RELAXED AT-HOME LIFESTYLE PHOTO SESSION

Apologies for the radio silence here on the Jolly blog!  It’s been an INTENSE month for me, to say the least, in every way!   I have so many images to share from all my client sessions, but first I want to share this happy, relaxed at-home lifestyle photo session from last month.  It was my second time photographing this chilled and happy family.  Such charming and sweet boys, I love them! :)

We started the session in their home and then moved outside, where the boys showed me their favourite corner of the garden, and they had fun playing with sticks.  I really LOVE photographing children like this, just doing their own thing, using their imagination, and playing naturally.  Just imagine, in 30 years’ time, when these boys are all grown up and living their own lives, how cool it will be to look back at these photographs, how the memories will come flooding back! :) 

I’ll be taking summer holidays in about a week, and then back to work on August 1st.  If you would like to book a photo session, either at home or on location for August, September, or October, now is the time to book.  Mail sandra@sandrajolly.com before I sign off for summer and we can start planning.

Peace and love xoxo

Happy Family Photo Session in Stockholm

It’s one thing when a family books me for a photo session, but when they book me a second time and sometimes book several sessions a year, it is such a HUGE honour and privilege for me.  This was my second time photographing this gorgeous family and what a happy family photo session it was!   They really brought positive energy and we moved quickly through the session and the park! ;)  Just when we were really getting into our session, the heavens opened and it started pelting down (the weather forecast had promised a clear evening!!), otherwise, I would have happily spent the evening photographing them in the park!

It really amazes me how much children change in even the space of a couple of years, especially in the 10 to thirteen age group.  That’s why you should ideally have your family photographed regularly.  Keep those family portraits updated ;)

And if you would like to update your own portraits, maybe just you, or the whole family, please mail sandra@sandrajolly.com. 

Peace and love xoxo

6 Tips For More Natural Photos Of Your Children

Would you like some tips on taking more natural photographs of your young children? Do you chase them with your camera phone and shout things like, “Look here, Lottie!” or “Big smile now, good girl!”? Do you want to avoid fake, cheesy smiles or your kid running away from the camera? Want to know how I get authentic expressions and natural looking images of children? Well then, read on! I’ve put together some of my favourite tips for you:

1. Ask them to jump up and down on the spot as fast as they can. Match their excitement and happiness, and give them lots of encouragement. Let them jump a few times and then say STOP abruptly! Take the photo once their feet land back on the ground and chances are you’ll get a super happy expression like this:

2. When you are taking a photo of your child, have someone stand right behind you and get them to play peek-a-boo with your little subject. Your ‘assistant’ can also pull funny faces/sing/act silly!. Works every time ;)

3. For a change, don’t ask them to look at the camera. Photograph them when they are playing, either alone or with someone else. Get down on their level. Camera unaware images are ALWAYS natural looking.

4. Embrace the mood! Not all pictures of children have to be happy, you know! Children have a HUGE range of expressions and many different moods. I always find moodier images to be far more interesting than a happy photo. It makes you wonder… What are they looking at? What are they thinking? So capature all expressions!

5. If you have a family pet, take photos of your child when they are with the pet. This works great with a dog especially, as they can run together outdoors, but also works with other pets. Again, a child looking at/intereacting with the pet will always illict natural expressions.

6. Almost all kids love to be outside. They tend to love exploring and enjoying nature. I love to take photos of children when they are lost in a moment outdoors, be it smelling a flower, climbing a tree, or blowing dandelion petals. Just let them do their thing and you will get wonderful, natural photographs.

I really hope you found these tips helpful! Do let me know, and if you know someone with small children, feel free to share this blog post with them.

Peace and love xoxo

10 Tips For Being Photographed at Home | Stockholm Portrait Photographer

I photograph a lot outdoors, but did you know I also photograph people in their homes? It’s kinda great actually because people tend to be more comfy and relaxed in their own place. It’s a win-win :) So, here are some practical tips for being photographed at home…

1. Don’t stress about cleaning! Your home does not need to be spotless. There will be no cleaning inspection performed ;) What you can do, however, is declutter a little in the areas where most of the pictures will be taken - that’s usually where the best natural light is, which in most homes is the living room and master bedroom.

2. Wear something comfortable. Your photographer should provide you with styling tips, but the main things to remember are to keep your outfits simple, not too busy, and comfortable.

3. Plan some activity. If you want a lifestyle feel to your photo session, think about something you/the family can do, for example, playing cards, baking, having a BBQ in the back garden, eating watermelon on the front porch - something that reflects you/your family.

4. Include your pets! I love when families include their family pet. It just adds a whole new dynamic to the images! And if your dog gets a sudden boner in the middle of the photo session (yes, it has happened!!), we will just wait it out ;)

5. Make sure you get some shots of your kids as they play. Just let them be. They will get lost in their own make-belief world and this is the perfect time to get some great candid shots.

6. Switch off all the overhead lights. When a photographer comes to your home, they want to be able to see where the best natural light is, so let them explore and find the best spots. Overhead lights can create unflattering shadows on the face, so keep them off and let the photographer find good natural light.

7. If you have babies or toddlers, get out a few of their favourite books or toys. They can be great props, but can also be used to keep their attention during the shoot.

8. If you think the main bedroom will be used for photos, go with a white duvet set, if possible. This is a great neutral setting and will help reflect the light.

9. Make your couch look cosy! If your couch is in an area with good natural light, don’t be afraid to add extra throw cushions and maybe a couple of blankets to make it extra cosy. It will be a great spot to get some relaxed photos.

10. If part of the session will be in your garden/yard, be sure to do a little tidy there, putting away anything that might be distracting in the photos

If you would like to have a photo session at your home (your regular home or your summer home), feel free to mail sandra@sandrajolly.com or drop me a line via the Contact page above. I promise, it would be a very jolly experience!

Peace and love xoxo