San Francisco

Everyone needs those quick weekend getaways to visit friends, family or to just relax.  I sure needed one of those and took a trip to San Francisco this past weekend.  I went down there for a family event, but was able to spend time with old friends and relax.  If there is a city where I feel like I am in Seattle, but not - it is San Francisco.

Photographing your children - tough work!

The most challenging thing to do is photograph a disinterested and distracted child. I should know- I have had many moments of jumping up and down, making duck sounds and saying, "look at mommy, smile for mommy!" Many times I have to take 20 shots to get that one that is either 'the one' or 'it will do.'

I say give up! Yes, you heard me! Photograph your not-interested-in-the-mommy-paparazzi child doing what they do how they do it. That may be not looking directing at the camera and smiling. I have found when I scroll through old photos, those end up being my favorite. The child is in the moment making faces that melt a parent's heart.

But there are good things to do to make your child feel more comfortable around the camera.

1. Take a photo of the child and then show them their picture right away. The instant reward charms and motivates. Many times this opens the door to some fun photos and silly faces because they like to see how they look. And grown-ups, be silly with them! If they see you having fun and looking dorky, you might get some great shots of them laughing and smiling at you in the process! Tricky.

2. Give them the camera! Yes, I know that scares most of you! But if they are 3 years old or older, I think most children could manage point-and-shoot cameras with supervision. They may be more willing to pose if having time behind the lens.

3. Talk to them- don't yell at them. This happens all the time. A child is enjoying his/her own business playing with a toy and soon mommy, daddy, grandma, grandpa, sister, brother and the mail carrier are all yelling, 'smile', 'look over here', 'woo-hoo'! Children usually just start stressing out and end up in tears, not smiles. Talk softly and happy to the child. Ask questions about what they are doing, their interests and something recent they did/saw. AND PLEASE- HAVE ONE PERSON TALKING AT ONCE! FOR THE CHILDREN, PEOPLE!