Let’s Go Play!

Business has slowed down considerably. In a few months I’ll be posting pictures of 6-9 month old babies, sitting up and looking tons of cute. But right now, a photographer can get a little antsy waiting for her next session to come along.

Luckily I have the greatest, coolest, most photogenic baby in the world! I know, I’m biased, haha. My child has been being photographed by me since she was born, professionally since she was 5 days old. Where we live, we have such a big back yard, and the golden hour hits it just right. I took one look outside and said, “Lauren, let’s go play!”

I’ve been thinking about the approach some parent’s have when young children go to get their picture taken, whether at a studio or outside. Some people make such a big production of, “Let’s go get your picture taken, let’s go take a picture.” With some more-logical children, this can work since they know what they’re going to do. That is, if they’re unafraid. But what kid isn’t just a little anxious when put on the spot like that.

No offense to those well-meaning parents, but I take a different approach. All I say is, “Let’s go play!” Because that’s what it’s all about with young children. See, we’re not going to be doing anything new and scary like taking pictures (wink, wink), we’re just going to be playing outside. Most of the time it gets us over that first bit of shyness and we have lots of fun. I know my one-year-old girl. She’s too busy go-go-going to sit still and smile for a camera. That’s why I have a few tricks up my sleeve when we take pictures.

Let’s go play!

That’s my girl. I love every minute of a session with young children, it’s so much fun. And I absolutely love being a mother. She fills my life with joy. Sometimes all your day really needs is a romp outside in the sunshine with a toddler.