Birthdays & Snapshots

A few weeks ago it was my daughter's fifth birthday. Each year, right around my kids' birthdays, I set up a photo shoot.  Bonus: they wear cute new outfits sent from Grandmas who live far away. This is usually an hour or two of pure torture trying to bribe them with candy to smile and pose. My kids would do this fine for anyone else, but when it is mommy they don't want to cooperate. However, it is worth it in the end to be able to go back from year to year to see how they have changed. Below, I will be sharing some of my favourite images from the session. 

Even though I take formal pictures of my kids each year, I have no snapshots of them blowing out their candles or opening gifts. As a photographer, I am sadly too picky about having the best images that I cannot bring myself to use my cellphone or a little point-and-shoot to capture quick images. I know I could use my good camera, but then I would be focused on the photography rather than being in the moment with my family. It's a curse really. I am seriously considering hiring a photojournalist to attend these types of event to document them with the quality I crave.

I wanna know... Do you forget to take snapshots? Or do you take too many and miss being in the moment? Or, are you like me and look at snapshots with a little disappointment in the quality, colour, light? Have you ever considered hiring a professional to cover your important events? Comment after the images of my not-so-baby girl.

Can't wait to hear your comments! Stay tuned for my son's birthday pics coming in about two weeks.