Some kids are a little more reserved in front of the camera. They might be shy or spend a lot of time fake smiling for cameras. They might loathe cameras entirely and run in the opposite direction when a lens is pointed at them. Whatever the case, I work hard to get beyond that and bring out real smiles and personalities. I have lots of tricks up my sleeve, so it’s just a matter of finding one that fits.
Still, i’m no match for the magic of the ocean. Like nothing else, playing in the water can transform the most stoic, camera-aware child into a joyful bundle.
Kim and her family were visiting Disney’s Aulani Resort for the first time and thought it was a great opportunity for family photos. It was their first professional experience and they were a little unsure what to expect. I gently nudged them to consider playing in the water. I know, I know. A photo session in your swimsuit sounds like some particularly evil brand of torture, but many of my all-time favorite images were captured in the water.
In the end, I was glad I pushed them. The kids are both polite and well-behaved, but it’s nice to get a little deeper for photos. A little more real. As soon as they entered the water, they were immediately themselves. They splashed and played and ran with wild abandon. It was so much fun to see that transformation.
Do you have a water-loving family?
No need to get fancy for your photo session. Grab a boogie board and beach towel and let’s spend a fun morning playing in the surf. Those are the moments you will want to remember. Find out more about my fun family photography sessions here.
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Such cheerful photos!