Denh Lay Photography

It was a chilly winter morning and the grass was still coated in frost. Yet, this is one of my warmest winter sessions to date. Not only because of the beautiful morning sun that ensued but the beautiful personalities that brought so much joy and warmth to this session. Thank you Eggletons for trusting me to find not one but three bridges ;), and for being such an easy going, fun family to photograph. I am so happy you love these family memories as much as I do. They are exactly what I like to capture, joyous moments bathed in gorgeous light :)

—————————-

CLOTHING TIP: Similar hues to blend

One option I usually suggest to families is to style everyone in similar hues. Pick 2-3 colours you love and just work around that. In this session, the Eggletons chose blue and purple. I love that they didn’t just go all girls in purple and boys in blue. I love too that the youngest and only son went with something completely different but still in the same tone. He is connected in colour but obviously stands out in the family ;) Great work Nikki and so worth the effort! 

 

 

I frequently get asked about framing so I am currently putting together a little design guide that I will send out to all my family portrait clients. The research has led me to some fantastic DIY options which are brilliantly unique, gorgeous and clever. Here are some of my favourites :)

 

Source: http://www.ivillage.com

*

Source: http://miasinterior.blogspot.nl

*

Source: http://georgicapond.blogspot.ca/

*

Source: http://www.homegokil.com

As a family photographer there is nothing more wonderful to me than being invited to capture precious moments like these for Rach and Joe. Their adoration and love for their ‘little’ Olli is just beautiful and I wish upon all children such devotion. It warms my heart and makes me so happy ‘going to work’! Cherish these moments my friends because cheeky monkeys have a habit of growing up way too fast.

—————————-

TIPS: I get a lot of questions about clothing so here’s my thoughts on the classic black top & blue jeans look from this session. 

This simple design is timeless and has a youthful, modern appeal. There’s no risk of clashing or overpowering colours. The focus is purely on expressions and environment. As you can see, it can also be very effective in creating a sense of unity and ‘group’ everyone together. It also lends very well to black and white conversions because of the lack of competing colours. 

 

I enjoyed a fun session last week with two adorable little boys. Big brother was all ready to go but little brother was most comfortable in his head down state with eyes averted. It was a challenging session but with much persistence we did get some wonderful shots which I know mum will love. This situation is so common though that I was inspired to write this blog.

You see, despite the common belief that all kids love the camera, some simply … don’t. They’ve either grown sick of our paparazzi style coverage or they simply don’t enjoy posing for our satisfaction, much to our surprise! I have seen this aversion to the camera in all age groups. Toddlers can feel insecure and young teens can feel self conscious. In fact, it’s a scenario I deal with in a majority of my sessions.

So what do I suggest to my clients who are concerned about their ‘unwilling’ kids and not getting ‘the’ shot? … Relax. Enjoy. Trust.

Relax on the day because your energy affects their energy. If you are stressed and nervous, chances are your children will sense it and reciprocate. I have seen this far too often to ignore, especially with my own kids.

Enjoy the day because it is not an everyday experience. You’ve put a lot of effort in getting the family organised … and dressed :) Now enjoy. The rest frankly, is up to the photographer, me. That leads to my next important suggestion.

Trust that I will do everything I can to create the images you desire. Trust that I will seek your help when I need it. Trust that I have enough experience with kids of all ages to work with them, to gain their trust, to help them share their personality … willingly. There is no set method, every child is different but here’s some things I try to do:

– Relate to what makes them happy

– Encourage but not insist on their participation

– Give them space

– Have fun. Be silly :)

 

Ultimately, I don’t want your children to simply put on a smile for the camera, I want them to enjoy the experience and smile because it makes them happy :)

My last blog post (click here) is a great example of a typical session that can start with much introspection and end with much delight.

It’s party season in our family with 8 birthdays over Spring! And if that’s not enough to keep us busy, we also have half a dozen kids parties to go to. Cupcakes, fairy bread, jelly cups, here we come!! :) Aside from the mad rush to organise gifts, cakes & decorations, it’s a great opportunity to grab photos of some pretty excitable kids in their sugar rush best. So, if you’re heading into a party and want to capture some fun memories, here’s my tips :)

1. Create the excitement :)

I think I’ve said in the another tip post that great photos require patience. Well, sometimes great shots also require some masterminding :) My normally shy 2yo was so happy to have all her uncles, aunties and grandparents over to celebrate her birthday that she quickly became quite sociable and …delirious :) I really wanted to capture this glee and pure joy of the day. So, I started the kids on a game of chasey along the hallway, where they would have to run towards me, then positioned myself at one end where I knew their faces would be lit, and just waited :)

 

2. Get down to their level

If you are use to standing amongst the adults and photographing your kids from a distance then my advice would be to get in on the fun :) For a photograph that takes you and your child back into that moment, get down to their level and capture the shot from their point of view.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Have fun with dress ups

Kids look adorable in dress ups, period! :) However, to add a bit of fun, try asking them to act out their character eg. What does a fairy enjoy doing?

My 3yo decided here that fairies like to climb garden benches! I waited till she was in mid climb and called her name :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Set up the candle shot

Don’t all kids love blowing the candles? During the big event, all camera’s are usually out for this one so make sure you’re ready for it and find a good position in anticipation. For an interesting group shot after the main birthday candle’s blown, shuffle the kids as close together as possible and watch them all have a go. Mind the dribbles though ;)

 

Personally, I find it such a beautiful moment that I also like to capture it after the event, when all is quiet and the birthday girl/boy can truly enjoy their birthday light. For this series of shots, I’ve turned off the room lights, so I just had the ambient light from the candles to capture this magical moment. For those interested, it was shot on my 50mm, at 1.4 .

