Allowing time to warm up
Additional Time + Introductions
Having photographed families for eight years, I know that most children can be shy around new people and take some time to open up, even if we’ve met previously. I will always respect your child’s personal space and gently work on getting them to open up to me and my camera. When we first start the session, I’ll chat with you for a bit and then you’ll see me get down on their level and introduce myself, no matter their level of comprehension. I’m a little bit rusty but I can communicate with them in basic sign language if that is their mode of communication. Whatever works, we will do it! I am aware that your session may take longer and I’m more than happy to accommodate this. You don’t want to feel rushed and I want the best photos for your family, so we will take as long as we need!
Allowing time for breaks
Additional time for snacks!
I want your child/ren to enjoy the photo session, and an overwhelmed child just won’t be up for pictures. That’s why if I sense that your child/ren is becoming overstimulated or overwhelmed, I will step back and allow you time to ‘refresh’ before we get back into the photo session. Snack breaks are a perfect opportunity to press pause and re-calibrate. Who isn’t happier after a wee snack?! If your child doesn’t eat orally, then a short break to play a game or even an outfit swap can make a huge difference.
I will direct you
Never feel awkward in front of the camera again!
I have a relaxed, more candid style of photography. I enjoy capturing the special moments between families, which are most likely the expressions that you see most in one another every day. You will find me talking to you and your family a lot, with special attention on engaging your child/ren in the moment. I might use funny sounds, bright toys, or just prompt you to have a tickle fight. Please allow me to keep them focused on me, rather than being firm with them; I have a few tricks to help kids forget the camera is even there, thus producing more natural expressions and smiles from them. I know family portrait-time can be thought of as a stressful time, but what I want you to enjoy more than your images is the experience of making those images and the special time together as a family.
Products made with you in mind
I’ve chosen products that are made for little hands to love
After your photo session has been and gone, we will get together for a reveal and ordering session where you choose your favourite images and how to display them in your home. When choosing my professional print lab and supplier, I had families like yours in mind.
All of my framed prints are completed with UV-treated acrylic (not framers glass) as the safest option for not only your kids (if the frame was ever to be dropped or fall off the wall!) but for your art too. With the UV filter, your art is protected from the sun’s harsh rays, which fade and damage prints.
My family album is designed for little fingers to explore. With its durable covers, thick pages, and top-of-the-line printing, your little one will be able to flick through your family heirloom at any time without you having to worry about ripped pages or fingerprints being left behind on the pages.
I know that I haven’t thought of everything and I know I have only just touched the surface, but I do try my hardest to provide an experience and choose products that will work best for you and your family.
If there is anything you can think of that would make your experience with me easier or may benefit other families, please don’t hesitate to reach out – I love learning new things!
To find out more and to browse her beautiful image portfolio, visit the Nicole Paton Photography website. You can also follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
