you know family photos are tonight, and not only do you have to get your little munchkins ready, but what about you?

SIGH.

You’re probably hoping you can at least get 1 good smiling picture of them AND you, in the same shot. To you, that one photo might be worth the $300+ you’re probably spending.

If this scenario sounds familiar at all, you belong reading on. This post will discuss a few tips that photographers and parents can utilize at their next family session to make it a success.

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Number 1: Prompts, not poses

This is mostly on me, the photographer, to handle. I know your kids aren’t a fan of standing in one spot or forcing a smile. Honestly, do we even like that? I always come preloaded with prompts and ideas to get the kids moving (and this also gives you a little break). Here are a few I enjoy using:

• “Red Light, Green Light” Hold hands with siblings (or parents) and run when I say “Green Light” and stop when I say “Red Light”

• Picking flowers (insert whatever makes sense here) for parents/siblings (usually little weedy looking things, not someone’s garden ;)

• “Ring Around The Rosie” or “Tag” This gets kids laughing, and even if someone gets a little upset, I’ve already gotten 15+ images from the start that I can almost guarantee you’ll love
  
  
  

Number 2:

Interaction

(Family and Self)

The prompts facilitate this interaction. But to explain a little further, after I give a prompt, I stop directing to allow space for candid moments to occur. I don’t always want to direct kids, often, they come up with some pretty funky/cute things on their own. It’s an authentic moment we get to capture, that always means the most looking back. I might say anything from:

•  “Show me how you…” jump so high, run so fast, spin in circles, clap your hands, etc.

• “Can you…” give mom a hug/kiss, hold hands with brother, dance with sister, ask dad for a piggy back ride, sit on dad’s lap etc.
                                             

You get the idea. These come naturally in the moment, and as the parent or photographer, you can suggest these things.  

Number 3: Incentives

Hear me out

Here’s one you may not all agree with, but hear me out. Remember the one photo you wanted with everyone smiling? Well, I try my best to get you a few throughout our session, and usually I’m successful with my strategies, but when this is difficult, it helps to mention what they get after for doing this for you. I understand not utilizing the bribe method when your kids need to learn to do something because it’s necessary, or is “the right thing to do” etc. But taking a good family photo at their age, isn’t really on their “important” radar.  

If you’re following me on this, here’s a few incentives to offer, that I’ve seen success with. *Tip: Make these special, yet don’t bribe them with something that would affect you negatively if it didn’t happen. This makes follow through much easier.

• Ice Cream (DQ/at home)

• Extra reading time with mom/dad before bedtime

• Technology (iPad games in the car/whatever else)

Family photos are not supposed to be crazy stressful.  As a photographer, I see it as my job to instill confidence in you, that I can capture photos you’ll love. Above are just a few ways to ensure you get what you want out of your session. If you enjoyed these tips, check back for more photography related content to come.

-Savannah