Telling a story: Special connections with family groups {Nags Head NC Family Photography}

Although the Outer Banks has the perfect back drop for large family photos…  I admit it, big family groups used to make me a little nervous. The thought of coordinating everyone at the same time including the littlest of the bunch into one photo where no one is closing there eyes, sneezing, hitting their brother..etc… was an overwhelming task. But the reality is, while it take s a bit longer to set up the big extended family shot, it really usually comes together fairly seamlessly and then there is the good old fashion head-swap in Photoshop if we are really desperate. And the reality is family groups are really just a few smaller families bunched up together…and showing the intimate relationship between family members is my favorite thing to take photos of.

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This family was referred to me by a local friend from Kitty Hawk and it could not have been a nicer group of people. Sometimes you come across a family who’s story resonates with you even before you meet in person..and this was such a group. When you connect with with a family and share intimate details during emails before the photo session it can make the photo shoot all the more meaningful. Sometimes it’s a family member with a terminal illness, or a mother’s birthday, or an anniversary of sorts. Often it’s just a rare family reunion where everyone can get together for one big shot. When I connect with a family I am better able to tell their story through photographs. All I know is that I connected with this family in a special way and I wish we could hang out as friends. I think if a few of them lived closer perhaps we would. I like to think so anyways.

These images were taken this past September at Coquina Beach in Nags Head, NC. They are special to me and I hope the family cherishes them for years to come.

 

Nags Head NC beach photo of Dad chasing daughter Family photography on beach of Outer Banks NC uncle-niece-hug-outer-banks-nc Photo of Uncle with tattoos hugging niece in Nags Head NC older_siblings_hugging_mom_nagshead_nc  Newborn photographer - Nags Head NC mom and daughter photograph by ocean Outer banks NCnewborn-family-intimate-moment-nagshead-nc brothers_silly_oceanside_obx young_brothers_family_obx  young-boys-run-on-the-beach-obxdaddy-newborn-son-beach-nagshead-ncNewborn baby in a bucket by the water in the Outer Banks of NCOuter Banks NC family photograph - black and white image in front of ocean

 

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New family of Three in Corolla NC {Outer Banks Family Photographer}

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I have two young boys. I’ve had a family photo session for my own family in the Outer Banks. Of course I take photos of my own kids. I know what it’s like when your little one isn’t happy or cooperating when you desperately want them to play nice for the photographer. Toddlers are unpredictable, on their own timetable and not easily manipulated into a fake smile. Honestly, a fake smile is not really what I strive for anyways. And that’s what I love about little children anyways… the genuine response, the real moment they give you. I have a few tricks up my sleeve to coax a genuine happy face or emotion out of a child though – so I’ve never had a photo session with an out of sorts kid that didn’t end up with some truly joyous images in the end. Usually it surprises my client to no end when they receive their gallery. “He or she was so cranky…  how the heck did you get these photos?” is usually close to the response.

This little man was 6 months old and our sunset photo session on the beaches of Corolla was right when he was supposed to be in bed for the night. He was not a happy camper. Still, we managed to capture the essence of this sweet young family and even a few happy smiles for the camera. The best thing about this is that now they have images that speak to who they were as a family at that time… and life is not all about posed shots and fake smiles. Real life is about connection, about snuggles with mama when you are feeling sleepy and out of sorts, it is raw, messy, joyous, and always uniquely you.family photography of couple and baby walking on the beach in Corolla NC Outer Banks photo of young family on beaches of Corolla NC family-hug-beach-portrait-obx Mommy and toddler photograph - Corolla NC Photograph of six-month-old todder on the beaches of corolla NC smiling_toddler_corolla_beach_house

The biggest blessing was when I received this review after delivering the images…it couldn’t make my heart any happier than knowing I’ve truly captured the essence of a family on “film” and that a client will treasure their images forever!

from the Dad:  “Lauren was incredible for our family shoot! Our six-month old was none too pleased to be up so late trying to take pictures, but Lauren was calm, cool and collected as she adapted to the circumstances and worked with our fussy baby. And, at the end of it all, she produced some incredible images that have so much life and character, and you wouldn’t even know the uphill struggle of the shoot! If you’re in the OBX and looking for some great photos, we would definitely recommend her!”

 

xoxo – Lauren

If you want to book your own family photo session in the Outer Banks of NC, please email me at studionassetta@gmail.com or use my contact page at contact Lauren at studio nassetta photography

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