Single Photo Friday:: The Face Erase Photo Tip

Twins Mia & Morgan.

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I’m not sure what’s in the water or what but I feel like I have been meeting or hearing about or photographing twins this year. This week I met Mia and Morgan (and 2 of their cousins) for a beachy photo shoot. How gorgeous are they?!?

This post is less about my babbling on and on about how awesome it is to do what I do (though it is pretty great) and the importance of family photos, but instead just a little photo tip. When working in the world of family photos, my lens and I are constantly greeted with the ‘Cheesy’ grin. I have noticed through the years that almost every child does this, and at different ages the grin takes on a different shape. I have also noticed how much it makes their parent cringe, many of them telling their kids to do “a real smile”.

I prefer to do a thing I call ‘Erase Your Face.’ I tell them to wipe the expression off their face and just keep looking at me. As this happens I still shoot and then say something to try and make them laugh. The moment before the laughter is sometimes just for me, the smile and giggles are for their parents. I think it ends up working out well for all of us.

To me, this image shows how beautiful both of these girls are, something that might not have been seen if every image was a play to the camera. Doing this kind of thing also gives a chance for both photographer and subject to slow down, regroup – or refocus, if you will – and kind of start fresh. Hopefully it leads to more authentic moments and honest smiles. And for me, that’s what it’s all about.

Looking at twins who look so different is fascinating to me, but seeing how bonded they are was also really sweet to witness. I love how serious Mia could get while Morgan remained with a slight smile intact. But both of them have such fun personalities and adorable smiles, so photographing them was not only fun, but a pleasure.

Oh, and I’m sharing one of my photo tips on this day as a way to celebrate World Photography Day! Let’s get out today and make meaningful images!

xo ~ Judy