Adventures in Family Photography

Photographing children and families with children is one of the best parts of what I do…and a great workout; trying to keep up with youngsters is no joke!  Not long ago, I once again had the lovely experience of photographing Shannon, Rachelle, and their growing family — one of the sweetest you could ever meet. And just like all my returning family clients, I am truly honored to know them, watch their family grow, and capture their most important moments for them.  I love these sessions because they feel like a reunion with old friends.

I first had the pleasure of photographing Shannon and Rachelle at their wedding in 2008. Then came pregnancy and newborn photos with darling boy Dylan and, recently, the same with darling girl Ellie. Ellie was still in mama’s belly at the time of this shoot, but she arrived happy and healthy soon afterwards and was absolutely precious in her recent newborn portraits. (Stay tuned for more on Ellie.)

Notice how happy everyone looks in these images, especially little Dylan? Well, there’s a bit more to the story. See that beautiful stone stairway? The minute Dylan saw it, all he wanted to do was climb, and climb, and climb some more. He was on a mission and simply had no time for photos. It would be an understatement to say Dylan was unhappy when we suggested a break from climbing. And he wasn’t shy about sharing his feelings.

 

So how did we get from that state of mind to these happy images?  With a little patience and a lot of fun. Through years of experience, I have learned to quickly build a rapport with young kids and redirect if things start to go awry. For starters, I first spend time just connecting — without cameras and other equipment. I gauge whether a child is in a shy or outgoing mood in order to match their energy. I might even enlist them as “assistants”, asking them what we need to get done and how they think we should do it.

In Dylan’s case, something as simple as a silly face contest did the trick. Before you could say “stairway”, he was all ready to smile for the camera!

Parents often worry that their shoot won’t go well if their children aren’t perfect angels at all times. But no one’s are, and that’s okay. This is supposed to be fun!  Kids don’t have to be perfect to have a perfect family portrait photo shoot. They just have to be themselves, have fun, and we get to make it great!

– Nancy

877-881-7221 | nancyrothstein.comnancy@nancyrothstein.com

My First Year: Bay Area Children’s Portraits

Josephine-0005RT-WebTime flies.  I realize now that it’s been over three years since I met Kerry, when she reached out to me for new headshots.  Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of photographing her as she and Chris were expecting their first child, and we’ve captured each phase of their darling girl’s first year.  Kerry has an amazing eye for design, and her clean aesthetic comes through in her home and wardrobe.  It’s always calming and inspiring to be in her home.  But, of course, the star of the show is this amazing little girl, whose smile lights up the room.  Every time I get to photograph her she absolutely wins my heart.

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We had our first session when Josephine was a mere three weeks old, and I was delighted to bear witness to just how much her charm had blossomed six months later.  I love how the warm, neutral tones in their home help to accentuate Josephine’s beautiful blue eyes.

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We met for our third session just last month, before Josephine’s first birthday, when she and Kerry joined me for a mother-daughter session. It’s always such a blessing to be invited along on a family’s journey to capture these landmark moments.

I am so excited to see what the future has in store for this winsome, young family.

Bon anniversaire, Josephine!

– Nancy

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877-881-7221 | nancyrothstein.comnancy@nancyrothstein.com

Bay Area Family Portraits

I’ve had a wonderful fall; lots of outdoor family portrait sessions with clients who I have the pleasure of seeing every year.  It’s a real honor and a treat(!) for me to see the kids growing up, and to be able to document these years as they fly by.  This charming girl has been in front of my camera since she was a baby, and it is truly amazing to see her engaging with the world as a little person!  More to come, but here’s a favorite for now.  Childlike wonder?  Check.

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877-881-7221 | nancyrothstein.com | nancy@nancyrothstein.com

Kids Driving You Crazy?! Discipline Seminar on March 21

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Discipline Essentials: Worry-Free Solutions for Everyday Parenting Challenges

Join Dr. Jessica to learn the essential tools and tricks for handling discipline struggles with your child.  Ideal for children 1.5-5 years old, but these tools apply to children of all ages!  Dr. Jessica will help you make sense of why our children do the wild things they do, making life easier and more manageable for everyone.

Seminar includes Dr. Jessica’s presentation of Essential Discipline Tools, a live Q&A, and ongoing online discipline coaching via a private online group.

When:  Thursday, March 21st
7:00-7:30 Complimentary cocktails & lite bites
7:30-9:00 Presentation & Discussion

Where: Nancy Rothstein Photography (at the new studio!)
545 Athol Avenue
Oakland CA 94606

Dr. Jessica Michaelson Who: Dr. Jessica Michaelson is a psychologist who specializes in early parenthood support.  She is an amazing resource for parents, and happens to be a client of mine!  We are teaming up for this event…

 

Cost: $40 individual / $55 couple. Anyone can register here.
*FREE for the first 10 clients of Nancy Rothstein Photography who register.
Use this link and the promo code NRPClient.

Why:  I’m arranging a series of talks at the new studio with the intention of giving back to you, my valued clients.  This one is for all the parents!

I really hope you can make it and get some useful information!

Register Now

877-881-7221 | nancyrothstein.comnancy@nancyrothstein.com