In search of the perfect photo shoot...

I would be a big fat liar if I was to tell you that every photo shoot is perfect.. and that every shot out of my camera is amazing and technically flawless.  Sometimes what you think will be an easy shoot turns into a very challenging one, and sometimes what you believe will be a challenging shoot will be a breeze.  Some of my favorite subjects are kids.  They are funny, genuine, and unpredictable.  They do some of the FUNNIEST stuff (oh yeah, I've got stories..) BUT with all that being said they definitely are some of the most challenging subjects that we as photographers have.  Not because they are purposely trying to be difficult, just because they move so dang fast!  And they NEVER slow down, unless they are sleeping, which doesn't *always* make for the best photo haha (stay tuned for a sleeping shot of Eli Spence though.. we took advantage of his sleeping moment yesterday)...

I thought I'd share some outtakes from a shoot last week just so you all can see what some shoots look like.  Yeah, you're probably never going to book a shoot with me after this post, but hey, at least you'll know what to expect if you do!  LOL!  We go through 45 minutes of craziness to get 15 minutes of amazing photos.  I am not a big fan of the "sit down, shut up, and SMILE!" photos.  In my humble opinion, kids just look pitiful when they are forced into a fake smile with a stiff pose.  I think the more natural, playful side of kids gives me the best shots, and yeah sometimes we have to play peek-a-boo or the "I'm gonna getcha" game for a while to get that amazing shot! 

This shoot was of Jakob and Jak, one of my best friend's little ones.  I have been taking their family photos for years now (gah.. .I'm feeling old..) and everytime they come into the studio it is just a riot (In a good way!)  I'm going to let the pictures do the talking for the rest of this post...

Me:  "Hey Jak, wanna play with some toys?"  "umm... okay... not exactly what I had in mind..."

Some chasing and tickling begins...

"Let's go do some photos on the black background!  Give your momma a hug!  Okay, okay, wait, bad idea... how 'bout you just smile and look this way?"

"Okay, that's not really working... Let's try to do some of just Jakob?"

"Okay... He's not having it at ALL...  Let's take a break and change him into the next outfit..." 

"Let's go outside and try some, maybe they'll settle down a little more out there...."

"Alright, drool patrol... Jakob's got a little waterfall running down his face... Much better... Oh wait, he just spewed again..."

"Don't tell me to be quiet silly!  Hey, let's make a deal... How about you smile and sit still if I give you a lollipop?"

Bad idea... He obviously forgot about the "sit still" part!

SO, I am making this shoot out to be way worse than it actually was.  I promise we did get some great shots.  It was worth all of the running, bribing, tickling and drool!  And for you prospective clients now horrified from reading this, I promise if we don't get any good shots I won't charge ya.  Although I might make you promise to bring them back in for a second chance :) :)