How to Have a Successful Photo Session with Kids
Ensuring a smooth and happy session with your kids, can start a while before your session.
When planning a shoot, I encourage the parents to talk to their kids about picture day. The parents can have fun with their kids, practicing making happy and goofy faces, or have the kids practice making up poses. Anything to help the child get excited about pictures, as opposed to being nervous or not knowing what to expect.
During your consultation, I'd like to discuss what your child's current favorites are. What music they may like to dance to, a song they know well, a character the like or even a hobby they enjoy. This is helpful if we choose to play music during their session, or so I have something they're familiar with to discuss with them, and hopefully help them feel even more comfortable with me.
If you or your children are nervous about being in font of the camera, or feel like you have to pose or act a certain way, it is best to plan an activity you will enjoy and have that be the focus of your session, that way I capture all the precious moments that happen organically! Maybe the plan will be to go on a nature hike, a treasure hunt, or play a game of spy!
Or, if we're doing a shoot in the woods or at a park, parents might want to let the kids help pack a snack for their adventure.In my case, I would tell my two year old daughter that we're going to see how many puppy dogs we can spot and she wouldn't be able to get to the car fast enough.
As a lifestyle photographer, I want to capture the natural family interactions and candid moments. Having fun activities planned with the child for that day, can help create much more relaxed and intimate photos. I also love it when the child participates in planning their own outfit. It can be fun (and shocking) to see what they pick out. Their choice outfit may only be used as backup or extra clothing, but it is great to let the child wear something that they feel like a rockstar in. Even if only for a few pictures. Imagine how much fun they will have reflecting on their choices 5-10 years down the road!
When you arrive at your session, first I'll spend time meeting your whole family, and let the kids ask me questions if they have any. I often like to hang back, and capture them exploring their new environment! Some of the best photos come from them being curious about their surroundings, as opposed to me encouraging them tp pose a certain way. It is also so beneficial for the to be familiar and comfortable with their surroundings, and with me of course.
I have also found it helpful many time to bring along the child's favorite toy, or I may bring a colorful noise maker to help catch their attention if needed during your session.
I enjoy bringing parent- approved treats or surprises to your session so that I have a little gift for your kids at the end of our time together. I'll discuss with you during your consultation whether or not that's okay with you.
*Note to parents:
It is ok to hang back while the photographer works with your child. In fact, sometimes your kiddos will feel a bit more comfortable without mommy & daddy telling them how to sit or how to smile. This can depend on the child's age, some little ones may not want to leave mommy's arms during the whole session, and that's ok too.
I hope you enjoyed this post. If you're an aspiring photographer in the San Antonio area & want more tips like this, you could join me on a shoot. Contact me for inquiries & details.
Beach or Bust
Ah, can you taste it? The warm salty wind in your face. The sun beaming down on your shoulders. All of nature is refreshing and soothing to me, but the beach is a special kind of therapy for the soul. I typically don't love the heat of the Summer, but I do look forward to the Summer time for the sake of a few days at the beach. This year was extra special, as it was my youngest first visit to the beach. Experiencing these happy first together are some of the best moments of parenthood, and there are a lot of good ones!
The first day we woke up at the beach, the kids couldn't wait to get down to the water. I intended on taking them for a quick stroll while we waited for breakfast, but when we were out in our pajamas at about 8:30, I noticed how few people were on the beach and how cloudy it was...which of course makes for a gorgeous dramatic sky in the photos! I also wanted to capture the FIRST moment Jaxon stuck his feet in the sand, and experienced the waves. So we rushed back to our room, they got dressed as quickly as I could motivate them too, and we ran back down to the beach with my camera. I'm glad I seized the moment even if it did hurt my legs a bit, haha I will treasure these photos for the rest of my life.
- These were shot with:
- Canon 5D Mark IV
- 35mm lens
- Edited in light room with a sprinkle of photoshop to remove people, buildings or umbrellas in the background.
I'm building a course for those of you who have asked about photography and editing. I'm wondering which part you are most curious about? Let me know in the comments what questions you have, and drop me your e-mail if you want to stay updated on when the course will be out!
You may even be selected to trial it for free.
