As a wedding photographer, I’m usually sharing beautiful weddings and fun engagement blogs. But today, I’m excited to share a few images of my adorable boys! I found myself photographing milestones recently that were more emotional than I realized – Ezra’s preschool graduation and Noah’s first day of fifth grade.
Every year, these moments offer a wonderful opportunity to capture the growth and excitement of our little ones as they embark on new chapters in their lives. I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I do, and maybe even pick up a few tips to help you with photographing milestones in your own family’s life.
Ezra’s preschool sent out a link for us to order a cap and gown on Amazon – I have to admit, I thought it was a little silly and “over the top.” But the moment he put it on, I had to grab my camera as it was ADORABLE!
I’m the worst at pulling out my big camera during family moments, so we used the few minutes before we had to drive to the church to take a few of Noah and Ezra together also. I think I’m going to frame the one of the piggy back ride!
Just a short couple weeks later, we grabbed the camera again for Noah’s first day of 5th grade. I canNOT believe this is our last year in elementary school for him. The boys are unwilling to part with their mohawk haircuts (thank you, Zeko), so we are embracing it! Noah is excited to do Lego Robotics again this school year and continue with taekwondo.
Whether it’s a preschool graduation or the first day of fifth grade, these milestones are a beautiful reminder of how quickly our children grow and change. As a photographer and a parent, I cherish these moments and the ability to look back on them through photos. I hope these tips help you photographing milestones in your family with the same joy and clarity:
- Focus on the Details: Don’t just take wide shots. Zoom in on the little details—the cap and gown, the proud smiles, and any personal touches like handmade decorations. These close-ups often tell a deeper story.
- Get Down to Their Level: To truly capture the essence of your kiddos, get down to their eye level. This perspective makes the photos more personal and engaging, allowing you to connect with their experience.
- Use Natural Light: If the photos are indoors, try to use natural light from windows or doors whenever possible. It helps to create a softer, more flattering look. For outdoor photos, the golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset) provides beautiful, warm light.
- Capture the Emotions: Be ready to snap those candid moments of joy, fun, and perhaps even a few tears. These genuine emotions are what make the photos memorable.
Thank you for joining me on this little detour from my usual wedding photography posts. I’m looking forward to sharing more of my personal experiences and photography tips with you soon!
