Mamarazzi
Every Mom’s Guide
to Photographing Kids
Stacy Wasmuth
Wiley Publishing, Inc.
Mamarazzi: Every Mom’s Guide to Photographing Kids
Published by
Wiley Publishing, Inc.
10475 Crosspoint Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN 46256
www.wiley.com
Copyright © 2011 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
Published simultaneously in Canada
ISBN: 9780470769102
Manufactured in the United States of America
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About the Author
©Amy Smith, www.amysmithphoto.com
Children’s photographer Stacy Wasmuth has a simple goal: to beautifully portray life as art. With a flair for capturing personality and an eye for composition, she strives to make each portrait collection as unique as the child she is photographing. Stacy aims to capture genuine expressions—from a shy smile or a soulful stare to the scowl of a temper tantrum.
Stacy created Blue Candy Photography in early 2006, and she has quickly become one of the most sought-after children’s photographers. She was named Indianapolis’ best photographer by Indianapolis Monthly in 2008. In 2010, she was chosen to be part of the prestigious Fresh M.I.L.K. project, which celebrates Moments of Intimacy, Laughter and Kinship. That same year she shot the cover for Mothering Magazine.
Stacy currently resides in Indianapolis with her husband and three young boys, whom she freely admits are among her most challenging photography subjects. And although Stacy’s work has been published nationally and internationally, her most prized portraits are the ones displayed on her bedside table.
Credits
Acquisitions Editor
Courtney Allen
Project Editor
Jenny Larner Brown
Technical Editor
Alan Hess
Copy Editor
Jenny Larner Brown
Editorial Director
Robyn Siesky
Business Manager
Amy Knies
Senior Marketing Manager
Sandy Smith
Vice President and Executive Group Publisher
Richard Swadley
Vice President and Executive Publisher
Barry Pruett
Book Designer
Erik Powers
Media Development Project Manager
Laura Moss
Media Development Assistant Project Manager
Jenny Swisher
Roll Credits
This book is the result of hard work and encouragement from friends, family and colleagues.
They cannot go unrecognized for their contributions.
The Producers:
Courtney, thank you for entrusting this special project to me.
It took your talent to turn a brilliant idea to reality.
Jenny, thank you for using your gifts to make magic with words, lending your own mamarazzo wisdom,
keeping me off of the ledge, and teaching me the joys of single spacing. I’m incredibly grateful!
Alan, I’m confident that you broke an editing record with your swift turnarounds.
Thank you for being so quick and thorough.
Erik, your design skills are fantastic. It was no small task to create the perfect
palette for this project, and you pulled it off with excellence. Thank you!
The Industry Superstars:
Rebecca Worple, Joyce Smith, Marla Carter, Tara Whitney, Lena Hyde, Audrey Woulard, Carrie Sandoval,
Laura Siebert, Rebecca Mudrick, Gillian Gauthier, Amy Smith, Sherry Petersik and Kelle Hampton …
It was an honor to include you talented ladies in this book. Several of you were my first
child-photography superstars, some my longtime confidants, and others new friends. Thank you
for your patience and for making mountains move in order to meet deadlines. Your willingness to
share your meaningful mamarazzo insight took this book to a new level. The thoughtful notes
of encouragement (and gifts of chocolate) helped, too!
The Stagehands:
Jaime Lackey, Lisa Roberts, Christine Gorczych, Clarice Hendel, Heleen Sitter, Nicole Zumaeta,
Nicole Ramsay, Molly Hilton, Kathy Wolfe, Leiba Bernstein and Michelle Rasmussen …
Thank you for lending your talent and sharing in the excitement for this book.
I am thrilled to be able to feature your wonderful work in print!
The Talent:
Clients of Blue Candy Photography, thank you for trusting me to capture your
families’ memories. No matter how many photo sessions I have under my belt,
documenting each family’s history is a true privilege and honor.
Behind-the-Scenes Stars:
Randy, I’m so blessed to call you my husband and best friend.
I love that you never allow us to settle for anything less than living life to the fullest.
Kaleb, Micah and Elijah, you are my life’s dearest treasures. Thank you for inspiring me daily.
Mom, you were the first (and best) mamarazzo in my life. Thank you for encouraging me to chase a childhood dream.
Dad, thank you for encouraging (and nitpicking!) my every effort to put pen to paper…
from my childhood notebook to the real deal.
Was, thank you for being like my second mom.
Grandpa Irwin, thank you for passing down the photography gene.
How I wish you were here today to see this book.
Lynn, your author-to-author encouragement meant the world to
me in the early stages of this project. I truly cherish our friendship.
Stasia, thank you for your talented translation of legal-ese.
If it weren’t for your kind help, I might still be trying to make sense of the contract.
Lucy, woof-woof-howl. Translation: You stayed faithfully by my side as I wrote every word of this book.
