As a mother of 4 I can understand not being able to take your kiddos to a photographer all the time for those cute photographs that you see the local family photographers posting all over facebook.
I have compiled a few tips for you for in between your portrait sessions with your photographer. 1. If you want your kiddos to like taking pictures you should be taking them from the time they are babies. Make it a happy experience. Don't yell or threaten them with not getting to watch tv if they dont smile, dont get upset with them. Use positive words and talk calmly or with excitement. You will get way more cooperation with them. 2. When you are taking pictures of your little ones I suggest, if you want to print them, investing in a small digital camera, or one that will last you for sometime. Now don't tell your husband/wife/family that Dee said you need a professional camera to photograph your kiddos because I will deny it!! HA! HA! HA! Seriously though, an inexpensive digital camera will do the job nicely. 3. Take them outside. You will get way better quality pictures if you take them outside in the evening when the sun has fell to the west and just let them run around a bit. Every few minutes call their name and when they turn be prepared to snap a picture. You can also blow bubbles for smaller kiddos to keep them facing you and if your kids are like mine, they will love it! If you have older children, complimenting them is a nice way to set the tone for them to want to participate. Compliment them while your photographing too. This will keep their interest and its always nice for them to have that confident boost. 4. Don't over think it. Photography isn't easy!! It is actually quite difficult. Keep it simple. Sit a chair on your lawn, put a blanket in the grass, have your son lean against that barn in the back. Don't over think it. Candid shots are pretty awesome too. 5. Don't give up your photographer completely. While it is nice to be able to take great snap shots of your kiddos, you should still book with your photographer as well. I recommend twice a year. Spring and Fall portraits. You would be surprised how much we change over the course of 6 to 8 months. The kiddos especially! If you feel that twice is too much then at the very very least once a year. Sometimes when we try to hard to get that perfect shot of the kids, something always happens that keeps us from getting it. Just have fun with it and take snap shots all the way through and if you are truly enjoying the time you are spending with your little ones, you will get your idea of the perfect shot. Life is short, and they grow so fast, so why wouldn't you want to capture all those sweet candid moments with your family. Something else that I feel like goes unnoticed are moms who always take the pictures but are never in them. Dads, please what ever you do take those pictures of mom with your babies!! These are moments that will mean so much to her when they are grown. She wont care that shes in her sweat pants with the bleach stains or that she hasn't washed her hair in a week. All she will see is the fact that you took that photograph of that special moment with her and her babies. It will be worth more than all the money in the world.
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Every summer, there are two things that kids love to do. Eat Popsicle's and play in water. So what better way to get your kiddos to participate in a portrait session than to offer them a yummy treat!
This summer I will be holding another exclusive portrait event. This one is going to be even more limited than any other exclusive we will hold. I will only be doing these session for one weekend in July. That's Friday, Saturday and Sunday. So let me tell you a little more about this portrait event. Most of the time we book a session with our favorite photographer in hopes of getting those perfect portraits of our little ones and when we get there, they don't to participate. How stressful right? Well I have finally found a way to get just about any little one to participate in an absolutely adorable portrait session. POPSICLE'S!! This session is for those of you who don't mind those little ones getting messy. When you arrive to your session, I will have Popsicle's on hand. Bring them in the outfit you want to have nice pictures in and have a change of clothes handy that you don't mind them getting stained with popsicles. I suggest a plain white t shirt and maybe some old jean shorts. This way as the popsicles melts and gets all messy you can see the awesome mess that they made! Too adorable right? These sessions, like I mentioned will only be available for a limited 3 day span in July. I will post the dates when I open my schedule for July. The investment for these sessions are just like the exclusives for both the Camping trip and Fairy-tale events. Investment of $150 45 minutes of portrait time 5 Digital files on a disc 1-8x10 2-5x7 8-Wallets With the option of purchasing more images at $5 per digital file or 6 for $25 . Wanna know something even more awesome! You can earn $20 off this session by commenting on this post! The first 3 people to comment on this blog post will get $20 off when they book this session! You will also be the first 3 to get to pick your spots! How cool right! These are sessions that again will not be available after this event. I will have a waiting list available for those interested. If you'd like to be put on the list comment on this post! I can't wait to hold these exclusive portrait sessions!! They are going to be a blast!! (All children who attend this session will have access to a small kiddie pool to "clean up" as well as a place to change clothes.) When you work full time as a photographer, from home, the one thing you always want to try to do is keep your work space organized and free of any unnecessary clutter. I try to keep my desk clean so that while I am working I don't have to dig for anything or move things around to find what I need. I have a small mud room on the end of my house by the garage that doubles as my office. I currently shoot studio portraits inside my home between my kitchen and my dining room. By the fall I will have my studio up and there will be no more cluttered home office for me. I will then be able to work from a location where you guys can pop in anytime!
