To follow up on yesterday’s post about my initial impressions of the Nikon Z7 and 24-70mm lens, I’m including a number of additional sample photos and image quality crops in this article to answer some reader questions about how well the 24-70mm performs with the Z7. This includes vignetting comparisons versus the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 for the F mount, as well as 100% crops to test sharpness for daytime and Milky Way photography.
The scene is set. The light is ideal. The scene is beautiful. Your camera settings are perfectly dialed-in. There couldn’t be a better scenario for grabbing the image of your dreams.
You are confident.
You are excited.
YOU are about to create art.
However, that vision of photographic perfection quickly fades as reality sets in. The four-year-old decides she’s hungry, and Dad starts to get flustered about the props. And once you’ve got those two under control? You realize the adorable two year old has discovered dirt and has decided it would be the perfect accessory for the shoot. Poor mom gets upset because that outfit is ruined and she’s already done laundry today. That’s when you all watch pitifully as the balloons you purchased for the session float off into the abyss.
That perfect shot you had envisioned? It has sailed away with those balloons.
You’ve been there, right? (I mean, please don’t say I am the only one who has been here!)
Working with families and small children can present all kinds of challenges. There are way more unexpected variables than your typical on location challenges. You have wayward kids, unenthusiastic adults, and there can be a meltdown from either one at any given time.
My style of photography is based on capturing authentic moments as they unfold. I believe you get those real smiles when the session is fun, light, and upbeat. The relationship between a parent and their young child is forever changing, and providing them with an artfully executed memory instead of a mere image is the goal of every single session. I’ve discovered that creating a fun, productive experience for everyone starts with your very first interaction.
These five tips can help your sessions go from this…to this.
The parent must know that you are as excited about their photos as they are! By asking about what they’re celebrating, giving praise for their decision to get family photos, and asking key questions about their family dynamic, you are showing a genuine interest in their family and their specific session.
These simple interactions allow our dynamic to be more than a photographer and client. We are now friends with a shared goal of creating beautiful pictures. Having this firm foundation from the outset allows the entire session to be built from there.
In my post-booking communication, I encourage parents to bring supplies. Non-staining snacks, water, and a couple of favorite small toys can make all the difference in a child’s demeanor on picture day.
I also encourage my point of contact to start prepping the entire family two days before the session. A sample gallery allows both parents to see what I do and to have realistic expectations of what to expect from their own gallery. I also send a style guide that offers ideas on how to coordinate looks without mandating a “uniform.” Simple suggestions go a long way.
To establish familiarity, I encourage the family to start referring to me by name the day of the session. “We are going to meet my friend Amie today. She’s going to take some pictures of us so we can hang them on our walls!” I also remind parents that their kids will respond to their vibe. The key to a happy photo shoot is allowing plenty of time (more than they think they will need!), bringing all the essentials (and some extras), and being mentally prepared for smiles and fun!
The minute you see the family, say a friendly hello to mom and dad first. Then, go down to the child’s level (yes, literally bend down to your knees) and formally introduce yourself to them. “Hi Jack, I’m Amie – it’s so nice to meet you today!”
This makes such a big difference! The child will understand that they are important to you. You have established yourself as someone familiar by addressing the parents first and as a friend by getting on their level. And everyone now knows that you are willing to do what it takes to make this fun.
If they ignore you or get shy, don’t be discouraged. It can take children some time to warm up and patience is key. If you stay friendly and upbeat, eventually the kids will come around.
EXTRA TIP: Don’t have your camera in your hand. That first introduction is all about showing them you are interested in them.
Typically this is going to be the shot of everyone together. In my experience, including mom and dad with the kids in those first shots helps to ease the children into the shoot.
Grabbing that classic photo right away also takes some of the pressure off mom and dad. Be vocal about how great everyone looks and tell them how much you are loving their pictures already. It will be such a relief to them to know that they have that key shot straight away.
Of course, if one of the kids is too shy at first and is visibly upset at having to be in the picture right off the bat, you will have to be flexible. Read your audience and do what it takes to keep everyone happy.