 

5. Include yourself!

Finally, my reoccurring tip to parents, include yourself in your photos, your family albums, your memories.

Hand over your camera or ask a friend who’ll happily send you copies. Here’s me at my 2yo’s party, enjoying being the centre of so much cuteness :)

Sure, the kids are looking EVERYWHERE else but the camera hehehe.. but I’m pretty sure it will make my kids laugh when they see it in years to come. It sure makes me laugh :)

 

I love taking photos of my kids on my DSLRs for the creative control they provide but when we’re out and about, my best camera is usually my mobile phone. After all, I do believe that great imagery is more often about the moment, the light and not necessarily the gear. So, if you’re a prolific mobile phone snapper and want to improve your photos of your kids, you’ll love my top 5 tips for great mobile photography :) …. (and don’t miss the super short 30sec slideshow at the end too!).

 

1/ Look for interesting objects to frame your child

I love photographing in playgrounds because they’re full of great props that could be used to frame your child! Whether I’m using a DSLR or mobile phone, I try to fill the screen with the ‘frame’ which helps draw attention to the face. Just make sure your phone is ready when they ‘pop’ into the frame ;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/ Get in close 

Don’t be afraid to get in close and fill the screen.

As mobile phones are much smaller than a camera, they’re not nearly as daunting as a DSLR or compact camera can be.

If you want them to look straight into the camera like this big eyes bubba :), make sure you duck behind the phone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/ Avoid dark shadows across faces

Great photos require patience, great photos with kids, require even more! :) The problem with taking mobile phone snaps wherever and whenever is that the light might not always be ideal. You just have to make the most of what you’ve got. For example, play equipment tend to cast a lot of awkward shadows so be patient and wait. Yes wait :) … and encourage them out into the light.

 

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4/ Photograph kids at their level

Bend those knees and use your phone at their level.

Kids love sharing their secret worlds and are more relaxed when you’re not looking down on them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5/ Include yourself!

Finally, do yourself a favour and make sure to occasionally include yourself in your photos. Mums (and dads) are always out there snapping away then find they’re nowhere in their family album! Nothing more convenient than either handing your mobile to someone or turning it on yourself and your children. Much easier to do than with a DSLR or a compact. Don’t be shy, give it a go ;)  Here’s some of me vying for the camera ;) … and yes, there’s a pool shot in there. I take my mobile everywhere I can’t take my DSLR!

 

 

With mobile phones, I should also make mention the fantastic downloadable Apps like Hipstamatic and Instamatic which can give your mobile phone photos a totally different and more artistic look. Check them out and have some real fun!

 

Here’s a SUPER SHORT 30SEC SLIDE SHOW of some photos I’ve taken with some funky iPhone Apps…

 

Make your own slide show at Animoto.

Easter is less than 2 weeks away and I’m looking forward to a weekend of Easter egg hunting! Yes it’s for the kids but there’s no reason we can’t join in the fun ;) … and take the opportunity to capture their funny expressions and little adventures. Whether your prized camera is a digital SLR or a mobile phone, here are 7 simple tips that will help you capture your special moments. Be sure to give it a go as they may come in handy in my exciting Mother’s Day Giveaway ;) Details to be posted next week!

1/ Prepare your gear

Whether you’re using a phone, compact or DSLR, make sure they’re charged and empty your cards so you don’t run out of space mid hunt! If you love phone camera applications like Hipstamatic or Instagram then ensure they’re at easy reach. eg. If you have an iPhone, move the application to the first screen on your phone to save scrolling time.

2/ Guide the hunt

Use paper footprints on the ground to guide the kids through part or all of the hunt. Not only will the kids love walking in bunny’s foot prints but it means you won’t be chasing them around in every direction to get the photos. Yes, it sounds orderly :) but the kids will still love the hunt and you can worry less about your stamina and more about your photos.

3/ Put them in the light

Hide eggs in well lit places or you could end up with a lot of dark and blurry photos as your phone/camera struggles to focus in low light. If hunting indoors and your home is dark, then open all the curtains and turn on the lights (even if day time) to let in as much light as possible.

4/ Create opportunity for different angles and poses

Is your Easter album going to be filled with kids squatting down for eggs hidden in the grass? Mine were until I discovered that Easter bunny gets in all sorts of places! ;) Create variety in your photos by making them search high and low! :) Try photographing from various perspectives yourself to get a different view of the action.

5/ Use some props for extra cuteness

Kids love dressing up so why not put on rabbit ears or noses to help them find their inner bunny. Making them can be a whole lot of fun on their own :) Baskets and buckets are fabulous props to help little hands from overflowing. Check out Martha Stewart Living for some great Easter craft ideas including a pair of cute felt bunny ears.

6/ Get in close & fill the frame

Don’t be afraid to get in close and fill the frame. You don’t need to see every shrub in the yard or furniture in the room. Unnecessary detail will only detract from your gorgeous subjects.

7/ Treat yourself!

Most importantly, save yourself some choccies too because as we all know, happy photographer equals happy photos! :)

 

Happy hunting this Easter! x