Why…is…it…so…HARD?? Do other photogs find it so hard to photograph their own kids? Maybe its because we style it, then set it up, then pose ’em, and then try and photograph them. And because you yell at them ALL THE TIME, they just dont take the threats seriously!

Well, this impromptu session was no different. I have had on my “to do” list which should be called a “to don’t” list} to photograph Haylee at 5. I started this business just before she was born, and as a photographer, I have learned that five is the “magic” age. They listen {kind of} and they have not lost any teeth, they are not a baby any more, but not completely a big girl yet either. All in all, photography perfection. Well November came and went, and then December, and January, and she came home on Friday with a major WIGGLER! Which meant the shoot needed to be NOW! Since Sunday was my free day, I forced the other two to get dressed for pics as well, and out we went- in the 40!!!! degree weather! This is the anatomy of the shoot…

 

We started at the Sanchez House. I want a nice simple pic of her by a wall- she wants me to take a picture of her walking on the wall- WHAT!???!

 

 

So thats a waste, we move on. Now we go to another buidling- she’s cold, and does not see the beauty of the aged door “Why am I standing in front of the door mommy?”

the we move to a sunny spot- except in the car she finds a light up toy, and insists it should be in the picture. This is the happy face that ensues after that dicussion.

I suppose i should be happy though…I see this face..alot…so I guess its good I caught it on film, right?

So then Hunter joins us as my awesome reflector holder, and while you can see her undies- I love her face in this one. And if you know Haylee, you know she would rather just be in her undies- all the time! So, I suppose its appropriate as well! Doesnt she look so sweet and innocent- its all false, LOL!

I should be really happy, I got all of her crazy personalities, its cold, she is ready to be done. But I have three outfits, and like any mom, I want them all. So we move on to a park. As soon as we get there, the kids see the tree, and they all want to be part of it {ahh yes, why I had them all dress in “photo” outfits}.

 

You can see she is reaching her maximum- but we charge on!

Get pics of the big kids…

And then Ash in her berret {Hunter is my handy reflector asst- poor mark could not “find the light”}

and Haylee-

 

So, Overall, I am happy, but I want just one of the girls together- apparently that was too much to ask for…

They just glow sisterly love, huh? Poor ash is thinking “dont make me take ONE MORE”. They ask if they can dance- UGH, I just want to get the one shot…

And while I wont make them a 30×40 canvas- the last series is totally these kids- laughing, being silly, and trying to outdo the other! Its funny, we look for the “perfect”- the perfect light, the perfect outfit, the perfect smile- and in the end, what ends up being perfect is that small moment in our crazy busy lives where I captured them- doing whatever it is that they do at this one specific age- and for them to know they are important enough to be the primary focus in front of my lens. I photograph so many other things and am always rushing off to a wedding, or session saying “next time, I promise”. It feels really good when “next time” finally happens- so I guess thats why i, and so many other photogs out there torture ourselves to get the “perfect” shot of our kids…