Session Recap: Central Park for their first family photographs
When a client returns to me, not only is it super fun because we already know each other, but it tells me that I served them well the previous session and they are looking for the same boutique, custom service again for their printed portraits.
I photographed baby for his Newborn photographs and now, less than a year later, it was time for the family's first session together.
Mom, Dad, baby, and pup all got their best coordinated (with my help) clothes on and met me at Central Park. I had walked the park entrance they like the previous week and got Mom's favorite locations chosen ahead of the session. With all of this prep to make sure it was an easy session, we were able to concentrate on keeping baby and pup happy and looking at the camera.
What are you most looking forward to for your photography session?
Mom said before the session that she was most looking forward to "having our first family pictures taken" and we absolutely achieved that goal. Previous to this, all that Mom and Dad could share online or with family were selfies. They now have professional family photographs of all four of them together!
What three words or phrases would you use to describe your loved one(s) in the session?
We channeled their desired "smiley, supportive, & cuddly" vibes throughout the session. We had planned ahead and the parents brought pup's favorite squeaker toys for me to have in my pocket (or right about the camera) — the family was able to cuddle and concentrate on each other while I made sure everyone was looking at the camera. And just LOOK at their smiles, so natural and happy.
Why did you decide to invest in portraits? Why are they important to you?
Not only did I follow up because I knew baby was approaching the 10-12 month mark (so fast), but both parents knew it was time for a session too. "To remember this time in our lives since it goes by so quickly." I have seen the family in the neighborhood a few times in between the newborn session and this Fall session — I got to watch as baby got bigger, he started to hold his head up on his own, his eyes got brighter, his hair got lighter, and both parents went back to work. Time slips away and pretty soon he will be walking, talking, and a bit more squirmy for photographs — which is why I love the 10-12 month age for family photographs as babies are still happy in parents' arms but can see and understand to look at the camera.
Where do you plan to display your final custom printed artwork?
Fall family photographs are a GREAT time to get double use of your professional photographs. Not only can you get the beautiful wall artwork for your home (and maybe grandparents' homes) but you can also get Holiday cards. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, calendar New Year, Luna New Year, or more, it is a great time to send out some happy snail mail to friends and family. I am also a graphic designer so I custom design holiday cards and can do the entire process for you (design, print, stamp, and mail). Read more about custom holiday cards in this blog post. This family's goal was "making holiday cards and a print for a frame" and I am so excited to deliver these products for them.
Your turn?
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Comment below, I would LOVE to know which is your favorite final photograph from this family's Central Park Fall photography session.