I recommend that you purchase your larger prints through your Zenfolio online gallery. These prints are guaranteed to be color corrected and to the highest quality. The prints come from a professional lab that guarantees your satisfaction. For smaller prints, I recommend using the online printing company Mpix.com. This is what I use to print all of my families photos and I have always been pleased with their service. Plus, bonus, they are based in Kansas! Some other websites that I have heard of, but haven't used are whcc.com or bayphoto.com. Both have great reputations, but I have not yet used them personally.
Be sure to choose carefully where you print your photos so that you are pleased with your results!
]]>
Here are some tips for a successful newborn photography session;
- Schedule your photography session within the first ten days of life, the first week is ideal.
- Feed your baby a full meal right before the session. A full tummy makes for a happy baby!
- Bring any favorite or special toys, hats, books, blankets, outfits, hair bows, family heirlooms, mementos, anything special or unique!
- There is NO rush. Each newborn session is special and unique! My priority is to be sure that you get pictures that capture the essence of your baby.
- Sibling shots are a priority, so bring along the family!
- I always try to include mom and dad in a couple of shots also. Please wear something solid, in black or other dark colors. Avoid prints and patterns...we want to highlight your beautiful bundle of joy!
Help support another "Mom in Business"! Jessica has a great shop on ETSY for accessories for your newborn, infant, toddler, or family photos for both girls AND boys! See the links below:
]]>Here are some ideas for portrait sessions:
Newborns and Babies
Newborns and babies are easy; they photograph best in their birthday suits! A cute diaper cover or cloth diaper is a simple and adorable. Other simple items...a white onesie, or any other cute little onesies you've been dying to get his or her photo in, one of Dad's ties or hats, mom's pearl necklaces or costume jewelry, hair bows / headbands, blankets, and cute, adorable baby hats!! Don't forget to bring their favorite book, rattle, or lovie.
Toddlers and Kids
Layers, layers, layers - sweaters, jackets, scarves, etc!!! Bright, bold colors with big patterns - bright stripes, large polka-dots, or whimsical prints. Jeans and jean skirts are great.
Other ideas: overalls without a shirt for boys and tiara, tutus, butterfly wings for girls. Jammies, hats, rain coats and boots, superhero capes, favorite teddy bear, bare feet, striped socks, large bows / headbands, cowboy boots, etc. Bring favorite books and toys!
Families
Check out my previous blog post, "What to wear to a family photo shoot" for great ideas and tips!!
I would suggest that you go casual, this allows everyone to feel comfortable and at ease...giving the chance for natural and candid pictures. Everyone should wear loosely coordinated outfits with an accent color. I always suggest jeans for the family!
Couples / Engagement
I would suggest that you both bring at least two outfits, one dressier and one more casual. Fitted clothes that aren't too baggy or too tight. I would still recommend jeans; dressing up the jeans with a dressy top for the ladies and a nice button down for the gentlemen. For another fun look, both of you wear your favorite, old t-shirts!! Big chunky necklaces for the ladies, with dresses in bright colors look great for the woman. And ladies, don't forget bright-colored pumps that contrast your outfit add an extra flare! Don't forget hats, scarves, sunglasses, etc. And one last thing...ladies shine up your ring and paint your nails. Your ring and hand will be in a lot of the pictures!
Maternity
Some fun ideas - your pre-maternity jeans, unbuttoned, black or white solid colored tank-tops, yoga pants, button-down shirts that can be left unbuttoned over your belly, form-fitting dress, belly band as a tube top, long-chunky sweater jacket that you can leave open to expose belly, a pashmina to wear around your neck and drape over your top like a scarf, sun dresses, pretty bra and panties, going topless (with strategic hand placement!)and a manicure! Your hands will be in a lot of photos!
]]>
Out are the days of wearing black and kahi, white and jeans, or matching polos. These days photography is taking on more of a candid, editorial style and you can get fun with your clothing! The goal is to have everyone complement each other, but not be too "matchy-matchy". Try to avoid big logos on t-shirts, but don't be afraid of colors or patterns!!
1) Layer, Layer, Layer
Layers and texture look great in a photo. As with all design principals you apply when decorating your home, texture through layers looks fabulous in photos! By adding a blazer or fun scarf, not only does it make the picture look more complete, you can drop the layers toward the end of the shoot for a completely different look. The best news is layers are very in right now, so it won't be hard for you to achieve this look! Pinterest, Old Navy, Gap, JCrew, etc. all of have great inspiration and outfits "preassembled" to provide ideas.
