Coral Garlick – Beautiful Family Photography

As a mother of four, Coral Garlick knows how quickly children grow up. 

“I become increasingly aware of how time passes and how quickly children change. To be able to capture a moment of time in their lives and give a family the gift of a set of beautiful photos makes my job amazing. 

"I have had a lifelong love of photography, which developed into a career after my first child in 2001. I enjoy meeting each family and getting to know their children. I am passionate about capturing precious family memories and view each shoot as a story to treasure for years to come.

"There is an art to photographing children being who they really are. To visit their home environment or a special place relevant to that family, works as a better photographic environment, as a staged studio setting is not always ideal for a completely relaxed feel.

"So many people ask me how I have the patience in this profession – I love every minute of what I do and love children so for me the job is fun. As a mother I have a hands-on understanding of how families work. A photo shoot has to be a fun experience for everyone to truly capture what makes each family unique.

"My preference is not to do full colour – black and white or desaturated colour photos are my preferred option.  I want to give people something they can't do themselves and treat each image as a work of art. I believe that children's portraiture should capture the individuality of the child; a certain smile, gesture, the relationship with a special toy. It should capture a moment and be a true representation of what makes that child exclusive. 

"I am motivated by the relationship I develop with individuals during portrait photographic sessions. By the time I have done the shoot and spent hours of editing I feel like I really know the family.

"I know that all the time spent has been a worthwhile endeavour when I do the presentation of their photographs and see a tear in their eye!

"Photography, not being my line of business I often feel self-conscious and uncomfortable in front of the lens and when I have a picture taken I have the look of either a frightened rabbit caught in the headlights of an oncoming car or a staunched, stiff pose of a stuffed manikin."

I asked Coral what tips she could give me? 

“Ignore the photographer and try not to pose. Don’t think about your position too much, otherwise it will look unnatural. The best way is to try to engross yourself in something else like playing with your child, reading a book or focusing on another subject. Finally don’t expect the classic face on smiling posed portrait, it doesn’t always work. Try these tips and the perfect photo will soon come.” 

Coral would encourage the whole family to be involved with taking pictures at home. 

“A photo does not have to be technically brilliant to capture a special memory. It is a fun experience and a wonderful way to encourage your child’s creativity.” 

Of course equipment plays an important part as well. 

“I chose Nikon many years ago and stuck with it but lots of people use Canon.  I would go to a few places like The London Camera exchange or Jessops and chat to the staff.  They are all photography enthusiasts and will have an informed opinion.”

Armed with this encouraging information I am ready to face the world again in front or behind my trusty digital camera.

For more information visit www.coralgarlicphotography.co.uk

Poppy Watt

Posted Mon, 08/16/2010 - 14:12 by Poppy Watt