Creating that loving connection

I recently found a bunch of my dance photos from high school. it was prom pose, highlighting my corsage, his boutonniere, and my overly styled 80's hair. But the prom pose prevails. I use the prom pose as a starting point for some of my clients to have their bodies instantly connect. And while I take that prom pose photo, I want more.

During a photo session, I always want to capture the connection that people have with one another. Whether that is husband and wife, siblings, or parents and their children, I direct my clients to take photos with just one other person in their family. This allows that relationship to shine through my lens. And in some cases I need to help them achieve that. Here are a few tips that help me with that moment. 

First, look into each other's eyes, like, really look. It's not a staring contest, rather it's a look and remind yourself what is so special about that person. In my session with Sandy, her son, and her brother, below, I had Sandy and her son just look at each other and smile while holding hands. Then, I ask them to get closer and closer with their heads. This made them giggle and captured that special moment between them. 

Second, when appropriate for the people on camera, I ask them to kiss one another on the cheek. I love when my kids kiss me on the cheek, and it's usually prompted by me. I always see the genuine happiness on a parent when their child kisses them. 

Next, I ask the people to snuggle into each other. This takes the prom pose of facing each other to another level. Sometimes a quick snuggle, with eyes closed, shows how loving that connection is between people. I love these tiny moments.

Finally, I like to have my clients play around a bit. To get them to loosen up for this, I may have them surprise them from behind with a bear hug, have a turn around and see a funny face, or whisper their favorite fruits in a Batman voice in their partner's ear. 

While there are many more ways to capture this connection between two people, these are some of my favorites. I've highlighted some of my favorites from my family session with Sandy and her family. I loved their spirit and willingness to take direction, have fun, and show their most playful sides.