It’s always such an honor to be chosen to photograph someone’s event especially when it’s a birthday for a little one whose memories of growth and life are so important to record. One of my favorite places to photograph people is at the beach. There are so many things around a beach that can be incorporated into a photo. Things simple and/or complex. I particularly like the simple when capturing photos of people…that way they stand out. Of course, with bokeh, you can always blur the background of the subject so they pop in the pictures. But the subtle things of reeds, grass, a palm tree, clouds and the surf from the beach really add a sense of calm and peacefulness I love to bring into the pictures.
The photos I took for April for her granddaughter’s birthday we so much fun. April brought along a bunch of props to be in the shots and for Navaeh to play with. Great idea, even though she is not a todler. The balloon was perfect to grab Naveah’s attention, which made her want to run up a hill to grab. Loved shooting that where she was natural and excited to run and get the balloon then run down the hill in the sand.
Bright and beautiful cakes always make for exciting shots and children love being surprised with their own one they can stick their fingers in and taste. April brought a box to set the cake on and other decorations to make the photos look amazing.
Some of my favorite shots were of Navaeh and her father and other family members. She loved being with her dad and it shows in all the photos. The one of her running to him in the distance in the sand almost brings tears to my eyes. It showed me how excited she was to see him.
The photos of her playing with her grandmother, April, and her cousin shows how they were oblivious to anything else around them and focused on playing right there in the sand.
Way to go April! You did a great job bringing it all together for a great birthday shoot for your granddaughter.
