I've photographed the Lansdown Family a few times now as their family grows and each time it's just such a privilege. We go to Milton Ferry Bridge at Castor, Ferry Meadows every time.
Each year they bring along a photo frame they include in their photographs, and this year's was definitely the best one so far! Perhaps because their boys are a little older so get what we are trying to do.
The two boys are SO different. Jesse, the oldest is super chilled and likes to be clean, whereas Sebby, the youngest, almost went in the biggest puddle as soon as we got there. So we said to him that if he was really good for the photos today that he could go in the big puddle right at the very end and he was thrilled!
Thankfully they had their wellies on so Mum & Dad weren't too worried...
We recreated some of the photos from their previous shoots too and I'm so chuffed with the results! It can be very hard for parents to relax during a photoshoot when they're worried about their children running off, getting hyper, jumping in puddles. But as long as we are in a safe place, it's no problem at all for photos. We can incorporate it. The puddles, the running, we can make it into a race and make it enjoyable for them. Just be prepared for
How to Relax
Clothing helps: Ensure you feel confident in what you're wearing and don't wear clothes that need adjusting for example.
Think about the location: If your child/children love to run off, choose a location where they can do that. For example, an enclosed park.
Bring games!: If your little ones have a lot of energy, which they often do, perhaps bring a football along, or something to help them channel that energy. We can get some wicked action shots of playing games! Or if they have a favourite toy, bring that along too.
Does your child's attention span not last very long? Don't worry, the photoshoot can be in short bursts and it's completely based on how they are on the day.
Plan ahead: The more stressed you are, they more stressed they will be. So give yourself enough time to get ready, don't plan too much before the shoot so you can arrive in plenty of time and (hopefully) more relaxed.
Think about the time: Choose a time of day that is best for your child if they still sleep throughout the day. I can be versatile with timings so if you know they're best in the morning, let's go for it then.
Be realistic: Realise that these shoots never go to plan, so if you have a shot idea in mind just be prepared it might not turn out exactly as you think. Go with the flow. I have a plan for every shoot, but very rarely does it go according to plan. If you are relaxed, and enjoying yourselves, your photos will be 10x better as you will appear relaxed in them.
So, here are some of my favourite shots from the very energetic shoot we had this December, I hope you like them:
Meg x
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