Pro Photographer's Quick Tips: How to Prepare for your Upcoming Family Portrait

I am often asked about the best ways to prep for photo sessions, so I thought I'd share a little advice to help you get ready for your time in front of my lens.  Lots of people can take great pictures, but if you are investing the time and money to hire a professional photographer to create artwork for and of your family, take the time beforehand to prepare for your portrait.  

Prepare yourself for your portrait ahead of time:


Prepping ahead of time allows you to be relaxed the day of your appointment.  Gather your clothing, press it, make sure you have everything you need ready to go.  Ahead of time.  If you are planning on a haircut, schedule it a week ahead so that your hair has time to relax (are you seeing a trend?)  Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking a few days before, instead, drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin which will minimize lines and wrinkles.  Make sure everyone gets adequate sleep the night before to appear rested and you guessed it...relaxed!


Decide what everyone will wear, ahead of time:


I think the rules about what to wear are flexible.  Everyone doesn't need to match; would you all go out to dinner all matchy-matchy?  Didn't think so. Do think about making sure that everyone GOES together--I like to tell people to pretend you are preparing one BIG outfit.  But if you are a bright and bold family, then be bright and bold.  More importantly, choose clothing that fits well, is clean and pressed.  Lay out your clothing and accessories ahead of time.  Choose the colors that look best on you--everyone has something in their closet that is always complimented.  Compliment your body--if you'd like to appear slimmer, keep in mind that darker colors tend to be slimming.

What about hair and makeup? 

Makeup is subjective; if you don't normally wear makeup, don't apply it like Lady Gaga!  However, a concealer matched to your skin tone can provide an even skin tone. Stick with matte foundations, powders and eyeshadows: shiny makeup reflects too much light and can be distracting in camera.  For hair, put a little a smoothing product on your hands and lightly smooth down any frizzy strays.  This is a good time to use a professional makeup artist or hair stylist.  Important things to check for in the mirror before we shoot: stray eyebrows and nose hairs, dry lips and inner eye gunk!


The day of your portrait:


Try to plan a relatively calm day.  (That's where all this advance planning will help out!)  Many times, our portraits will be scheduled at times that may be meal times.  Try to keep sweets and sugar to a minimum, as it can wind kids up quickly, then they can crash just as quickly! It helps to fed the kids prior to our meeting time.  Feel free to bring along some snacks and drinks, both for you and the kids.  Think of this as playtime for your family--be ready to have a great time!  Most times, I've scheduled your appointment time based on the light, so it's really important to be on time.  Plan your arrival accordingly. 

When you schedule your appointment, we'll also start planning your session--location, clothing, props, everything that will make your session great!  Great sessions require a little planning-don't worry!  I'll help guide you through it all. 

Have more questions or ready to schedule?  Send me an email or give me a call!  Talk to you soon!

Pro Photographer's Quick Tips: Photographing Fireworks

I posted this several years ago and thought a repost might be helpful!  There is ample time for planning and/or purchasing if need be.  I tend toward an experimental and simplistic approach to photographing fireworks.  Just as with anything, there are many ways to go about doing anything, this is just one way.  

My first bit of advice: get your "special firework photography gear" together in advance.  Specifically, a tripod and a remote and a camera capable of manual settings.  You can also use a neutral density filter to reduce the amount of light exposure but it's not necessary. A remote is helpful so that you don't jiggle your camera as you push the shutter release. Any shutter speed longer than 1/80th is subject to operator movement and most likely you'll have a shutter speeds in the neighborhood of 1 or more seconds.  You don't have to have a remote, but it does help.  You will want a tripod or something very stable to put your camera on.  You can also try other stable things like tables, chairs, rocks...but the tripod will offer the most flexibility for positioning to get your shot.

As the time gets near and it's still light enough to see: Set your camera's settings.  Turn off your flash if your camera has one incorporated in it.  You'll want to be on manual or bulb.  Keep your ISO low--at 100 or 125.  When the first fireworks go off, shoot with a f/stop of f/8-f/16 and then experiment with your shutter speed.  Fireworks are surprisingly bright, so your exposure probably won't be as long as you think.  Put your focus on manual and on infinity unless you are pretty close to the action.  If you can, think about positioning and how the wind will blow.  Most years, we find our fireworks location clouded by the smoke and haze produced by the fireworks mid show.  I know that I have to shoot early in the show, because toward the end, the bursts could be hidden by the smoke.

When the fireworks start: Take the first couple of bursts to figure out your framing or where you're going to aim your camera and set your focus (which will most likely be close to infinity).  The distance between you and the fireworks probably won't change much and you'll have a leeway with focus with your f/stop range of f/8-16.  Start with your initial settings, keeping your ISO low so that you get the cleanest, clearest image possible, and then experiment by bracketing.  Play with your shutter speed, check your screen and see out what works best.  If your images are too bright, use a smaller aperture to allow less light.  If you'd like to create multiple firework exposures in camera, the longer you keep the shutter open, the more multiple bursts you can get in one frame.  If you shoot single images, after the show with editing software available, it's fun to layer multiple images for maximum effect.

