Hellobee

San Francisco based photographer Jason Lee creates the funniest scenarios in his images, with his two adorable daughters Kristin and Kayla as the stars. I’ve been a huge fan of his work since I first came across it a couple years ago, and he agreed to do an interview and share some of his favorite images with Hellobee today!

Your picture stories are so much fun. How do you come up with the ideas for them?

I look to the kids for ideas and inspiration because they’re always doing the craziest things. They’re outspoken about any and everything. They may do or say something which sparks an idea for me. For instance, one of their favorite games is Angry Birds. I asked if they would like to play real life Angry Birds, and the resulting image came about.

Which of your picture stories is your favorite, and why?

It’s hard for me to choose a favorite, but right now, I think this one is. I guess it’s because that’s how I feel like when talking to them — in one ear, and out the other.

What is the general process for creating one of your picture stories?

My process has changed and developed over the years, but in general I think of an idea and visualize in my head what the end photo will look like. Then I ask my daughters’ opinions and see if it sounds like a good idea to them. I set up lights, cameras, and props if needed, and have the kids come in for a few photos. They have a short attention span so I can only keep them for a minute or two, but I usually reward them with something — either a snack or some candy. Finally, I edit all the images on my computer.

Are you a WAHD (work at home dad) when you’re not shooting? How do you juggle work and being a father of two?

I do work at home, and on the weekends I travel within the Bay Area for shoots. I just try and spend as much quality time with them as I can, whether it’s doing homework, taking them to various classes, or just reading with them. It definitely is a challenge to juggle everything, but my wife plays an enormous role in their day to day and weekend activities.

What’s the best part of being a parent?

Having candy and ice cream stocked in the house of course. All kidding aside, the best part of being a parent is having them give you kisses on the cheek, a hug when they see you after school, watching them develop both physically and mentally, and having someone to eventually do the dishes and vacuum for me. I kid, I kid. : )

Can you give parents a couple of tips on how to take better photographs of their children?

My number 1 tip is to just have fun. Don’t make it a chore for the kids to be photographed. I remember growing up — and I still see it happening all the time — parents saying, “Look at the camera and say cheese!” Instead, just talk to them, crack a joke, act silly. Get on their level. The perspective is so different when you photograph at a lower angle, vs shooting from above.

Thanks Jason! You definitely inspire me to take better pictures of my children!

You can check out more of Jason’s professional work on his blog here, and follow along on Kristin and Kayla’s adventures on his personal blog here.