Martin and Shima wanted a mini session featuring their three kids: Eli, Elise, and Evangeline. I was so happy to oblige! They booked me during my fall mini sessions, and I’m so glad they did.
Our first session together was years ago, when Elise was a little one, and those pictures are still some of my favorites! Martin, Shima, and the kids are a Swedish/American family. My husband is American and I’m from Finland, so we had a lot in common. I could even recognize a few Swedish words, thanks to my high school Swedish classes (tack så mycket!).
Fifteen minutes is such a short time with kids, but everyone did great! Many parents feel a mini session is the perfect amount of time (15 minutes) for kids to co-operate concentrate for photos. I let the parents make that call - they know their kids best. Some kids do better if they have time to warm up to their photographer, others do great for 5-15 minutes, and then are done.
Just a side note: when I have clients for a longer session and kids don’t want to participate, I like to give them a few minutes to collect themselves, and I’ll take pictures if the parents, or individual pictures of anyone ready to go. Usually the uncooperative ones get interested in something around them, and I can take some candid images of them, too. I also recommend for parents to have some great incentives for their kids to participate (if you know what I mean…. :) And remember to tell your kids what your expectations are before the session!
Eight month old Baby Evangeline is so adorable!!!!
My daughter Abby helped out as my second shooter. She took so many photos of Evangeline while I took individual shots of Elise and Eli.
Abby told me later that Evangeline was a little bit unsure of her and her big camera, but Abby went above and beyond to get these adorable shots!
These sessions all happened on a stretch of sandy beach in Vero Beach, Florida. The kids loved the chance to play in the sand and the waves.
Shima wanted to snatch one of the kids that would be suitable for Christmas cards. These photos are going to be awesome for Christmas cards, social media, and gifts!
Everyone did so well at following my directions. The kids were so excited to get their photos taken, and the whole process was painless and stress-free.
I can’t thank you enough for participating in my sessions, kids! You had great attitudes and awesome smiles, and I can’t wait to see you again soon!