WSW photographer Sue Barr shoots extraordinary moments in life.

WSW photographer Sue Barr shoots extraordinary moments in life.

Lil Bo Peep ... has lost her focus (no not sheep)

There are a few things to consider when photographing kids. First: What's the purpose... to get a great portrait to use for holiday cards or fine art  or to just snap a moment that documents time. Second: what's the light like? Is it midday sun and too bright ...do you want to use flash or would it be better to find some shade and bounce light into the subject. Third and probably the most important: Child Behavior .. Will this 3 year old cooperate or just do her own thing... is she tired, hungry and can she express herself verbally. All things to consider and take in account...Kids just don’t think like adults... The world is tiny to them and they don’t work well with consequences...
Anything more then 5 minutes and we lose her.. so we walk in search of shade and changing locations often revives a little subject... but the walk is long and there are stops along the way.. a snack, a mommy hug and then just to smell the flowers (literally) .... I climb on the other side of the fence and voila an amazing moment just happens and her puppy is right behind...
Don't take a break just because they need it...

 Remember your purpose or you lose the moment! 

Just Imagine the possibilities

Trek deep into the field ( yes there might be ticks - check later) . Take a deep breath (with your subject) and then start to shoot. 

The most peaceful moment comes at the most unexpected place yet the viewer never knows the extent you went through to get the shot. 

Lazy Daisy Days of Summer

Sometimes it's just not what he's wearing.. it's the attitude. As you put your eye to the viewfinder....  THINK.... How will I remember this perfect moment in time. Is he king of the world or just enjoying a royal day? And oh isn't my garden divine!

Cherry Lips and a Man that stands by you...

www.suebarr.com

No one ever knows what will make an EXTRA-Ordinary moment. Me, I have been shooting for close to 2 decades (shhhhhh Don't tell anyone I've been around so long) and the one thing I can tell you for sure is,  there are NO happy accidents... Preparation is everything, then let go and it will happen.

Toto we're not in OZ anymore

We take so many pictures these days.. "Say Cheese, hug your brother, stand in front of the house" All the time trying to capture something that one day might jar a memory or captures a moment... well HOW ABOUT THE DETAILS!... forget the cheesy smile , how about the favorite shoes she didn't take off till her toe popped out? Now this photo hanging in the hall right outside her bedroom will never embarrass her and will always remind her of her impeccable fashion sense!http://www.suebarrphoto.com

Never ever wake a sleeping baby :)

In fact just keep on shooting.... exhausting the little angle will guarantee a great shot

http://www.suebarrphoto.com

A well rested baby is a happy baby :)

have your camera ready right after a nap...  feed the little prince and Voila the perfect model... well rested, ad well fed... A perfect shot is sure to happen

Just How Cute is CUTE!

oh there are days.... but then you get that one good image and you just remember how special it all can be... as you look through the viewfinder on your camera, watch the hands, the lips... and especially the attitude....

Sometimes we just know what will be...

A baby learns how to feed herself within months of introducing solid food into their daily repertoire.. Pick up your camera and just shoot... make sure the bib is on tight, the light is just right and voila a magic moment will surely be snapped... Just make sure you don't stop to edit... take as many shots as you can before the little one begs for mercy!  :) These will be the shots you'll treasure forever!

And their not aliens anymore!

4-7 Months is the honeymoon period to shoot babies... every day they are discovering their own body, their surroundings, and just simple things that bring natural real smiles...

Bejeweled...

Ah...life's little details... Do we just love the accessories or maybe its the kids actually holding hands... 

Is is always about how they look or can a photograph remind you on how they were if you don't actually see there smiley faces sharp? As I have mentioned before maybe being Sharp sometimes means you miss the moment!

Kids do the darndest thing....

Especially when you don't ask them to!

Stop giving direction and be patient... you'll get that winning moment with just a little patience!


http://www.suebarr.com

MMM Good!

Keep shooting till you get that DELICIOUS moment...  A picture is just that but if you continue shooting you will get that memorable moment that truly captures your child's personality.  

eye contact is not essential!

http://www.suebarr.com

having the subjects always looking at the camera is monotonous and makes the images boring. Spice up the typical portrait by asking the subject to look away ...You get an almost iconic portrait by asking them to look to the distance. Downfall is when everyone is looking in different directions:)

Showing off

Do you really want that cheesy smile to show the missing teeth? Better ask to see ... a much better moment... don't you think?

A little child behavior knowledge helps... All those books you have read about how kids behave at what ever age... Put it to use when picking up your camera :)

Focus.....Focus Focus!

Try getting a toddler to stop moving so you can take that perfect shot! Instead cease the opportunity when they are being held by a loved one and focus on their eyes....Set your camera f-stop wide open ( 1.4- 3.5) Shallow depth of field means everything but your "focus" goes soft ... 

The difference between a snap shot and a piece of art

A beautifully composed image deserves a permanent place on your walls. You can make all sorts of prints... Giclee print making is a way to make an image a piece of art... But remember it's not that easy to figure out that one image from a 2 week vacation, but it's there...

 If an awesome color shot translates to black and white that is a good indicator of a great shot... Sometimes a crop is all it needs. The most important thing is that your emotional attachment is not the driving force to choosing the fine art image.

Suggestion, show 3 people the shot...first: a family member, 2nd:a neighor and 3rd: a random person with no connection to the subject....

The Camera is not your Brain

The Camera is not a substitution for your Brain... it's an extension of what you are thinking... If you have an idea of what you want to shoot, an understanding of what your camera can do then voila a great shot... If you have thought to much and missed the moment, recreate it... Don't force it though. Simple direction will be enough... 

An image speaks louder than a thousand words

Ultimately the viewer must appreciate the image... Taking pictures for your personal archive is great... Even if it's not in focus, or the kids aren't smiling, these images will spark a story, a conversation and ultimately a memory. The conundrum is displaying these photos.. Will the viewer relate, understand the story...appreciate the memory without your emotional attachment?