I first photographed the Woodburn family last December when they were a family of three, and I must say it was the most memorable of all of my Christmas Mini Sessions. When it comes to family sessions, I always go into it prepared for anything. Crying babies, unhappy toddlers, high energy kiddos… you just never know! Which honestly, is half of the fun. Plus, it’s real life. But of course, I understand the desire for posed portraits and smiling faces. So, I do my best. I break out my best funny faces. Tap into my growing library of jokes. Offer treats in exchange for smiles. You know, whatever is necessary. 😉 Typically, it doesn’t take a lot.
Except last December…. Boyd, who was two at the time, reaalllly made me work for it. My funny faces were apparently not funny. My jokes fell very flat. I tried everything. As a last ditch effort, for whatever reason, I honestly don’t even know what made me think to do this- I spun my body around, squealing “woooooo” as I turned in a tight circle. Slightly dizzy, I stopped. Looked. And there it was, a little smile. I clicked the shutter and spun again. And again. Spinning. Refocusing the camera. Pressing the shutter button. And, it worked! Sweet little smiles from a sweet little boy.
Lindsey was pregnant at the time, and told me she would be in touch when Boyd’s little brother arrived. I was thrilled to receive an email from her a few weeks ago telling me that baby Beau had joined the family, and asking me to capture their newest addition.
Luckily, this time around, no spinning was required. 🙂
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