For now though I wanted to share a tour of my work space! The first picture you see in the far back of the room are some of my props. Others are in the rotation of being washed and some are in the next picture. I don't have my big chairs in there because I honestly just don't have the room in here to store them, so they double as decor in the foyer of our home. One the studio is set up and ready to decorate, they will make their way there until they are needed again! I have two computers I am currently using, yes one is a dinosaur, however it has an older version of photoshop on it that is much easier to manage than the new version. I also use it to move files from my camera to my flash drive as it is set up to transfer them automatically if they aren't already on my flash drive. I also use the one computer as a back up for files as well as important booking information. You will also see a small table with books in the second picture. These books have all the information I need to conduct a flawless session for you guys! I also have a black cabinet full of discs from the time I started working as a photographer until today! I try to keep original images just in case at a later time someone needs a copy or in case I need a challenge and want to go back to an image and work on it again. What you don't see in these pictures is the not one, but two light kits and endless other props under the newborn poser on the top there. Some of the other large props are put away as well because, again, they wont fit in this little space. When kit for my studio arrives I will let you guys know! Its because of the support of you guys, I am able to continue doing work I love! I hope you enjoyed learning about my work space! As a photographer, I often times get asked by some of my clients back home in N.C., if they can have a session with certain props I have available. I tell them yes of course because I like to keep them happy. However when it comes time to travel with these props I have to make some decisions. I can some times take all of my equipment for a studio session but may not necessarily be able to take, say for instance, the tent for the Fairy-tale event. I have 4 kiddos that ride the 15 hours with me to go to N.C. for these sessions so I have to pack our personal items accordingly.
When it comes to my equipment, I have a laptop I take with me, my camera, all my lenses, even thought I typically only use my 50 mm, I take my battery chargers and my light kit if I am taking studio portraits or newborns. When I pack these items each item has its own bag. I have a really nice back pack for my camera and my lenses that my husband got me for my birthday one year, years and years ago. I have a small camera bag that I put all my cables and chargers in and an led light just in case I need it. My computer actually fits quite nicely in the bag with my camera equipment. I also like to take my "green" bag with me that has my cheat sheets and any documents that my clients may need after their session. I also like to keep treats in that bag for the little ones who may need some encouragement to do their best. My props I have to make sure are packed with care because I typically use items that are vintage or antique. Although, I have an abundance of props and items that require up keep, I also have props that don't have to be packed any certain way. These props are easier to pack for the long ride back to the south east coast. When I pack gear and props to travel they are always put on the top of my other luggage so that they aren't damaged. That's how I travel with my gear on long trips to photograph down south. When I am only traveling a short distance, such as Lake Michigan, I only use my small shoulder camera bag. This allows me to interchange between lenses easily and also switch cards or batteries with ease during a session. This helps me keep the session running smoothly. I have even been known to take my camera bag just to transport my camera from my home office to my set up just outside on our property. It ensures that my equipment is safe from damage when I am not using it. I have photographed babies and toddlers for the past 8 years and in that time I have totally transformed my strategy with these little balls of energy. The best chance of being successful is if the parent and photographer communicate beforehand to set expectations. Here are the top tips for preparing your toddler (and yourself) for a professional photography session.
