Adorama Photo Walk in NYC | Urban Family Photoshoot Ideas

Urban or street photography is somewhat common. But Urban Family Photography is a bit more new to the industry.

I hear a lot of photographers ask “what do you do about the other people all over?” “How do you deal with distracting objects in the background?”

When photographing a family in an urban setting I suggest that you really embrace what makes the city so lively. Warn your clients that there will be some “strangers” in the background in some of the photos. Don’t try and wait for cars to pass, allow the traffic to be part of the story.

Take advantage of the colors and textures that are present in an urban setting.

I pose and guide EXACTLY the same as I would in a field or at a beach, I just embrace the surroundings.

That being said. I do try and find a few spots where I can grab a few portraits without too many distractions. I do this but placing my family right up against a building or by finding a little park nearby.

Don’t be afraid to think on your feet. In the shoot featured here, we walked around the Union Square area in New York City and stopped when we saw fun and beautiful areas. A fire station, an ice cream truck, a public market. We simply enjoyed ourselves.

This shoot was part of my Photo Walk that I did with Adorama last month. There were 50 students along with me. It was super fun!

Have fun and be creative with your next urban session. I know I love doing them!

Meet Chelsea Macor | ESB Associate Photographer

For the past few years as Elena S Blair Photography has become busier, I've been thinking about bringing on an associate photographer so that we can serve more and more families in Seattle. Over the past month, my assistant and I interviewed and met some amazing family photographers in the area and decided to hire Chelsea! She's funny, sweet and super talented.

Chelsea describes her artistic style as "intimate, romantic, filled with life, love and connection." She loves "light and movement, tenderness and realness." When she told us her drink of choice is a margarita, we knew this was going to be a good fit ;) 

We're excited to have her on the team!

Eastside Family | Seattle Family Photographer

This was my third time capturing this family.  I often get asked if I photograph families with older kids, and the answer is yes. This family is so much fun.  These three kids are the kind of kids that make you think "I hope my kids end up this amazing."  They are funny, close to each other, respectful, and so smart.  It is always a pleasure spending time with them.  

I am dreadfully behind on sharing my sessions from 2015 but won't stop until they all have a proper post.  Enjoy! 

Family Is Everything | Seattle Family Photographer

I have known this family for a while now.  When we met, I had a newborn in my arms and a crazy toddler at my heels.  This mama was a few years ahead of me in the game.  She may not realize it, but she always seemed so wise.  But what I always admire most about is her sense of calm and her ability to laugh about it all.  If you can't tell, this family is so much fun!  They laugh, wrestle, play, and of course bicker but it is so beautiful.  There is a life energy about them that is infectious.  Capturing them is always so much fun and I am delighted that they ask me to do it again and again.  Comptons, you guys are the best!! 

Crazy Love | Seattle Lifestyle Newborn Photographer

This was one of those sessions... I walked in, I could feel their peaceful energy immediately.  We spent about an hour and a half together and I pretty much fell in love with them, all three of them.   I think Annie Leibovitz put it perfectly when she said "A thing you see in my pictures is that I was not afraid to fall in love with these people."  Exactly, Annie.  I often feel like I have fallen in love with the families who choose me to capture them.  Newborn photography, and even more specifically lifestyle newborn photography, requires you to come into these peoples lives during such a vulnerable time, it requires you to open your heart to them, to make yourself available so that you may capture this raw and beautiful time in their lives.  I only hope I can do these families an ounce of justice.  Thank you, for choosing me.  It was a pleasure!