Simple Prompts for Natural Photos

I have been doing professional photography for a long time. A really long time. 

I love authentic expressions and interactions between families. But I also understand that a nice posed photo is important to a lot of people, so I try to make my shoot a little bit of both. 

The easiest way to do this is to start with a posed photo and then give your clients a simple prompt.

"Look at your mom and say I love you!"  

You can get some really great expressions, especially from teenage boys! 

"Grab those kiddos and give them a hug!"

"Give each other an eskimo kiss!"

Or... just a regular old kiss!

Or just asking them to look at each other and laugh is enough!!

Walking pictures is another great way to get authentic interactions. 

Simply ask your client to make natural connections (hold hands where it makes sense), then ask them to talk to each other about where they would like to go when they are done with the shoot. I also encourage them to help their kids look up at them. Ask them if there is something on your nose, etc. 

Walk across the the lens. 

Dad leading with both mom and dad looking back at the kids. 

SO CUTE!

Linking arms at the waist and walking 

towards the camera and away never disappoints. 

And sometimes it pays to lag back a bit when walking back to the cars after your shoot. No prompts necessary! (I will often tell my client that I am going to grab a few shots of the sky, so I can fill in their backgrounds if needed and that I will meet them in the parking lot.)

Some more simple prompts that produce great photos!

Ring-around-the-Rosie

Twirls and Baby Presses!

Surprise Hug!

Tell the kids you are going to play a game, ask them to stand real still and no matter what happens keep looking at the camera. Then have dad sneak up behind them and give them a great big hug!

Chats and Baby Presses work too!

Have mom hold their child while spinning around in a circle and stopping short when parallel to the camera! KIDS LOVE THIS ONE!

Ask the kids to chase one another around mom and dad.

Whisper a secret! 

It's not just for kids!

Ask the kids to run and give their parents a hug!!

Alright now, get out there and give it a try!

To book your own shoot, visit my website at www.3wishesphotography.com or email me at cija@3wishesphotography.com. 

10 Tips: What to wear for your Maternity Photo Session

Learn from my example. I didn't think maternity photos were for me, but afterwards when it was too late I regretted that I didn't have some photos taken to remember the precious moments of carrying my children. 

But you are here! Seizing the moment! 

Now, what to wear? It can be a challenging question to answer. From a photographer's point of view somethings look better they others and somethings definitely stand the test of time better than others!

So let's talk about the best bits:

    Dresses

    Casual Looks

1. Okay, let's talk dresses. It is pretty trending right now to wear a maternity gown and while I think they can be very pretty, I am a bit concerned that they will not stand the test of time and could end up being the subject of "awkward maternity photos" someday. So, yes! Bring the gown but I suggest bringing a more classic option as well. 

2. Dresses with a defined line just below the bust line look amazing! But make sure you have a good supportive bra and one that fits properly as your cup size may have changed since becoming pregnant. 

3. Dresses that flow away from the body and hug the body are both good choices. 

4. A solid color is always a good choice and gives a sleek and classic finish to your images. 

5. If you decide to go with a print, consider the season in which you will be taking your photos. Florals are perfect for spring and summer with lush green backgrounds but can look odd during fall and winter. 

6. Consider you ankles! Not all pregnancies are alike, and some can take a real toll on the feet and ankles. A floor length dress is the perfect way to hide those puffy ankles. To be honest, I almost always prefer a longer dress than a shorter one. 

7. T-shirt dresses are another great option, add a jean jacket or a cozy cardigan to switch up the look during your shoot. 

8. Now, what about those more casual looks? Wear the jeans! Add a pop of color and some great accessories!  

9. A form fitting sweater can add visually pleasing texture to the image and it tends to crease left than other materials. Adding a scarf or fun hat can give your winter session a special touch. 

10. Shirts that have rushing (rooooshing) look very nice in photos. 

10. Soft draping fabrics are another great choice, they lay against the body and give an elegant feel to your images. 

As for dad, keep it simple. Coordinating colors, dark socks and a nice pair of shoes. (No sneakers!)

