There are so many different choices that a photographer can make for how they want their sessions to look and feel. Choosing a location, a lens, the style of photography, time of day, and what kind of sessions to provide are all at the preference of the photographer. I love looking through photos from past family sessions and figuring out what I love most about each session. For this particular session I was so happy with the images and contribute it to the lens choice for this family.
Keep reading to find out why I like to use my 35mm lens for family sessions.
including a pretty background
This was a late summer/fall photo session and I wanted to be able to photograph the pretty foliage at Winn Park in Midtown, Atlanta, Georgia. I have had a few sessions at Winn Park and you can find more photos from those sessions here and here. Winn Park has pretty trees, natural light, and an adorable little pond. All of this is in the middle of Midtown, Atlanta! A wide lens like a 35mm allows me to be able to photograph the surrounding environment during the family sessions.
getting closeups of the kids
With the 35mm lens for family photography sessions, I’m able to get in close to photograph individual family members. This works out great when the little ones are already sitting in mom and dad’s lap and works too when the little one just wants to remain there. I have taken several children’s portraits while the children are still in their parents arms! The 35mm doesn’t have a zoom capability and I much prefer to “zoom with my feet” by taking steps closer towards the family to get those closeup shots.
being able to touch and guide family members
When I use a short focal length lens such as a 35mm, I’m able to remain pretty close to be able to touch and guide family posing. This comes in handy when my brain thinks faster than the words that come out of my mouth and sometimes it’s easier to gently guide the family to sit or stand where I’d like them. It might feel like you’re already in close with your family, but some of the time there may still be space between you, and the photo ends up looking like you are farther away from each other than you really are. Family posing and guiding is important even with lifestyle family photography to ensure your family is connected and engaged for those special lifestyle photos!
engaging children by singing a song
Often at my sessions if the children have seemed to lose a little bit of interest or when they want to explore rather than sit still, I will either sing a song or have the parents sing a song to keep them interested. When I have a 35mm lens I’m already remaining pretty close to the kids and I think it makes it easier for me to engage with them (even singing a silly children’s song).
engaging children by playing a game
Another trick I do all the time when photographing children is playing games! Depending on the age of the child they may show some interest in the camera or try to figure out exactly what I’m doing. Other times they want to look at the camera and say, “cheese”. I will not be asking them to say cheese! I rather engage with the children in a game like peek-a-boo with my camera and this usually does the trick to relax the child and bring out organic smiles.
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