Mother's Day Gift Ideas: Photos Capture Unexpected and Candid Moments

Tips from Portrait Photographer Tamara Lackey on Creating Timeless Images for Mom

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Apr 19, 2011, 08:10 ET

DURHAM, N.C., April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Don't think that shooting the perfect Mother's Day photo is, well, a snap, because it isn't. What we do know is that nothing beats a photo of a child, or a mother and child, or several generations of Moms and their children. What many don't necessarily know, says Tamara Lackey, creator of Tamara Lackey's Capturing Life Through (Better) Photography™ and renowned for her photographs of children and families in poignant (and funny) moments, is that "interaction is such a significant part of portraiture."

That's a lesson to keep in mind for those seeking to capture a classic photo gift for Mother's Day, Sunday, May 8. What happens unexpectedly, Tamara says, can sometimes be spectacular in what she calls "a kind of spontaneous intimacy." Case in point: a baby boy and his dog pictured here: http://www.tamaralackey.com/happyaccidents.jpg, in which the child is draped over the animal. It's a classic shot but Tamara recalls there being nothing accidental about it. "The shoot was going really well until the boy started exhibiting signs of being 'done.' The onset of a tantrum was looming - and I kept the camera ready. Within moments, his temper got the best of him, and he flipped himself over the dog. A wonderful moment was captured and no babies or puppies were harmed in the making of this photo," Tamara said with a smile.

It's not only because of the approaching holiday, Tamara says, but when you capture an indelible, fun image such as that, you're inclined to say: Oh, mama!

Here are some tips from Tamara that will help you create your best Mother's Day photos.

Say anything but CHEESE! Use silly expressions to induce genuine laughter and eliminate that "stale cheese" smile.
Keep snapping photos after the first shot. Many times the best photos are taken in the seconds after the "Smile" photo.
Parents should show they are having fun. Kids have radar that signals that the adults are stressed out about trying to take the perfect photo.

For more tips and tricks on creating that perfect shot with the tools you already own, check out Tamara Lackey's new educational series at http://www.capturinglifebetter.com. Created in partnership with Rex Ballard, an acclaimed cinematographer, producer, and a Director of Photography for ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Tamara Lackey's Capturing Life Through (Better) Photography™ includes an entertaining 90-minute DVD, accompanying 100-page book and a convenient quick reference guide. Whatever the scenario, Tamara delivers simple suggestions that will help everyday shutterbugs transform their average point-and-shoot photos into little works of art.

To purchase Tamara Lackey's Capturing Life Through (Better) Photography™ Gift Set for Mom, visit: http://www.capturinglifebetter.com/store/product.aspx?id=8.

About Tamara Lackey:

Tamara Lackey is an award-winning professional photographer, international speaker and best-selling author. Her collection of instructional and edutainment resources include the best-selling book "The Art of Children's Portrait Photography," acclaimed instructional DVD Inside Contemporary Children's Photography, and the "Tamara Lackey Style Book." Tamara Lackey's Capturing Life Through (Better) Photography™ is the first of several anticipated products designed for the general consumer market. Her work has appeared in media outlets including Vogue, O - The Oprah Magazine, Food & Wine, Town & Country, and featured in Rangefinder, Professional Photographer Magazine, Professional ImageMaker and on The Martha Stewart Show and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

-- ProfNet Expert Profile: http://www.profnetconnect.com/tamaralackey

-- Follow Tamara on Twitter @TamaraLackey.

-- Visit Tamara's blog: http://www.tamaralackeyblog.com to see just how much fun (and success) she has photographing kids.

Media Contact:

Melissa Lande, Lande Communications, 212-706-9003, [email protected]

SOURCE Tamara Lackey