I had such a fun time photographing this sweet family at their home recently for their annual holiday card! Sharon and I know each other through a networking group called Victoria Women of Weddings, and I am constantly in awe of her beautiful, award-winning work with her business Sharon Rai Hair and Makeup Artistry, so I was honoured when she invited me to photograph her family this year. Sharon took the time before her shoot to style her home and her family's outfits beautifully, and the care she put into it really comes through in the images we captured.
As the mother of a nearly-two year old, and having photographed my fair share of families at this point, I can tell you that photographing kids is fun but challenging work. Toddlers, especially, are busy, busy people with things to do and see, and they are not typically known for their ability to sit still for long periods of time! For example, If I try to take a cell phone photo of my 21 month old son, he is usually nothing more than a blur - I definitely have to break out the "big camera" to catch him in his perpetual motion, and photographing Sweet Little N (who is just 2 months older than my son) was no different. Sharon couldn't believe I got any shots of her at all, but through the miracle of high shutter speeds and flash photography, we caught her being her fun, wonderful, toddler self in all it's busy glory. Here are a few of my favourites from the session.
Of course, there are a few amazing "outtakes" too that I can't resist sharing because it was definitely part of the experience and, hey, it's what real life with a toddler looks like, so why not remember it fondly?! Plus, sometimes, the outtakes turn out to be some of our most cherished shots. Am I right?!!
Wishing you all a safe, happy and healthy holiday season! Or as one of my favourite business people, Marie Forleo, recently shared on her page, "Merry Everything and a Happy Always".