Thank you for turning me into a dog person.
The Fans:
To each and every one of you who stepped in to cheer me on, thank you!
The Director:
Thank you to the true author and perfecter of life. You deserve the leading role more often.
For the ones I love
more than
all the water in the ocean,
all the flowers in the spring,
all the sand at the beach,
and all the leaves in the fall.
Without you, this book would have never been written.
With love,
All the stars in the sky
And for the world’s orphans.
A portion of this book’s proceeds will go to you.
f/2.2, 1/640, iso 200
©Stacy Wasmuth
©Jaime Lackey, www.jaimelackeyphotography.com
Mamarazzi [mah-muh-raht-tsee] (noun, plural):
Mothers who doggedly pursue opportunities to take, share and display photographs of their children. No matter how much said children resist or how intensely they roll their little eyes, a mamarazzo knows it is her personal mission to document the moments of their life journey—major, minor and … really, everything in between, too.
This is a book about how to refine your technique as a mamarazzo and—calmly, coolly—capture winning shots of your child(ren). The tips and tricks in this book will ensure that you never find yourself—in the first week of December, for example—looking through your mail and finding envelope after envelope stuffed with gorgeous photos of friends and family, adorned with festive colors and sporting season’s greetings … while the pit in your stomach churns at the thought of the requisite holiday photo that you don’t have.
Great holiday photos
like this one may inspire (or aggravate!) you.
f/5.6, 1/250, iso 800
©Lisa Roberts,
www.lisaluckyphoto.com
Now up against everything from studio smiles to families on the beach in matching white shirts and khaki pants, you freeze in your tracks. You have yet to snap your own family’s holiday photo, and time is running out. The thought sends a shiver down your spine as you consider attempting the impossible.
Sure, you’re the classic mom with a camera always at the ready. No birthday party, lost tooth or first day of school goes undocumented in your world. But this is different. The quest for the perfect holiday photo can leave even the best shutter-snapping mom shaking in her Uggs.
But you put on your game face and get to work. You have just enough time before your son’s nap and daughter’s play date for a show-stopping photo shoot. With a sudden burst of energy (or maybe the jolt from your cappuccino’s caffeine), you raid the kids’ closets. Tossing the Dora dress and Sponge Bob shirt aside, you decide that matching snowflake sweaters and pressed pants will surely spread some cheer. Faces are wiped; hair is brushed. You grab a poinsettia for the perfect holiday prop, plop the kids down in the warm noonday sun, throw the camera into little-green-box mode, yank off the lens cap and….
Say cheese, guys!!
You keep the shutter snapping and let your fancy new camera work its magic.
A few sibling spats and a temper tantrum or two might scare off the normal mom, but you’re no rookie. Plus, you can beg, plead and bribe like no other.
If this is the typical result when you photograph your cherubs, never fear. Keep reading to find out how to create the images you envision!
f/4, 1/200, iso 100
©Kristine Gorczyk,
www.krysiaphotography.com
Luckily, your subjects relent just short of being promised a pony, and you call it a wrap. With a short victory lap to the couch, you review your prized photos on the LCD, certain there is a winner in the bunch.
So you’re shocked to see that the forced smiles and squinted eyes staring back at you in no way resemble your cherubic children. And you realize that brown grass with a wilted poinsettia wasn’t exactly the festive locale you’d envisioned. Your holiday spirit is now squelched. And you wonder where you went wrong…
The birth of a new baby is a great
time to learn photo basics.
©Amy Smith, www.amysmithphoto.com
Creatively capture the wonder
of childhood with your camera.
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©Stacy Wasmuth
Make memories of your child’s milestones, like this first crawl toward Dad.
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©Stacy Wasmuth
Real-life moments, like this toddler finding her reflection, deserve a
spot in your photographs.
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©Stacy Wasmuth
Can you relate? If so, you can be sure that you’re a camera-carrying member of the mamarazzi. Similar to the paparazzi, known for tormenting Hollywood stars, you may belong to a select group of moms (or dads!) who compulsively stalk, pester and nag their children in pursuit of the perfect photo. And who can blame you? After all, few things tug harder at a parent’s heartstrings than a brilliant photograph of their beloved child(ren) captured in a forever memory.
Your story might have a slight twist. Maybe the upcoming birth of your first child has inspired you to learn photography basics. Or you have the itch to use your fancy new camera to its full potential, but don’t know how to work all of the bells and whistles. Maybe you’re frustrated that no matter how much you beg and plead, your children hate having their photos taken and resist your efforts at every turn. Or perhaps your current snapshots show what your child looks like, but the images lack the critical ingredient—to capture who they truly are.
Capturing sibling bonds couldn’t be more special.
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©Stacy Wasmuth
Learn how to shoot stunning close ups of your child.
