When I started blogging three years ago, I was only photographing 3-4 clients a month. Needless to say, I had PLENTY of time to blog about my family, favorite movies and what I cooked for dinner that night. As I thought about how busy I will be next week (while shooting in Arizona, then getting ready for the busiest time of the year), I figured it would be a great time to share some images from the past few weeks. So, here’s my summer in a nutshell…
Ross learned how to ride a bike with no training wheels…
…as Rayna and I sat in the shade together and cheered for him.
Rayna has always loved Matthew, but she got even more attached to him this summer. When her fingernails and toenails need painting, she’d pick Matthew over me any day. Just today, she asked if he would go in her gymnastics class with her like he did last week. I know I’m still her #1, but Matthew’s been working hard this summer (with pink polish) to take my spot!
Another pretty big milestone in the Martin house…Ross turned 5 years old!
If you followed Ross’ story about getting a puppy of his own, HE WON! When he came downstairs on his 5th birthday, he got two surprises: Nana & Buster were both waiting downstairs!
Ross’ field-day themed birthday party…
Oh, and LOTS of time at the pool!
A lot of you have told me how much you like PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS, so listen-up!
I recently received an email from a mom (who loves taking pictures of her own kids) asking how I manage to take pictures of my young children at the pool, beach or other chaotic area. Good question!
- If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you know my #1 PHOTOGRAPHY TIP is: Always Bring Your Camera! I know this can be difficult at times, but it’s worth it! Just yesterday, I had only been at the park 5 minutes when I thought, “Gosh… I wish I had my camera with me!”
- Plan ahead. Since so many of our summer memories were by the pool, I knew I wanted to photograph the kids there. However, I planned ahead and choose a time when Matthew would be free to join us AND when the pool wouldn’t be very crowded.
Just as I responded in the email above, if you want to take pictures of young children at the beach, here’s my advice.
- As long as your camera is not in jeopardy of getting damaged or stolen, bring it along with you. You never know when a great moment will happen.
- Observe the area. Watch for the best lighting and when the area is least crowded. When my kiddies woke-up early one morning, we headed out to the beach. The lighting was gorgeous and there was no one around! I also photographed them one night as the sun was going down. Again, beautiful lighting and no one in sight!
Feel free to share your thoughts or post your photography questions!
Love love love your work, Christy. That Rayna girl is so sweet. Those eyes and those cheeks. Kiss’em everyday!
WOW !!! These are some great pictures Christy, please send me some of the ones of Ross & his new puppy. And also the ones of Rayna on the bike & the close up of her. Those 2 pictures are soooo……precious !!! I love em. They are so sweet we need to get together soon I miss you guys. LOVE YOU !!!
OMG you are soooo Talented!! Great Pictures!! Beautiful Family!!