Can you tell that we’re sitting in an alley without me telling you?  I hope not!  I hope it just looks like we found a really cool red background somewhere and Kelsey rocked it model-style!

Does this work for every single shot?  No.  But it definitely adds something, don’t you think?  I think it creates a sense of intimacy with the subject – you feel like you’re practically having a conversation with them because they are right there.  Here’s another one:

Again, Brandon is my senior sitting in a doorway.  Getting close allows me to create an image that focuses on him and still have some cool texture in the background without it overwhelming the image.  It brings the attention all on him and gives an almost “conversational” feel to the image – it’s like you’re there with him.

The good news is, it doesn’t just work for seniors… it works for little ones too!

I know a lot of moms are scared to get too close when taking photos of little ones that are on the move because they’re liable to crawl right out of the shot.  That’s ok!  Let ‘em go!  You’ll be able to capture that movement in a cool way – promise!  It may take a little practice with your camera to accomplish this, especially if you’re rocking a point-and-shoot and not a DSLR.  Point-and-shoots usually have a little bit of drag time between when you push the shutter button and the camera actually takes the photograph, so you’ll have to play with your own camera to see what works best for you.  You may have a bunch of blurry images of a little diapered booty crawling away from you at first, but as you get to know your camera better, you’ll be able to time things *just* right!  Don’t get discouraged!

This also brings me to another point about getting close, though.  You are going to chop off the tops of heads, parts of limbs, etc. when you do it – and that’s ok.  Do you want to have every single photo in your collection be chopped in some way?  Probably not – that’s up to you and your taste.  However, if you do it from time to time to create a certain look, mood, or sense of movement in a photograph, that’s perfectly acceptable.  In fact, I highly encourage it because it will make life just a little more interesting.  Here’s another movement shot where I’ve cut off the back of Paola’s (mama’s) head:

Could I have taken one step back to get all of Paola’s head/hair in the frame?  Sure!  But then you lose a little of the emphasis on the mommy-daughter interaction because I would have essentially shrunk them in the image to make them fit.  I’d much rather have the moment of interaction between the two of them front and center rather than worrying about a few strands of hair not making it into the frame.

So, go out there, be brave, and GET CLOSE!  Will it freak out a few of your subjects at first?  Probably.  But in the end, I think everyone will love the results!

This is Nayan now:

The little dude wanted a closer look at my camera:

This may be my favorite crawling photo.  EVER.  I LOVE everything about it – especially the drool!

I couldn’t decide which family shot I liked better, so you get to see both:

Some Mommy-Love:

And some Daddy-Love:

Watch out, Colorado – you’re getting some awesome new neighbors!  Best wishes, Sumeet, with your new job!  I know you’re going to be amazing.  And Ms. Molly – I know you’re going to rock the photography world up there (that’s right, Colorado, you’re getting a fab new photographer out of the deal!).  Give Nayan lots and lots of hugs for me!

We’ll start off with one of Miss Isabella and her grandmother…

I love images like this – 4 generations of women!

One with Mama & Daddy:

The Whole Group!

We’ll finish up with some of her 6 month images.  We’ll start off with the little lady and her piggies…  when do piggies stop being cute?  I swear… they’re going to be the end of me!

Look how big!

One last one of her super model pout:

Leila + Matt – it was great to see y’all again and meet all of Leila’s family!  Your full gallery will be ready soon!

Thanks for such a wonderful shoot and for your patience as I got your sneak preview up!  High school senior season has me running around like a chicken with my head cut off!  But, I’m catching up.  Your full gallery will be ready soon – promise! 

Mr. Jake:

Mr. Ryan (can you believe how big he’s gotten since the first time I met him?!):

I love this family shot!

Peek-a-Boo!

And to end… one with Mama and her boys!

B Family – it’s always such fun to see you!  I can’t believe that next time we’ll be cake smashing with Ryan!!!

Tickle Time!

Here’s the whole group:

Just the girls:

The boys:

Everyone together now:  Awwwww!

I love the get a shot or two of just the parents.  Most, like M + J, have not had their photo taken together since their engagements / wedding.  So important to have photos of just the 2 of you!

One last of the whole group:

Z family, it was delight to get to know you better!  Thanks for sticking with it through the rain and the mud!  I hope you love your sneak peek and I’ll get your full gallery to you soon!

Here’s the whole group:

One more of the whole group – I just love all of the personalities coming through in this one!

Just the boys:

The girls:

As you can imagine, we had a bunch of parents helping out behind the scenes.  We had them jump in with their kiddos for some quick family shots!

One last one of the siblings of the bunch:

Thanks to all of you for a fantastically fun (and easy going!  and smooth running!  and fabulous!) morning!  I can’t wait to share your entire gallery with all of y’all… it will be ready soon!

He’s all ready for the Easter Bunny, too…

Kisses from Mommy

And we finished the morning playing on the playground:

Thanks so much, E Family, for such a great morning!  Your full gallery will be ready soon!

First, some love from Mommy & Daddy:

So. Precious.

I loved the little sign in her nursery:

Thanks, K Family, for another fabulous session!  Can’t wait to see you again in a few months!!!