Are you wondering where to take your fall family photos in Orange County? I'm lucky to have so many photographer friends to inspire me! Mali of Mali Workman Photography offered me a chance to ask some questions - and I know you want her answers! She does traditional photography sessions, but also offers private photography classes for parents wanting to take better pictures of their families and classes for moms trying to start their own photography business.
These are the lengths Mali goes to to get a photo of a girl on a swing! (Credit: Bosh Images)
What are your 3 top spots for FALL family photos?
- Canyon View Park
- Riley Wilderness Park
- I love to take families to explore the Aliso Trails (you can get there by walking all the way to the end of Canyon View Park)
What's the best time of day to invite family to arrive for a shoot? (Do they need a little time to play before starting?)
I always ask families to arrive 1 hour before sunset. That last light of the day is very soft, warm and flattering to people. I usually start shooting right away, but while engaging kids in exploring what's around, rocks, flowers, creeks, anything that catches their attention and makes the whole process fun for them.
How can you make a shot look playful rather than posed (without having an expensive camera and years of experience)?
A lot of children are not so happy about a "photo shoot." A lot of times they have been asked to sit still for longer than they wanted to and to smile when they didn't feel like it. We all know that fake smiles don't look nice anyway, so I never ask them to do it. I only ask them to do things I think they will enjoy.
Some examples are: " Are you a fast runner? Can I see how fast you can run?" "Are you a good climber? Can you climb on that rock for me?" "Wow, you are a dancer, what's your favorite dance move?" "Who's your favorite super hero/princess?" Most children will naturally smile when they are talking about a subject that's interesting to them, or doing something they are proud of. When children feel free to play during the shoot, they are more relaxed and cooperative, which allows for plenty of beautiful photo opportunities (whether its their parent or a professional photographer taking their pictures). When there's more than one child, I often ask them to interact with each other. Example:
My children are 9 and 7 years old and have had a camera on their faces all their lives. You think they would be tired of it, but they absolutely love to be photographed. They see it as a time to go somewhere fun, play, have a great time and most of all, they enjoy mommy's undivided attention. Here are my kids at their fall photo shoot last year:
The direction was: "Derek, can you please help Kaylie walk through those bushes? I need you to go in front because you are so brave and you know your sister doesn't like spiders and yucky things." Right away he (my crazy and often uncooperative son) felt really important, and I got the shot I wanted :)
What makes the best photo gift for grandparents? A book? One big photo? Framed vs. on canvas?
Grandparents LOVE anything with grandchildrens' faces on it! To my parents, every year I give a large print and a book (one for grandma, one for grandpa).
Disclosure: Mali and I are friends and have bartered writing/advertising for photography in the past. We didn't make any specific arrangements for this post, but I can see some future trading of services. I would have written on this topic and covered this photographer regardless of any arrangements. Read full disclosure policy.
Photo credit: Mali Workman Photography
