The time is finally here! The leaves have started changing color and I have begun my busy family portrait season. Every October my calendar fills up with tons of family and child sessions. Why? Two reasons - the warm red, yellow and orange colors of outdoor fall portraits is pretty much unattainable any other time of the year AND everyone wants beautiful pictures for their holiday cards! This year I kicked off the season with a beautiful family of five. Two adults, two boys and one adult size pup...well, I suppose most wouldn't consider a 100+ pound bull mastiff a pup, but to me all dogs are "pups".
This year I ran several Fall Session Promos. This was a 1/2 session which allowed for time and location flexibility. This session was done in East Brunswick at 4pm to take advantage of the evening lighting.
Evening sun, during the Autumn months, are among every photographer's favorite. The golden warmth is like no other time of the year and the changing leaves offer pops of color that just bring a portrait to another level.
When shooting family sessions I have several goals. One, to get at least one nicely posed family picture for the wall.
Two, to snag individual portraits of the children.
And three to get at least one photo of Mom & Dad together without the kids. After years of taking family portraits I quickly realized that most parents haven't had a professional picture taken of themselves since their wedding and that just isn't right!
For families with older children I sometimes love to grab an image that captures a little attitude because, let's face it, this is the side of any pre-teen or teenage child that a parent sees a lot of, and photographs are all about solidifying memories. While we may not like the attitude as it happens, twenty years from now it will be something to laugh about.
And finally, if time permits I make a point to have some fun with the kids because I believe that photo sessions should be enjoyable. Posing can get a little boring, especially for the children, so after we get what we need I just let the kids be kids. And here's a little secret...this is typically when I get some of the most fun pictures. You know, the ones that really let personality shine! 
The above pictures were 100% the idea/request of these boys and I absolutely LOVE them. By doing this I also build a nice rapport with my young clients which makes any future sessions more relaxed for both the kids and the parents!
So, that about sums up this Fall Session. I am really looking forward to seeing all of my return clients and meeting my new ones in the upcoming weeks.
Oh, and if you haven't booked and still want to I have a few weekday evening spots still available. Just contact me and we'll get the ball rolling.
