Far gone are the days when professional photography was reserved for life events like weddings and engagements. Instead, everyday moments are having a moment.
When it comes to families, couples, pets or babies, there’s no need for a special occasion—life itself is the occasion. Should you seize the moment and capture it? Get a glimpse of how these local photographers prep for their more casual and candid shoots.
Letting location lead the way
If you book a session with Seventh Arrow Studio (@seventharrowstudios), owner Amanda Rosenberg will tell you it’s not a photoshoot. It’s a day date.
The former wedding planner knows that it can be challenging to achieve a “perfect” family photo, especially if you have little ones.
“I’ll suggest a picnic basket, fishing poles or something as simple as setting up a blanket to make the day more of an adventure,” she says.
Where does her inspiration for capturing life’s simple joys stem from?
“Moms always end up taking great photos of their partners and their children, and then never get in the photos themselves,” Amanda says. “Being a mom myself, I approach it like, ‘Mom, get in this, because you’re going to want these for yourself and your children someday.’ ”
Amanda is known for her meticulous approach: “The customer service aspect of it is what really stands out to clients. I have client guides that I share for popular locations and put together Pinterest boards full of ideas. What you’d wear for a shoot at Knox Farm is going to look a lot different than what you’d wear to Chestnut Ridge.”
Capturing our furry friends
A solemn, yet matter-of-fact statement: We don’t have our pets forever.
“A lot of people reach out to me a year later and say, ‘I’m so glad we did this, my dog has since passed away,’ ” says photographer Marlee Coulter of Marlee & Me Photography (@marleeandmephotography). “They’re always so happy to have the photos to look back on.”
Marlee specializes in pet and animal photography, and has a special interest in adoptable pups, stemming from her experience working with local shelters. It’s shaped her patience and her process as a pet photographer.
“I meet the pets, and always let them sniff my camera,” Marlee says. “For high-energy pets, I ask the owners to take them on a run or walk prior to the photo session, and if they’re really high-energy, we start with action shots and pose afterward.”
Marlee’s subjects alternate between the animals themselves, and animals sharing the frame with their human parents or siblings.
Making the most of your moment
Photo sessions start around $200, plus a package cost for final print or digital files, which typically start at $125. Our pros shared a few tips for getting the most out of the experience:
- Lean on your photographer for location recommendations. Many have lists of photogenic locations at the ready to share with clients.
- Pay attention to how candid moments are created. For example, Amanda curates experiences for families. She also packages wedding and engagement sessions together so couples get to know her before the Big Day.
- Be honest with your photographer about your personality. Ever true when it comes to pets: Marlee will have different suggestions for the elderly vs. eager.
- Understand your photographer’s experience. It very well may up your confidence and comfort.
