Magic in the Studio

Leading up to Christmas, the calendar is filling. Photography bookings, craft fayres, and creating for fun take my time. It’s good to be working again and I’m getting better at balancing motherhood with business. Since our son was born, I’ve taken a photograph of him every day. Mainly mobile telephone shots to keep an ongoing record, but I’ve included some studio work as well.

Children are magical to work with. It’s incredible to think how many everyday situations we take for granted that children find wonder in, especially when experienced for the first time. Each day, our son wakes with a smile. It’s life affirming to see his face light as he realises a new day has arrived. Each one, full of possibility for learning and adventure.

I spent some time in the studio recently, working on a particular scene I’d envisaged. I wanted to capture a picture which represented our son as he is now, but would also be an enduring memory of him at 6 months. The concept was simple. Child, some favourite playthings, and a sense of magic. I know people say never to work with children, or animals, but I’m not one to follow convention. Besides which, I enjoy working with children and animals. Luckily, our son works very well with the camera. A soft box, the usual dark background, and the scene composed.

Having captured the shot, and the magic I’d hoped for, I also wanted something to show the wonder of a first Christmas. This picture needed speed as well as preparation. Children see magic in so many things that their attention can be drawn quickly from one thing to the next. Tip – when photographing events involving children, include some images of the expressions on their faces for an honest reflection of the experience.

Scene set, child ready, photographer prepared … and here it is, a memory of our son’s first Christmas.

Thanks for reading; I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoyed creating them!