I usually take three major breaks in a one hour session with small breaks peppered in as needed. As soon as I have the more formal shots done, I let the kids explore the immediate area, grab a drink of water, or grab a parent hug. These intermissions offer great opportunities to grab some super cute candid shots.
It’s important to set an expectation and then follow through. For example, if you say three more photos and then we will break, you have to stick to it. It’s critical to build trust as quickly as possible. The kids will start forgetting about being nervous and will know that you are an adult who will be honest with them.
Fun is the KEY to getting the magic moments you want to see in your photos. This means that sometimes you will have to create the moment if it doesn’t happen on it’s own. It doesn’t mean that you have to be fake. Rather, it simply means that you have to create opportunities for real moments to unfold.
For example, I encourage silliness and giggles by telling mom to tickle her kids. I set the scene with specific instructions, telling mom to kneel while her daughter stands so that the pose is pleasing while the laughter happens naturally.
Related: 5 ways to get genuine reactions from kids in photos
For a softer photo I might say: “Justin go in and give mom a nice big hug. Oh that’s perfect! Ok, mom just touch your nose to Justin’s temple, cuddling in nice and close.”
These very direct instructions allow the parent’s to lose their stiffness and have fun with it. Since you’ve been earning their trust since the first interaction, they can allow themselves to become a little vulnerable and trust you to capture that emotion.
Remember, unlike professional models and celebrities, families don’t do this every day. Having a little grace can go a long way in keeping everyone happy. Let them stop shooting and enjoy the beautiful scenery. It’s your job to create a no stress environment by continuing to show them you are part of their team.
With these tips, I know that your family lifestyle session is going to be a huge success. If you build trust, come prepared, and set realistic expectations, everyone is sure to have fun. You will be all set to create a beautiful experience with treasured photographs for clients who will want to come back to you again and again.
The post 5 Tips for a successful lifestyle family photo session appeared first on Clickin Moms blog: Helping you take better pictures one day at a time.
Clickin Moms blog: Helping you take better pictures one day at a time
I’m sure you already know that we’re going to test the Nikon Z7 camera to its limits here at Photography Life. We have six orders coming our way in total, and we plan to put each copy through its paces while we travel to Jordan and Turkey throughout October. So far, one copy has arrived, and I’ve shot with it in Colorado for the past couple days. Here, I wanted to share my first impressions and sample images.
My real journey, photographically speaking, began December 25, 2013. I received the amazing gift of a DSLR from my husband. I had always had a camera in my hands and had taken literally thousands of photos with my little point and shoots. Those cameras documented my college experience, my early days as a parent, and everything in between. But this? This DSLR was a real camera.
To be honest, I was equal parts fearful and fascinated. I remember being a little afraid to touch my own camera for fear of breaking something or messing it up somehow. All of those fancy buttons and menus were seriously intimidating (please tell me some of you can relate!).
I am a little embarrassed to say that it took me almost an entire year to stop being afraid to really learn my camera. I was fed-up with not being able to produce the images that I wanted to produce while being stuck in auto mode.
My first introduction to Clickin Moms was in the summer of 2014 while enjoying time with friends at the lake. One of my friends mentioned the forum and urged me to look into it. “There are classes and workshops that are all online and super convenient,” she said. “It’s a really great community.” (Side note: that friend is Kate Parker. Yes, THE Kate T. Parker of #strongisthenewpretty, before she became an international advocate for young people to be their authentic, real selves.)
I proceeded to visit the Clickin Moms site frequently for several months, hesitant to jump in and share with the talent I saw there. However, knowing that THIS was the place to learn and grow in my photography. I joined as a lifetime member in November of 2014 and I haven’t looked back.
I next signed-up for my first workshop through Click Photo School (Click Photo School is a sister brand of Clickin Moms that offers online workshops and breakout sessions) and began to absorb as much information as I possibly could. The guidance of these workshops and the Clickin Moms‘ forum tutorials and community allowed me to learn while shooting. I was creating pictures I loved! Admittedly, my family quickly tired of being my subjects. They pretty much started to run and hide anytime I came around with my camera in my hand! I know many of you have been there!
I have always been a creative person. Whether it be my brief stint in studying interior design or simply doing crafts on my own, I love art and the process of making things. But like so many mothers, my creative side took a back seat as I took on the role and responsibilities of parenting and work. I loved my life as a mom and wife, but I missed the creative me.
