Where to Take Pictures

It’s time for new pictures of your kids. You don’t want school pictures with the blue background and the straight-on angle. You want real pictures. Ones that capture your child’s essence, and allows you to remember who they were at this time in their lives. You’ve got a camera, and you (pretty much) know how to use it. Now what?

If you’re looking to take some pictures of your own kids, you’re up for a challenge. It’s never easy, no matter how much training and experience you have. Your kids just won’t act the same around you as they will around any other adult. They know what they can get away with when you’re in charge.

You need a place to go where the kids will pay attention.

I would recommend a new place. Somewhere the kids have never been, or maybe they’ve been there only a time or two. The new situation often puts kids a little on guard so they’re a bit more likely to listen to instructions. Look for a place with natural wonder – not play structures. Of course you want your kids to have fun on their photo shoot, but playgrounds have lots of distracting lines and colors to make composition more difficult, and let’s not forget the other kids! Who wants to worry about keeping them out of the frame? Too much trouble when you have your own kids to deal with.

If there’s a beach near home – but maybe a little farther than you typically travel – that’s always a safe bet (it doesn’t matter what season). A forest with a hiking trail, a grassy field, or a local public garden would make a wonderful backdrop. Think like an out-of-towner – where might you go if you were just visiting your area? Travelers often choose to visit places of beauty.

Find a beautiful place near your home that you don’t often visit, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful photo shoot with your kids.

FUNdraiser 2011

On Saturday, March 12th from 3:00-6:00 pm, come on out to Shoreline for some awesome kids’ portraits and a FUN time! I’ll be doing short sessions and offering a variety of portrait packages in exchange for a donation to Room Nine Community School. If you’re interested in purchasing prints in addition to your FUNdraiser package, you may do so. 10% of your purchase will benefit RNCS. Location details will be given to those who reserve a time. Don’t miss your chance to get some great photos and support a great cause! You can find more details on my events page.

Beautiful Girls!

So this was one of my rare in-studio sessions. I was late to this one because I forgot my memory cards – of all things to forget! That’s like leaving your film at home… But even though I was 15 minutes late and they had to get dolled up right after nap time, these girls were so cooperative. I was definitely impressed. Aren’t they beautiful? Mom must be so proud!

My taste of winter for the year

I find that photography opens my eyes to fun that I might not have found otherwise. Had I not gone and played in the snow with this family that morning, I probably would have wasted my time watching TV or something. I love winter, and Seattle pretty much didn’t have one this year. We saw a snowflake or two float down from the sky one evening, but that was the extent of it. I’m so glad I had the chance to romp around in the snow at least once this year.

Competition Winner – Lara Grauer Photography

At the SPPA monthly competition, I was awarded second place in the Wedding category for this photo!

These kids have been so much fun to work with, and it thrills me that they get to be a part of my competition experiences! I think the best part about this photo is its genuine reflection of the children’s personalities. I admit I might tell people where to stand from time to time, but other than that, this moment is genuinely candid. These kids got all dressed up and *gasp* acted like kids! How wonderful! That’s what Lara Grauer Photography is all about – capturing those elements that make people who they are.

Beach Photo FUNdraiser!

Come for a fun beach photo session and receive a high-resolution file of your favorite image! The fee is $50 per time slot. All proceeds will benefit Room Nine Community School in Shoreline, WA. Find out more about this awesome school at www.roomnine.org.
Contact me to book your time!

The meaning of FUN!

I just finished working on this collage for my brother’s family. I love this collection so much because it really shows what it means to have fun! These images are so full of love and life, it makes me want to go back to Iowa City NOW so I can hang out with these guys again! If you’re looking for ways to brighten your mood, spend some time with this piece. These kids’ passion for living is contagious…

Sweet Sisters – Seattle Child Photographer

These girls are so fun! We had the best time making little “flip books” with my quick release shutter – they would act out little scenes and then watch them on the back of my camera.

Stopped in Amana, Iowa – Childrens’ Portraits

I love these kids to death. I got to hang out with them for a few hours last weekend in Iowa, and what a treat! They had loads of fun and Mom even dressed them up in their formal clothes from a wedding they were in last month, which means I had as much fun playing as they did! It’s amazing how much these two kids have changed – and stayed the same.

Children’s Portraits – Midwest Edition

If you read my blog much, you’ve seen this guy before. This is my third year as his photographer, and I had a great time reconnecting with his family. They’ve been part of my annual midwest tour, and they help make my trips a lot of fun. What I love best about this group of images is the insight into character. The boy he is this summer has been captured in these images. Even as things continue to change, these photographs will always have a magical ingredient that defies explanation. That magic is what keeps me making photographs.