Oh Snap!

By Shana Karn, Owner/Photographer of Shots by Shana Photography @ The Second Knob

With summer coming, it is time to consider a photo shoot. There is nothing more wonderful than a natural light photo session – where even the little ones have fun!

A Picture Doesn’t Lie

If a child is miserable at a photo shoot, there is no hiding their misery in a photo, which is why having fun is key. Children need to feel comfortable and safe at a photo shoot. Sometimes, it can take a little while for a young child to “warm-up” to a photographer. As a parent, don’t panic. When I plan sessions with young ones, I build in time for this “trust-building!”  I often pay special attention to children who are shy—sitting with them, talking and listening to whatever they tell me.  Once I can determine something that they enjoy – I try to engage them in a conversation. Even the youngest child loves to talk when s/he controls the conversation—and when an adult is attentively listening.

Getting Silly

If I am asking a child to lie down on his/her tummy, then I do the same.  If I need a slight head tilt, then I slightly tilt my head. If I want a big, natural smile, I have to earn it with something silly.  This is when an assistant comes in handy. At a series of recent shoots, my husband happened to be on hand to assist and earned some great giggles by pretending to see a bee atop my head. Of course, I played along—as dramatically as possible.

Keep Calm and Shoot

The most important thing I keep in mind throughout a session involving a child (or children) is  “keep calm.”  Crying and tantrums don’t faze me because they are pretty typical behaviors for children who are nervous, anxious, tired, scared or unsure. Unfortunately, I do remember very well what it was like to be the parent rather than the photographer—- it is anxiety-producing, frustrating and often embarrassing. But it shouldn’t be.  As a parent-photographer, I can empathize but stay calm and try to keep sessions comfortable for everyone.

There is Always an Opportunity for a Do-Over

I don’t like the quote, “In life, there are no second chances.” It is simply not true. We have tons of “second chances!”  Often, a “do-over” shoot is the best option if a child just isn’t “into” the session. At a do-over shoot, the child is meeting me for the second time and has a better idea of what to expect so the session is a thousand times better than our first attempt!

Shots by Shana Photography is located at The Second Knob Gifts and Antiques. Natural light sessions are held any time throughout the year—in any weather.  To schedule your session, contact Shana at (607)844-5662 or visit www.shotsbyshana.com.