Childrens Portrait Sessions

Speed Racer
Originally uploaded by -shawn-

In the years since I started my small photography business, I pretty much have focused on event photography. On a much smaller scale I have done headshots for companies and even shoot NASCAR for commercial sponsors.

One area in which I would have to say I have a lot of experience by default is children photography. Heck, for 18 years I literally took tens of thousands of photographs of my 2 boys. Likely, to the point of which they would be happy if they never had to see another camera again.

Recently though, I've scheduled a few sessions scheduled with kids. Although not completely unique, I choose to shoot children in what I feel is an friendly atmosphere for both them and I. Usually a park or their own backyard, playing with the things that are familiar to them.

An added benefit beyond that fact that you have a kid that's not screaming while you try and force him into a pose is that natural light because the primary light with a reflector or flash filling in areas when needed. Most people agree that we all, even children, look our best in this type of lighting.

Personally, I'm finding that the reward is pretty great when looking at the end result. Of course the look on the faces of the parents is even better.

If you would like more information on how to schedule a , feel free to drop us a note @ shawn@candidcaptures.com.

Over the years I have visited Washington, DC several times. I remember the first visit, my oldest son was not much more than 1 or 2 years old. In fact, if after I post this I can find an early pictures I just thought of, I'll post it.

Well anyway, each time I go there I always take my camera. Some of the early shot were your standard Lincoln Memorial, White House and a zillion other shots taken in the many museums.

Well the last two trips, May of 2008 and 2009 I made it my goal to take pictures that are very different from what I would normally take. Although last year was a awesome getaway to our countries capitol, it was a trip I did alone. This year was much more special! This year I took my oldest son Ryan who graduated High School this year. The very one I took on my first trip.

Ryan and I had such a blast together. Not only did we take a bunch of traditional tourist shots, I have many very unique ones that I will cherish for years. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Right: Ryan doing his "Freedom Jump". I actually have two versions of this shot, one with people in the background, the other with out. Personally, I prefer this one.

Below: Ryan and I did a ton of walking on this trip. Museums and monuments galore. But the most relaxing night was going to the Capitol stairs to take in a concert. The sunset was just amazing.

Racing with a Flare

When I was growing up and we talked about the wide world of sports, there was really nothing more to it than Baseball, Football, Hockey (at least till the strike) and Basketball. Being from the background that I am, Golf and Tennis never really came up. One things for sure, one sport that never was spoken of was NASCAR.

But, last year, I had the opportunity to attend a couple of races, one in Dover, DE and another in Loudon, NH, simply because my company was sponsoring the race and wanted me to grab a few photos.

Well, was I in for a surprise.

Even though I new almost nothing about anything related to this sport, I found my self pretty excited to be there. After all, from a photographers point of view, whats not to like. Theirs lots of action, people, color and thrill. Couple that with the fact that I had FULL access to all areas of the track, both in inside and outside. That meant I was able to pretty much get a shot from any view. Of course, there was the issue of simply not knowing where I should be.

Thus I needed a crash course on racing. Well, there is no shortage of fan knowledge. After finding out that the average person pays over $60 for a ticket for a seat that is as uncomfortable as they come, in the open sun for as many hours as a race can run, with poor air quality all around and the need for HUGE headsets to block out the noise. You HAVE to be dedicated to the sport to endure all that. And since a fan spends ALL day at a race that runs just a couple of hours, they are just dying to talk to you about racing while guzzling down their beer while I'm enjoying my morning coffee.

So, what does a new photographer at a race with a hundred other photographers expect to shot that comes out any different than anyone else?

Well, for sure I had to capture signage of our company, but I wanted it to be different. After seeking out a couple track locations, I settled on this one. It was a quite spot on turn 2 late into the race. At this time the sun was settling down a bit. To capture this one I had to stop down to get the sun to flare and boost my ISO way up so as to still freeze the movement of the cars...

Turns out this shot was a hit, not only with my company but a few other NASCAR fans... I have to say, I like too...

Heck, I just my frame and hand it on my wall.. The question is, which wall? The right or LEFT? Hmmm, LEFT it is.. :)