Fashion and Photography...the Art of Aviva Rand Photography

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Happy Sunday everyone! Today I'm featuring an artist in her her own right, Aviva Rand, from Aviva Rand Photography. As I often say, any creative field, whether it be fashion, design, or photography, has the ability to cross over onto the next one. And what makes Aviva's photography so special? Well besides for her ability to capture the true essence of your children with a positive approach, she also offers the opportunity to incorporate childrens' fashion into her shoots, to create a mini fashion photo shoot for your child!

Check out this interview with Aviva and some of her amazing photographic works:


Fashion-isha: What inspired you to become a children's photographer? Are you self taught or did you go to school for photography?

Aviva: I was always busy with photography growing up, especially in High School. But it was more of a hobby than anything else.  I did go to school for photography but it was mainly to improve my skills as a hobby photographer. One summer my sister in law asked me to photograph her children in her bungalow colony.  Once I was there a few other families asked me as well and they paid me.  Once the families saw how their photos came out, everyone ordered photos and big enlargements.  I realized this could become a career for myself, not just a hobby, and I love making money doing something I enjoy so much.

F. What do you feel sets you apart from all the other children's photographers?

A. A mistake many photographers make is choosing not to tell a story with their images.  It’s no big deal to take a child, sit them on a chair, give them a flower to hold and snap a photo.  When I work with my clients we discuss their child for a while.  What makes them unique, what their personality is like.  If a  child is obsessed with firetrucks, I’d take them to a fire station and do the shoot there. The moms are so happy with their photos because they feel they truly express what their child is like.
I will go on location to various different places or set up the studio and choose the props and design to try to bring out as much of the child’s uniqueness as possible.
I also love fashion and as long as the parents cooperate, I often work with stylists to dress the children up for the shoot. They feel like little models and the parents love it!
That having been said, there are some parents who still want a traditional, simple set up and I will provide that as well.



F. You mentioned to me that you like to incorporate fashion into your photography, did you ever consider going into fashion?

A. No, not really.

 

F. Using this children's fashion photography concept, what does your typical photo shoot entail?

A. Once I have the parents okay and we’ve chosen a location, I ask for the c children’s sizes and either on my own or with the help of a stylist we purchase the clothing and accessories (down to shoelaces!) in advance!  AT the shoot, we dress the children, making sure the clothing and accessories are contributing appropriately to the story that we want to tell.
The photo shoot, especially on location can last about 2 hours…obviously less when working with babies.  After the shoot is over, I go over the images and process them.  I’m usually left with about 2o-30 processed photos per child.

F. I know that kids don't always have the most patience when it comes to having pictures taken. What are some of your best tricks for keeping kids happy during a photo shoot?

A. With older kids, TALK TO THEM!  With the younger kids, distraction.  For babies, peek a boo, jumping up and down, bubbles, songs, toys, anything that gets their attention usually works.  And in the parks and on location, they’re usually so happy just to be outside that I don’t find keeping them happy a problem.  And with older children, I try to find out what they like, what their hobbies are and try to connect with them on that level!  Kids love when an adult takes what they enjoy seriously.  One boy it was Thomas, another girl it was singing Dora songs, another baby loved gum!
Also whenever we’re on location, I never have a problem because all my locations are geared towards younger children, be it parks or fun places and we allow extra time for the kids to have fun and run around before and in between shots.

F. Are there any funny stories that come to mind that you could share with us that happened during one of your shoots?

A. Not so much funny but I've had the privilege of doing photo shoots for a few handicapped children.  One of them, a boy, was so inspirational.  He actually loved photography himself and wanted me to explain everything that I was doing in the shoot…it was a little sad because he was confined to a wheelchair and probably would never be able to really experience photography but I was glad that I was able to connect with him on a topic we could both share and enjoy.
Once I was photographing 3 children in a park and all of a sudden a sprinkler went on…they got soaked!  It ended up being a great shot though because the water made it look like they were having a great time, which they were.
I kept shooting right through their surprised expressions!
I also very much enjoy when my close friends and family members bring their children to me for photo shoots.  I also love repeat clients…when they bring back their babies as they get bigger and bigger and when new babies are added to the family.



