On Photographing Animals

The last several shoots have included one VERY large dog and about a dozen horses as subjects. I feel a little bit like I've been herding cats!

I definitely approach photographing animals differently than photographing people.  Even if I plan on shooting with available light, I always bring lighting gear, just in case I can't find the light I need or want so that I can create my own.  With animals (and kids), however, I need to be cognizant of their unfamiliarity with big, white, round and floppy discs (my reflectors) or lights that flash at them or even the way my gear sounds. (I once photographed a horse that was fearful of the sound of the shutter!) I work hard to find the right space and the right light to avoid a lot of hullabaloo.  And I bring my patience with me, because more likely than not, it's often a waiting game for the animal/kids to put it's/their best face forward.

When the magic happens, it's awesome!

Would you like to have your favorite animals photographed?  Drop me a line and we can plan it!

My 5 favorite tips for taking more meaningful pictures of your kids this holiday season!

 As a professional photographer, I often see many ways that parents could improve their photographs of their children.  Here are my 5 favorite tips for taking better photographs of your kids during this holiday season!

1.  Shoot at their level.  My favorite tip--Get down to their height!  Squat down, kneel down, lay down--just get lower.  We have a tendency to stand and shoot, down, on our kids--put yourself at eye level with them.  Your kids will feel more engaged when you are on their level and you'll love the resulting images!

2.  It's OK if they DON'T look at you.  This is probably my very favorite tip!  Sometimes the best images are the ones about the feeling.  Capture what's happening and not the forced smile.  You'll capture an image that is  much more telling about your kids.  And your kids won't get as tired of you telling them to smile while you take their  photo and give you the awful fake smile!  Win-win!

3.  Get closer than you think you should.  Fill the frame up with that gorgeous little face--who doesn't love to stare at those beautiful eyelashes and adorable freckles?!

4.  Look at the photos you've taken AFTER you're done.  Quit checking the back of your camera to see what you got!  While you're busy checking the back of your camera, you could miss the best moment ever!

5.  Include yourself! Set your camera up on a tripod and use that self timer, download the app CamMe here that lets you take an iPhone photo hands free or find a reflective surface--just include yourself.  Your kids will love it-now and later!

Have you used these tips to take a great photo of your kids?  Share it with me!