Bale Family

The little girls in this family had so much personality. I captured so many funny faces, both happy and sad...it was incredible. I loved the energy they brought to the photo shoot.

"Free For All" Urban Kids Photo Shoot

Ever since I moved to the UK, I've heard dozens upon dozens of mothers lament that there is no place to take the kids to get annual pictures taken without paying a boat load of money. I have tinkered with several ideas to help the situation, and none seemed do-able unti now. Today that lament is BANISHED! Introducing the first bi-annual (yes, that means TWICE a year)

"Free For All"

Urban Kids Photo Shoot!!!

Where: Meeting at MY HOUSE in Mildenhall (sessions will take place in the 4 city blocks surrounding my abode. The next photo shoot will be in a different location...but I figured this was as good a place as any to start).

When: Saturday, October 3, 2009

Time: Sessions start at 10am and will run until no later than 4pm.

Who: Anyone with kids from infants up to 16 years old (Sorry...no senior photos included in this shoot. Bummer...I know).

What: 15 fun-filled minutes per child of outdoor, natural light photography in the wonderful, colorful, rustic English town of Mildenhall.

What to bring: Bring your child in a fun, bright, trendy outfit. Now is the time to really show off his or her fashion and really knock the socks off grandma and grandpa. (Actually, with all of the black and white stone here, you'll really want your child in something colorful to keep your child from getting "lost" in the background and add interest to the photograph itself.) I promise, I can find a background to go with any outfit...including those who come dressed as Ariel from "The Little Mermaid"... (you know who you are). Also bring along things that make your child happy. Does she love to wear her princess crown, jewels and high heels...bring 'em. We won't use them in every picture...but we WILL use them (and you'll be so glad you have that precious moment documented). Is he a "gun-a-holic" like my son (even if you've seriously tried to dissuade him)? Bring the guns. Does your little one cling to his teddy? Bring teddy along. I'll have bubbles and suckers (and even my son's red trike) to keep the kiddos busy.

What to expect: First of all, alot of fun. This is not a stuffy, smile and say "Cheese" type of a photoshoot. This is an opportunity to catch your child being...well, YOUR child. This is about catching that funny face she always makes, or capturing him in mid jump! Moms...Come armed with your best funny faces, jokes and other "tricks" up your sleeve to get your kid to giggle and laugh and occassionally look my direction. I promise, we'll get at least one traditional picture...but the object of this shoot is about documenting a child's life...dirt smudges and all. If we have time, we'll snap some sibling pictures as well...but this shoot is mainly about capturing your child's individual personality.

Prints: This photoshoot is sitting fee free. That means the only thing you pay for is prints (though you are not obligated to purchase prints). After the shoot, I'll choose the best 5 pictures of your kiddo (and 2-3 sibling pictures if we had time for those) and post them in the "Free for All" password protected gallery on my website. You'll be able to browse the pictures and choose your favorites for print. Prints from this session will only be available in 5 special packages I'm creating for this event (prices for print packages start at $30). Details on print packages will be available at the time of the session. Larger art prints (11x14 and up) and canvas prints can be added to the package if desired. High resolution, copyright free photo disks of your child's session may be added to your package for $25 per child. However, no small a-la-carte prints (8x10 or smaller) will be available for this session.

How to book: Leave a comment here on the blog requesting the time(s) you would like and the number of children you're bringing (and ages would be helpful too). Remember, the session starts at 10am and ends no later than 4pm. Schedule 15 minutes per child. All session times are first come first serve.

Can't wait to see you all and photograph your wonderful, energetic children!

David and Jami

These two love birds were so much fun to photograph! They've been dating since they were in high school...and it was so apparent that they were in love, and knew each other so well. I loved spending time with them, listening to them joke with one another, and just having fun. Every once in a while, you have a photo session that really energizes you and makes you SO EXCITED about your work. This was that photo session for me. More pictures to be posted a little later tonight.

Dean and Camille's Family

So everyone loves the sunflower field and the double decker bus out in the middle of nowhere...and I love it twice as much after this fun family shoot. These are some of my dear friends. They are some of the people I look up to the most right now. We love how fun loving they are. Their house is open to the youth of our church all of the time for Rock Band tournaments, volleyball, and cookouts. I've always wanted a house like that. I've been taking notes on how to have the "cool house" where the church kids can come, play, and feel the Spirit of Christ all in one place. Grateful I got to spend some one on one time with them yesterday!

Paul and Gina's Family

I just love it when families allow me to take them into the industrial area of town! This cute little family let me take them to one of my most favorite photo areas and snap away. Their kids were so adorable with their bright blue eyes. I could have taken pictures forever...but the kids were definitely ready to be done by the end...and go home and eat their icecream sandwich. Here are just a few of my favorites. There are many, many more that I'll have fun editing for the next little while.

CJ and Tessie's Family

Ok...their little 3 year old kiddo was cracking me up during the entire family shoot. I have to say, I don't think I've ever seen so many facial expressions in an hour before! Holy cow! This was a really fun family shoot with a really fun family...one of our favorite families ever! And afterwards, they introduced us to an awesome new little bakery in Bury St. Edmunds.

Junior and Theresa's Family

This was my favorite family shoot ever! What a fun, photogenic, and just laid back family. We were able to go to my favorite junk yard here in England, hang out and take pictures. The kids were all so cooperative and it's been hard to select my favorite pictures...there were so many. I've always thought that senior portraiture was my favorite...but you know...if all families were THIS fun to photograph, I might have to choose family portraiture over seniors!! Here are a couple from today's shoot.