Princess Dress Portraits and Making Turning 5 Special

Princess dress portraits help to make a milestone birthday even more exciting!  With big sister wearing the princess dress just a few years ago, Mama knew that she wanted to repeat the tradition with little sister.  This time instead of in my home office/studio, we decided to meet in Oakland.

A Princess in Oakland

Child and family portraits should be fun!  And what is more fun than getting to wear a fluffy tulle dress!

When we decided to do the princess dress, I immediately knew the perfect spot.  If you’ve been following my work, you’ve seen a few sessions here- the columns at Mellon.  It’s my favorite spot for dancers and the light is just magical.  We planned on some portraits with the princess first and then a short walk over to Pitt campus for some family portraits.

DRESS: Enchanted Fairyware

Check out those eyes!!

I can’t get over how blue they are and that is all-natural.  There is no photoshop enhancement going on here.

Next up? Family Time

I find that with little kids, it’s easier for them (and more fun) to break up the session.  This can be with a change in location, a change of activity, or a change in outfit.  It helps for the time to not feel so forced and possibly boring.

Fortunately, we were able to do a couple of things.

First, we changed little Emma out of her princess dress and did a few family shots at the columns.  Like I said before, I love the light there.

Then it was time for a quick walk across the street.

That’s one of the things that I love about sessions in the city.  In such a small area, you can find a wide variety of spots and that adds more variety to your images.

And we had to take a moment to get a photo of mama and her girls!  They’ve had some challenges this past year (as all families do) and it’s so important to remember why we fight to stay healthy and take care of ourselves- so we can take care of the ones we love.  These girls have such a great mom (and dad, too).

I feel very fortunate to do what I do- getting to photograph a family over many years as they grow and change is one of the things that I love best about this job.  Getting to be part of telling their story with images.

So whether it’s with me or with someone else, schedule those family portraits.  Take the photos.  Be in the photos.  Print the photos.  Make sure to have your story documented.

And if you need to plan family portraits, I would love to talk with you!  Just send me an email or give me a call!