This weekend I had the pleasure of photographing the Fischl family – Shukti, Ken and their son Austin. As is the norm when photographing little kids, Austin’s attention wavered in and out, but Mom and Dad (aided by Grandma and Grandpa) managed to keep him happy and occupied for nearly an hour. My usual strategy with little ones is to do the formal family portrait first, while we have their attention and while they’re more likely to sit still for a few minutes. Then we play – run around the yard, kick the ball, blow bubbles – and get great in-the-moment shots. The playing part is the fun part! While the formal photos make charming Christmas cards, the photos we take while playing and laughing are the ones that show the kids’ personalities and, in my opinion, make the best memories. Austin was a wonderful little model and the family looked beautiful in their fall colors.
