Meeting cousins often involves some drama. Over who shouts louder or jumps higher. Or goes first, or stops last, or decides what comes next, or argues with the decision. Lots of fun and lots of drama.
I'm showing, and telling, something different today. Some behind the scenes moments, what and how things happen during a photo session with kids. I had help of 4 beautiful children, and it all took place in Capo Gallo (Mondello side). Before the shoot we had a little chat with parents to prepare - to discuss how things will go, what clothes to wear, and what their kids like to do outside. So we had a little plan of their usual and favourite activities, plus I also prepared some ideas for games and things to do. I was a bit nervous - mostly because of communication and language issues. My Italian is pretty decent when it comes to conversation, it's writing that's the problem - but photo shoot is always an intense and emotional experience when you have to keep track of what's happening, if everyone is feeling ok and enjoying it, if we're moving ahead and getting some photos, if we need some new ideas and activities or just need to move to a new spot, if my camera set...
A lot of Sicilian summer is about the sea - it's a place to escape the heat, to relax and have fun on the beach with your kids, be it splashing, swimming, collecting shells or digging in the sand, reading or even napping! As parents, we often find ourselves reaching for our cameras or smartphones, eager to capture these moments and memories of the summer. However, there are quite some challenges when it comes to getting beautiful photos on the beach - the biggest are strong sunlight, crowded space, kids moving all the time. During my 7+ years as a family photographer, I took hundreds of photos of clients and my own kids on the beaches in both Scotland and in Sicily. I've learnt and discovered a lot, what to do, and what not to do, to get beautiful kids' photos on the beach. Here are my top 9 tips and tricks, that will help you to elevate your beach snapshots to beautiful photographs. It's about essentials, nothing technical, and will work both for your phone and camera...
Mini session all'aperto Vuoi conservare i momenti speciali della tua famiglia, con foto che non siano soltanto belle, ma anche uniche e particolari? Magari i primi passi del tuo bebé, mano a mano mentre camminate, un sorriso dopo il primo dentino perso, con un giocattolo o libro che deve stare sempre con voi perché sennò non si può andare da nessuna parte... Ci sono molti momenti nella vostra vita che meritano ricordi belli! Come noi tutti, hai fatto tante fotografie ai tuoi figli in tutte le situazioni con il tuo telefono, ma non hai quelle belle dove siete tutti insieme, dove tuo figlio ti dà un abbraccio a sorpresa o tua figlia ride piena di gioia negli occhi. É un vero peccato, perchè quelle sono le foto che tu e tuoi figli vorrete vedere e rivedere, sempre di più, più passa il tempo! Ho un'offerta speciale per te - una mini session, un mini servizio fotografico. Si svolge all'aperto e ti dà un'esperienza divertente e rilassata , senza...
Natale a casa Le luci, le decorazioni, il profumo di biscotti o di qualcosa di delizioso che viene cucina. L'atmosfera accogliente e calda, lunghe serate trascorse insieme. C'è così tanto di speciale nel Natale a casa. E quest'anno potete avere delle splendide fotografie professionali che vi ricorderanno il periodo più bello dell'anno, come dice la canzone. "It's the most wonderful time of the year!" Perché è un'ottima idea fare le foto di Natale a casa? - Non devi spostarti, nè cercare parcheggio , preoccuparti che i vestiti si sgualciscano in macchina o si sporchino. - Verrò da te, con la mia macchina fotografica, il buon umore e tante idee! - Per i tuoi bambini fare le foto a casa è molto più facile: tutto è familiare e useremo i loro giochi, i loro libri di Natale e l'atmosfera della tua casa come sfondo. Anche il tuo animale domestico è il benvenuto! - Documentiamo te e la tua famiglia in modo unico e autentico , senza decorazioni gene...
West Sands did not disappoint - beautiful dunes, moody sky, wind. But then, it very seldom does, especially if you do not mind the wind. We met on a beautiful September evening for this photoshoot with Marion and her daughters. Our destination was the very end of the beach, by the Eden estuary and sand dunes. Marion picked some flowers and decorated Keira's curls, girls shared some secrets and treasures found in the sand, wind was playing with Keira's hair. And me - I was observing it all as it unfolded in front of me, and clicking along. I often tell my clients that photo-session is like going for a walk together - this one was no exception. I am a very silent companion on such a walk - I might suggest something interesting if I see beautiful spot or some nature details that would make beautiful background for you. But more often I just follow what's happening and how you enjoy this beautiful walk and your time together. From Marion: " Very relaxed photo shoot ...
Beach Fun Mini sessions - for all the lovers of dancing on the beach and jumping in the waves, flying kites and climbing rocks and playing with sand! Let's have some beach fun and create beautiful unposed photos of your family or your little ones! Maximum 5 slots available in the evenings between 3-6 of July. St Andrews, East Sands or West Sands. 30 min shot, min 15 photos to choose from, 3 digital images with print rights or 10 printed photos. Photo-session cost - £100, option to upgrade. Please get in touch for more details, and to book.
More sun, but still cold wind. First bulbs under bright sun rays, running noses, occasional flu and random snow drops, both flowery and icy kinds. The spring is moving on, there is no stopping it. I am starting a personal spring photo adventure, 20 stories of spring. About adventures, mess, favourite and not only pastime of Pagano household, and of course about spring.
Published on 12th of May 2023 April has been about enjoying our terrace and sunshine, and week-end trips to explore new places. We made a trip along the coast to visit Aspra, St Elia and some beaches along the way and ended up in Capo Zafferano and its old lighthouse, with picnic and dipping our feet into the nice and fresh sea. It's a great place to visit, just a short walk too, with option to stop on the beach - lido del Carabiniere, which we did. I don't have any lighthouse photos to show, due to damaged fence we had to keep extra close eye on Mara. The lighthouse is no longer operational, but all the buildings are there and in quite decent state, except missing windows and doors - it has an interesting vibe. It has great views too, all blue of sky and sea. I loved it, and it would make a great photo shoot location for a family with older kids! Another one to visit thermal springs, where we found a field of wildflowers. Of that I do have a photo, with Mara sceptically ...
The shadow we've got, in a girly way with a wee bit of pink :-) The sun, sitting low in Scottish sky, invites for all sorts of shadow plays. We already had this , and this a while back. And will have some more probably, with a new twist.
This is second part of our adventures in Tentsmuir fores t. I do not have much to say, I loved it and pictures tell it all much better than words :-) I thought that I've included about half of the photos in the first post. How wrong I was! This one is interesting, because it shows the face Masha makes, when she does not want to be photographed. This time I did it though. With Grandpa. This boy, making faces and running away. Then coming back :-) This girl, with messy bun. She is a modern version of Little Red Riding Hood, in red converse instead of the hat. It was good. We should come back.