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©Stacy Wasmuth
You’re in luck. There is hope. And you’ll find it here.
With a few lighting lessons, a primer on photography basics, a bit of patient practice, and some professional tips and tricks, you’ll be photographing memories that you’ll be proud to have captured on film … er, pixels … in no time at all!
The best part about knowing your way around a camera is taking photos that truly represent your children.
f/2.8, 1/200, iso 160
©Jaime Lackey
www.jaimelackeyphotography.com
f/2.8, 1/250, iso 400
©Stacy Wasmuth
©Stacy Wasmuth
Connect with your child first and the expressions you love will follow.
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©Stacy Wasmuth
“I truly believe that what I do is not about pictures on paper. It’s about making a connection. The portrait is a side effect.”
The Star
On the surface, it seems that taking photos of your kids should be a snap. After all, parents have everyday access to their kids and can capture moments as they arise. And parents are in the know regarding their child’s interests, expressions and moods. Plus, kids are more comfortable with their parents than with anyone else.
But this familiarity is a double-edged sword. Just as you have the inside scoop on your children, they have the inside track on you! And more often than not, the snap of your shutter is their cue to push your buttons.
From the enthusiast photographer to the pro, shooting pictures of one’s own children can leave any of us literally wanting to shoot something! And although clients tell me that I have the patience of a saint with their kids; trust me … I’ve made a million mistakes with my own and lost my patience more times than I would ever actually admit. Thankfully, I’ve also learned some great tips along the way.
There is no question that kids know the (not so) fine art of how to push mom’s buttons during a photo shoot.
f/2.5, 1/200, iso 400
©Rebecca Mudrick,
www.darling-art.com
Fun is the key ingredient to a successful shoot.
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©Stacy Wasmuth
Be Fun!
A common mistake of the mamarazzi is to get the shot but miss out on the experience. When this happens, the onslaught of kid groans and grimaces should come as no surprise; your little subject has been conditioned to think that camera time is akin to torture. Well, luckily, the damage is not permanent.
By definition, paparazzi are relentless in getting the shot. But mamarazzi can dare to be different. Start by trying the following experiment: Approach your next photo op with your child by aiming to create a fun memory instead of getting a great shot. Easier said than done, it’s true; but this will help convince your tot that it can be fun for them when your camera comes out of the bag.
Honest conversation brings forth childhood wonder.
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©Stacy Wasmuth
Be Honest.
While I encourage parents to use fun questions or games to evoke photogenic expressions, I’m not a fan of trickery. For instance, telling your toddler that “Elmo is hiding in the camera” might lead to a bewildered expression and a super snapshot. But what happens when he realizes that mom was not truthful?
Instead, use your child’s imagination to draw out the same emotion. “Do you think that Elmo could fit inside my camera?” is a more honest question that will likely receive the same response and will spare you the song of Liar, liar pants on fire.
Be Kind.
Kids of all ages love to thumb through the family photo albums. How do you want them to feel when they re-live memories of the day that the shutter snapped? Chastised or cherished? Tormented or treasured?
Photographs are taken in a fraction of a second, but feelings from the captured moments last a lot longer. Handle your tiny celebrity with care, and remember that a little star treatment will go a long way.
This is surely one of photography’s most difficult lessons, but it’s one that guarantees great rewards.
Know when your star has had enough and be willing close the curtains on your show.
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©Stacy Wasmuth
The Lights!
It’s been said that photography is the language of light. And since light is so important, it’s easy to assume that the best shots will be taken in environments with the most light. That’s a common mistake, and couldn’t be further from the truth. More light does not necessarily make for a better-quality photo. Instead, find locations with soft, even and indirect light.
My best tip for getting more natural photos is to shoot in a location that offers the light made by nature herself. Good outdoor locations for ideal light are the shady spots under a porch awning or next to a tall building. For indoor shots, north-facing windows make a lovely light source, since they receive indirect sunlight at almost any time of day.
Avoid placing your subject in areas with direct light, especially if it is strong; because this kind of light will create harsh highlights and strong shadows, which usually leads to details being lost in areas that become washed out (too light) and/ or muddy (too dark). The only exception to this rule is during the periods close to dawn or dusk, known as the Golden Hour(s), when direct light appears soft and flattering. This light is commonly called “sweet light,” and it’s a favorite for many mamarazzi.
Turning off your camera’s on-board flash will help you see exactly where natural sunlight is falling in a room, making your photos more realistic and professional-looking.
f/2.8, 1/250, iso 400
©Stacy Wasmuth
Similarly, areas with uneven lighting (think sun-dappled tree shade) can be tricky to photograph. The setting may look serene to the naked eye; but mottled light, especially on a person’s face, often adds too much contrast to make a pleasing photo.
