I think it’s vital for photographers to get in front of the camera. There’s only one small issue with that idea – I can’t bear being photographed. I genuinely can’t stand it. My face freezes, I know my eyes go glassy, and I probably look like a rabbit in the headlights. However, as you might know from my ‘What’s My Style’ blog post, I’m obsessed with the importance of having a record of family life. I didn’t want to get to seventy years old and realise that I ran from all my own family pictures. I didn’t want to look back and not see myself as part of my precious little family unit.
So… when the amazing Utah based Jonathan Canlas was looking for ‘model families’ for his recent FIND (Film Is Not Dead) workshop in Surrey, I volunteered our services. If anyone was going to point a camera at us, they might as well be the best film family and wedding photographer in the world. That’s no exaggeration, have a look at his site. I trusted Jonathan completely and I’m so happy that I did.
The experience was fascinating, and I learnt a lot about how my clients feel when I’m photographing them. It’s so important to be able to put yourself in their shoes. Jonathan was amazing – clear and concise, and he directed us with a calm authority. He instilled confidence and brought the best out of us.
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I will always treasure these images, thank you Jonathan.
PS: feel free to comment but be kind, haha!
xxx
Craig + Kate - Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love Love
pen - What gorgeous, gorgeous pictures – and what a gorgeous, gorgeous family! I can see why you’ll be treasuring these forever!
Rochelle - You are all so beautiful!
Annabel, Love My Dress Wedding Blog - I keep looking through these thinking ‘that’s my favourite!’, ‘no, that one’, ‘NO THAT ONE!’
Absolutely wonderful stuff, the way you all look at each other – just wonderful stuff my friend
xXx
anna {far from the wedding crowd} - Such special images.
To be treasured.
Emma Case - Fit.
You guys are fit as.
Max is bloomin’ adorable too…
Kim - Beautiful photos. Agree with Annabel I was about to write which was my favourite but every time I look at them I change my mind. They’re all wonderful x
Jenn Stark - These are so wonderful!! You guys are gorgeous. xo
Courtney Louise - What beautiful photographs these are! I bet you are over the moon
such a lovely collection to treasure x
Sharron - Completely and totally awesome. And you photograph beautifully.
Taylor Roades - Beautiful pictures, you are sooo lucky. And PS I am in love with your haircut. Ever since I cut mine short I am on the look out for others and yours is great.
Elizabeth | Bridal Musings - These are so precious. What a beautiful little family you are. Well done for getting behind the lens
Courtney - Beautiful family photos, I am sure you are glad you forced yourself through the process. I remember when you photographed me and my family, I too felt strange but you had such a calming, fun way of directing us to be sure we ended up with beautiful images to cherish for years to come. I think that is a big reason why hiring a professional is so important. Obviously you end up with better, higher-quality pictures technically, but another part of a great picture is the over-all, what do you call it?, composition? of the image and the relaxation of the subjects being photographed. Everyone should have the luxury of owning a camera to capture vacations, every day moments in time, but for the frame-worthy family shots, Christmas cards, etc. etc. hiring a professional is a really special thing.
Tamara - I just love these images. Jonathan is fanatastic, and you are an adorable family.