Giving Direction...

is sometimes difficult. It's hard to have a child that is younger really understand what you want from them. In my experience though, the adults can be even more difficult. I've discovered that funny phrases will usually work with older kids or adults and being playful with children can be either a miracle worker, or disastrous.

We have to realize as photographers that not every method works for every person. We can try and try and try but the truth is, we are strangers to most of the people we photograph. I'm learning that that's why regular customers are so important in the photography business. The more familiar the photographer is with the people/kids/families, the better the outcome will be and the easier it becomes to take charge and give direction.

In a way photography and theatre work hand and hand and if you know me you know I love theatre! When a director is telling their actors what to do and how to do it you get a finished polished product. The same goes for pictures. The more willing the subject is to take the direction given by the photographer, the better the pictures will turn out.

Now don't get me wrong, I haven't forgotten about those candid shots that we all love oh so very much.  But that is another story for another day :) In the meantime, enjoy this wonderful  group of women who were more than happy to take direction and pose with my good friend Rick on his birthday!

Inspiration

Lately I've been trying to find the right inspiration and the motivation to kickstart new challenges with the new year. With spring coming up there's so many options to explore and I've been thinking. What is my biggest inspiration? What am I doing with my life and why? It's the satisfaction. Just by taking a simple picture that would make anyone smile. The joy I get out of the goofiest, silliest expressions on children's faces and seeing a parents reaction is probably the thing I relish in the most. It gives me a sense of purpose and the drive I need to keep doing what I do. While it is difficult on somedays to get out of bed at 730am and walk out the door, there's a whole world of inspiration blooming with the spring season coming up. So go out, find your inspiration and share your thoughts with me! Here's one if my faves! :