Psst.. I'm spilling my best secret to photographing kids..

All of my beach photography sessions lately have got me thinking and pushing my own boundaries.  It occurred to me that I have a legit secret to photographing kids that might help you take pictures of your own kids that will make you swoon.

Here it is, my secret to photographing children, especially on the beach or in the backyard in the summertime or playing in their bedroom any day of the week. 

It’s pretty simple:  Don’t try. 

Say what?!  I know, to all of the overachievers out there (myself included) that sounds like absolute blasphemy.  But I swear to you, when I am not trying to make it all perfect, when I can let go and let my gut lead the way, when I am not preoccupied with capturing the perfect photograph, that’s when the magic happens.

So, this is my one-stop advice column for photographing your kids this summer.

Don’t try so hard.

Observe them.  What are they doing right now that you wish you could bottle right up?  Let them do that.  Try to refrain from interfering.   Be a fly on the wall.  Be patient.  Blend into the background and anticipate those quirky, thoughtful, lovable moments.

And just let it happen.  Let go of perfection: the perfect light, the perfect composition, the perfect smile, the perfect Pinterest boards.  Just shoot pictures from the heart and I promise you, in 15 years, you’ll be so happy you have these photos of your kids being exactly who they are today.

Here's a few favorite photographs from 2 beach sessions this month.  Many break the rules with composition and lighting, but sometimes the moment and the expressions are all that matter.  

Stony Lake / Lake Michigan:

Malibu, California:

Oh, and the best part is that when kids are in their happy place, sometimes they’ll just look up at you with the best smile or glance and you might still get those perfect beach portraits...

Without even trying.

hopeful words for a new year..

I have to admit, I’ve been proceeding cautiously into this New Year, until I read the following passage a dear friend in Los Angeles shared with me from her local Japanese newspaper:
 

"Unlike the 2013 Year of the Snake, which gradually shed its old ways,
the Year of the Horse will charge forward with unbridled energy.  
Seeds planted during the Snake year
will enable dreams and goals to finally come to fruition.  
Everything is possible and anything can happen."

 
2013 was a tough year for my family, but the gratitude and strength that I now feel is astounding.  To think that 2014 will “charge forward with unbridled energy” is exactly what I need to believe and I instantly wanted to spread these hopeful words to all of you. 
 
Cheers to a new year, to new beginnings, and for our deepest desires to come true.  

Here's a couple of moments from my recent California sessions that I found quite fitting for the "unbridled energy" ahead.

wishing you a peaceful and memorable 2014!

malibu.

last saturday in malibu, california.. there was no shortage of imaginary snakes and fallen branches to point high in the sky. there was also an abundance of love to be shared and a heavy dose of double-chin-grins to adore (the baby's of course..)

this was my 6th time photographing this family since 2008. beyond the basic intention of documenting moments as naturally and organically as possible, there were no specific goals or expectations from my client. so, my #1 goal was simple - to deliver the absolute best collection of photographs i've made for them yet. i'm pretty sure we nailed it ;)

some days are a little bit extraordinary.

how i did not know about this amazing beach when i lived in los angeles is beyond me. is it not extraordinary? these photographs were captured this past november during my 3rd trip back to california since the move. and while i could kick myself for not discovering this beach sooner, i am beyond grateful that this family continues to choose me to create artful memories of their children. i will never forget watching the brilliant pink sky from the parking lot as we said our good-byes. this beach day was a breath of fresh air for all of us - a deep, long exhale - and if i could have paused time, i certainly would have.

it's because of times like these, there will always be a piece of los angeles that feels like home to me.

this is it. / this is life.

Nothing else matters, but the people we love and loving the land on which we live and breathe. Forget concrete and cars, careers and conflicts… instead, let’s escape for a day. We’ll leap over puddles and laugh ‘til we cry. We’ll gaze up at the birds and rest easy as the storm clouds pass. In these moments, it’s true... nothing else matters.

Sending Joy to Japan I was delighted when the mother of these sisters (a beautiful soul) told me she forwarded her slideshow to their relatives in Japan who have been affected by the recent earthquakes and tsunami. She told me that the photographs brought them such joy. How honored I feel to have been a part of spreading joy at such a troubling time. Isn't it amazing how photographs are a universal language of emotion that we can all relate to, near and far?

there are two boys who love to fly.

On two winter days

And across the country apart,

There are two boys who love to fly.

With their wide eyes turned up to the sky,

I see they are dreamers already.

los angeles baby photographer

grand rapids children's photographer

The first set of images was taken in December in Los Angeles, California. The second set was taken earlier this evening in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Both families were referred to me from the very same friend... what a small world this is.

Whichever kind of winter you are lucky to have, I hope you’ve taken a moment to see the beauty and soak up every last bit. After living in Southern California for a few (wonderfully sunny) years, I never thought I would say it… but, I think I missed the brisk, snowy winter. I am now seeing it with fresh eyes and I’ve never enjoyed it more. (32° is the new 72°)  ;)