Look Behind You
I photographed my own children in the studio when we had Santa scheduled. They really didn't want to do it, but I had them do it anyways and in the end, t...
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I photographed my own children in the studio when we had Santa scheduled. They really didn't want to do it, but I had them do it anyways and in the end, they were glad they did.
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Dec, 2018Views
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Awards
Top Shot Award
Contest Finalist in Image Of The Month Photo Contest Vol 40
Staff Favorite
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
Jaw Dropping
Virtuoso
Emotions
Impressed
Happy
Sad
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this image in my studio while we were having three days of photographing Santa portraits with clients. These are my own children. I wasn't planning on photographing them with Santa, but I realized that I hadn't photographed them yet for my Christmas card. So I called them and to their resistance, I told them to get over to the studio fast. I handed my son my laptop and had my daughter pull out her phone. If you can tell, she's trying not to laugh. Needless to say, they ended up having a good time. Proving that you are never too old for Santa!Time
Since I shot this in the studio, I took this at 2pm.Lighting
I used a large 4x6 Sweet Light Softbox as my only light source.Equipment
I always shoot with my Canon Ds and my 70-200 in the studio. I use a camera stand instead of a tripod in the studio. It allows me to also shoot tethered to a laptop to review images.Inspiration
Since my clients were enjoying Santa, I was a little sad that my own children are now teenagers and don't believe in Santa anymore. So I tried to make this image socially relevant and fun for my teenagers instead of just having them stand by Santa. My son is super into computers and wants to go into computer engineering, which is why I chose to have him pose with my laptop. My teenager daughter with her phone. Enough said.Editing
I do some very basic post. Darken down the background using levels and masking off so my subjects pop. I put a little texture on the tree and Santa to give a little vintage vibe and of course add the light on the lantern. I didn't do skin softening on my daughter because she has freckles and I hate for those to be softened.In my camera bag
I always carry my Canon Ds & 5D Mark IV. I generally keep the 70-200 in the studio and use my 85mm for outdoor portraits. Its lighter for me. I use GoDox 600's in the studio as well as Alien Bees (depending on what bay I am using). Then I use either a 600 or 360 Go Dox for outside. If you are looking for the portable lighting, I recommend MoLight. Best customer service around!Feedback
Choose something that speaks to you, but also something relevant to today. That way when they see it, they say, "Oh, yeah, I know that feeling." When I create a portrait, I want to think how its going to make someone feel. Will I make a mom cry happy tears? Can someone relate to this? If you are offering Santa portraits for your clients, make sure you have a good Santa. Go see him in person first. See how he interacts with the children. What type of facial expressions does he do to get those great shots. Trust me, your clients and their children will talk about the experience for years.
