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.

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

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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.

IMG 5626 1024x682 Candid portrait of two beautiful young girls

Photo © Alex Schoenfeldt, 2011
San Francisco Bay Area Photographer

 
1 year old girl dancing at a 60th birthday party in San Diego California

This past weekend, my I flew down to San Diego to shoot a 60th birthday party. With the trip south, I’m a bit behind on my blogging, but I wanted to get this photo up ASAP.

The subject of the photo is just over 1 year old. She was dancing to live music.

wDinah 193x300 Photo of a one year old girl dancing at a birthday party in San Diego

1 year old girl dancing

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

I’d also like to take a minute here to offer a shout out to a buddy of mine. Robert is a photographer and videographer whom I’ve known since I was still shooting film.

He is now running a website called Your Bridal Planner. It is a great place to go to learn how to hire a wedding photographer

 
group shot 2 Students from Montclair Elementary School in Oakland CA. Talent Show Variety Show

First graders from Montclair Elementary School in Oakland California are putting together an act for the talent show.

To raise money, the program of the show is selling ads. The parents of these children are buying an ad, and they wanted a photo of the kids.

The act is the kids singing and dancing to “It’s a Small World.” The children are in costumes and outfits from cultures all over the world.

All photos © Alex Schoenfeldt 2010. All rights reserved.
San Francisco Bay Area photographer

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