I was so happy to work with this Beaver County family for photos with their three year old on their farm! Especially when I found out they recently purchased a home and property just a few miles from the farm that we had just moved from!
Although I am happy to travel to Pittsburgh for the majority of my photo sessions, it’s always nice to photograph families that are closer to me!
The weather was just perfect and their beautiful piece of property was in a perfect phase for a photo session! (say that 10 times fast). Although, I think their property is probably beautiful any time of the year!
The goldenrod and other wildflowers were at their peak and the cornfields from the neighboring farm had not yet been harvested. I am so glad that Mom wanted to have the photo session at their home and on their property!
Having a photo session at a local park is always nice but having it in your yard and at your home just makes it a bit more personal and special. And you do not have to have acreage and a farm! A little back yard in the city is totally doable and special too!
You probably can not tell from the photos but this little guy was pretty shy when I first arrived. (this is pretty common for most kids!) I never expect kids to feel comfortable with me from the get-go. I totally understand that they may need some time to get to know me before they feel relaxed and comfortable. This goes for the adults too!
This is also why I prefer to a full session vs. a mini sessions with new clients. A 15-20 minute session leaves little time for everyone to feel relaxed and comfortable. It’s near impossible to act naturally for the camera in that short amount of time. Although I sometimes do mini sessions, I will always prefer an hour+ long session with a family that has not worked with me before.
After a little bit of time (and maybe after letting him press a few buttons on my camera) Mr. L realized I was a pretty nice and fun lady and he relaxed and didn’t want to hide from me anymore.
For a three year old, this little dude was so very cooperative! Of course, it helps that I (mostly) let the kids take the lead of a photo session. I allowed him to decide where we went on their property and I never force a kid to sit still and smile or for parents to “hold them still”.
After over eleven years of experience photographing little kids (and my background in child development, being a nanny and having my own three kids) I have a tricks up muy sleeve I use to get them to cooperate while also letting them feel in control.
I always tell Mom and Dad if their little one wants down, let them down, if they do not want to sit for a photo, let them run, yet I always manage to end up with plenty of photos where they are sitting and smiling.
It also helps when you have really fun and engaging parents, which is basically all of the families that I work with!
I really loved photographing this family for photos with their three year old on their Farm in Beaver County. This little guy has no idea yet how lucky he is to have just moved to such a wonderful home.
I really hope to work with them again in the future!
I can’t wait to hear from you and to plan a unique session for your family!
Are you on Instagram? I’d love to connect with you there!
~All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography ~
Mary Beth Miller Photography specializes in newborn and family photography in the greater Pittsburgh area and now serving Poland, Boardman and Canfield Ohio.
