Photographing {your} children

A good friend of mine recently told me that one simple 'tip' to photographing her kids has helped her get better photos of her children consistently. I thought. Wow! I did that?! That is awesome! So, I thought... why not share. Maybe a few of my tricks will help you capture better daily photos of your own kids too. Here are three SIMPLE tools that I think are important in photographing your own kids.

1. Get down on their level. Towering above them is one viewpoint yes. But getting down on their level, you begin to see them in a whole new light. Lay on the floor. Crouch, squat. You get the idea.

2. Connect with them. Let them forget that you have a camera in your hand (however have it on and in your hand). Don't make a big deal out of 'taking photos'. Make it fun. Sing songs, play games and connect first. Shoot next. Stop trying to make them stop what they are doing and smile. Do anything to get a laugh. Saying "SMILE" or "CHEESE" may work for some, but my favorite photos are the real laughs and the ones that are truly in the moment. Bryce always hated having his photo taken (poor guy ended up with a photographer) and I can recall a time while I was taking his photo with Maisie he admitted that he didn't like it because he didn't know what to do. I felt truly silly. I told him to ignore me, and just "be" with Maisie. Now, he gets it, and photos are rarely painful (anymore) for him... I think. Having a great expensive camera is awesome, but not if you can't let everyone relax and have a good time and have fun taking photos of your life. Tickling, songs, counting... anything.

3. Keep your camera (your "good one" if you have one) somewhere that is easily accessible, with charged batteries and a memory card in it. You are FAR more likely to take photos if your camera isn't tucked away in it's safe little hiding spot. I keep a camera out all the time. I find it is easier when she is being super adorable to just grab the camera and take a few photos.

My last 'tip' is to photograph it all. Document your lives. But PLEASE back up all of your photos onto external hard drives or cds/dvds something! No one wants to loose precious photos, and believe me... it can happen to anyone, at any time.

Help? A bit? Hope so! Happy Easter Weekend!!!! Here are a few favorites of my girl at the beach in her birthday tutu. xo

Mama Mini's

Mother's Day is just around the corner. Let's face it... (not to discredit all the amazing work that you incredible Daddy's do) but Moms... we work. Hard. We are on duty.... always.

As moms, we should be rewarded. Celebrated. Cherished. The love between a mom and her children... should be lovingly documented.

A hard working mom recently commented that she was always the one taking the photos and rarely IN her photos. She said, she wasn't the only momma with this concern. That was all I needed to be inspired to my first "Mama Mini" session. Generally, my mini sessions are a way to celebrate my clients, give them a little something extra and to celebrate their gorgeous kiddos without getting a full session. Well, "Mama Mini's" are a way to celebrate the unique and profound connection between mother and child. Just of mom and her babes. (However old or young those babies are).

Want to celebrate YOUR mom? Have photos with her? Or want the perfect mothers day gift for yourself? Your friend? Your spouse?

Last year, I celebrated my first mothers day as a mom. Even when I write that, I choke up. It gets you. Having babies just changes you. I wrote about it last year HERE. I can't wait to celebrate mothers day with YOU fabulous moms.

These sessions usually (gratefully) fill up very quickly, so if you want in on it, please let me know via email asap.

The details. When? May 7th. What? Mom and babes ONLY. (babes can be newborn or 30, we're all babies to someone) Where? Location TBA How many sessions will you do? 10. How? email me erin@erinwallis.com for more details. Why? Because being a mom, is freaking incredible.

***** UPDATE**** MAMA MINI'S ARE ALL BOOKED UP. THANKS SO MUCH!!!

A Dogs Best Friend

You may recall my brother from THIS POST on Boys and Dogs. It came as no surprise that he should want to launch a new venture, including dogs. Many dogs. This is just a sneak peek of what is to come. He'll watch your dog, when you can't. Tire them out, and blow your mind with how much better they are for him... than you! Stay tuned for new amazing logo and branding by talented Shannon Andrews, and website by the incredible Jeremy Latham. If you have a dog... you're NOT going to want to miss out on these amazing services!

