My kids know they can make a pretty big mess if there’s picture taking involved. They’re also extra eager if they themselves are the canvas.
So if your kids are like mine, and you’ve booked a Family Photo Session at your house – let me know if you’d like to add on any of these creative extras. As long as you have a change of clothes nearby and a place to make a mess (preferably outside) – we can get extra artistic.
Options include:
Chalk (year-round)
Bubbles (year-round)
Silly String (year-round)
Smoke bombs (year-round – though we’ve only done them at Halloween ourselves)
Cascarones (Spring)
Shaving cream (Summer)
String lights (Winter)
Fake snow (Winter)
Multi-light projector (Winter)
Glitter (Nope) – What am I? A monster. I’d never bring glitter in someone’s house (especially if I wanted to be invited back).
Colored powder – (year-round)
If this type of session add-on appeals to you, let me know when you book.
Working at newspapers (The Daily Texan, The Palladium-Item, and The Newport Daily News) while majoring in photojournalism in college (University of Texas at Austin, 1994-1998) satisfied three things for me:
I got to create on a daily basis.
Every day was different – and I loved the variety.
Having a camera got me access to lots of events and satisfied my curiosity about what was going on around me.
I only went to UT Football games when I got to photograph them.
I’d never been to a Monster Truck rally until I got to photograph this one in Indiana.
So taking what I loved back then and applying it now with family photography…
Creativity = with family photography, I still get to take pictures often (usually weekly)
Variety = Every family is different. I like to explore different locations in and out of town as well.
Curiosity = I get to know people better when they’re in front of my camera.
I also want to take the skills I learned back in college and apply them to how I approach a session right now. A portrait session can tell a family’s story. So what are the five elements to build a good photo story?
ESTABLISHING SHOT: This is where the photo story begins. I like to show the environment the family is in (their home, out in nature or in an urban setting). I imagine this type of image as being the first page spread of a photo book.
I usually shoot these images with a wide angle lens. The establishing shot tells the audience what the setting of the photos will be.
PORTRAITS: These images tells the audience who the cast of characters are. I make sure to get multiple close-ups of each family member by themselves. These can be silly or serious – but meant to capture the personality of each individual.
DETAILS: Supporting images that help tell the story. They might be close-ups on hands or features as well as details on outfits or any props.
INTERACTIONS – Hand’s down – these are my MOST favorite type of image to shoot. Action, reaction and interaction – all to show the relationships between family members. Here’s the heart of the story.
CLOSING SHOT – The image that wraps it all up. It can also be used at the end of the photo album. I prefer something silly or an image that clearly shows the end (ex. people walking away). For the silly ones, 90% of the time, these seem to involve Dads.
Going forward, two of my three packages will include photo book options, and using these five elements will make those story easier to show. It’s all about the characters and their connections in all their combinations.
Do you (or your clients) feel awkward when in front of a camera? You’re not alone. Maybe 20% of the families I photograph are completely comfortable (and will love and snuggle with little prompting at their photo session). But if you find yourself standing there, “What do I DO with my hands?!?” or “What direction should my legs go when I sit down?!?” I’m here to help.
The posing directions I give the most are: “Lean in!” and “Snuggle!” and “Make angles!”
If those posing instructions aren’t enough, I’ll also give playful prompts at family portrait sessions (that you can also use when taking photos of your own kids). My goal is images that show a natural connection.
I’ve split suggestions out by age ranges below:
Age 1-3
Peek-a-boo
Tickle Monster
Make animal noises
Hold kids upside down
Swing kids as you walk
Hold kids up in the air
Play “hug attack” game
Play chase
Play freeze dance
Give Eskimo kisses (nose to nose)
Kids up on Parent’s shoulder
Age 4-9
Make fart noises
Have the parents dance behind me
Joke contest
Reverse Psychology – “Don’t Smile!” “Don’t Laugh” “Oh, no, you’re starting to smile, stop it, stop it, I’ll get in trouble!!”
Have kids race towards me while the parents walk behind
Have a staring contest
Spin around as fast as you can until I say stop
Do silly dance moves
Ask them, “What ideas do you have for a photo?”
Play “two truths and a lie” game
Give me your best fake laugh
Pile all together in one big hug cuddle
Match your breathing with your parents
Play the telephone game or just have them whisper secrets to each other
Age 10-18
I find this age to be the most cooperative – in which case I just talk to them as we photograph and also ask them, “What ideas do you have for a photo?”
