My kids are both summer babies and I usually have prof. pictures taken around their birthdays as it seems like a good milestone. I will be getting their pictures taken individually, as well as together. I usually have creative ideas for their ind. pictures and I can't think of anything this time! For example, last year my daughter did a dress up pic. that turned out adorable and my son a beach theme. Has anyone had pictures taken recently with a cute idea?
I was never much for black and white photography until my hubby and I had some portraits done. We were casual (even barefoot) and the photos were fantastic. It's true what photographers say - you focus more on the subjects than the colors/clothes, etc. What about having them pose with favorite things to play with/do? I think they really light up in photos when they are doing something they love. Have fun!
Ya know, I really haven't done a lot of dress up theme ideas for kid photos, however a couple of years ago I had the most amazing experience that I cherish to this day. I hired a photographer named Paige Elizabeth to come over to my house and take photos of my two boys. I had seen some of her work online and worked with her a bit on a local newspaper. I had not met her in person so when she came over, she spent a very short time talking to me then got on my floor and started talking to my kids like they were the most precious things she had ever met. Basically she spent a few hours following them around, talking to them, playing with them all the while taking photos. Two weeks later she sent me a disk of the photos and a slide show put to music. I was so touched by the images she captured I absolutely bawled my eyes out while I watched the slide show. To this day I feel so blessed that I found someone that was able to capture the essence of my children so perfectly.
I ended up presenting the slide show to my husband for his birthday and got to enjoy another special moment when he got a tear in his eye as well.
Paige is pretty expensive but I have never regretted having spent the money and she gave me a release to print the photos as often as I wanted.
If you want to check out her stuff go to www.paigeelizabeth.net
Good luck with your photos.
I totally agree that candid shots of your children are the BEST! I think some colorful casual clothes from the Gap always work really well. If you need an amazing affordable photographer I would call Jeanine at www.fototails.com. Tell her Y. referred you ;-)
My Grandpa has a farm and some of the cutest pictures of my kids and the other grandkids are candid shots around the farm. My mom enjoys photography and takes wedding pictures now and again so she just follows them around and captures the excitement and fun. Some are on the hay or fence, some with the horses, and some with Grandpa's gloves. I have a cousin on the other side who hires a photographer to take her kids pictures once a year. They go to places like Wheeler Farm or the Zoo. The photographer just follows them around.
I have taken my kids pictures at the park, in the leaves, or in the mountains. Some of my favorite pictures were unplanned. We went up the mountains and the wild flowers were beautiful. My kids were playing and I had them sit in the flowers and took pictures. I hadn't planned their clothes or to take pictures but they turned out great.
My neighbor is an amazing photographer. Here's her website for ideas or if you want her to do pics. She does a lot of the pictures outside - at your house or any special place like a garden or playground or etc.
Instead of a theme for each one, what about getting some "candid" pictures at a playground. Pictures that aren't posed, but have a professional edge to them. It's just a thought. Good luck.
since its summer how about a Tom Sawyer Theme. Kids in overalls, picket fence and a sloppy can of white paint.
For profesional photo's I have always found that JC Penny does the best ones, they can get pricy, but usually have great deals (check the web site and pareting magazines for tons of coupons). Often times they have specials with themes that turn out so cute as well.
We usually end up spending about $100, but always well worth it. The one at the south town mall has awesome photogs that spend plenty of time with each child and seem to capture personality with each one.
I know a great photographer who just took a ton of candid shots for our VBS program and is awesome!! www.kellinixon.com/photography
This lady does mine and she is pretty darn good and cheaper than those stores.
http://www.fallchildphotography.info/index2.php