My People

What's life without a little helping hand. (the above image, of course is my little girl and I this afternoon)

A friend came up to me the other day, and said. "I should have listened to you from the start." He had gotten another web designer, was unhappy with the results and then after a whole lot of headache, finally got my guy. "It was so easy to work with him, I love the results" he said. "I know, my people are the best." I replied.

I've been thinking about it ever since. I LOVE my people. Why work with someone who doesn't deliver amazing results, professionally and with all kinds of good energy. That is how I choose my people. I love them. Truly. I know there are many other people out there, who you will be happy with in Campbell River or beyond. But I just would like to let you know, that I really, really love my people. Maybe you will too. (click on bold words to take you to their websites)

Web Design and Marketing Services LATHAM COMMUNICATIONS Jeremy is just quite simply the best. Clean, professional, well designed websites that deliver amazing results. I don't need any other advertising (besides amazing word of mouth) than my website and blog. Why? Jeremy Latham. You'd be crazy not to use him. He has recently relocated to Campbell River, but works with clients all over the world.

Realtors (I love both these gals, and highly recommend both of them) ANITA PAINTER Sold us our first home with happy tears in her eyes. Going above and beyond normal relator duties. She is energetic, enthusiastic and has a beautiful heart.

DEANNA COLLINS A well known Realtor in Campbell River and has an easy going personality that makes any sale a breeze.

Mortgage Specialist JILL COOK Hassle free. Helped us beyond belief, first in purchasing our home, then in building our studio/suite. Jill is AMAZING.

Hair Stylist AMY @ A cut above in Campbell River. This gal is my fave. You want to go get your hair done, just to hang out with her!

Campbell River Personal Trainer and Exercise Counselling SARAH WRIGHT A wealth of knowledge right here in our little town! Sarah brings with her amazing energy and inspiring resume to help us sloths get in shape! A hard working busy mom of twin boys, you want her on your side!

The best wedding venue in town! DOLPHINS RESORT Talk to Carmen, she's the best!

Vancouver Island Party Rentals ALL IN ONE PARTY SHOP An amazing company fueled by awesome staff and owned by the amazing Tessa Stover! All of your party needs!

I'll add more as they come to me! Enjoy folks!!! I do!

Cans for Comments.

**Photographic Disclaimer... this photo was taken as an impromptu iphone image.. and yes, I am a huge nerd. For life, and not even remotely ashamed of it!

On December 1st I decided to join in on an amazing adventure.

For every comment my fabulous blog visitors would leave, I would donate one canned item to our local food bank. I just have to say, that 203 comments graced the pages of my blog in ten days. That is incredible.

Your comments filled my heart with all kinds of warm and fuzzy love and just spread all sorts of love around. The other night, we went to the food bank here in Campbell River and asked what they specifically were in need of. "Groceries" the sweet volunteer fella told us.. "This has been a particularly bad year, we need everything". So, off we went. Filling our buggies up and walking away with over 203 items.. (I got swept up in the spirit of it all)

So, not only were 203 cans donated by Erin Wallis Photography, but Simone and her mom Susan and Tara from Undersea Gardens in Victoria also are matching my donations. SO SO SO AWESOME. Folks, because of your comments and the generosity of Simone, Susan and Tara... a total of 609 cans will be donated, all because of this little blog! Thank you all so much for taking the time to comment, look what we've done!

So, now... have you donated to the food bank???

At Thrifty's you can simply purchase for either $10 or $20 a bag of pre packed goods, and they will deliver it for you. At Superstore, you add some extra cans to your grocery order and drop it in the box on your way out. So simple. So necessary. So helpful. In Campbell River there is also a Wish Tree @ Zellers and another at the Discovery Inn. With heartbreaking things on each item on the tree saying "newborn baby warm clothes" , "one year old boy warm clothes", "5 year old girl" etc... you pick a name off the tree and then buy them the appropriate gift... give it to the customer service folks at voila.. you have just made magic happen for someone in your very own community. You will not regret getting involved. In fact, you will likely want to find ways to do more. Do it. Today.

So awesome! Thank you Chris plus Lynn for coming up with such a meaningful and wonderful way to spend some time on the blog, and help out the food bank. YES!

*** AWESOME NEWSFLASH... make that 812 cans in total.. as awesome Tom has also matched my cans!!! Yahoo, this is super super awesome!!!******