An overcast day is also good for photography. Thank goodness, right? If it’s going to ruin your plans to spend the day sun worshipping, at least it’s a fantastic time to break out your camera. A cloudy sky works like a giant diffuser for the harsh light of the sun, making almost any angle awesome for photos. The light on an overcast day is soft, and colors stay true. Fog can be equally fab, giving a dreamy look to your captures. It usually doesn’t stick around for long though, so be ready to grab your camera and go for a wonderful walk in the “clouds.”
In nearly all cases, to get realistic and professional-looking photos, avoid blasting your subject with bursts of light. Yep, I’m saying “Turn off your camera’s built-in flash.” And, if indoors, switch off unflattering overhead lighting and distracting background lamps. This will enable you to see how a room’s natural light falls … and create the best stage for your star.
However, if you are taking photos in near darkness or under the bright noon-day sun, you’ll want to consider a reconciliation with your camera’s flash. In these situations, issues of visibility and harsh light may be a problem. Your flash can help illuminate a scene or to fill in those pesky raccoon-eye shadows.
Find more on indoor and outdoor lighting in Chapters 3 and 4.
This photo features the warm, soft “sweet light” glow.
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©Lisa Roberts, www.lisaluckyphoto.com
A simple background draws attention straight
to the star of your photo.
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©Stacy Wasmuth
The Set
Location, location, location! It’s the magical mantra of the real estate world, and it can easily be applied to photography as well. Second only to your subject, the setting in which you take a photo is a captivating component. Here’s some advice.
Clear the Clutter.
Clutter can be one of the most distracting elements in a photo. In a perfectly photogenic world, all of your photo ops would have a clean background that beautifully features your subject in a crisp and interesting way. But since real life is rarely clutter-free, there are a few things you can do to keep the focus on the star instead of everything else.
Sometimes clutter can be used in a creative way.
f/2.5, 1/100, iso 800
© Clarice Hendel
www.studiocee.com
Play it Safe.
When choosing a set for your super star, there are locations you should always use, a few that you can sometimes use, and some that you should just plain avoid.
Always!
Kids typically respond best when they’re familiar with their surroundings. In this regard, there’s no place like home for great photos. Have your child make his bed (gasp!) for a comfy photo op. Use your front porch steps for a simple backdrop. Or capture your daughter’s bed head in the breakfast nook. Your children will be most natural when they feel right at home.
You can’t go wrong when you take photos in your local garden or park. A nature conservatory will be well-manicured with beautiful landscaping. And bonus: You don’t have to do the weeding! A playground or park provides a safe and clean location that your child is sure to enjoy.
A local park is sure to have plenty of natural backdrops for your photos.
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©Stacy Wasmuth
Your child’s bed may be your best bet for a natural setting.
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©Stacy Wasmuth
Sometimes
If your über cool child adores his True Religion jeans and spray painted skateboard, you may consider an urban setting for a shot. But think carefully before you dash downtown. Some of the most hip urban spots may still have garbage, broken glass and even not-so-photogenic panhandlers as well as distractions—from passersby to noisy traffic. Choose a safe, clean spot that is well away from the hustle and bustle yet public enough to keep you feeling secure while shooting.
Wild fields are perfectly photogenic in print, but they can be riddled with obstacles like thorns, bugs, or (eek!) snakes. Rather than going knee deep in brush, a better alternative is to photograph your child right at the edge of a field. This way your child can stay comfy while you still benefit from a great background for your shots.
Or, turn your own backyard into the “wild” by skipping a few mowing sessions. You’ll enjoy the (well-reasoned) break from yard work, and you’ll get some luscious long grass to enhance your photos.
By skipping a mowing session (or two!) you can create a wonderful look for a photo.
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©Stacy Wasmuth
Never
Railroad tracks are frequent features in family photos, and this may seem like the perfect setting for a photo of your train-obsessed tot. But what many people don’t know is that walking on railway property is trespassing at best, and (in some states) a felony. Even scarier is the safety concern for being around tracks that are still in use. My advice is to run from the railway idea. Run far, far away from that. Better safe than sorry!
And sure, we’ve all seen adorable photos of newborns in funny places: sleeping atop a stack of towels, balancing in a basket, or even lounging in a suspended sling. But it may surprise the average mamarazzo that many of these are simply optical illusions provided by Photoshop. So unless you have several helping hands as well as excellent editing skills, do not try this at home, folks. No matter how cute a photo idea can be, it is simply not worth the danger it might pose to your child!
Your baby’s crib provides a safe and familiar environment for photo ops.
f/2.8, 1/160, iso 1600
©Stacy Wasmuth
Visit the same location during different seasons for a cool
(and warm!) photo pairing.
f/5.6, 1/400, iso 400 (winter) f/3.5, 1/500, iso 400 (summer)
©Amy Smith,
www.amysmithphoto.com