Recently I was asked by someone who follows my Facebook page if I would be up for doing a portrait session with her two children in an abandoned building.

After explaining the risks and dangers and ensuring she was okay with these factors we set a date and I had to start looking for a location to take them to.

One of the things the mom really wanted was "those big industrial windows", I immediately knew of a place to take them in Niagara Falls. However, I needed a backup just incase we had problems with the first spot. Ground State suggested a location in St Catherines with good natural light, easy access and lots of graffiti.

Since both locations were open, and in close proximity, I asked the woman if she would like to do two locations (for a small increase in the fee), she agreed and we set the date.

Two weeks before the planned shoot date I had scouted both locations to ensure we would have access, my first location required some work to make access easy...and the second was wide open, so now we're all set.

I arrived at location #1 45 mins early to make sure we had access and to just scope things out...I actually tried to get caught by the neighboring factory. They didn't see me going in and out, to and from my car so I figured we'll be okay. Sure enough, my sure thing POE was sealed off..so I had to act fast and find another way in before they arrived

Mom and the two kids showed up right on time, we went right inside and got to know each-other a bit. I was a bit nervous as this was my first real paid portrait gig...and they were a bit nervous too, given the location.

We then got right to work, putting the kids in my predetermined locations for the shots as well as improvising. About 15 mins in I was in a groove and the kids were very comfortable.

Location #1

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We wrapped up at Location #1 and headed to the next spot and we got right to work. The teenage girl did not like this location as she kept hearing and seeing things, so it was hard to get her attention. I had to keep reassuring her that I've done this 1,000 times and never had a problem with hobos or scrappers or any other riff raff, and if we did have a problem...I showed her the giant metal flashlight I keep on my just in case!

Location #2


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Looking back, I didn't realize how much they were crossing their arms, or how much I may have directed them to cross their arms...I wish I was more aware of this....but at the end of the day Mom was super happy and the kids had a lot of fun!

So there it is, my first official portrait gig and my first time taking minors and a mom trespassing


There are more shots and a write up on my website if you are interested http://www.freakto...-jackson-savannah/

Thanks for looking

Freaktography

If I could ever get my son to go for family pics, I'd want them somewhere like these places. I absolutely love 10&11 by the window. If you could just put my head on those pics, that'd be awesome! ;)

I also think there'd be a market for these types of portraits. Remember when getting your family pics taken outside became a "thing"? I think you'll see an increase in requests.

This is awesome! Those kids have a pretty cool mom.

Posted by Lola AB I also think there'd be a market for these types of portraits. Remember when getting your family pics taken outside became a "thing"? I think you'll see an increase in requests.

Thanks for the comment, I've had a few requests like this one, but this is the first I've said yes to!!

Post by Soof This is awesome! Those kids have a pretty cool mom.

Thank you, she was a really cool young mom, turns out she has also done some exploring herself too.

What a fun shoot. They must have a bad ass mom