It wasn’t until after thousands of “auto mode” shots of my boys, several moves and job changes, and two kids who were suddenly high school-aged and relatively self sufficient that I found myself desperate for that creative outlet. I am so grateful for that special Christmas gift of a camera and for the advice of my dear friend Kate because together, they filled the creative void.
It sounds a bit melodramatic, but it couldn’t be more true: that camera and Clickin Moms changed my life. Finding and joining Clickin Moms allowed me to use my camera confidently and creatively. It allowed me to enter a new chapter of my life with a smile on my face. Photography and everything that has come with it has allowed me to be a new and better version of myself.
But this isn’t just about me. It’s every woman.
It’s a new mom with babies and toddlers running around at her feet.
It’s a mom juggling the schedules and activities of elementary school-aged kids.
It’s the mom grappling with the emotions of tweens and teenagers getting ready to head off to college.
It’s the woman who isn’t a mom seeking a creative outlet and a place to share her point of view.
We all find ourselves at these life transitions. Inevitably, you will find yourself reflecting and trying to figure out who you’ve been, who you are and who you are going to be. Roles change, interests evolve, and goals shift. It’s part of life and the changes are almost always good!
While there are countless ways I have grown in the last several years, my growth as a photographer has been the key. It has allowed me to learn and challenge myself after so many years of “just being Mom.” (I say “just being Mom” with the utmost pride and feeling of accomplishment! It’s the best and most important thing I have ever done.)
With Clickin Moms, I have learned how the exposure triangle works and studied composition. I have learned how to see natural light and how to use artificial light for a natural look. I have become confident in editing my photographs and have established a style as an artist.
Related: The exposure triangle explained
I have set and met many photographic goals, the biggest personal accomplishment being earning Click Pro status in the spring of 2017. Even better, I know I have only scratched the surface! There is always so much to learn and I am so grateful to have the Clickin Moms community to guide me and to learn alongside me.
The best take-away and perhaps the biggest surprise to me throughout this journey is that I have made so many incredible friendships over the years. From my fellow students in various workshops to the women I sit next to at Click Away to the artist who left a kind comment on my forum picture share, I have had the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing human beings.
With Clickin Moms, we have the unique opportunity to be a part of one another’s lives on pretty much a daily basis. Sharing our milestones, destinations, and dreams through pictures solidifies friendships in a special way. Our bond of a common passion transcends distance and time. Clickin Moms offers an opportunity for those relationships happen and a space for them to grow and flourish. That is what it’s really all about: the journey and those who are on it with you.
The ONLY regret I have on this journey is that I didn’t start a long, long time ago.
It is a lot to juggle a family and a profession!
It is a lot to juggle the emotions of being an empty nester!
It is a lot to ask for the space to pursue your own interests in the midst of life’s demands!
You are not alone. I am here to tell you that it is important to create the space to grow yourself. It is an important endeavor and I know you won’t regret it.
Having a community that knows what you are going through is essential and Clickin Moms is that for me. The combination of friendship, talent, and inspiration has been a huge part of my growth as a photographer and as a person as I navigate the changes in all areas of my life.
On August 17, 2018, I moved my boys in at the University of Alabama and traveled back home 3,000+ miles away from them. There were tears as I watched them embark on the journey of their lives for sure. However, now the dust has settled and I can approach this new adventure with confidence…and with my camera in hand.
The post The making of a photographer: a Clickin Moms journey appeared first on Clickin Moms blog: Helping you take better pictures one day at a time.
Clickin Moms blog: Helping you take better pictures one day at a time
As part of a slew of Photokina-related announcements yesterday, Sigma has announced five new lenses. Four are for full-frame cameras, and one is compatible with Micro 4/3 and Sony E mount crop sensor cameras. The 28mm f/1.4 Art, 40mm f/1.4 Art, 70-200mm f/2.8 Sport, 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3, and 56mm f/1.4 (for crop sensor only) join Sigma’s growing lineup of “Global Vision” lenses. Pricing and shipping dates of most of the lenses have not yet been announced.
