‘Tis the Season for Taking Pictures

Season Moore has had an interest in photography for about as long as she can remember. That interest was piqued with her role as high school yearbook editor and again when a studio hired her as a photographer soon after graduation. “I worked closely with their experienced photographers and was just in awe of them. I traveled to schools all over the state of Georgia and would spend all day shooting cheesy, posed yearbook pictures. When I got lucky, I would get to go to a sporting event or dance and shoot candids. At that point I already knew where my real interest lay; not in posed or forced pictures, but in capturing real expression and moments as they happen.”

Season went on to work as a technical editor and web designer, but her two children renewed her interest in photography. “I would take my kids to chain studios only to have an stressful experience that usually resulted in crying kids (and sometimes parents!) and I realized that there had to be a better way.” And with that Season Moore Photography was born.

Season’s style - natural light, natural settings, casual and fun environment - helps make the photography session enjoyable for everyone. “A “natural setting” doesn’t limit you to outdoors, it can be in your home where you spend the majority of your time as a family. While outdoor sessions are always beautiful, there is something about a family shot on the parents bed that I just love,” says Season. “The memory of chilly Saturday mornings, when the kids pile in your bed and and you watch cartoons together; those are the moments that are real and honest, memories you never want to forget. That is what I love about what I do, taking moments from this fleeting time in your child’s life, little things like the way that they crinkle their nose when they smile or the look they get when Mommy gives them a snuggle. Natural, everyday moments captured forever.”

Season shoots in digital format and doesn’t limit herself to color or black and white. “Every family is unique and your photos will reflect that. As a custom photographer I get to know my clients and cater my sessions to suit their personalities. I usually end up with a mix of color and black and white, but it depends on the child and the feel of the session. No two sessions will ever look the same, even if they take place at the same location.” And if you’re having a group photo session, the clothing you select will set the tone of your pictures. Season recommends thinking about what best represents your family. “You can’t go wrong with classics like khakis, denim or white. But maybe khaki just doesn’t really describe you - so go for the color! The main thing to watch for is that the colors are in the same tone, and coordinate. You also don’t want competing patterns, or logos on clothing. Keep in mind classic lines, you’re going to be looking at these portraits for years to come and we all remember our 1980’s family photos - yikes. And Mom’s, while the lines of v-necks do look nice, keep in mind that you may be leaning or bending to play with your child in some of the photos. Do a quick mirror check before leaving to make sure no more is showing than you intend!”

“Shooting natural light is challenging, and that is part of the reason I enjoy it. There is never a constant, you are constantly watching and working with the light you have at any given moment. And of course ready to try something different when it changes the next minute. It also means shooting at the prime times of day, morning and evening, and of course being limited by the weather. Indoors you do need some available light to have a successful session, even if it is only one room with large windows. The beauty of natural light makes it worth any inconvenience.”

Her first memory of taking pictures? “I remember my first 110 format camera when I was a little girl. It was pink, I believe, and it took the absolute worst pictures you can imagine, but I loved it. I would package my completed rolls of film up in the mailer bags and send (them) off, and excitedly check the mail every day in anticipation of my pictures. It was mostly pictures of our cat or plants from around the yard, occasionally a neighbor or two. I still have most of those pictures boxed up somewhere!”

Photographing children can be challenging and if parents are stressed about getting the perfect shot, your children are going to pick up on that stress and react to it. Season’s solution? “My number one request of parents at a session is to be relaxed! I am a mom so I know this can be tough when it doesn’t seem like your child is cooperating, and most people have had stressful experiences in the past when having their child photographed. But kids are going to pick up on your stress and it effects their behavior and mood. The better spirits you’re in, the happier your child will be. Usually just stepping back and letting me get to know and play with your child opens them up quickly. I try to avoid telling them where to go or what to do at a session but instead let them explore and play. After all, my goal is to capture them just being them!”

And Season is all about having a fun photo shoot and it sounds like there’s never a dull moment. One little boy found a three legged frog and scooped it up another time the sprinklers turned on in the middle of a session. “Having a sense of humor is key. I love what I am doing and I love being with children. I am having fun, and it shows!”

Visit Season’s website at www.seasonmoorephotography.com or visit her blog here.