VINNY’S TAKE
I loved working with Ulysses and his beautiful little family at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. It was the first warm day of spring and at the peak of cherry blossom season. Being a parent myself makes me appreciate the efforts of other parents to have their kiddos photographed, especially in a hectic environment like this.
In these situations it’s important to get to the location early and do a little scouting and test shooting. That way you’re ready to jump right in when the party arrives. Kids don’t give you all day to get the shot; the more you expect them to behave like angels, the quicker things may devolve into the opposite.
Manage expectations and don’t expect to get super posed shots. They’re not realistic and more often than not, families enjoy candids anyway. Our style tends to be documentary and we love bringing that to our family sessions as well.
I loved the challenges of moving quickly, adapting to different light, keeping crowds out of the background, and avoiding the grouchy groundskeepers.
We walked away with beautiful photos and new and renewed friendships. Thank you, Ulysses, Aleksandra, Cataleya, & Alexander for sharing your beautiful family and part of your weekend with us!
JENSEN’S TAKE
Ulysses and I met at Full Sail, so to say we go back is a massive understatement. I have fond memories of experimenting with modeling and photography in his dimly lit apartment near campus. It was a tad mind-blowing to see him again all these years later, awesome wife and kiddos in tow. It was just what I needed to fill my heart and approach this family session excited and inspired.
With that said, when it comes to photographing families, bring a positive attitude. Children are ticking time bombs and tend to have a sixth sense. They can easily pick up on how you’re feeling. Offering a relaxed, curious, and kind demeanor will give them the chance to open up to you. They may even cooperate with your requests- no promises, though. ;)
Now that I’m the mother of a small child, I recall days in fragments. Life moves quickly and it’s easy to lose sight of the brief and magical moments. That’s why I love documenting them. Shooting families abstractly also gives them the freedom to interact without prodding and direction. I love shooting hands, shoes, toothy grins, the environment… all of these aspects are fleeting and wonderful to look back on. It doesn’t hurt that they look pretty cool hung in a family room, either.
I don’t brag about it often, but long ago I was a photographer at Sears Portrait Studio. As silly as that job was and as bad as I looked in a polo shirt, I still apply some of the teachings, mainly the importance of breaking your families into groups. Everyone has a unique relationship so it’s always a good idea to photograph children with each parent, each other, individually, etc. You never know what kind of moment you can capture unless you set it up.
Above all, embrace the chaos. Families are sweet, thrilling, beautiful messes. They’re probably going to overwhelm you and stretch your abilities. This is what makes us better artists and better people. Let children teach you more about yourself and your passions. Roll with the punches and remember that what you’re documenting means more to their parents than anything else in the world. It’s a tough gig but someone’s gotta do it- I hope it’s you!