I have been working at Montessori preschools for about two years now, but have never really utilized my school knowledge into my photography. Normally when I leave the school, I leave my teacher hat in the classroom. My brain turns off, and I only snap back into Mr. Spencer when I wake up Monday morning.
But today, was different. I photographed some very close friends of mine, who have a 3 and 4 year old daughter and son, respectively. And although I have always focused on “getting theeee shot” in every shoot before this one, I wanted to have a different approach.
In Montessori, although there are rules and limitations that the children must know, every child is still given ample freedom in the form of choice. Because I never photograph such young kids, I wanted to keep it light, fun, and give them plenty of choices during the afternoon. After editing, although it was very apparent that I was moving fast and very focused on the overall experience (a lot of blown out or out of focus shots), I think it was a great exercise into what family photography could be with small children.
What went well?
Having a plan is always necessary (to reduce my anxiety), but allowing for freedom along the way, gives a great test to our talents as photographers and creatives. During moments when the children had the urge to explore or play, instead of re-wrangling, I decided to lean-in. “Whoa, what did you find?” This added to our planned shots, but rewarded our shoot with some more creative images and backdrops I would never have thought of otherwise (more on this later *). But when things needed to happen, and I needed to snap a certain shot; I relied on simple incentives (high fives, affirmations), narrating good behavior, or leading a shot with a storyline. “Okay Asa, so since you’re such a helpful leader, it’s gonna be your job to lead your family down this pathway, through the leaves! Let’s go!”
Overall I think it was a fun first shooting experience for the kids (as well as myself, so much less stress when you go with the flow). No posed shot lasted long enough to trigger any tears thankfully. I think I have growth when it comes to my sense of direction when leading so many humans at once, but also on the photo technical side: managing focus, stopping down lower than 2.8 oof, and watching blown highlights.
*One of the many unplanned shots occurred when the children begin resting on the bike rack my bicycle was stationed at. Looking back at them, I jumped. Took off my bike, and snapped the picture you see below.
Happy day ~
