Celebrating the Wonder of Childhood Through Photography
There is so much that is real, and heartwarming, about photographing kids. Their giggles, their wonder, even the way they stop to notice the little things that most adults ignore, it is what makes for the most beautiful and lasting pictures.
I’m Paula, a children photographer from Ontario, serving Hillsdale which is just north of Toronto. I love to work with families and that’s what I do most days of the week, here in Simcoe County and the GTA. I specialise in capturing the magic of childhood in natural, unposed outdoor scenes.
All children have a tale to tell, whether they can speak it or not. Photography allows me to tell that story in pictures…whether it be a little one’s mischievous smile, the introspective gaze of an older child, or the kinetic co-mingling of siblings. It's exactly these little fleeting moments that parents will cherish for years to come and I’m thrilled to be able to help save them!
Why Childhood Photography Matters?
Childhood is such a short period in our lives. One day your little one is scootching along the floor, the next, dashing ahead on the playground. These stages are gone in a flash which is exactly why professional photos of your kids are why they are so special.
As a Children Photographer I have discovered that the real magic is not creating moments, but taking the moments. I am not concerned with stiff poses or even the perfect smile. Instead, I want to capture real moments and feelings, the giggles, the daydreaming, the boys and girls pinching each other, the shy glances. These little, yet substantial, episodes reveal your child as who she or he most is.
The importance of investing in children’s photography isn’t just beautiful color photographs. It’s about having something physical to remember who your child is right here, right now. Years ahead, when they have stretched and their adorable oddities have evolved, you will have these photos to peruse and recall.
My Approach to Photographing Children
It takes a lot to photograph children: patience, imagination and playfulness. I’m not really one for rushing sessions; I give kids the time they need to feel comfortable. Some children warm up quickly, while others require space to acclimate to the idea of being visible at the other end of the camera. I meet them where they are, be it playing games, gallivanting around a park or merely talking to them until they chill out.
I do prefer to take pictures of children in beautiful locations whenever I can. Children are at their best when allowed to be the creatures of nature that they are—they’re free to run and jump through nature, or simply sit quietly and look around them. Whether it's the local park in Simcoe County, along the water, or a hiking trail in the GTA, outdoor sessions offer the perfect setting to photograph children's personalities. Indoor sessions are also a possibility, if families would rather have a more homey vibe.
Benefits of Professional Children’s Photography
I hear time and time again from parents that working with a professional photographer has offered them so much more than just pictures. Here are a few of the advantages I encounter most frequently:
- Elegantly photographed with superior quality photographs capturing those brief and changing days of a child's childhood
- Natural & honest portraits which capture each child’s character
- Durable memories for scrapbooks, photo albums, and future generations
- A laid-back and enjoyable time, one that kids seem to think of as less as work and more as fun
- Photos that unite families and make connections #MeaningfulConnections
These advantages make professional children’s photography more than worth the investment. Gone are the days of hurried snapshots; you’ll have images made thoughtfully and artfully.