I have been asked by quite a few people if I would be willing to share some of my photography taking tips on my blog,

and I figured this simple shoot would be a great way to start because it was so quick and very simple:

No fancy location, no props, and in no time :)

A simple recipe for taking cute pics: patience, an open heart, and a playful mind.

{Yes, shoots with me are like playdates with me. We play and I take pics :)}

Without getting too technical about the camera, i’ll focus on the actual taking of pics.

Many people ask me how I get kids to be so relaxed and capture them being themselves, having fun.

The answer is I connect with them, and the location is secondary.

Connection and observation is everything.

Equipment, lighting, location and props are important too,

but for now let’s just focus on connection and observation.

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These were taken in a spare moment I had on my last trip out to California.

My sis-in-law drove my sweet niece and nephew over to my mom’s house so I could get a few pics before I left back to RI.

We didn’t have much time, as the sun was setting {my favorite time to shoot},

and so we just found this empty lot and I did what I do best- play with the kids, step back, shoot, play some more.

I adore this one of Justin…

This is sooo him!

He’s such a character!

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And I love this series below-

I was taking pics of Victoria…

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When I motioned to Justin to sneak up behind her…

So adorable!

They are so cute together…

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These are just photos I took of Justin exploring the field.

I love them in B&W

Jumping the weeds…

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I love sunbeams and hazy light… {ahhhh bliss}

Isn’t she so cute :)

About 10 minutes later,  the light left us and sun sunk behind the mountains,

So I had these cuties sit on the sidewalk together…

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Then I asked Justin, “Can you give your sis a kiss on the cheek?”

 Victoria misunderstood and went to kiss her brother on the cheek, so they both kissed…

Oh well, still super cute! :)

And that’s it!

A 15 minute shoot in a neighborhood using a overgrown lot between homes and a sidewalk!

I found this empty lot in my mom’s neighborhood- this field is between 2 homes, probably overlooked everyday.

I played with the kids and then just watched them play, giving them little direction.

The whole thing took 15 minutes.

If you have an open heart, an open mind and the ability to play,

kids will be comfortable and you can get cute pics in minutes- no props required!

Simplicity can be a good thing, and all that cuteness shines through!

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I hope that helps some of you who want to take photos, but don’t think you have time or any creative ideas.

Like I said, it doesn’t have to be fancy.

Just connect with you subjects and let it go from there!

Believe me- I am notorious for spotting beauty in a patch of weeds- can’t get enough of weeds, I tell ya! :)

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Speaking of weeds and grass and fields, signs of spring are popping up all over the place here in RI

I am finally seeing bees again, and ants and even the bulbs are sprouting up!

Very exciting!

I am looking forward to exploring more of this gorgeous coast with my family as the weather warms up.

I hope this day finds you well!

~Have a great week~

PS. If you haven’t entered, be sure to enter the giveaway on the previous post!

Its for a gorgeous MidiQueen Manhattan Handbag

valued at $152.00!

Be sure to enter, as it ends on Friday!

Good luck!

xoxo