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why I’m NOT a family photographer 😂 family photography behind the scenes photoshoot

english posing + portraits
Family Photoshoot BTS

Hey there! Join me as I take you behind the scenes of a recent family photoshoot. Now, let me preface this by saying, I am NOT a family photographer, and I'll tell you why with a good laugh 😂.

During this session, I decided to get a little creative and stick an Insta 360 camera on my hat. It was my first time using the Insta 360 Go 3, and boy, was I impressed with the quality it delivered without me even having to think about it! However, note to self for next time: position the camera closer to my forehead for a more seamless perspective.

Now, let's talk gear. I opted for my trusty Canon R6 Mark I paired with a 50mm lens. Why? Well, with six energetic kids under the age of eight running around, I needed fast focusing and stability. Zooming in and out would've just added another layer of chaos to the mix!

Filming with the Insta 360 was a blast, but let me tell you, trying to wrangle six kids and three adults for a family photoshoot is no joke! I may not be a family photographer by trade, but when my friend Heather asked for help capturing those precious family moments, I couldn't say no. After all, our daughters are best friends.

 

Using a mirrorless camera like the Canon R6 was a lifesaver. It allowed me to interact with the kids more freely without constantly hiding behind a viewfinder. Plus, getting down to their level was a breeze!

I aimed for a mix of traditional shots and candid moments. Sure, I may have gone a bit overboard with the shallow depth of field, but hey, I love that dreamy look! And when it came to editing, I relied on tools like Imagine for quick edits and Evoto for retouching.

The shoot lasted about half an hour—my golden rule for family sessions. Let's face it, kids have a limited attention span, and it's not fair to push it. Grandma was thrilled with the final images, and that's all that matters!

 

If you're curious to see the entire shoot, head over to PhotoInsiders.com. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at every moment, from the chaos to the laughter. Trust me, it's a wild ride!

In the end, while I may not be cut out for the world of family photography full-time, I'm grateful for the opportunity to capture these special moments for friends. But as for making it a career? Well, let's just say, I'll leave that to the pros!

 

Thanks for tagging along on this adventure. Until next time, remember, life without kids? It's just a distant memory! 😄

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Photography education that gives your art an edge

Vanessa has been photographing weddings, events, portraits and lifestyle for over 20 years.

She's a Canon Explorer of Light, an honor given to only 5 photographers in the United States, and her work has been published by Yahoo! News, Grace Ormonde, Style Me Pretty, Rangefinder and more.

With her practical and open-book style of teaching, she shares everything she knows with hundreds of thousands of photographers as an educator and influential sparker.

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