How to create those timeless images that you can share for 20 years to come you ask?


Well this is just a guide that I follow to make any family shoot successful and in my opinion it has a lot to do with the person behind the lens as well.


Okay so let's begin at the start...the person behind the lens to make the magic happen. I truly believe I have been blessed with a gift to bring out the absolute best in kids and make them feel comfortable very quickly. I am friendly, know how to talk to kids and make them feel like they are the most important person in the room, no bribes needed.


How to explain it in a short and sweet manner? The photos speak for themselves basically -go have a look here.

A FEW REVIEWS FROM CLIENTS

"We did a family shoot during our travels to South-Africa with Jana with our 6month old baby and the photos are absolutely amazing! Jana really went the extra mile to make us and our baby feel comfortable." - De Cock family

"Jana is incredible! She made a family shoot with a toddler a breeze. We had the best experience." - Muller family

STEP 1: THE LOCATION/ACTIVITY


This should be very easy. Pick a place or I can suggest a few that you know your kids will enjoy and an activity they would love to do. This will ultimately result in happy kids and beautiful photographs. As easy as that.


A few examples:

  • Go to the beach and make sand castles
  • Take the dogs for a walk in the forest
  • A play session in your own home
  • Paint sessions in the garden

STEP 2: THE PREPARATION


So not all kids like camera's, I know. But from your side you can build the shoot up a little bit. Maybe tell them how exciting the activity is that you are going to do or place you are going to go. And every now and again you can remind them that there is going to be another lady there. You don't have to mention a camera or anything, it is just to make them aware of my existence before the shoot.

STEP 3: THE OUTFIT


Remember to dress your kids in something that they feel comfortable in and that they love. This will make them be themselves and not feel like you are forcing something from the start.

STEP 4: THE SHOOT


Be present and enjoy the time with your kids. I promise to take the "fridge" photos in the start of the shoot, you know the ones you will end up printing and putting up on your fridge. Thereafter it's play time.


I am ultimately a professional third wheeler running around and trying to capture the epic moments.

"Jana is such a gifted photographer and an all round beautiful soul. She has yet again managed to capture magical moments which we will cherish forever. Doing a family shoot with a three month old can be a tough task, but Jana was incredibly patient. Not only did she manage to make the entire experience truly easy and enjoyable, she also captured our love and pure contentment beautifully." - Moggee family

SHOULD YOU BRING PROPS TO THE SHOOT?


I highly encourage all parents to bring props, wether it is their favourite toy or something they love doing. Why I don't bring props? In my experience this doesn't work on all kids, it might be something their scared of or only want to play with through the entire shoot resulting in you having photos of something you don't even have in your house.


If it is something they are familiar with and love doing makes it even better, this will result in a happy kid from the start. Meaning you will get photos of a happy child.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF THE DAY TO DO A FAMILY SHOOT?


I absolutely love the light that late afternoon shoots have to offer. It is the ultimate light that just creates magic. So try to rather aim for this - I promise you won't be disappointed.


But if your kid needs to go to bed early and you can't change their sleeping routine a little we can go to a forest of where there is a mountain nearby to block any harsh sun rays that might leave you looking a little squint-eyed on all your photos.

AGAIN: BE PRESENT


The time to worry about work and dinner just has to disappear, if you or your mind is occupied I promise your kids will be able to feel it. Throw the rules away and have as much fun as you possibly can. We were all kids once upon a time, well I still think we all are.


Sometimes we just have to be reminded to enjoy the little moments, the play sessions with our kids. They are only this small for a short period of their lives, cherish those moments. Don't worry I will be there to capture them that you can enjoy them for the next 30 years to come.

You are not alone


All shoots don't always go as planned, you will probably end up with a kid/s that pass out after the shoot/play session or cry by the end of the shoot because of over stimulation. You are not the only one.