Photography is very much subjective. As with all art, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. When we go to get "pictures made", we want to look our best. We want to look pretty, or handsome, or thin. We want a photo of the kids getting along, or mom kissing the baby just the way they saw in some advertisement. We want to look perfect. Just like that family on the wall at the mall photo studio. You want them to capture that special moment of your family too.
So why then, are big photo chains telling you that you aren't special- you are exactly the same as the family from their 12:00 session and will be the same as their 5:00 session. You will get the same 30 minutes, the same white, then blue, then black backdrop. You will be told to sit, then stand, then lean on your back shoulder while they tease your 4 year old with a feather duster trying to get him to look at the camera. (I am speaking from personal experience) Is there anything wrong with this? No, not neccessarily. But if you are like me, you hate being treated like a number. You hate being viewed as a walking checkbook.
Now, take a look at your family- your 3 year old, freckle faced cherub whose dirt stained cheeks are so common, you tell everyone they are birthmarks. Your little blond angel who refuses to wear anything without her pink rainboots and a tiara, cause let's face it- she IS a princess! Then there's your hubby (sorry guys- calling you out!) who never smiles the "good smile" when asked to.
Now, take a look at your family- your 3 year old, freckle faced cherub whose dirt stained cheeks are so common, you tell everyone they are birthmarks. Your little blond angel who refuses to wear anything without her pink rainboots and a tiara, cause let's face it- she IS a princess! Then there's your hubby (sorry guys- calling you out!) who never smiles the "good smile" when asked to.
Maybe I'm a rebel, but the photos I really cherish are the ones that show the real sides of my family. We are by no means "normal", nor do I care to be- and that's how I want my family to be captured. Exactly as we are. I have one actual "smiling" shot of my boys in the house- the others are either them being their goofy selves or looking away from the camera. It shows who they ARE, not who I want people to THINK they are.
You will never hear me say:
"Cheese!"
"She's just not working for me today!"
"Do you want to reschedule so we can get some posed smiling ones?"
"That tutu and jeans combo ain't doing it for me."
"Just wear white tops and khakis on everyone!"
Let's create a session that is styled and designed for YOU, not the masses. And if that kinda thing is your style, then I may not be the photographer for you, and that's fine. My feelings aren't hurt. I do get that magic shot where everyone is looking at the camera with a great big smile on their face- but it is never forced. They smile because they had so much fun during the rest of the session, they can't wipe them off their faces if they tried.
"Cheese!"
"She's just not working for me today!"
"Do you want to reschedule so we can get some posed smiling ones?"
"That tutu and jeans combo ain't doing it for me."
"Just wear white tops and khakis on everyone!"
Let's create a session that is styled and designed for YOU, not the masses. And if that kinda thing is your style, then I may not be the photographer for you, and that's fine. My feelings aren't hurt. I do get that magic shot where everyone is looking at the camera with a great big smile on their face- but it is never forced. They smile because they had so much fun during the rest of the session, they can't wipe them off their faces if they tried.
