What images can I expect from a session with HSP // Columbus family photographer

What types of images can I expect from my session? As a Columbus, Ohio family photographer, this is a question I hear frequently.

In the age of Instagram where you may only be seeing the best of the best photos from a session, and with so many terms like “lifestyle sessions,” “family portraits,” “day in the life,” etc, no one can blame you for asking this question. Obviously the answer is different for every photographer, but my aim is always to give you a blend of traditional portraits, detail shots, and lots of artfully documented candid images.

If you want to sit around and throw popcorn, I’m here for that too.

The answer also depends on what type of session you are booking. A maternity session focusing on mom with no children is going to look a lot different from a mama expecting her third and bringing along the whole family. The former will involve more posing and the latter will offer more opportunities for candid moments. But generally, there are a few key shots I am trying to capture with each session, and these are based largely on what I would want out of my own photo session.

1.     You having fun with your family.

I can follow your lead or gently guide you into a fun activity with your family and disappear into the background.

2. Traditional.

While this is not the focus of my session, I do try to capture at least one posed, traditional portrait with each member of the family looking at the camera. It’s not the image that evokes the most emotion, but it is one that most clients choose for their final gallery, and it’s one I like to have for myself when we get our own photo sessions. If you don’t want one, that works for me too!

3.      Individual portraits of each child.

These can be silly, playful, serious, or downright grumpy - whatever your child is feeling that day.

4.      Just parent/parents.

This may not be an image you even think you want, but I believe it’s so important to capture you at this stage in your life, and let you take center stage for just a moment. Remember, you’re a person too, not just a parent!

5.      Just mom/s with her kids.

Not that I have anything against dads - it’s just that mom is typically the one taking all of the photos at home and never appearing in any herself.

6.      Details.

This can include hands, tiny painted toenails, close ups of big beautiful eyes staring up at you, curls bouncing in the breeze, favorite stuffies or books.

7.      Movement.

This is the best way to get you out of your head and acting naturally. I’ll have you take a walk or run around together, splash in water, dance, wrestle on the bed, sway with your baby. Anything to get you to focus on your loved ones, be in the moment and forget about the camera for a minute. It’s also a good time to grab creative and candid images.

8. Tender moments.

I set up an in-depth consultation prior to your session to find out details about your family dynamic, special relationships, and the things that are deeply important to you. If I see a tender moment or something that we discussed beforehand organically occurring during your session, I try my very best to capture it.

9. Experimental

I also have my own personal shotlist that includes capturing different lighting scenarios, experimenting with different lenses and giving myself 5 minutes to try a new technique at each session. Doing these things keeps me inspired and sometimes I get my most beautiful images from experimenting.

A caveat: since my sessions are child- and baby-led, we may not always end up with a “traditional” shot list. I want your kids (and Dads) to love me and ask when I’ll be coming back, not groaning the next time you want to schedule family photos. The moods and whims of your family will ultimately call the shots. (See what I did there?)