I’ll ask about their favorite movie, book or class – what their hobbies are. What’s their dream vacation? What would their ideal day be like? What are they up to that weekend?
I’ll also ask them to imitate the sound of their dad snoring or their mom dancing. Or if that doesn’t get a natural smile, also ask them to give me their best fake laugh.
Couples/Adults
Walk like your hips are drunk but your face is not
Walk like your hips are glued together
Walk like this is the most fun walk you’ve ever been on
Whisper something silly in a sexy voice in your partner’s ear
Don’t break eye contact with each other
I’ll ask them lots of questions as well – “Which one of you would be the first to go sky diving? Who is the better cook? What’s the other person’s favorite food? If you planned a perfect day for them, what would it be like?” etc.
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I hope these ideas help you the next time you’re in front of or behind a camera.
One of my favorite spots on the internet is the Humans of New York Instagramfeed. And while I like his photography, it’s his interviewing skills that bring out moving stories of honesty and vulnerability that I love the most.
When he was asked how he does it, “To get good answers, you have to ask good questions.” To which I’d modify to say, to get good pictures, you have to ask good questions. If his questions can elicit emotion, one of my goals as a photographer is to have photos that elicit strong emotions.
I think the way to start is to ask better questions. Before I lift up my camera with a client, I’ll want to know what is most important to them at this very moment? What do they want to remember about right now?
So here are some things I plan to ask new clients during the booking process (through my client questionnaire) and why I will ask them.
Question: Have you had a chance to look at my website?
Why do I ask? To make sure we’re a good fit before we even start. My ideal client is one who falls in love with my style and wants that type of imagery for themselves. If they’ve seen my blog and galleries and then contacted me, I know we’re off to the right start.
Question: What type of session are you interested in?
Why do I ask? I offer on-location (or in-home) lifestyle portrait sessions for couples and families. If the client is interested in something else (weddings, highly posed newborn shots, etc.) – then I want to direct them to a different photographer that would better suit their needs.
Question: Tell me why you’re getting your portraits taken now?
Why do I ask? If it’s for holiday cards, that lets me know their end goal. If it’s to celebrate a milestone (1st birthday, 10th birthday, etc.), I like to have that background context. Is it a family reunion? I’ll need to plan for plenty of family combinations. Will they be interested in a photo album? If so, I’ll want to make sure to capture extra details and establishing shots to tell the full story.
Question: What most do you want to remember about this time?
Why do I ask? This question gets to the heart of it. To find out what’s most important to them. To capture that feeling.
Question: Is there anything your family/you as a couple especially enjoy doing together?
Why do I ask? So we can incorporate it into the pictures. Either the activity or some object that’s meaningful to that couple or family.
Question: Do I have your permission to post to social media?
Why? Because a Person’s or a Parent’s privacy preference is always paramount.
Question: What makes your kid laugh / What is your kid interested in these days?
Why? I like to ask kids lots of questions when I’m photographing them – so it’s great to have a jumping off point for our topics of conversations.
Last Question: Anything else you want me to know before our shoot?
Why? This is when I might find out their kid hates getting their picture taken or that Grandmas is also coming to the shoot to help (and to add her in to some pictures), etc. The more info, the better I know their story to tell.
The rest of my questions tend to center around logistics (What part of town do you live in? Do you prefer a natural or urban setting? Do you need suggestions on What to Wear? etc.) And if we don’t get to all of these questions before your session, I’ll ask as we go along during your shoot.
Every year I choose a different photographer to take our family photos (I like variety) – and it’s a great experience to be in front of the camera (rather than safely behind it). With each session, I narrow down what’s most important to me as a client. I appreciate photographic talent, clear communication and how comfortable you make my kids feel.
That’s what I look for. Now, you might have different criteria. To help you decide if we’d be a good match for each other as photographer/client, here are more details on what a photo session with me is like.
Why choose me?
Pre-session value
Do you like my work? If you haven’t already, take a look at my blog and galleries. Is my style something you want for yourself? If yes, keep reading. If not, and you’d like recommendations for other local photographers with different styles, price ranges, etc. – I’d be more than happy to share.
