We were at a friend’s house for dinner recently. As I wandered around their lovely home, I noticed that their art work consisted mainly of professional photographs that beautifully captured the various stages of their two year-old’s development. The pictures, mostly in black and white, were exceptional and caused me to think about my own kids’ photographic legacy, or lack thereof.
I haven’t had professional photographs taken of my kids, now 4 and 2. I’ve always thought about it, but there never seems to be enough time or energy available. Now, I’m realising more and more each day that my babies are no longer babies. They’re previously cherubic faces are maturing into the faces of children with strong defined personalities. So, this year, for my birthday, I decided to get professional photographs taken of my little ones. Though I have thousands of my own photos of them, after seeing professional shots of my friends’ kids, I realised it’s just not the same.
Last week, we went to a lovely photographer in my neighbourhood who specialises in child photography. She takes the photos in her house and clicks her pics while the kids are playing with a variety of toys and objects. The homeyness of her studio vibed well with my kids as they thought they were merely at another playdate in the ‘hood. The fact that she had two kids of her own who were the exact age of my children definitely helped. My son saw some Hot Wheels cars and was relaxed and happy immediately.
The photo shoot had its ups and downs. My son, a precocious character, was unable to sit still or refrain from making weird faces. My daughter thought the whole process was hilarious and couldn’t stop giggling. That being said, their individual sessions went okay, largely because the photographer was brilliant at communicating with them on their level and calming them down. Even her grand efforts, however, didn’t help with the shots of them together. For two kids who obviously adore each other, they cannot be in the same room for five minutes without an eruption of crying, screeching, hitting and hair-pulling. Those pictures should be interesting.
So, now I’m eagerly awaiting the results. I’ll let you know how they turn out.
We have a great photo studio in the back of a developing shot not far from our neighbourhood. I’m still new to all the rules of blogging and posting so I’m not sure if I’m allowed to put it here. They charge $50 for a sitting but will put $25 of it towards a package if you purchase one. I had shots done of my daughter at 6 mos. 12 mos and 24 mos. and we have a family photo done each September one of the kids hits Grade 8. They do a fantastic job and are a nice compromise between Sears/Loblaws and professional photography. Of course, I never get around to actually hanging them!
when each of my kids turned 1, we took them to professional photographers. we were so thrilled with the results…but they were SOO expensive.
i usually take my kids to loblaws and get the black and white or sepia shots. they are CHEAP and they usually come out amazing. i highly recommend!
Amreen, ITA. I had Sears shots for my first every 3 mths of her first 2 years, and then only ONE prof shot (again Sears) after the youngest came. Now I rely on school pics and Santa shots, unforutnately. I’d love to get some really nice fam shots done. Thanks for the inspiration!
I’m TOTALLY with you, Amreen! We did the baby shots at Sears and one professional session 2 years ago (before an over eager “friend” cut my daughter’s hair to bald) but we haven’t been back since. The one thing I noticed recently when putting together a gift for my sister was that the only picture I have of my whole family (all the kids, grandkids, and grandparents) was 4 years ago at my grandfather’s funeral!? Time to get a fam shot for sure!