Xander’s 2nd Birthday Portraits: How to Successfully Photograph an Active Toddler

This was the second time I got to take portraits of this little man.  I knew from our first session that, like most boys his age, he is more interested in playing than in sitting and posing for that perfect, “looking and smiling at the camera” portrait that every parent dreams about. 

Prior to our session, I suggested that mom bring some of his things that he would like to play with, that she wouldn’t mind being in her pictures.  She selected a blue bat and a blue bug catching net.  I also suggested a lollipop, which she also brought (although in hindsight, future suggestions of this kind will include “and make sure it’s a neutral color that won’t give your kid an odd-colored tongue and lips for the rest of your pictures – not a problem here b/c dad helped eat some).  And of course balloons for his bday were present, along with a large #2 that mom wrapped with yarn. 

Then during our session, we were very relaxed and let Xander do his thing, and I followed with my camera.  We of course encouraged looks and smiles in my direction, but since we weren’t getting frustrated when he didn’t, there was no power struggle (if you want to read more about power struggles, I’m a big fan of Dr. Laura Markham over at ‘Aha! Parenting’).  As a result, he felt comfortable and free to explore, and like most exploring kids, he would periodically make eye contact with his parents.  Since they were standing nearby, I snapped away whenever I saw those baby blues.  He even made eye contact with my lens a few times in a similar way, just checking me out to see if I was still there.  Yup, I was, and was able to capture these great moments, and his big personality.  Happy birthday!

Sherly, Joseph, Adriana, and Brandon

This couple will be renewing their vows in the church later this month (gosh, I can't believe I can't say "next month" anymore), so I suggested we get together for a more casual family photo session to get to know each other better before the big day.  Adriana and I were both recovering from being sick, but that didn't stop this family from looking great in their photos nor me from taking them!  And look at those last 2 pictures – the trees really looked golden during ‘golden hour’! Looking forward to capturing many more special moments for them in a few weeks!

   

Jessica and Kelvin

Jessica and I have worked together at my current company for as long as I can remember over the 8 years I've been here. We've worked in different roles and haven't worked closely together, so I was excited when she thought of me to photograph her wedding. She had seen another wedding where I'd taken beach portraits and captured a dinner reception, and her celebration was going to be similar.

The day was rainy, like, all day non-stop rainy. But, being in South Florida, we both knew the weather could change at any moment, so we optimistically met at Dania Beach for portraits as we had planned, and were blessed with a rain-free hour, and the portraits are beautiful.

We then headed South for the ceremony at the beach. Unfortunately, by the time all of the guests had assembled (decked out in white and blue as the invitation stated), it had started to rain again, so we took things indoors to the reception venue. This bride took it all in stride, and was genuinely happy to be marrying her groom, regardless of the conditions.

At the reception, they invited me on their journey around the room to greet their guests, and I was able to capture the love that radiated from this couple to all who celebrated with them. Then there was some dancing, some cake, and more hugging goodbye.

Congrats, Jessica and Kelvin! I wish you the best, and hope to be the lucky photographer to capture your milestones as you grow old together!

     

Chaya, Chaim, Sara, Chana, and ZC

This mom's sister recently moved around the corner from my mom, which is how we're connected, but their family lives in London! They were visiting South Florida for the recent holiday and wanted to take advantage of the beautiful climate and scenery for their family photos.

What a great decision that was! We met at Greynolds Park in Aventura, FL. It was my first time shooting there, but it's been on my radar for some time. I really loved it. It was so beautiful, we were blessed with cooler weather, and if I wasn't fighting a terrible cold, I would have come back with my kids and stayed the rest of the day!

Thanks guys. These are so good, all of your London friends are going to want to travel to Florida to get their portraits taken! ;)

Rachael’s Baby Shower

Yay! We're getting another girl cousin!! Rachael is my first cousin, and we grew up together. I'll spare us any embarrassing memories. Between myself and her brother, there are 5 boy cousins, so we were very excited to get together this weekend to celebrate a soon to be little girl.

Her SIL Kate orchestrated a perfectly executed and decorated event with a nautical theme, artistic activities, and some fun word games. The room was a photographer's dream with giant walls of nothing but windows letting in tons of natural light. Add to that a mom-to-be who is one of, if not the, most photogenic people I know, and I was able to capture some beautiful images.

I love you Rachael, we're so excited for you! You're beautiful inside and out, and I can't wait to capture more moments for baby Kish! Oh, and I might just have to prioritize investing in a macro lens before our maternity session so I can take close ups of the Kish eyes. Love those baby blues!