Day 2 of the Chicago Confidence Workshop probably had to be one of the most challenging scenarios for the family shoot yet to date.  It POURED right before our family shoot on the second day, like CRAZY storm rains.  We usually have to cancel the shoot when the weather gets this nasty since this shoot is outside, but I walked one floor down and found this dark, open room with couches.  There were big windows, but even with the window light it was still super dark. I wasn’t sure how it would work out for “family group type photos”.  But I thought, ‘Why not try it! This is a perfect learning experience for all of us!  These ladies learned how to meter this morning, they can totally make it happen!’  I was SO PROUD of these ladies because I’m serious, it was DARK in this room, even with the window light.  But we all got our backs against the window, positioned the families at the perfect distance, and unpacked this challenge together.

I just adore this reflection shot, Amalie Orrange.  This little guy was so happy at this window.   It is almost like you get two pictures in one, a side view and a front view.  You can take this type of picture with many different session types.  Try a reflection picture at your next Senior or Engagement Session.  Totally Fun!

Laura Meador…I love the sweet tender moment of the boy on the left.  He is all snuggled into his father’s arms, feeling totally safe and relaxed.  And the boy, holding his car…that in itself tells a story right there!

Not your typical family portrait, but I really love the image you captured on the right Bailey King.  The boy, dead center, with both parents smiling in the background…perfection!

This little guy was on the move.  Even though the background is blurry, you can see his little brother back there.  That is precious!

Oh Christa Donald, I can feel the tenderness and security that your first photo conveys.  Just yummy!

There are times when you are framing your image in camera and think “it needs just a little something more”…well, you could try a slight “camera tilt” like Christa did in her second image.  It really works here.  Awesome!

If you have attended one of my workshops, watched “Refuse to Say Cheese” or read in “Your Baby in Pictures”, you know that I think “Capturing Conflict” is as important as any other shot you take.  Sue Rusco caught this moment between a father and a son (that was probably done with 20 cameras pointed at him for more than an hour).  What do you think this image conveys?

These images that Erica Neilitz took could possibly have been right before or after the “conflict” image that Sue took.  This just solidifies that you should never rush through a session or moment.  If you wait quietly in the background, you can get so many different images without moving your subjects or even interacting with them.

Kara Schoenle, I love this image of the little girl.  We really can just dive right into her expression because we are not distracted at all with such a simply, beautiful background.

OMG-one of my favorite images of the family sessions.  La Toya Gettings, you caught a very flattering, gorgeous image of mom, loving on her little girl, and then the window image…well… simply stunning!  I’d say we had enough light, and the darkness makes the illuminated moment shine that much  more!

 Melissa Anderson and Olena Thompson,  these are such sweet moments between this  little guy and each of his parents.  Because you shot these images really “tight” gives us the chance to focus right in on the emotion in the images.  Don’t be afraid to shoot close-up, it gives images a whole different feel without the background showing.

 

OMG…Sarah Card, you were at the right place and the right time.  I hope this image is a large canvas on their families wall.  I love the simple sheers in the background, they really add dimension and texture

Another great version of a family photo that Sarah Exley captured here.  Such great, pure light on the little boys face!

There is a story to be told here in this image with mom.   Tina Erdmann positioned herself perfectly from the light to capture these.

And when I say “backs against the window”, this is what it looked like.  I think there was maybe 6 feet between the window and this family on the couch.  YIKES!  This is when you need your wide lens (24mm, 35mm or 24-70mm work great here).

Sometimes when I go into a family session, I need to build a little rapport with the young kiddos…this is one of the ways we start “bonding”.   I will take a pic of them and then show it to them.  For some reason, they love to see their little face on the back of this big, black camera that I hide behind when shooting.  When I first started out shooting families, years ago, this would also calm the nerves that I got when I first met the family and started the session.  Try it next time you have a session when the children are being a little shy.

I love this man!  I can’t even begin to tell you how much!  Here he is signing a copy of “Your Baby in Pictures“.  Wait, is he signing in the back of the book?  Awww, yet another reason.  Kara, thank you for this image.

Ladies, I hope you all feel SUPER PROUD of yourselves when you see your images.  Watching you all face the challenge of a really DARK space and seeing your image results is one of the best highlights of ALL the workshops I’ve ever done.  Thank you for venturing into the dark with me!  I think we all gained more confidence that day!!

XOXO
Me Ra

p.s. Wendy, our AWESOME SOAR! Coordinator, is leading the Ask & Learn tonight with Melissa Jordan!  You MUST read Melissa’s interview from yesterday–I’m LOVE her last photo!!  GORGEOUS!!  She is AMAZING! What a gift to have her with us tonight!  Bring all your questions for her to the Ask & Learn–starts at 5pm PST TONIGHT on the SOARORITY FORUM!

p.s.s.  CONFIDENCE Update!

Seattle, Sacramento, DC have all SOLD OUT!  Yahoo!

Dallas has a few spots left!

Tomorrow we vote for your Winter cities?  Should we bring Confidence to Florida in February? Give us all a reason to snow bird down to the warm beaches?!  What about another city?  Leave a comment with your ideas and be ready to vote!