I rarely take Emma out with the sole purpose of taking pictures of her, but we drive by this field almost every day. It used to be really golden and tall, but they mowed and baled it down for hay a couple of weeks ago.
I just noticed a hole of an entrance a couple of days ago, so I thought I’d go take some “real” pictures of Emma.
I do often wonder if I could possibly…maybe…with a hint of miraculously do this as a part-time job, but then I get this …
…and I totally change my mind. It’s hard enough getting decent pictures of Emma, I can’t imagine shooting kids I don’t even know.
The thing is, I know what she likes and dislikes. She dislikes sitting still, so I know that I am going to have to let her run around for a while.
I also know she likes silly dances. So I dance like a fool (by a busy road in the middle of coming-home-from-work traffic) and make her laugh.
I know that she likes to ignore the camera, so I just try to work with it.
I know that she likes to sing itsy bitsy spider, which looks funny in pictures, but it keeps her legs and feet still for a moment.
And she really likes to watch planes, so I get as many shots off as I can when I hear one flying over in the background.
Most of all, I just capture HER. She’s a little shy & introverted. She keeps her head down when she’s not 100% comfortable. And even though she may not be a professional photographer’s dream, she’s MY dream.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh Keli,
Every single one of these shots are amazing. Even where E hides her face…so cute! I think moments such as those are the moments that parents really cherish…the unposed, the <unplanned, those moments that are truly good and embrace the child as they are. I think you’d be quite wonderful at portraiture.
These are absolutely gorgeous! Sher’s a wonderfully precious little one to photograph!
Oh these are adorable! I especially love her expression in that last one, with the feet all going up like that. SO CUTE. Want to touch. (In a good way. Not a scary internet stalker way.) :)
She’s precious, keli! I absolutely love natural shots of kids being kids. When they decide to pose, I like that too….but to me, my favorite photos that I’ve ever taken have been the “real” ones….I love ‘em.
She is so amazingly beautiful! And I have a feeling you would be able to work with the kids doing this as a part time job. Talking to the parents before hand, finding out what they know.
That, and capturing them as they really are. That is, after all, what most people want when they get their kids picture taken!
She is so beautiful!
She is a dream – a dream come true. I like your style – just let the kids be kids. Those are the pictures that turn out the best.
Such a beautiful post! I agree completely about getting pictures of people we know, its true.
These pics are all gorgeous.
getting better pictures*
Keli, I can’t tell you how much I love your commentary on life and motherhood and photography. I think you really COULD do this professionally if you wanted to, but I think these pictures feel so professional because your heart comes through in each one of them.
She reminds me so much of My Mollie when she was that age. Just the way you dress her and those adorable crazy buns(piggy’s)I wasn’t super into photography just yet so if i could just take these and pass them off as her..that would be great!! :) These are so wonderful and don’t be silly, you can be whatever you want to be when you grow up!!!
oops sorry that last comment was fom me…Jodie (can you tell who the comments are from if we don’t sign it??)
Wow!!!
I am learning so much from you Girl!
You are AWESOME!
Yes our kiddos are a DREAM! I total agree with you 110% im in the same boat with my darling daughter miss grace. I think we must have the same exact child ;) cuse my dd does the same things (can’t sit still, loves planes,and crazy dancein’ mommas LOL)and really well they look very similar also. I know there has to be loads of moms that go through the same things and have the same welllll lets just say “quirks” ;0) about taking photos of their kiddos. I have just gotten my new dslr and wanna photograph every little detail of everyday but my dd makes it practical impossible. But get this, I went to a studio to get some portraits of her done and I was sayin’ to myself “this can’t be the same grace I know”, she was soooooo good for those ladies and not only that she actually posed for them and did everything they asked. my jaw literally dropped to the floor :D. so anyways my point being is dont give up on being a pro. (u already are in my eyes :D ) some kiddos act way better for other people then they do for their parents ;0) LOL hu? Your heart shines through every one of these photos and im sure it would professional also. And I know any parent would love to have beautiful photos telling a story about their child like these do about your doll.
*****Great work !******
Wow this was long…..sorry ;0)