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

Family Photography: San Francisco Bay Area

For many portrait photographers like myself, family photography is a truly a pleasure.  I love the opportunity to document the unique character of each child and to capture the family relationship…..immense love!  First I consult my clients to develop family photography ideas that resonate with their personal style.  Then we have a fun family photo shoot that allows them to express their personalities perfectly.

For this session the white seamless studio look was a perfect foil for the bold graphic red, white, and black theme they chose for their wardrobe.  Want to learn more about choosing colors for your outfits?  Check out this in-depth introduction to the Color Wheel.  If that one is too involved, here’s a basic Guide to Matching Colors.  Outfits for family photography should reflect your family’s authentic style, so there is no right answer about what to wear. Elegant neutrals; bold primary colors; eclectic mixed patterns?  Anything goes, as long as it’s thoughtfully selected (that doesn’t mean it has to be match-y) and reflects your style.

By using negative space in the composition and not over-posing the family, I created a dynamic collection of images that feel modern and crisp as well as relaxed and playful. Family photography in the studio doesn’t have to look traditional or conservative! Give me a call and we’ll come up with some fun family portrait ideas that work for your family photography.  Every family is different; we’ll find the style that works for you.  Portrait photographers should use their skills to represent who you are, not impose their style on you.

By the way, check out the eyelashes on this little one in the first image; I think they’re some of the longest I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been doing family photography for years!  Wow!  Thank you to this wonderful family for choosing me as your family photographer!

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

Oakland Family Portraits

I’ve had the pleasure of photographing this little one twice now, as part of her First Year portrait package. She is adorable and obviously had a great time with her basket of fruits.  Imagine if we could all still get that excited about the simplest thing…a stuffed orange…oh my!  Well, that might be a stretch for us “adults” but let’s try to find our childlike wonder whenever we can; I know we’ve still got it!

Fun family portraits

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

Voted Best Family Photographer

Let’s celebrate! Nancy Rothstein Photography was voted Best Family Photographer 2013 for Alameda County by Parents’ Press readers. What an honor!

I love photographing families around the Bay Area, and with the kids out of school and the good weather (fingers crossed), it’s the perfect time to schedule a portrait session. Thank you to my wonderful clients for your support!

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