Inspiration for a summer day is also a great idea for a photo shoot!

Well, I've been a little busy since my last post. I feel like I'm always saying that. But with the three boys home from school, it's a whole new world. Summer has never been super busy with shooting for me, with people vacationing, it's never been the busiest time of year. I've tried to embrace the change in pace for my business. I'm having fun with the boys and taking in summer for all it's worth because I know when it's the fall it's going to be back behind the camera just about every day. 

So to the point of my post today: summer fun. We are in Maine for the week and I had found on Pinterest ideas for the kids for summer fun. I'm definitely doing some of these ideas this week. Scavenger hunt, put on a play, paint rocks, star gaze, make a nature rubbing, learn about a famous artist and recreate their style. I'm planning this week and I'm thinking this is inspiration for a shoot too!

Lots of times, for a lifestyle shoot, it's important for the children to be "doing" something so they're distracted from the camera. Once a family has an objective/ something to do, their dynamic unfolds, the beauty of their story reveals itself, and bam- I'm there with my camera. For example, this spring, a family of five including three teenagers hired me. I have worked with them for years and they are a lovely family. The mother, Ashley, called and said, "Whitney, you've got to come shoot our family. We just got a puppy and the kids are all over her. Perfect time for a photo shoot." I went and she was right! The puppy was the perfect prop to make for a natural lifestyle shoot. I had never seen the kids so relaxed and full of natural smiles!

So, what will you plan for your next shoot. Whether you hire a professional or set up something yourself, make it tell the story. Two little girls having a tea party with their favorite dolls and animals? Two little boys on the porch setting up little plastic animals in a zoo? Bath time in the middle of the day (think sunlight!) with bubbles!, or just capture a date with Dad getting ice cream. Have a theme, a storyline and stick to it. Too many times, we pull out the camera and say "look here!". But for the story of your family, some of the best images come when nobody is looking. Let the story speak for itself instead of directing it.