2. Make sure the session isn’t around nap time and don’t let them nap in the car. The first part is pretty obvious. Most parents know that their sweet little one will turn into a bear around nap time. If you need to adjust naps to work better with the session, make sure to do so. Many outdoor sessions in the summer and early fall are scheduled a little later in the evening to capture the “golden hour” light. Make sure to adjust naps accordingly. Also, if possible, try to stay home most of the day of the session. Leaving an adjusted nap schedule for daycare to deal with will likely not work. The second part is something I realized after a few years in business. I had a day full of mini sessions and all the toddlers that had napped on the car ride there were NOT happy. Unlike babies, toddlers usually need some time to wake up and get used to their surroundings. Yanking a sleeping toddler from a car to go to a photo shoot will likely result in a disaster. 3. Pretend play at home For the older toddlers, it’s a great idea to “play” photographer at home the week before your session. This will get them used to the idea and think that the actual session is play time. If a toddler/child is having fun at the session, they will be much happier, then the photographer will be capturing them at their best. Talk to them about the session and tell them the photographers name and what to expect at the session. 4. Bribes (and when to bribe!) Bribes are usually a tactic parents will use with their little ones for a photo session. Talking about them beforehand is a great idea, if they are old enough to understand. Be careful of yanking bribes out too soon in the session. This can backfire. I’ve had sessions where the toddlers got a taste of candy and wouldn’t sit without a mouthful. Literally drooling chocolate and hands extended for more. Leave it up to the photographer to know when it’s a good time to bring out their favorite treat. Let the photographer hold the treat and give out when they listen or take a few good pictures. They are more likely to listen to someone other than their parents. Also, when bringing treats for bribes, make sure it’s not messy and can be concealed if they have it in the photo. Smarties are my favorite. They are discreet, light colored, and are small enough for little ones. You can also hide them places so they stop moving for a few minutes or a few seconds. Other good options are small fruit snacks, yogurt melts or cheerios. Avoid chocolate, suckers , goldfish or large crackers. 5. Get involved! I think this age is perfect for a family session. I like to have parents involved in the entire session and it helps to have them play or goof around with them. We get real smiles and interaction. Remember, not everyone has to be smiling at the camera at the same time for the perfect photo. The photo you will likely love and cherish for years to come with be one with genuine interaction and smiles. 6. Leave the cheese to the crackers! If you are looking to get authentic and natural smiles. Leave it up to the photographer to get them to smile. I know it ‘s hard to sit in the background and watch your toddler run a muck, but we will ask you to help when needed. Too many people yelling in different directions to “smile” or “say cheese” will overstimulate and confuse a young child/toddler. 7. Prepare for your session I am totally guilty of leaving wardrobe to the last minute. It only adds more stress to the session. Don’t worry about the “perfect” outfit. Dress them in what they like and what they are comfortable in. This is how you see them every day and it’s how you will want to remember them. Also, a backup outfit is always smart with a toddler. 8. Leave the sick kids at home I can’t say this enough! DO NOT bring sick kids to a photo shoot. Even a cold can make a little one miserable when doing a photo session. While we try to have fun with it, it’s not the most enjoyable activity to most toddlers. You want them at their best, not 75%. The photographer will understand and likely thank you if you re-schedule for a sick kid. 9. Relax!
Just relax. Toddlers will respond more authentically if you are acting laid back and relaxed. If you are running after them and yelling to “behave,” “listen,” and “smile,” you will likely get forced smiles and tantrums. Be patient and disengage. Sit back and smile and let the photographer do the work. As a photographer, I am asked often, do I work with children who have special needs. The answer is absolutely. I love working with all children. No exceptions. I have worked with one child for many years who is on the Autism Spectrum. It really isn't as hard as most photographers, who refuse to work with these, children make it seem.
When I first meet a family with a child who is on the spectrum I don't start their session right away. I let the child find a comfort zone within the area we are using. I encourage the parents to bring the child's comfort item with them as many children have. If the child has noise sensitivity and it makes them feel better to have their noise canceling ear muff then by all means please let them keep them on! This is part of who they are. A family photo with these on doesn't mean anything. It is who they are. If they have to have their ipad or blanket let them keep it with them. The key to getting good images of these children, keep them comfortable. I have heard horror stories about photographers with children who have this diagnosis. They want to make the child look "normal" for what ever reason. These children aren't going to be any different after your session so why change who they are in the form of photographs. I love to bring out the personalities of these children. They have such beautiful personalities if you can get to know them and their interests. When I see the little one is comfortable with the area we are working, I encourage mom and dad to allow me to just move around them at a distance snapping a few shots right away. Once I see I have at least 3 good shots, I encourage mom and dad to interact with their child and I begin to snap pictures. The key with autism is to get some great candid shots. Autistic children dont typically make eye contact and to try to force that is torture for them and can create a meltdown and make them really upset. If they happen to look at you while you are photographing have mom and dad look at you in the next frame. This way it is easy to do a face swap and the family may be able to have a picture with everyone looking in the same direction. It is also ok to take a picture of everyone looking except the child. Mostly though, I like to take pictures of the family just being themselves and interacting with one another. These images I feel are perfect. I will never push to get an image I can clearly see isn't going to happen. I will not bring anything that makes noise, that spins or that has lights that flash. This may trigger sensitivities and I do not want to see any child hurt because I was not prepared. I will often times try to have a treat for the end of the session, this is to reward the child for participating. This is positive reinforcement and makes the child feel like they have made a huge accomplishment. Telling them how amazing they are doing while you are there is a great way to keep them involved as well. Compliment them on their favorite shirt or shoes, tell them how excited you were to be able to meet them. Children on the lower part of the spectrum love to feel like they are a celebrity. I know Kadence, pictured above loves it when I tell her how pretty she is. She smiles and laughs so hard. I absolutely love it! This has helped me get some great images of her. It truly is about getting to know the child's sensitivities and what makes them comfortable. My 3 rules when I book a family who has a child with any disability are 1. We don't get angry because the child can not or will not do a particular thing for us. 2. We give the child time to adjust before we throw them into pictures for the next, however long it takes. 3. We always remind them they are doing a great job. Tell them how proud you are even before they get to the location for the shoot. I really hope this helps shed some light on how a session can go. You shouldn't have to book a 3 hour session to get 3 good images. You really only need an hour or less to get great images. There are many ways to photograph differently abled children. Those that have researched and know what works would never charge you more than any other family for beautiful portraits of your family! Hey guys! I bet you recognize this sweet face from one of my other blog posts. This is Kadence and she has autism. She is 5 years old. I have photographed Kadence for many years now and I have had the privilege of watching her grow into this adorable little girl.
