Why are Family Photos Important?

I know what you are thinking. “Why should I even consider hiring a photographer? I have this phone right here in my hand that does a pretty darn good job of documenting my family’s lives.” And you’d be kind of right! I love using my phone to capture all those little moments with my own family, it is just so darn convenient.  But you know what, my phone doesn’t take great pictures.  My phone doesn’t consider the rules of design or take into consideration skin tones and light.  My phone doesn’t include me in the pictures at all, unless I flip the camera and get that awkward selfie.  My phone doesn’t allow me to be fully present with my loved ones.  I am the one working and filming and trying to get my kid’s attention and focusing more on the light than on the time with others.  Hiring a photographer does put you at complete ease.  Finding a photographer you trust can help you to relax and enjoy the experience with your family and actually be included in the photos! Your children will want to remember you too.  Not just see themselves in pictures. 

Maybe you’re thinking “Uh, why are family photos even important?” Well, if you have children you know how quickly time goes by!  It’s like you blink and those babies who were just born are already smashing a cake for their first birthday.  Then they get into school and extra curricular activities and time speeds up even quicker!  Photography will help you to slow down and savor the moment. Photography also gives you something to look back on in later years so you can reflect on those precious moments with your family. Photography can also make you cringe later, so find a good photographer that will give you those timeless photos. And these are things worth investing in! Photography is art, but it is also personally special to each person and family member who love and adore those people in the images.

Maybe your thinking “I don’t have the time for family photos!”  Well, I know from experience that if you plan it, it will happen! Just commit! Think of all the things you make time for that you plan in your own life.  Doctor appointments, getting your hair and nails done, vacations, church meetings, meals, there are countless things you plan in your day to day life!  Photography is just another one of those.  Christmas comes every year, and you will know you need photos for those Christmas cards.  Big life events, like getting married or having a baby, all require documentation! Make it easy by booking a photographer ahead of time.     

In summary, the photos and videos and memories that you want to hand down aren’t going to be the blurry crazy millions of digital and phone photos.  They are going to be the ones you value enough to print.  The ones that capture your family in an artful and beautiful way.  They are the ones that you will want to look back on and remember and show your children.   

Thanks for reading!

A Sister Shoot in Faust Park, Chesterfield, Missouri

I have absolutely hit the jackpot here! These two girls are not only the sweetest, but they are so beautiful too! A photographers dream! We were visiting St. Louis, and they had scoped out this location for me. It is a hot spot for photographers, as they were everywhere. With good reason! It is a very lovely place. I bet though, if you looked at everyone’s photos, they would be completely different. That’s what’s so great about photography. You can use the same location, but all photographers have a completely different style. Without further delay, here are the pictures from this session.

5 Must Have Photos for Summertime!

1.       Icecream!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICECREAM! This is one that just screams childhood. Homemade popsicles work great as well. Keep in mind what your child’s favorite icecream is, and then try to dress them in a color that would complement it! For instance, if you know your kid loves mint chocolate chip, dress her in pink and go with pastels! Or Red for a complimentary color.   Does your child love rainbow sprinkles? Dress him or her in bright colors to make them pop! Then hand them that cone and make sure to capture all that sticky goodness as it melts down their arms!

2.     Kite Flying!

As the winds change and the weather gets hotter, it’s a perfect time to capture Kite flying! Use the kites in creative ways to frame your subject. You can get a low perspective to show just how high that kite is flying.  Use a quick shutter speed and make sure not to blow any highlights if you shoot in midday. Keep the storytelling in mind as well as composition.

3.       Strawberries, and other summer fruit!

Watermelon, strawberries, oranges, cherries, blueberries, and peaches! Go to your local u-pick farmers market and make sure to capture the fun!  This is the perfect time of year to think about seasonal food. If you garden- even better!! Capture all the details involved with picking, washing, eating, and drooling! Yum!

4.       Parks!

Whether it’s national parks or just your local playground, summer is a perfect time to freeze all those moments.  Get brave and take your camera out in public!  (I’m encouraging that as much for you as I am for myself!) Slides and swings provide a nostalgic scene or childhood you will not want to forget.  Consider thoughtfully how high those monkey bars are, or how fast they jump out of the swing. There are so many great story telling opportunities.

5.     Flowers!

This one is so simple, but there are flowers everywhere in the summer! My favorite are phlox and cosmos for photos. But you can use any you see fit! Put your subject against a beautiful backdrop of flowers or get a photo of your child picking those weeds.  Set up those flowers for your own still life or try your hand at some macro photography.  Whether it’s your child making a wish on a dandelion or picking a handful of those beautiful flowers you just planted this spring, you will want to remember it! Don’t let life just slip by, slow it down with photography!

Thanks for reading!