Children | San Francisco Wedding and Event Photography

(Semi) Candid shot of a cute little girl

Children, Environmental portrait, family portrait, oakland No Responses »

Feb 042012

Pretty little girl mugging for the camera in a park in Oakland

I was doing a family portrait session. Mom, dad, two great dogs and one cute and happy little girl. She was one of those bubbly charming kids that make people without kids think “we should have kids.”

She got a little bored or posing with her mom and dad in a look at the camera way, but she didn’t mind “mugging” for the camera. Her mom put her on the table and let her just go while I snapped a few dozen photos. There are plenty of great shots from this session, but this one is just so fun. It’s just so sassy! The lines work really well, and the red offers such an interesting contrast to the greens and browns. Oh, I also like the textures in the photo.

Photo © Alex Schoenfeldt 2011
All rights reserved
San Francisco Photographer

Portraits of Children at the Campfire after school program

African American, non-profit, oakland, photojournalism, photojournalistic, Photos, portrait, pro bono, street photography, Sunset, uplifting 3 Responses »

Jan 102012

Proud and happy young african american girl in Oakland California

Last year I volunteered regularly at the Campfire after school program in West Oakland. The program gives affordable and enriching education and care to a great group of kids in a low income part of Oakland. They do a really good job with the kids. They help them with their homework (and see that it gets done!), feed the kids healthy snacks, play games (kickball, FTW) and give them a supportive and accountable environment. I was proud to be a part of what they were doing.

One of my duties included portrait photography of the students. Here are some of my favorite portraits of the students.

This first shot, this girl (or teen, or young woman) she was a spunky kid. Strong willed, smart and tough. I love to see her so fiercely happy here.

This last one is one of my favorites. I love how moody and unposed this is.

Environmental portrait of African American Boy

African American, Children, East Bay, Environmental portrait, oakland, portrait No Responses »

Mar 112011

I like the simplicity and moodiness of this environmental portrait of an African American boy. There was also nice soft spring afternoon light. Taken in West Oakland, CA.

Photo © Alex Schoenfeldt 2010. All rights reserved.
San Francisco Photographer

Candid portrait of two beautiful young girls

candid, Children, photojournalistic, san francisco No Responses »

Mar 032011

beautiful young girls looking at camera, smiling. Children, portraits

The best way to get a shot like this with kids is to be friendly and fun. Kids won’t be rushed, and they look much less happy and relaxed if you are trying to boss them around. It takes longer, but it is worth the effort.

If you are taking pictures of your own kids, be prepared for the first hour to not be nearly as good as the second hour.