I was a children’s photographer for this photo shoot with Alexander. I had photographed a restored Toyota Land Cruiser for his father and they liked the photographs so much they hired me to photograph Alexander. Woo hoo!
Children photography can be challenging but if you get on their level it works
We had originally planned the photo shoot at 9am so we could have some nice morning light and with some schedule changes we decided to move the photo shoot to 7:30am in the morning, on a Saturday. I know most people like to sleep in and so do I on occasion. I’ll sleep in till 8:30am if you let me. However, 7:30 was just 30 minutes after the official sunrise and the light was perfect. Sometimes it is a gamble and it paid off in spades. We did have a little bought of rain and we waited about 10 minutes and the rain cleared up and we were able to finish the photo shoot.
Alexander gives some natural reactions for camera
It can be challenging photographing kids. They are a bundle of energy and you want to channel that into a photo shoot and some poses. You need to get down to their level and talk with them and find out what they like and then make them feel like the most important person and the coolest person ever. And being a dork behind the camera, I can get their attention. My Elmo impersonation is top notch. Gobbling like a turkey, laughing, farting noises all work.
The International Peace Garden is the perfect park for children photography
The rain let up so we could finish the photo shoot
Working with kids is challenging but rewarding
For a chunk of the photo shoot the grandparents had brought some costumes that Alexander uses for play. I wish I had costumes like this as a kid! He had a Thor costume and I added lightning using Photoshop. I’ve done this before for my nephew—I had added some lightning to one of my nephew’s birthday photos.
Alexander dressed as Thor and I added lightning with Photoshop
Alexander dressed as Thor and I added lightning with Photoshop
Alexander was also dressed as a fireman and he had a Radio Flyer Fire Truck for some props. A lot of fun with the photo shoot and Alexander did a great job smiling for the camera.
Sunrise and Alexander rides his Radio Flyer Fire Truck in the grass
We did start off the photo shoot with Alexander and his grandparents for a Christmas Card photograph. They’ll make this photograph into a Christmas card to send out to family and friends. Shhh, that might be a secret.
Alexander and his grandparents. This photo will be for their Christmas Card.
Alexander is dressed as a fire fighter
Alexander is dressed as a fire fighter and has a Radio Flyer Fire Truck
Last costume! This is Alexander dressed as a pirate. I would venture to guess he is dressed up at Captain Jack Sparrow. And so Disney doesn’t sue me, the family owns and brought the costumes and they put the kid into the suit. This are just for their family use. Good to get that out of the way.
Alexander dressed as a pirate. My guess is Captain Jack Sparrow
Alexander dressed as a pirate. My guess is Captain Jack Sparrow
