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!