Miss Piper turns 2

Photography is a continous learning experience. Even after you master the settings on your camera, and know how to use all your lighting equipment, and have memorized all the best poses to use in every situation, you WILL come across something that challenges you and causes you to think outside of your comfort zone. 

When I decided that children and babies were going to be my main type of client, I knew that it was going to come with interesting days. I have my own kids and know that they have minds of their own that cannot be changed, even with the best bribes you can conjure. But, bad moods don't mean that you have to scrap an entire session, or even part of one. Kids are kids, they get loud, they get crazy, and they even get cranky. 

Piper did not want to have her picture taken, plain and simple. As much as I wanted to let it stop me, I pushed on, and ended up getting some shots that I really love, even though they aren't typical child pictures. 

She is an adorable little girl, and even when she isn't smiling and bubbly, you can see her personality shining through. 

After a few cookies and a cupcake, she started to come out of her shell... 

It was a little hit or miss for the rest of my time with her, but I came away with some more shots that I love. 

Lunch on the Boardwalk

I had the chance this afternoon to get together with a friend from college that I hadn't seen in 16 years. Between the two of us, we have 6 children now. His two daughters are just beyond adorable, and I was really glad I had thought to bring my camera with me (I don't always remember when I am trying to get 4 kids out of the house without another adult). 

Those eyes and those lips! How I could I resist?

Her little sister is no slouch either! 

I may have to point my lens at these girls again, in a more controlled environment! 

My kids got in on the action a little, but are pretty done being my subjects most of the time:

Catching up with old friends is great, I really have to remember to do it more often. 

Baby Strouse

Every kind of photography has its own challenges, which is why I am trying to experience them all. One area I had yet to try was a newborn session. Thankfully, I have friends and family that like to reproduce and my subject was born, literally! 

Newborns carry their own set of "rules" when taking their picture, you want them comfortable, happy and asleep for most of it. Naked poses are adorable, but then you have to worry about your props and parents getting annointed. 

Sometimes, even when the fates aren't smiling on you, you can walk away with some nice shots. 

My first session with the Strouse family was timed all wrong, I didn't have the right lights with me and I didn't have anyone to assist me with my gear. The end results needed a bit more love in Lightroom, a touch of SilverEX here and there, and maybe a visit or two into Photoshop, but they were still good. 

I could have stopped there, but I didn't feel like I had gotten a true newborn experience. So, I went back a few days later, armed with everything I didn't have the first time, most importantly another photographer and proper lighting. It also helped that my subject was feeling much more like modeling. 

We were able to get a few adorable naked shots:

Some great wide awake shots that are just too adorable:

and, because it was a warm, beautiful day, we were even able to go outside for some nature shots:

It was an amazing experience, one that I learned so much from and am grateful to have had. Everyone ended the day smiling... even the baby.