A lot of families that call me inquiring about a session are nervous about the actual session itself, it’s rare to find people who are completely comfortable in front of the camera and who know exactly what to do.
Let me tell you a secret.
It’s the photographer’s job to make you and your family look amazing, not yours. It’s the photographer’s job to make you photogenic ie. looking comfortable, relaxed and happy. It’s the photographer’s job to facilitate moments that bring out the love and connection that will naturally occur.
My philosophy when it comes to photographing is very simple, sessions need to be fun and relaxed. Because these family photographs I take for you are memories, and it’s important that you remember a fun, relaxing time with your children. This is why I take a play based, child-led approach.
When was the last time you truly played? When was the last time you slowed down, forgot about work, forgot about the housework or the twenty emails you need to reply to… Forgot about everything that bogs you down and just played?
WHAT DOES A PLAY BASED, CHILD LED FAMILY SESSION LOOK LIKE?
When you arrive for your family session, I will spend a bit of time connecting with your kids and allow them to warm up. I’ll quickly evaluate their temperaments and what is going to work best for this session. Some kids are ready and rockin’. They will grab my hand pull me along to wherever we’re going, spouting off all their grand ideas for photos they’d like me to take. Others need a bit of time to warm up. They would prefer to stay closer to their parents. Here, I will pull out a long lens and we get some great, connected candid’s until they’re feeling more comfortable. Otherwise, we will play some fun games and get them happy and laughing and excited about the idea of getting some family photos of them just playing and having fun.
You will be interacting with each other a lot. Don’t worry, I know you don’t know what to do, so that is why I will give you fun, interactive prompts to guide you and keep the kids engaged. Some of them might be very silly. Some will make you connect with your partner on a deeper level. And some of them will have you laughing in stitches. But overall, you will have fun.
Your family session will be an hour of back to back games, running around, and being silly. But don’t worry, in the midst of it all, I will get some happy, smiling at the camera shots too.
WHEN THE KIDS NEED A BREAK, WE TAKE A BREAK.
I don’t like to force anything that kids aren’t 100% behind, because we lose their attention, and it can sometimes be difficult to get them to re-engage. So I pay close attention to their temperaments. This is why child led is the best way to go.
I’m very good at reading people, especially kids. And if I sense any discomfit, I identify what it is that is making them uncomfortable and try to resolve it quickly before it becomes a bigger problem. This might be over-stimulation, the need for their own space, or even just a case of the hangry’s.
This style of photography is definitely not for everyone. If you are after someone who will meticulously pose and situate you, watching for the smallest of details, then I’m not the right photographer for you. However, if everything above sounded like your cup of tea then get in touch now! I’d love to sit down with you for a consult and hear about your ideas for a family session.
THIS MIGHT NOT BE FOR EVERYONE
about helena goessens photography
Helena Goessens is a maternity, newborn and family photographer based in Dedham, MA. She loves to work with families and little ones in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. She lives for creativity and she loves to captures genuine connection between family members and for her kid friendly photogrpahy style. Helena Goessens offers sessions in the comfort of clients homes, outdoors and on location for those special occasions. If you are looking for a family portrait photographer for your next family session, be sure to browse through her family portfolio and inquire for availability. Contact her at info@helenagoessens.com or call her at 617-584-9891. For more of her work, visit her website at helenagoessens.com.
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