Photographing Your Kids: How to Capture Their Genuine Smile

As a portrait photographer one of the most frequent questions I get from moms is, how do I get a genuine smile out my kids instead of a fake smile or silly expression? I know from being a mom how easy it is to say to your kids, “stand next to your brother, be still, look at the camera, and say cheese!”... all in one breath so you can get the picture you want. All the while your kids are groaning because they’re being forced to smile and be still... at the same time. You’re on a mission to get a beautiful picture. They’re on a mission to do everything but. So what do you do? Here are a few tips that I use when I photograph children.

1. Engage your kids in a conversation. No one knows your child better than you. You know what makes them happy, sad, what their favorite characters and jokes are. Get them talking about something they love. Watch their face light up and snap away.  This boy here liked planes and was telling me everything he knew about them. Don't be fooled though. The photo on the left was one of a handful, keep shooting while you're engaging until you get the shot you're looking for. And don't forget the details! Like their favorite toy, their hands or feet.

2. Get them active doing something they enjoy. Take their mind off of the act of taking a picture. Maybe they’re smiling at what they’re doing or maybe they’re looking intently at something. Capture that moment, then gently call their name and capture their smile or expression as they look over at you.

3. Capture them deep in thought. Who says you always have to have a smiling photo? Some of my most treasured pictures of my son are of him looking off in the distance like he’s deep in thought.

If you’ve tried everything & your child is still only giving you a silly smile or expression, just go with it. My son is in a phase right now where he does not like having his picture taken. I have to get really creative when I take his photo and be extremely patient. But sometimes despite all my hard work he still only gives me his silly side so that’s what I capture. Sure, that particular shot isn’t going to be portrait of the year but it’s him, at that moment in time and that’s what I want to remember forever.

I hope these tips help and inspire you the next time you’re capturing memories of your kids!

Do you have photo tip questions that you would like answers to? Email me at camille@camilledeann.com and I’ll answer them on my blog.

Delightfully, Camille 

THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING...

Are you ready?  Change is coming.  Get excited.  Get happy (I know I am!).  After phone consult #2, I am off to a fabulous start with the amazingly talented gals over at Making Brands Happen and I CANNOT wait to share the incredible transformation with you all this summer!  Camille Deann Photography is making a change.  BIG changes.  Starting today.  Starting NOW.  Stay tuned…  

THE GREAT WALL :: SKINNY FRAMES

Lately I've had my nose buried in home decor magazines (more than usual) since I'm in the process of redecorating my home.  I'm noticing that the homes featured in the magazines are using a lot of skinny (or slim) frames to display photos and art.  I personally love the look of slimmer frames and plan to use them in my home.  They're chic, elegant and don't upstage the photo or art being displayed.  Here's some inspiration to get you thinking about how you can frame and display your favorite photos.

Gold frames with off-white matboard add warmth to a neutral wall & bronze textured frames with white matboard give dimension to a white wall. 

Who doesn't love classic black and white frames?  When doing rows or groupings you really can't go wrong using a simple black or white wooden frame.

This is just a few of the slim frames that I offer my clients.  During ordering sessions clients can pair frame samples, matboards, and linen liners with their proofs to better assist them in choosing a frame for their portraits.  Because your favorite portraits belong on the wall in a beautiful frame, not in a box!

Xoxo,

Camille 

THE BEAUTY OF A WOMAN...

As women we often put ourselves last.  Especially with photographs, we make sure to get photos of the family, photos of the kids… basically photos of everyone but US.  Let's face it, most of us shudder at the thought of being in front of the camera.  There's just something unnerving about it unless you're a professional model, right?  Well, it's time to conquer that fear.  Every woman can and should have beautiful photos of herself.  Why?  Because…

 You.Are.Amazing.

As. you. are.
Stronger than you know.
More beautiful than you think.
Worthier than you believe.
More loved than you can ever imagine.
Passionate about making a difference.
Fiery when protecting those you love.
Learning. Growing. Not alone.
Warm. Giving. Generous.
Quirky. Sexy. Funny. Smart.
Flawed. Whole. Scared. Brave.
And so, so, so.much.more.

Be Strong. Be Confident. Be You.

 (came across these encouraging words here)

I had the most delightful Saturday morning with these three beautiful ladies here in the studio.  It was a girls morning out done in high fashion style.  The girls sipped mimosas, snacked on scones, & fruit and chatted while they got glammed up for their shoots.  Hair & Make-up was done here at the studio by the fabulously talented Raney O'Keefe.  Gorgeous!

2012. REFRESH. SIMPLIFY. CONNECT.

The new year has arrived!  2011 was an incredible year for me both personally and professionally.  An engagement in March, a marriage in June complete with my wedding being featured in Southern Weddings magazine, a new family, new friendships, my business continues to grow... so many great memories and things to be thankful for.

But I’m ready to take on 2012!  And it’s already shaping up to be a fabulous year.  Here’s a look at what I want to accomplish this year....

• REFRESH my home:  I love my home.  It’s a beautiful house that my husband built about 5 years ago.  I moved in 5 months ago & I'm looking forward to infusing my tastes & style into our home.
• REFRESH my business: I’m thrilled to be working with an incredible company to solidify my business, brand, logo & website.  I also have plans to complete renovation in my studio space which I’m really excited about.  Everything will be launching later this year so stay tuned! 
• SIMPLIFY what I shoot: instead of being the photographer that shoots everything, I’m narrowing down the type of photography I shoot.  I’ll primarily shoot women & children year round & families in the spring & fall.
• CONNECT with others:  I know the importance of staying connected with family, friends & peers.  I really need & want to be more connected with people but struggle to find the time.  I get so caught up in the day to day things that I end up not being able to spend as much time as I’d like with those closest to me. That’s going to change this year!

Wishing all of you a happy & successful 2012!

Xoxo,

Camille

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