Okay! You are all set! If you live in the Castle Rock, CO area and haven't booked your session yet, what are you waiting for? The clock is ticking!! Check out my website at www.3wishesphotography.com or email me at cija@3wishesphotography.com to book your session. 

2010 - My Favorite Photos from 2010

I was still trying to find my way and my style as a photographer in 2010. I discovered filters and preset - two things I never use now! I began to do more newborn and maternity photography and even played around with some indoor shots.  

The Greff's were annual clients and dear friends from church. This was the year I definitely began to understand my love for photos where families got to interact with one another. It became a bigger and bigger part of they style. 

Amy Keith were annual clients as well, I loved working with their family so much and fell in love with their kids on this shoot. Callie was so sweet and I just love is bare feet and cute little toes!

Several of these families were all neighbors, something about that was really special to me. This was my first shoot with Kristy and her family and I just got to work with them again this past summer (Senior Photos this time) how cool is that?

Ah the Kane's another "neighbor". Beth and Brock did photos with me every year up until a couple of years ago when they moved. I love this family so much, and miss them deeply. 

I began playing with silhouettes in 2010! I still love good silhouette!!

Winter milestone sessions, newborns and maternity sessions all pushed me to bring my camera and love for natural light indoors. One thing I really love about this type of photography is the integrating the family's home and things into the shots. Gavin and his sock monkeys was a definite fave. 

I struggled to find my style when I came to newborn photography. I spent way too much time (years in fact) copying what I saw others do vs. shooting what I saw. This is my LOVE. No props, just sweet snuggles at home!

Oh my goodness... I love this shot of these cute boys! 

Carrie and Aaron's wedding was one of my first. Maybe my 2nd. I was a nervous wreck but in the end was really happy with the photos I took. I still love finding unique ways to use light. 

This was at Natalie's 9 month milestone shoot... I love everything about this photo. Their sweet family walking through this beautiful fall landscape is just magical! 

Oh Heartly, her shoots were always the best! She lived on a 2200 acre ranch and every shoot was an adventure find new places to take her photos! We even did some in a Yurt!

This was another one of those shots where everything just came together. 

Titiana and I did the craziest stuff on this shoot, we even did part of it in a local laundry mat!

Oh Charlie!!  My fave!

Ayla was another muse, she is just so natural in front of a camera - so much fun to shoot with here. 

Cheyenne - I just love capturing true joy!

Loved with photo of Connor and Peter. The light and colors in the background, the smile on Peter's face looking at his firstborn son. LOVE

I am a sucker for a shoot shot!! And I am not ashamed to say, I still love a black and white photo with just a pop of color! 

Samara was adopted from Korea, love this picture of her being held by her mom. 

This was the first time I tried have someone lay down and shoot from above. I loved it! I still do!

This was a rare indoor shoot of twins at their home. Their giant stuffed toys made for super fun background, I loved the challenge this shoot afforded me.

I remember walking in the front door for this shoot and saying, "Can I put your baby in there?" It's not my heart or vision when it comes to newborn photography but it fun!

Started learning more about depth of field and its influence on photos. I love an image with lots of creamy bokeh. 

One of my all time favorite  indoor maternity shoots, in fact this was my very first indoor maternity shoots. I feel in love with the beauty of a side-lit photo.

My nephew and his future wife. loved the color combination the soles of their shoot being in focus (and we all know how much I loved a good headless shot!!)

This session with Allison pushed me to try new things, like asking this shop if we could photograph her in this window. Actually, I'm not sure we asked! I tend to ask for forgiveness later (after I got the shot!!!)

I still love this maternity shot of Rebekah and newborn shot of Kate. 

This shoot with Melissa was very special, Melissa was in the middle of her battle with cancer.

This photo of her with her sweet boy was definitely one of my favorites from that day. 

Gavin! Does it really need an explanation??

My mom made this sweet hat and few others for me to use on my newborn shoots. That's one of the reasons I love this photo so much, the other? That sweet one-eyed peek!

My first ever Valentine shoot... how perfect is Chase!!

Thanks for joining me on this walk down memory lane. To see a glimpse of my current work visit my website at www.3wishesphotography.com and email me at cija@3wishesphotography.com to book your 2024 session!