Avoid those studio photography session and find a creative local photographer parents advised

January 7, 2013July 2, 2018 Chopsy Baby

Most parents have had to push past these stands at some point. They are usually found in shopping centres or tourist attractions. Many draw you in on a cheap or free deal, then push the extremely hard marketing until customers buckle. It’s those studio photographers with their crisp shots of children lost in a sea of white white white.

But family photographer Jackie Cross says parents should avoid these studio photo sessions.

“Children shouldn’t be treated like objects and sticking them on a white mat under lots of lights instantly makes them clam up – the beauty of good portraiture is when you can capture children’s personalities and it’s not possible to do that in a studio” she says.

Jackie is encouraging families to be more creative and look for a local photographer from who you are likely to get better value and better shots.

Jackie’s tips for finding a good family photographer:

1. Ask how the photographer will get your reluctant teenage son involved in the shoot.

2. Find out if they have preferred locations they use or if you can suggest a location that is meaningful to you as a family.

3. Ask what techniques they use to get the best out of photographing babies and very young children.

4. Ask if you can bring props or if they suggest you bring any.

5. Find out exactly what you get for your money – how long the shoot is and whether you get a CD of the images.

Jackie adds, “I’ve had people in trees – babies as well as grandmothers! The end result is something much more meaningful and the natural light is obviously far more flattering. When I shoot teenagers who often don’t want to be included in a family photograph, we catch them on camera with their iPhones or bikes – then they loosen up and start to enjoy the process – the key with children is to avoid them getting bored.”