F. Tell me a little bit about yourself. Make it personal...are you a morning or night person? What's your favorite food? What would you consider your personal fashion style? What are some of your favorite things to do? Add anything you'd like to share with us.\

A. I’m a mom of 3
Reading now:  The Hunger Games, isn’t everyone?
Morning/Night – don’t know anymore, but when there’s a bed available I’m in it and happy to be there!
Fashion Style: Subtle Bohemian.
Favorite Food: Haagen Dazs.
Current Exercise: Dance Dance Revolution

F. What inspires your creativity? Is there anyone out there, photographer or not, that inspires you? If so please tell us!

A. I get a hold of a lot of fashion magazines and look at what other stylists have done.  I love VOGUE Kids.  Even though the photo shoots are a little out there for most of my customers’ tastes, it definitely helps to get the creative juices flowing.  I adore whoever does the styling for CrewCuts.  I shop a lot there.

F. If someone wants to a book an appointment with you how can they get in touch with you?

A. My website, facebook page or phone!

www.avivarandphotography.com


https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natural-Light-Photography-by-Aviva-Rand/127092693984093


917-297-1415.


All photos in this post are property of Aviva Rand Photography, if you pin these photos please give proper credit. Thanks!

Aviva thanks so much for being here today, it was so great to get to know a little more about you. When booking a professional sitting for your children, isn't it nice to get to know a little about the artist behind the shots?

Until next time,
xo
Sharon

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20 comments

  1. I love this blogpost, esspacially the first and last picture!

    This is not the only reason I am commenting (back). I also want to thank you for your sweet comments on my blog evrytime. I’m getting excited every time I see I have a comment (maybe you know the feeling too)! Can’t believe that you (all) take the time and effort to stop by, read my posts and even place a comment! Can’t say it enough: Thank you.

    You might know this already (or not) but if you have any suggestions / comments for (or about) my blog, please let me know. I’m very interested in improving my blog and interact more with my readers at the same time!

    Hope to hear from you!


    Love,

    Rock 'n Style
    http://www.rocknstyleblog.blogspot.com/
    http://twitter.com/RocknStyle/

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  2. beautiful post, i love to see photography of children

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  3. Love the first and last photos - and the baby with the Johnson's Baby Powder is precious!

    No doubt a very talented photographer. Thanks for the introduction!

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  4. Beautiful photos and the children are precious. It takes a talented person to capture kids at their best!

    Enjoy your Sunday Evening!

    XX
    Debra~

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  5. Wonderful post!! I love the creativity that must have gone into each photo, yet it all looks so natural ... Gorgeous work!! thanks for sharing..xo HHL

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  6. Dearest Sharon,

    Your blog is so GORGEOUS. That header down to every word and image is just spectacular. How I wish I could take a descent picture of my own like this photographer! But that is another skill, NOT IMPOSSIBLE to learn, but it does require a good camera!! I just don't have the time at the MOMENT, but I sure need to get going on this! THANK YOU for visiting and sparkling as brightly as you do!! HAVE A GREAT MONDAY! Anita

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  7. These photos are adorable!

    http://styleservings.blogspot.co.uk/

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  8. Her work is amazing!! Love the baby in the bowl.. precious. Love that her favorite food is Hagen Daz!! Too cute. xo

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  9. Each picture was more creative and beautiful than the next...that baby with all the Johnson and Johnson..priceless...I have baby/child photography on the brain because I want some great shots when our new bundle of joy arrives late this summer:)
    I am off to check out the site!
    Thanks for the intro.
    C

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  10. Her photos are so incredible, full of personality! Love it.

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  11. Wow!!! These are amazing photos. Truly genuine& joyful. Children at their best.

    And, like Aviva...I'm devouring The Hunger Games. Hoping to finish Book 3 tonight. Completely addictive!

    xoxo Elizabeth

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  12. These pics are so much fun! She does such a lovely job of capturing beautiful moments :)

    XX,
    Miranda

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  13. Thanks for sharing a fabulous photographer with us! I have totaly respect for anyone who can take such amazing photos of kids and babies! Having worked in photography, I know how difficult it is... That Johnson's baby pic is just adorable!

    Have an amazing week!
    x.o.x.o

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  14. Oh, these pictures are gorgeous!! What amazing shots.


    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

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  15. I love your blog. I'm so glad I discovered it, via Thirtysomething blog.

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  16. How adorable are these images...love to see children in photos - hard to capture, but so, so cute!!

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  17. Love these shots, so much personality!!

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  18. Cherish moments captured in beautiful photography.

    www.marleysimonestyle.com

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