The Nitty Gritty:

Camera: Nikon D700
Lens: 50mm f/1.8
Aperture: f/3.5
Exposure time: 1/500 second
ISO:200

People & Places:

I really wanted to capture Mackay in a very professional way at a random time in our lives.  It’s easy to take the kids out on their birthdays for a photoshoot–but only once a year?!  I wanted to change that with this shoot.  And the great American Flag wall in Deep Ellum was our location.

The Problem:

I was trying to photograph MY OWN CHILD!  I know so many other photographers run into the same problem trying to photograph their own kiddos.  Okay, so every other photographer runs into this problem.  It is close to impossible.  Second problem?  The 100 plus degree weather outside.

The Solution:

The first struggle was to get the child there HAPPY.  Which meant I had to stay happy.  Which also meant her face was going to have an ice cream cone painted on it, and her feet were going to be covered in old shoes.  WHATEVER!  I had to let go of complete control, and looking back now–I’m glad I could capture those little details that make Mackay–Mackay!

Mixing it up was a must for us.  I couldn’t bring her own toys to catch her attention, or make the same high pitched voices.  I had to do something DIFFERENT.  Comments I get from other parents after our photoshoots is that the kids don’t even know they are being photographed–they are too busy having fun.  Isn’t it weird that as the mother of my own child, I was completely stumped with how to help her have fun?  So I brought food–themed to the shoot, so they could be in the pictures.  The snacks were fun and new, and helped combat the heat.  And that messy face?  Priceless.

The Nitty Gritty:

• Camera: Nikon D700
• Lens: Nikkor 50mm f/1.8
• Aperture: f/2.8
• Exposure time: 1/640 sec.
• ISO: 200

People and Places:

This photoshoot took place around an office park.  (So just right across the street is a sea of parking lots.)  The location idea came from my good friend, Elise.  A great place for bluebonnets.  I saw it once and knew I was in love!  These images were taken when the bluebonnets were still out–remember Spring in Texas?

The subjects were two adorable little sisters, aged 4 and under 1.  The 4 year old has quite the personality.  I think it would be fair to say she is extreme in any direction.  When she is happy her smile is truly radiant.  But when she’s not–you know it.  She is an amazing gymnast at this young age and has a very driven personality.  There is no fooling this girl.

The problem:

We scheduled the photoshoot a few weeks out for a morning session.  But since it was still Spring, the morning of ended up being only about 50 degrees outside.  My day was booked, as was this family’s, so we decided to continue with the shoot.  Since I knew the little girls were going to be dressed in “spring” outfits, I knew I had to dress “spring-y”, too.  I would have felt too bad showing up in a sweater and gloves, with these little models freezing.  So we froze together.

The solution:

We dealt with the cold by Mom and Dad holding the girls in the sun (in the middle of the street) wrapped up in blankets while I set up the shot with lighting, angles, props, etc.  I photographed the little one first since she didn’t quite know what was going compared to her older sister.  But when it was big sisters turn she was NOT having it.  With children, smiles cannot be forced, and I had NO idea how I was going to resurrect the situation.  Before every session I say a little prayer, and this day I knew that my prayer was answered.

I got out some fruit snacks, (a must have), and tried to give her one.  She refused.  So then I asked her if she could HIDE it from me so the camera couldn’t see it.  And instantly her tears turned into the sweetest, most mischievous smile.  I gave her a few more to hide and she was SO good at it.  I have used this technique so many times since I can’t even tell you and every time I have had amazing success. A great little tip to avoid all the pictures of kids chewing–or begging for another.