Balboa Park Cactus Garden Family Photos | Colleen + Colin
It’s fall! That means hot chocolates, flannels and family photos! For today’s San Diego family photos: Cactus Garden, Balboa Park. It had been a couple months since I had shot at the Cactus Garden (engagement shoot). When my client told me she is originally from Arizona, and loved the idea of cactus in the background cause it reminded her of home ,I knew this had to be the spot!
Before going all cactus, I saw this beautiful tree right at the entrance of the cactus garden. My client was all about the magic hour light and it was seeping through perfectly at this tree so I mentioned to her we should start here first. Also to give a little variation before entering cactus grounds.
I have never met a more fierce baby! She would put Tyra Banks to shame as she would smize for every photo. This baby was born for the camera! I had to stop going fashion mode and more family mode, so all of us collectively would help out in making her laugh and giggle! Took some work, but we managed to get some adorable shots.
I wanted to make sure we had plenty of shots of her laughing. The money shot being of her smiling and looking right at the camera, plus the parents also looking at the camera. Family Photo tip: Always tell the parents to look at the camera and smile. You, as the photographer, will handle getting the baby’s attention on you and smiling. What happens is that the parents focus too much on getting the baby to smile that when the baby finally smiles, the parents are looking away or have their mouths open.
The cactus garden was packed! I honestly didn’t expect to many people. From the photos you would think it was empty but oh no, there was a crowd. I either would find little nooks or would photoshop the people out of the background. Weekdays are always better, but we made it work for a Saturday afternoon.