We’ll start with the end in mind – I’ll ask at the beginning – “What do you want to do with your photos?” Are these for a holiday card, to document a family reunion, for a birth announcement? Will you plan on ordering wall art or an album? That helps me tailor your session.
If you need help deciding what to wear, I have several Pinterestboards of outfits.
If you’d like a recommendation to a local Hair and Makeup Artist, I can provide that.
If you need help choosing a location, I have lists sorted by nature vs. urban and parts of town (North, Central and South) and spots outside of town.
I’ll also send a short checklist of reminders before your shoot so you feel ready. In fact, you’ll get several check-ins from me by email and/or text
Booking FAQ
How to Prepare for your Session
Text reminder/weather check the day before
What happens next after your shoot
Your photos are ready!
Value during session
I’ll help you find your most flattering poses (the secret is angles), but we’ll also have fun and play games so you forget about the camera.
I tell bad jokes.
I’ll ask your kids to make me laugh.
Your kids will get to climb and explore.
I’ll ask your kids (and you) if you have your own ideas for poses.
I’ve scouted your spot ahead of time so we’ll know where to go – but I’m also flexible if we need to adjust on the fly (and find the best light)
Value after session
You get to download all your files from the session.
Your photos will be processed in color as well as black and white (to give you all the options).
I’ll do light photoshop retouching on faces (I’m not taking out wrinkles, but if your kid has a cut on their face that won’t be there next week, it’s getting removed).
I make it easy to download and print products from your image gallery.
I make it easy to share your photos with friends and families – on the flip side, if you don’t want any of your images shared online or don’t want your images shared in any social media, I follow your guidelines there – your privacy is important to me.
If you think we’d be a good match, contact me below. I’d love to hear from you!
(And a BIG Thank You to all the Parents who took these behind-the-scenes pics: Ann, Katherine, Heather and Alfred)
Your milage may vary – but I don’t think my kids (age 4 and 7) are ready to enjoy traditional Museum spaces (i.e. not run and not touch). Here are my Top 10 recommendations of where to “Explore Art in Austin with Kids”.
First, I look for the following criteria:
Is the art outdoors?
Is the art interactive
What’s the admission price for a family of four?
Does it have a S.T.E.A.M. aspect? (will they build or make something during or be inspired to build or make something after)
Is it photogenic?
(Some of these recommendations are seasonal).
Second Saturday at Laguna Gloria (ice-themed)
Laguna Gloria
My number one favorite is Laguna Gloria. It’s a short drive from our house. The boys can appreciate the 14-acre sculpture park (lots of room to run and explore). But the extra special part is their “Second Saturdays” series. We’ve made gingerbread houses, foam monsters, bird houses and melted art.
The Ellsworth Kelly “Austin” exhibit at the Blanton Museum of Art is kid-friendly. And you can also use that as an excuse to explore the University of Texas campus.
4. Fairy Houses / Woodland Faerie Trail at the Zilker Botanical Garden
The Woodland Faerie Trail (or Fairy Houses) at the Zilker Botanical Gardens happens only in Summer. And you can even sign up to submit your own entry.
5. Fortlandia at the Wildflower Center
(since they’ve opened, you can no longer climb on some of the forts) – just check the posted signs
As of this post, we’ve already visited the Fortlandia Exhibit at the Wildflower Center four times. But the exhibit is only up until February, 2019. It has 10 unique forts where your kids can climb and swing and build. Highly recommended before it’s gone!
It takes a short drive out to the Hill Country, but the Science Millembodies S.T.E.A.M activities. Your kids will have a great time exploring. And inside the Silos, there’s often a rotating art exhibit.
8. Waller Creek Show
Since 2014, every November in Austin, the Waller Creek light show is a must-see. (Just make sure your kids don’t mind waiting in potentially-long lines to get in).
And if all this art inspires you to want your own art-themed family photos… Let’s Play. We can do face paint, body paint, color smoke bombs, color pellets (Holi powder), chalk and more. The only limit is our imaginations.
My kids know they can make a pretty big mess if there’s picture taking involved. They’re also extra eager if they themselves are the canvas.
Every year I choose a different photographer to take our family photos (I like variety) – and it’s a great experience to be in front of the camera (rather than safely behind it). With each session, I narrow down what’s most important to me as a client. I appreciate photographic talent, clear communication and how comfortable you make my kids feel.
