iheartfaces {raise your hands}

This was the first family session I had the opportunity to photograph with young children. I still remember how nervous I was, as I still do get with every session. I don't think it will ever go away-the nervousness. I went into the session with all sorts of ideas, from posing to fun and interesting ways of getting the kids' attention. As I tried to implement my ideas, I realized quickly into the shoot that what I had envisioned, wasn't going to happen. These kids, like most kids, have very little interest in taking pictures. I should have known since I have a little one of my own. And as my boy would say as he squints his eyes and makes a silly face, "Don do dat, mommy!" I quickly let go of the notion I had in trying to capture the "ideal" family portraits, and just let the family enjoy each other's company as if I wasn't there, and took whatever I could without frustrating the kids. Although I had an awesome time making new friends, I was a bit bummed walking away from the session with only one image of everyone looking into the camera. When I got home and looked closely through what I had captured, I was more than happy. The images I ended up with were better than what I had dreamed of or envisioned. I was able to capture the true essence of the family. The images were beautiful in so many ways, unique to them, and most importantly, the emotions were real.