--Capturing Meaningful Photographs--
"Posed or Candid?"
As a photographer, you always want to catch that great shot. But, photography like any art is completely subjective. So, what is a "great shot?"
When I first started taking photographs, I wanted that cute smiling picture. I spent (and still do spend) a lot of time trying to get my youngest clients to "smile for the camera!" But, now I am always looking for different ways to represent my clients.
It might be a different angle, focus point, effect, use of light, etc.
For example, I took my daughter, Kiki, out for a little photo session that other day because I loved her little jumper so much. As usual, I tried to start with some structure. You can tell from my first picture that my "stylized" photo session of my two year old didn't start off so well.
Ok, so let's proceed with some peek-a-boo and Mommy making ridiculous animal noises from behind the camera. Laugh, giggle, smile, BAM! Cute picture!
I love the above images so much. I do, I really do.
But I love these ones below just as much and maybe a little bit more.
I feel like they tell the story of who my daughter is so much more. The little girl that DOESN'T want to pose for pictures. The two year old that I watched run around the yard, spin in circles, stop to laugh and brush the hair out of her eyes. Once she could see clearly, she noticed the cute little clover flowers and proceeded to pick a bunch.
That to me is true photographic story telling. This is my goal. My photographic dream goal. It will require SO much work. But, I want to help my clients tell a story. I will figure out how to continue getting better and I will continue to seek out people who want me to help with the visual tale.
Figure out which style of photography is right for you and find someone who can photograph it.