Me:  “Click Chicks Photography, this is Leslie.”

Them:  “Hi, I’d like to book a family photo session at the beach.”

Me:  “Sure. Great. Are you available on Weds. eve.?”

Them:  “Yes! Please book us.”

No brainer, right? Well, it’s typically a little more complicated than that. At least I’ve learned to ask how many family members there will be, because the answer often isn’t four, or even eight. It’s often 10 or more. Families like to come together from different states, or even parts of the world, in beautiful Southern CA. Which looks like this…

Numero uno. Find a place (depending upon tide) to arrange the family. No bueno just having in a line standing up. So, get the 14 family members posed on a rock. All is well and even the 3-year old is looking at the camera. But wait… there are now people climbing on the rocks in back of them. Well, I’ll take them out in post production. Can’t re-position my peeps now. Overcast day. Add highlights and some color to the sky in post also.

Next shot: grandma and grandpa with their grandchildren. Little Hampton is still cooperative, with some cajoling. Same issue with climbers and sky.

Then, mom and dad with their bio children.

Just noticed that Hampton is being cute. Have to be on the lookout for those photo ops because crying can happen any moment. Once that happens, it’s hard to get a toddler back. And they get red and splotchy 😦

Little Hamp and his parents. Note: He’s starting to lose interest. Another 😦

Another family unit.

Another another family unit. Can’t do much about the fake smile. Have to go with it.

Parents chance to have a romantic shot.

Just the grandkids.

Another candid moment of cuteness. Have to stay on your toes to catch these.

Everyone’s got their shades out. Snap.

The couple responsible for all this family goodness … 45 years together.

At least a couple different poses. Better add some blue to the sky.

There goes Hampton, running away with someone’s cell phone.

Just the menfolk in a manly pose on the lifeguard tower. But wait, the sky is blown out. Note to self: add blue in post. And that house in the background looks crummy. Better get rid of it, and also the pole on the hill.

Best Hampton cuteness so far. Crop out the other people in the shot in post.

More blue sky needed.

My favorite of the day. I’d suggested the ladies get their feet wet. Worked out really well for the shot… not so good for them.

One more exceedingly attractive couple to shoot.

Parting shot. Still had my camera out when I was walking to my car. Caught this little lady out the window of their SUV. 

So… that was a “simple” family session. Only about 90 minutes shooting, but hours spent in post production. I take each session seriously and want to deliver as many good shots as I can to give my clients options. NOTE: they were very happy, which makes ME very happy.