Posing with littles. Can we contain the chaos? And more importantly, should we?
No doubt we all want to have beautifully posed pictures in perfect lighting with the perfect expressions. But what we as Mamas (and sometimes Photographers) don't account for is that kids really do have minds of their own. They don't like to sit still or to smile when told to. And the most certainly do NOT feel inclined to stay in the position they were placed in. This can be very frustrating when you have an idea in your head and your kiddo doesn't care to cooperate with that seemingly perfect picture you want. Have no fear Mama, I know how you feel and I'm here to tell you that you and your family are already picture perfect!
I was told many years ago by my sister (when photographing her oldest son) "get down on his level, and follow him around." And man was that good advice. Sometimes we get so caught up in "posing" that we forget to capture WHO that person is. The whole reason I do photography at all is to capture what is in front of me, not to make what's in front of me bend to what I think "perfect" is. I'm capturing the feeling, emotions, and beauty in the seemingly "normal". So why would I try to do anything different with a child?
As a Mama I know how hard it is to get your kiddo to "do what you(I) want" and how frustrating that can be. So, as a Photographer, I'm not going to pose your little (unless we are talking Newborn photos, but this is about family photos). I don't feel the need to. I want to capture exactly who they are in that moment, even if that moment is hectic and messy.
I know this concept of "not posing" is kind of an odd approach. And don't get me wrong I'll give guidance for what to do, but I don't expect your 3yo to sit still and smile at me. I want them to play and have as much fun as you are. I want your family's photos to express exactly who you are right then and there. So that one day you can look back on those images and remember that feeling.
It's hard to "let go" of that "perfect picture" in your head, but trust me, it's well worth it! You'll see that even in the chaos there is beauty. Also, more importantly, you'll enjoy being able to just be in the moment at your session. So, trust me when I say, let go, and just BE.