2) Ditch the Matchy-Matchy
Most families loosely coordinate outfits based on a color scheme with an accent color. Usually the accent color is a small bit of a bright, bold color that each family member wears in a small way. Maybe if your accent color is green, one family member has green shoes, while another wears a green scarf, and another has a green necklace. Still struggling on where to begin your color palette? Find a piece you LOVE and want someone to wear, then coordinate around that piece. Another way to think about it is to chose two or three colors that are flattering for everyone, and work those colors into each outfit in varying degrees! Try some of these gorgeous color combinations: 1) Red - Grey - Silver - Khaki - Denim 2) Blue - White - Khaki - Yellow 3) Brown - Tan - Red - Denim 4) Blue - Purple - Beige - White
3) Have a Wild Card
I sometimes recommend to my clients to have someone be the stand out "wild card" in the photos. I like picking a fun, crazy pattern, like an animal print or hounds tooth cardigan for fun! You can also have that "wildcard" wear the accent color as their main color. It mixes things up and can pull an entire look together.
4) Aim for classic but current
Ditch the extremely date-able trends and stick to classic shapes like sheaths, straight-leg pants, and button-front shirts. Keep in mind that timeless doesn't need to be dreary. Classic shapes can make the color or pattern of the season more palatable in years to come.
5) Bold IS Beautiful
Pick rich, fun colors to liven up the photo and add color to your face. I love jewel tones in photos. They add depth and color to your picture.
6) It's All In the Details
I can't stress this tip enough. Decide your accent color and add that color into your jewelry, shoes, undershirts, scarf, tights, and hair bows. It adds that extra flair you need to make a fun, sassy picture. Remember to accessorize artfully. It's trendy today to pile on a statement necklace, armfuls of bangles and multiple layered colors, but ten years from now, these details will date your photo. One or two carefully selected embellishments make a strong impact. The eye needs the statement pieces to add interest, but it also needs a rest. If the accessories are sentimental or meaningful in some way, even better!
7) Pick a Theme
If your looking for a certain style or vision, choose a subtle theme to incorporate into your photo session. The theme can stem from a location, a family interest, or even from the clothing itself.
Snow Whites: layered clothing in shades of white with fur accents
Fall: tweeds, corduroys, and leather
Vintage: soft, dusty colors of mauve, gray and blue
English Country: vintage bikes, classic tweeds, etc.
Neutral: colored outfits against a very boldly colored wall
Black Tie: formal looks against a very simple background
8) Make-Up
A woman's make-up should be bolder than what she wears for her everyday look. Don't be afraid of color! A woman should make sure there is definition on the eyes, cheeks, and lips because these features tend to fade in photographs if they are not accented with makeup. While the color should be deep or bold, it should also be flattering. Stay away from harsh, garish colors or overly trendy makeup looks. Berries, reds, corals, plums, and pinks are your best bets for lips, cheeks , and choose deep jewel tones for eyes, as well as grey or black. Beware of doing a very dark, smoky eye, as it may cause the eyes to look like they are sunken. And it goes without saying, use powder, powder, powder to eliminate shine!
9) Turn Up The Texture
Add interest, personality and lift to your family photos with texture. Whether it's a nubby sweater, a tweedy scarf or a fur vest, varying texture adds dimension and visual interest.
Use the texture in unexpected ways. A tulle skirt, gleaming metallic shoe, or a denim jacket paired with a lace top or dress will add an element of surprise to the images.
Mix patterns to create texture. The most foolproof way to do this is to contrast pattern size (i.e., a small pattern with an oversized one) while keeping the colors similar. If you choose to work with a stripe or a plaid, it's most effective when used in small doses. Avoid both wavy designs and really tiny prints.
Add texture through color. Pile on the rich jewel-tones for a glamorous look, working these colors in small ways into the whole family's look. Or use varying shades of a particular hue to create a soft but interesting color palette.
10) Shine Your Shoes
Nothing ruins a great shot like a beat-up pair of shoes. Keep shoes age-appropriate; for children simple ballet flats, mary janes, loafers, or bare feet are the best. Every woman knows that shoes complete an outfit, and this is the time to really pick a fabulous, wildly impractical pair that will elevate the whole look! If you decide to go barefoot, make sure feet are well groomed and stay away from anklets or toe rings. Finally, heels are always a flattering pick for women by enhancing posture and creating a longer line.
11) Groom the guys
Details for men are just as important as for the woman, especially because there are fewer of them. For instance...no white athletic socks peeking out from a pair of khakis! If the guy is game, as some interest with details like a cool knit cap, a great watch or a scarf.
12) In General
When deciding what to wear for your portrait session, the number one thing to consider is comfort! Make sure that your clothing feels good and makes YOU feel good wearing it! That confidence will come across in your photos.
]]>