I have been around "special needs children" for sometime now and really deep down they are no different than your children, they're just that, children. I love working with special needs children because where you just see a disability, I see a child. I am writing this blog tonight because after hearing how a friend of mine who has a child who is "differently able" ( I love that she uses this phrase) had not had family pictures for sometime now, I wanted to offer an outlet for parents who may feel left out because they haven't had family portraits because they cant find or afford a photographer who can do them. I want to put a stop to that. As a full service photographer here in Michigan, I don't want any family to feel that they cant afford to have their families pictures taken. It breaks my heart. We take for granted being able to book a "mini session" and be in and out with our kiddos in 30 minutes or less. These parents don't have that option. I think that is unfair. So after some thought I decided that I want to offer families with "differently able" children, sessions that they can afford. Each session will be taken on a case by case basis and when working with these families, they will be able to tell me more about their childs situation before booking, not so that I can turn them away, instead this information will be taken in to account to prepare a session that will be less stressful for the family and the child. No family should have to go with out professional family portraits, no matter the disability. If you know a family with a child who may have sensitivities, pass this along to them. It may mean more than you think! As a family photographer, I get asked sometimes how I edit and image. I also get shown images from pinterest and asked it I can replicate that particular image.
First, my editing style is what ever I feel the images will look best in It that means that I darken the image and lighten the subject then that is what I do. However I tend to edit on the vintage style. When you are on pinterest looking at poses and looking at different set ups, please be mindful what the image looks like is not what the image originally was. Most images that look really cool have way more work involved than just click and done. It takes work and honestly a lot of time. Even though photography is way more involved than just a quick snap and add a filter, I love everything about it and I welcome a challenge. Although it may take me a while to master a certain style I will always continue to expand my knowledge of all things photography! I have added some before and after shots from a few of the images I have taken over the past week or so and put them below to show what I mean when I say photos aren't always what they seem! When you are a photographer there are so many different lenses to choose from. There are telephoto lenses, kit lenses, prime lenses. For me, I first started with a kit lens that came with the camera I currently use. I was just starting out and didn't know about prime lenses or how they would improve my photographs. I knew I needed additional lenses but I was unsure of what lens I wanted or needed to have. That's when I began to research lenses and found that the best lens for me would be a prime lens.
A prime lens is a lens that does not zoom in or out. It is fixed at a certain focal length. These lenses force you to move around to get the desired focus. This paired with the appropriate settings on your camera can give you amazing images. A zoom lens allows you to stay in one place to get your desired focal length. This lens you can turn to zoom in or out for your desired length. My favorite lens, of the ones I have, is my 50 mm lens. This lens allowed me to be able to capture the desired depth of field I wanted and gave me a clearer image. It has a great ability to provide a sharpness to images. This combined with the right settings for depth of field will give you an amazing photograph. Over the summer I will be adding to my lenses an 85 mm lens. This too is a fixed lens and has an even greater ability to provide the appropriate depth of field and crisper images. 50 mm lenses are great for children's portraits, family photography, head shots, and studio portraits if you have a big enough area to take them. This is my personal favorite lens. It forces you to move around to get the best shots which gives you and your client more variety. |
Dee F.With over 8 years of Photography experience, Dee treats every client as if they are family. She strives to make every client feel special during their session time together Archives
August 2017
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