Spring has sprung- for almost a month now- though it hardly feels like we want to be outside consistently, yet. All that can be seen that really proves to us warm weather is on the way, are the flowers budding. Although, they too must be wondering where the warmer weather is- it’s not really here yet.

Spring IS after all, a transitional season between the extreme cold and heat – so the spring ride is appropriately bumpy as temps gradually even out. In fact, today’s shoot nearly didn’t happen,  it was originally scheduled for yesterday, but due to the calamity of springtime weather we postponed at the last minute. I’m happy we did, because today is a FAR better day for photography. A tad windy, but we have the sun beaming down, and that’s all that I ask for.

Lately, I have a penchant for gigs with multiple kids on set, it seems. I worked with three kids today. I’ve had two recent twin baby photography sessions, and have shot 3 kids in one session in the past- no walk in the park- but these kids were older, more relatable, and were old enough to take direction without fuss.

I was forewarned about one of them though, see if you can guess who from the pictures.

Lots of kids don’t get excited about having their picture taken, and I get this. They imagine a structured, and boring event where they’re forced to perform or bend to some strangers’ will. And I’m talking about young boys here, I don’t know that young girls share the same outlook with having pictures done.

I start the session by stating my rules RULE. Everyone has to have fun. That’s it.

By the looks of it, rule #1 was followed by all parties involved.

In case you’re interested , the essential elements of the day were :

5 in 1 Collapsible Multi Photography Disc Reflector 40″ X 60″ ,  

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens ,

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD SP ZL Aspherical (IF) Zoom Lens

I was actually quite concerned with the climbing of the tree, and the swinging from its limbs. But I took the cue from their mom that this was ok, and they were comfortable in that environment. Always take a cue from mom about what you have kids do during a session. More important than having kids be themselves with you, is a nod to their safety and well-being. So, I made them promise me not to get hurt -before I was done with their photos- and watched them all with concern as they abandoned the tree.

Brothers and sisters all have very different dynamics, it was interesting to see this with kids pretty close in age. They didn’t realize it, but they were teaching me as I worked with them. Being a photographer is much more than knowing how to work around your camera. You have to learn how to connect with your subjects, else you’ll walk away having missed what I believe to be the point of formal portraits ; to engage your subjects to be themselves in front of you, and your camera.

There are many more frames, but I haven’t sent them to my client yet, so I’ll let this stand as the preview.