San Antonio | TX | Portrait | Candid | Lifestyle | Family | Photographer | Photography | Beach Photos | Corpus Christi | Port Aransas
Birthday Photo Shoot | San Antonio TX Photography
Our neighbor Brookelyn, just had a birthday. I am not sure what the current belief on whether Summer birthdays are the BEST or the WORST is, but I definitely know it's not ideal to have a birthday during a socially distanced pandemic Summer!
She made the best of it, and I had a fun walking over to her house one morning to do a front yard birthday session.
I remember the ages 9-11 being my favorite childhood years. I'm sure what those ages mean now has changed, but for me at that time I was lucky to still be pretty carefree, but also feel grown up and responsible. It's a good balance. Those were simpler times, my ninth birthday was me and a handful of friend splaying tug-o-war and water balloons in my backyard, working up a sweat and getting injuries on the trampoline. My mom bakes a sheet cakes, slapped a tub of icing on it with some sprinkles and it was perfect-Pinterest guilt free! Ah, the glory days!
What was your favorite birthday party? I'd love to hear about it!
As always, if you're interested in a session like this or have an idea you would like to discuss with me, please send me a message here, e-mail me at: [email protected] or call me at 210-716-7763.
Have a good one, folks!
Headshots In San Antonio
You may have noticed you don't often see headshots on my website while I have done them for time to time in the past, it's not my bread and butter!
Mostly because, well, I thought they were boring.
Run of the mill, glorified mug shots (more or less). Yes, I'll still admit that the standard a headshots can be a smidgen dull, but lately I've surprised myself with how much I love doing headshots. Granted, headshots with spice, personality! Headshots that feel almost like a branding session. Headshots that make you look and feel like YOUR(best)SELF.
It's no secret that just about everyone feels uncomfortable in front of the camera. I love that I can coach my clients through their session, from how to prepare, what to wear, and finally, how to pose! I enjoy the challenge of helping you feel at ease in front of the lens, so you truly feel like yourself in your photos. This is also why it's so important for us to visit over the phone prior to your session, so we can make sure that we are the best fit for each other.
Most of all, I LOVE hearing your stores and being a small part of it. I have been so inspired by the personal growth, new challenges, and amazing achievements I have heard about through getting to know you during your headshots session. I am so honored that I can be a tiny part of helping you succeed.
If you have to know more about a headshots session with me, drop me a note here!
Back To School Mini - At Home!
Hello, all!
Times are crazy right now, really crazy.
We are each doing the best we can to try and plan for an unknown and seemingly impossible challenge of back to school.
I'd like to offer some normalcy, fun and cuteness, which is the back to school sessions we all know and love.
This year will be a little different though, like everything else in 2020. This year, I will come to you!
Although "distanced" sessions do have their challenges, especially with younger kids. I've figured out it is possible and even tested it out on my own kiddos for this example session.
Instead of arranging kiddos or details myself, I will ask you the parent to fix little things so that I can maintain my distance, coach, cheer, and snap photos from six feet away. I will be wearing a mask as well.
Now that we have those little details out of the way, I'd like to answer some FAQ:
What should my kids wear?
As you can see here, in the spirit of covid-19 and distance learning, my daughter wore a shower cap and robe as a joke. You can be silly and reflect what an unusual year this has been, or take this opportunity to wear the cute first day of school outfit or uniform you would typically wear!
What date and time?
I will be offering these come-to-you mini sessions from August-September. I have weekday and weekend times available currently. Please make a note of where you would like this session to take place, and what time of day there is some shade in that area. For younger children, it's important to note what time of day will work around their sleep or snack schedule. This will ensure the smoothest session possible.
What will be written on the chalkboard?
You can handwrite something on the board yourself, or have me edit up to two sayings into the photos.
How long will it take to receive my digital images?
You are guaranteed to receive a link to your digital images 7-10 days after your session.
How can I purchase any additional images?
This mini session comes with 3 digital images and a print release. I will edit any additional images that turn out great, and add them to our gallery to preview. If you would like to purchase any of the additional images in your gallery, they are $10 each. You can give me the image numbers, I will send you an invoice and then make those photos available to download and delete the rest.
How do I book my mini?
Send me a message here. Ask me any questions you have and send me your preferred date and time. Half of your session fee ($50) is required to reserve your date.
Contact me here to BOOK NOW.
San Antonio | TX | Photography | Back to school mini sessions
Anna Angenend: [email protected] | www.annaangenend.com | 210-716-7763