Making it Special

We all see it - these amazing images and pictures taken with a picture perfect family against a beautiful backdrop or scenery, with the absolute cutest clothes. What the picture doesn't tell you is that of that 400 image memory card, only 20 of them look like that. The remaining 380 have them blinking and open-mouth laughing, a parent scolding a kid, the kid pouting or turning mid picture to look at a bird.

Social media is so subjective and we as artists are only going to put up the ones we know are capable of catching that " wow" moment for someone else in a gallery. That does not mean the additional 15 *blooper* pictures don't make it into your digital gallery. They absolutely do because those generally are the ones that make me laugh most but may not be the ones you want on a mural wall (or maybe they are).

When we start building your session, I always like to get to know my clients. I ask:

-what their personal styles are,

-how many people in the family or session,

-background for why they are looking for the session (surprisingly most people aren't doing it 'just to get pictures updated', there's something they are looking to celebrate or commemorate usually).

-if they have any 'ideas' they are looking to stylize into their own [there are always Pinterest or Instagram examples, and I will never promise to replicate them but it does help with the general feel you are looking for]

By asking these easy questions at the front, generally I get a lot more information than just that. A parent will usually gush or revere the child, or a partner will speak kindly about their relationship. It lets me know ahead of time what kind of connections I walk into at the studio or location.

I love, nope there is a stronger inflection for this, I am devoted to building a unique or one-of-a-kind photo session with my clients. I adore the "out of the box" location and more so, I will jump on board for most concept sessions as well! There is something absolutely magical about creating an idea or an image into something that perfectly suits a family. Whether it be bohemian paradise, pin up couture, rustic living, or modern chic.

Having a client ask, "This might sound stupid but is there any way...." is my favourite question.

I enjoy working with my clients to make their images and their session not only fun, but authentically special to them! Your kid has a favourite blanket they can't let go of? BRING IT! You will want images to remind them of at their wedding that they had a blanket like Lionys from Charlie Brown. Your partner has a ball cap you bought that he loves to wear - don't make him take it off, bring it along and we will fit it in!

I am 100% okay with everything that makes your family, and your kids, and you and your partner - YOU! Cookie cutter model shoots that could be any one is part of the appeal on social media, but I am committed to representing you.

--- Lana E, photographer