Spring from a Toddlers Perspective

Spring in Michigan is here! It came late due to heavy rain and floods. Right after we came home from Florida, It rained for three weeks straight! If you watched the news, you probably saw our city in complete crises. People's homes were destroyed and many civilians had to be carried away in emergency boats. Luckily, the floods did not harbor our neighborhood and I am thankful the chaos is over. There is nothing like a Michigan spring. Nature is of abundance. Because this will be our last Spring here, I am trying to photograph and soak in all that is beautiful, and all that is Michigan. I hope you will join me in this last journey in the next month.

 You may notice I tend to photograph my daughter more than my son. Well, the reason for this is because my son does not like to be photographed at this stage( unless I bribe him into it) Also, he isn't as animated and free spirited as my daughter. She is easy to photograph, just loves attention and she loves the camera.  My son in the other hand,  is  very reserved and serious.I tried to get him to smile in this photo session.. just once!! He wouldn't do it. He instead looked at me with discontent and was desperately trying to run to a near by playground. What can I say? Sometimes in photographing you win, and sometimes you have no chance. To help others who struggle to get that special capture, I have compiled a list that will help when photographing multiple toddlers.

Tips for Photographing Toddlers

1). Bring props and distractions: My son was hesitate in looking at the camera lens, no amount of adult goo goo talk will convince a toddler in their terrible two's to listen. So bring a prop, and if you dont have one, find one! We found a large branch on the ground. My son became so fascinated with the branch and I made him feel so special that he found it, and it made him smile with delight.

2). Bring snacks: I don't care how old you are, who doesn't like free food during a required event? Food and snacks takes off the edge at any age, and it helps mommy too!

3). Avoid Fluids: This is important. Make sure the kids use the restroom before going out to any event. There is nothing worst than shooting a session and having one of the kids scream, " I have to go pee pee"! Even worst, finding out there is no bathroom in sight.

3). Shoot at their level: If your tall, you must get down on your knees or bottom. Get down to their level and make sure your in paralleled with your subjects eyes.

4). Catch them being them: The most allure and stunning aspect of photography is capturing your subjects being them. Let them play, let them scream and let them run. I have found my most profound photography of my children is when you let them be, and capture their smiles and beauty when they are not looking.