'He just doesn't sit still!': Photographing a child in constant motion.

One of the greatest joys of becoming a parent is watching this little squirmy, hungry, energetic creature evolve into a small person with opinions and creativity and full-fledged emotions (even if they're still working out how to express them!).  Granted, at the moment we are still in the early stages with our own Lady H but the difference in her even just on a day-to-day basis is astounding.  It was so easy to capture these beautiful, peaceful sleeping shots when she hadn't quite yet worked how to roll over and pretty much stayed put in whatever cozy position I placed her in.

One of the greatest challenges in setting up shop as a family and lifestyle photographer has been finding a knack for photographing the wild differences in the many amazing kids that you're lucky enough to shoot.  Even if you're not a professional photographer and you're just trying, seriously trying so hard to get one non-blurry photo of your 2-year-old so that Nana can order that 5-foot canvas for her wall, it's nearly impossible without a straightjacket and an IPad to contain that energy.

But wait!

What if there's another way?!

What if, in the process of trying to get that perfect posed, angelic shot; whilst chasing this rambunctious, opinionated kid through the park, the light hits him in a perfect way and he's got that cheeky grin on his face that he gets when he wants you to chase him and you see the great big full-fledged personality...

Take the picture, preserve that moment, know that you have managed to create a time machine with the click of a button because you've caught something REAL. 

When you stop trying so hard, when you give into the chase and the game and the fun,  you create magic. It never needs to be perfect because at the end of the day, we want portraits of our children so that time will stand still.  And as any mama or dad or aunt or grandparent knows, it all moves so fast that it takes your breath away.

Go to the park or into your backyard or set up a fort in your living room and let them do what kids do best: let them play. Just don't forget your camera.