I am horrible at keeping up on my blog. I try and make it a priority but it is always the last thing on my to do list. But I really wanted to take time to blog about this session. And, not only get the pictures on my blog but actually write about them too!!! Miracles do happen! So read it!
This is one of my favorite families that I get to see every year. I have been photographing them since their first maternity session. And they are pretty much super models.
But behind the scenes is a story that we will all be able to look back on and laugh. It's a story that ends in a stiff drink and cookies for the adults.
We started the session right as the wind started whipping. It's the crazy Spokane Eastern Washington winds that we all know and love. The kind of wind that makes you wonder why you put on that lip gloss or brushed your hair. Because there is nothing more annoying than lip gloss and wind right?! But things were still going great. We have a beautiful family in a beautiful setting and I am always so excited to see them! Unfortunately, Miss Evelyn was much more excited about chocolate chip mint ice cream than she was to see me. Although, she did about knock me over with a hug (see, I just love these people!). So at this point we have gale force winds and a little girl that couldn't care less about pictures. Then the little birthday girl Scarlet decides she is over it too. And she decided it's time to scream her adorable little head off. So we are wrangling two kiddos that are thinking about their tummy's and the wind continues to blow across the fields. And then, the wardrobe malfunction.... The beautiful mommy's dress strap breaks!
So, why am I talking about what Dad lovingly referred to as the "Shit Show". Isn't a blog supposed to be about showcasing the best of the best so that Spokane will seek out and hire Kim Stadler Photography? Maybe. But I also like to take an opportunity to educate clients and potential clients. I have been photographing clients with young children for what seems like a life time. I have dedicated my skills to photographing families in Spokane for 11 years now. And although this session sounds like it was from a dark comedy movie I can tell you it's pretty normal. When you hire a photographer to photograph your family that consists of young children and babies you have to remember your kids have no emotional or financial investment in these portraits. The are not really participants. So it is important to find a photographer that can roll with the punches. And that is exactly what I do! My website is full of images from sessions just like this. I could easily write up a story with almost every session I do about the challenges of herding cats....I mean toddlers! But what you won't hear from me is excuses. Excuses as to why I didn't get the pictures you envisioned. I will not put a picture on my website if I can not meet those standards all the time regardless of the cooperation level of the children. Here are some of the finished portraits from the H Family's session.
I have heard so many times over the years that people have skipped family portraits because their toddlers just can't sit still or their baby is fussy and it breaks my heart. When shopping around for a family photographer keep in mind that you can have beautiful portraits of your family even if you think it is not possible. But, its not that bad and I promise I can deliver for you. The saying 'the days are long but the years are short' definitely apply to this phase of life. Don't let those years fly by.
I don't preoccupy myself with being "the best" photographer. But I do make it my mission to do my very very best for my clients that trust me and resonate with my vision of how I think family portraits should look. I give 100% of what I have to give, and I would never hand over portraits that I wouldn't be happy to hang on my own walls.
Thank you to the H family for trusting me over the years to document the greatest milestones and occasions of your life. It is, as always, an honor.
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