I preach the importance of including special items in a photo session. I encourage my clients to bring along those time-worn lovies and ratty blankets and stuffed animals with all the fur “loved off”. I ask them if there is an heirloom piece, something passed down, something cherished (a bassinet, an antique doll, a homemade blanket), that they would like to have worked into the photos somehow. I’ve even photographed a newborn baby in her daddy’s pro baseball glove. The bottom line is, if it’s meaningful to my client, then it’s important that I document it in an artful, beautiful way. And in the end, that photograph will become even more treasured by the family for our having included that special item in its composition.
Well, I had the chance to practice what I preach, just last week. You see, I “inherited” The Dress. It was mine as a little girl. My mom gave The Dress to me with a twinkle in her eye, back in the winter, to save for Lila to wear. I knew that I wanted to photograph my daughter in a field, wearing The Dress, but for some reason or another, the timing was always off. Every single time I tried! I began to get impatient.
Finally, I realized the answer I’d probably known in my heart all along: Kentucky. It was the perfect place to document my daughter wearing my childhood dress: in the place where I grew up.
So I packed The Dress carefully a few weeks ago for our (already-planned) trip, knowing that I had to use this rare opportunity while it presented itself to me. And I love the results! This photograph will forever be special to me because of the meaning behind her clothing, because of that special location, and because her sweet bedtime rabbit is tagging along for the ride. Even her unsure step as she navigates the field and finds her way to her mama is so endearing and reminds me of the fact that she is two, and so independent at this stage!
Creative mamas: I’d encourage each of you to keep your eyes open when your little one brings that torn blanket to the breakfast table. Whether it be with your DSLR or your mobile phone camera, I challenge you to photograph that moment. Smile softly, and revel in it. Soon your two-year-old will be all grown up and that blanket (or 30-year-old dress) will be tucked away in a dresser or an attic, and you’ll be grateful to have that sweet memory forever.
Photographers: During your pre-session consults, please talk with your clients about how you can incorporate meaningful pieces into the session. You and your clients will be so grateful for it.
It is my belief that when your images evoke an emotion from your viewer, whether that be nostalgia, joy, sadness, peace, or even just a sweet tug of the heartstrings… then, and only then, have you succeeded at your craft.
Co-editor, Stacey Woods is an on-location, natural light lifestyle photographer for the Tampa Bay, FL area. Her favorite subjects are expecting mamas, the tiniest of babies, and children of all ages. Her online photo journal can be found at Stacey Woods Photography. Stacey’s own husband and children (a 6-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter) are her greatest source of inspiration… and laughter!
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