I was in Colorado a couple months ago, and I got to visit dear friends for the afternoon. You’ve seen their family on our blog a handful of times because we’ve shot the weddings for both sisters and have continued to document their beautiful, growing families. I love Shannon and Brittany—L-O-V-E them!
And can you believe that Shannon was pregnant with baby Cruz when I showed up! Not only was she pregnant, but she was within weeks of her due date—a wonderful time to take pregnancy photos. Shannon wanted a photo of the curves she sees when she is on her side. I totally knew what she meant. I remember being close to my due date, and I would look down the side of my body as I lay awake in bed, mesmerized by the amazing curves and form my body had taken from pregnancy. We decided to experiment with a couple different angles, and this one is my favorite. It feels so peaceful, like following the path of the water’s flow.
f/2.8, Shutter Speed 125th of a sec, ISO 800
Was our shooting “setting” peaceful? Afraid not. We had dogs, her nephew, her husband and little girl—all joining in the fun. If you were picturing a quiet, spacious studio shoot, oh no-no-no. This was shooting pregnancy photos right in the middle of the family room while real life was happening all around Shannon.
And even though we set out to capture a certain photo, I have to say that some of these outtakes are also favorites.
As photographers, we have this amazing opportunity to capture images that cause time to stand still.
And I am convinced that with every passing year, our images will only become more and more valuable to those whose stories we captured.
The next time you are doing a photo shoot at someone’s house don’t forget to step back and shoot all the funny outtakes. Invite the children and pets to watch the shoot, even get involved. You have no idea what pockets of joy are waiting to be captured. (Shooting outtakes is also a great trick when you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. You have fun and feel a release from pressure of getting “the shots”, and then you can refocus on the photos you are aiming for when you’ve relaxed again.) Just a little something to store away in your camera bag of photo shoot tricks.
Bottom line: Instead of fighting the environment, jump in and capture all the energy and craziness surrounding you. This is the joy of photographing real life!
xoxo,
Me Ra
p.s. You are beautiful Shan. I love you!
p.s.s. For more Photo-Recipes and Tips, you can search for specific tips in our Search bar or click on the Photo Tips Category or check out our award winning DVD series, Refuse to Say Cheese and Beyond the Green Box! Enjoy!
I know exactly what you mean!! While shooting a sweet sixteen portrait session of my niece a couple of weeks ago I got the best shot of her genuinely laughing…wrinkled nose and all. It turned out to be my favorite of the entire bunch and made the rest of the shoot a ton more fun and relaxing! Thanks for always reminding us to focus on the behind the scenes moments of everyday life.
You bet Erin! It’s so easy to get caught up in the chaos of the shoot. But when we step back, set the camera down, and breathe, WOW, our canvas is new all over again!
I can’t believe that she is within weeks of her due date. She’s probably one of those girls that doesn’t look pregnant if you don’t see her profile. I love the picture with the little one sleeping next to her as you do the shoot – so sweet. What a beautiful family!
Hi Me Ra!
I am Shannon and Britt’s aunt and met you at both weddings! What great shots of Shannon and family – and now little Cruz is here and twins are on the way for Britt! It’s an exciting time and we always enjoy your awesome pictures! You capture life in lovely and real ways! Thanks for all of the wonderful memories you have created!
Thank you Kim! You are so sweet! much love to you and fam!
Outtakes? Absolutely!! And though I never though about it as a trick to reduce the stress of getting “the shot”, you are absolutely right. It is always good to take a deep breath and take a grand view of the situation you photographing, and work back in. Might have to switch lenses even, but it may be just what you need to get into the flow of the session and where the energy is.
What a timely post for me MeRa….I read this just before heading out for a maternity shoot this evening. The Momma is due any day now, with a 2 year old and 1 year old in toe. It was a definite “real life!” gig. Let’s just say I took a few deep breaths…and it helped allot! I am so excited to have been asked to document the birth of this new little one too. I will indeed need to remember to stop and breath right along with the momma in labor. ; )
Never in my life have I really “seen” a baby in a woman’s tummy. In the photo of her laying next to the little one, I can actually see the outline of her baby…that is AMAZING!!
Valerie