Don't you just love those Toddler kisses?
We Are Family!
A preview from a previous photo shoot of a gorgeous family.....
Using Props!
Photographing 'Lifestyle' means real, natural, as the story unfolds in front of you. Sometimes though, to help a child feel comfortable in front of the camera, I occasionally use minimal props to help them feel at ease. Props can show a particular stage of your child's development and what child doesn't love to show off their toys. Older children "Tweens" or Teenagers love to be able to express their own ideas on how they would like themselves to be portrayed. It can help build their self confidence in front of the camera if they've been able to use a prop that they love. For boys it could be their skateboard, bike, fishing rod, Lego, etc., for girls it could be their favourite dress, make-up, flowers or their own ideas. This little girl wanted to show off her new vintage dresses and she was so thrilled with the outcome!
Oliver's Facial Odyssey
Going through old photos with a girlfriend and we discovered these little gems! Boy is he going to hate her at his 21st!!!!
How to get Those Natural Smiles!
You never know what to expect from kids on the day of your photo shoot. At home they're adorable, laughing, beautiful natural smiles and then comes the day of the photo shoot, off goes the charm and they freeze in front of the camera! Kids are unpredictable, we want to avoid the forced smiles so here's some things you can do:
Before I commence a photo shoot I try and get to know them, break the ice so to speak. I'll ask them questions about their favourite movie, TV show, toy character, school, anything where they forget they’re in front of the camera. I might even ask them to show me their room and what child doesn't love showing off their toys? I then let them play....let them be themselves and not force them to smile or "Say Cheese" shots.
I might ask them to tell me their favourite icecream flavour and suggest disgusting combinations like spaghetti sauce with chocolate sprinkles, you'd be amazed at flavour combinations kids can make up! This always gets a natural laugh. Try out a couple of jokes with them. During the session, we can ask them to tell us a joke and this will typically loosen them up as they tell it to us.
If all else fails we might have to have the lollypops on standby!
My Boys!
Dusting off the cobwebs from the archives, I stumbled across these images of my two favourite boys! One of my favourite things to do is to look through the old photos and see how much my family has changed and grown.
It's snow time!
One of the joys of having children is watching your child exude happiness playing in the snow. We visited Donna Buang, an hour and a half out of Melbourne. It was freezing but it's one time you can throw things at one another and not get in trouble!
The Rains are here!
Well it's Winter here in Melbourne and the weather is especially cold, rainy and dreary. I caught up with my niece yesterday at a family get together but inclement weather forced us to stay inside in the warmth of the house.
Family Lifestyle Photography Melbourne
"A Mother understands what a child does not say."
A Letter to my Son!
You're not so little anymore and seems like this has happened overnight. I still remember you as a baby, so little, cuddled up next to me when you were born. It was the day I treasure, the day I met you and I became a Mum. I know I can't always be there for you and see and share with you the things you are yet to do but I'm always with you and hope I've taught you well.
You've lost your childish grin and looking more and more like a teenager before my eyes...yes a teenager! The coming years will sometimes seem confusing, your emotions running high and insecurity about your friends, school work, etc. but this is you growing into the man you're going to be. You can do anything you set your mind too. Keep that determination you have, it's finding your passion and working towards it. I believe you are destined for so many great things in this world, be you and follow your dreams. You have a kind heart, a loyal heart, intelligent, caring and oh so handsome...which scares me a bit as the girls will be chasing you soon....not too soon I hope!
Always remember I'm here for you and love you with all my heart, never forget that!
Luv Mumxxx
The gall of a seagull!
Seagull,
yummy bread,
can't wait,
get in straight,
greedy grab,
off we go!
And night falls....
Daisy Chain
Sunny skies, twirls, and daisy chains, childhood memories are made of these!
Winter Solstice
Winter solstice today and this gorgeous girl suffered the cold to wear her favourite vintage dress!
Violin Concerto!
Music teaches me to conquer my fears!
Soccer Mad
Well it's got to the stage where my tween, soccer mad son doesn't like having his photo taken....here's the best I can do!
Child's Eyes!
"There's joy and wonder everywhere when you see through the eyes of a child". Katrinamayer.com
Photos in Winter | Family Lifestyle Photography Bayside, Melbourne
Winter is here and it's so nice hibernating inside in the warmth. Despite what people might think, Winter is a great time to take photos. Often when the sun does shine you get very bright, crisp gorgeous light.
Although the days might be shorter, the relatively low directional sunlight means that the sun is never directly overhead. This means you can often shoot all day and not get unpleasant shadows from overhead light.
Cloudy days makes taking photos a lot easier because you don't have to worry about harsh shadows over the face or uneven light. A lot of clouds produces beautiful, soft lighting. Sure, it's great to take pictures when the sun is glowing and warm light is everywhere but soft diffused light is just as pretty in my opinion. Foggy mornings give a real ethereal feel to photos or rugging up down the beach with the wind blowing gives a romantic feel.
So don't feel put off having photos taken in Winter and if all else fails we can always photograph your family indoors.
Besties!
"A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be." ~Douglas Pagel
"I'm six"!
Trying to decide what to wear to have her photo taken, she decided she wanted to wear her ballet outfit and show me her dance moves .... simply gorgeous!