Photographing fireworks is photographing the unknown.  The dark sky lights up and the moment reveals itself.  Go out and capture it! (And don't forget to enjoy the show!)

(It's also loads of fun to experiment with sparklers, flashlights and any other light sources you can think of...but that's for another post!)

Happy Fourth of July!

Pro Photographer Quick Tips: Better iPhone Photography

Since I've been handing out these tips on a regular basis, I thought I'd put together a little list of my favorite iPhone tips to help up your iPhone photography game.

First, did you know you can quickly get to a specific shoot mode by using peek and pop on the camera app icon? Yep, press hard and this is the screen that pops up!  While it may SEEM just as simple to jump into the camera app--this really does allow quicker access to the front facing camera, video or slo-mo.  Seconds count if your kid or your pet is doing something cute!

I find it really difficult to hit the actual shutter button when taking a selfie--that's why it's absolutely BRILLIANT that you can use the volume buttons on the side, or even BETTER: your headphone volume buttons as a remote shutter release.  Using your headphones as a remote shutter release also helps to alleviate camera shake, which can make your pics blurry.  So much easier!!  

Another way to release the shutter:  Did you know the iPhone has a self timer? At the top of your screen the icons are flash (when tapped can be turned to auto, on or off), HDR (Auto, on or off) Live (on or off) Timer (Off, 3 seconds or 10 seconds) and front facing or rear facing camera.  Hit the timer button and you can choose between a 3 second and a 10 second countdown. Awesomeness.

Did you know you can lock your focus and change your exposure on your iPhone?  When pointing your camera at your subject, you can lock your focus point wherever you'd like. (which prevents refocusing on something you don't want to focus on) Simply put your finger on the screen where you'd like your focus to be and hold.  You'll see the yellow square double and AE/AF LOCK at the top of your screen (Auto Exposure/Auto Focus Lock).  Now see the sun at the side?  Raise your finger, and then slide it up or down to change the exposure--it'll get lighter (up) or darker (down).

Although iPhones not the best for action, if you're trying to capture something fast moving, leave your finger on the shutter for "burst" mode to capture the movement.  (Later, be sure to pick the best view and delete the rest, or you'll fill up your storage like nobody's business!)

An easy one to forget--LOOK at the lens when taking a selfie or having your photo taken.  I know, it's easy to forget and check yourself out on the screen. 

Get as close to your subject as possible rather than zooming in.  Zooming in pixelates your image and you lose sharpness.

Finally, not a photography tip, but a helpful living tip: don't have a mirror around and want to check yourself to make sure you don't have anything in your teeth?  Use the front facing camera as a mirror.  That my friends, is AWESOME-SAUCE!

Remember the best camera is the one you have with you--now go take some pics!

Pro Photographer Quick Tips: 6 Simple Tips for Prepping for your Portrait with Kids or Animals

It's no simple task to gather the family, make them look presentable and keep them happy so that you can record the moments forever.  I only have one kid and one dog, but I totally get it.

Here are my favorite 5 tips for making the most of your portrait time:

1.  Prep AHEAD of time.  Let's talk about anything you'd like to include in your portrait or the clothing ahead of time.  Get everything cleaned, pressed and ready ahead of time.  Now, put it somewhere safe where it can wait for your appointment time.  Get hair cut a week before, drink lots of water, eat healthy and get some sleep in the days before. For your animals, groom them ahead as much as possible.

2.  Plan a mellow day the day of your appointment if possible, or at least a couple hours before your appointment, so there is time to relax.  Rushing around just before a session often leads to arguments and tension (I've seen that happen!)  so keep the hours before the session as relaxed as possible.

3.  Sometimes optimal light time for photography falls during meal times.  If it's not conducive to have a meal, at least have snacks.  Some healthy ones--not sugar filled ones!  So kids (and adults) aren't grumpy or hangry!

4.  Know that it's totally okay to love the images where the subjects aren't looking at the camera--the ones where they're interacting and having a good time and forgetting that I'm there recording the moment.

5. Be patient.  Sometimes it takes a little time for everyone to relax into the session.  Animals don't always cooperate and kids, well, they can be kids!  I have lots of patience and I'm there for you.  It'll happen, it often just takes a bit of extra patience and a little extra time.

6. Treats.  I'd like to believe that I make sessions with kids so fun that we don't need treats for kids, but particularly with animals, bring their favorite treats as incentive.  As in the very best, their very favorite.  Perhaps the treat isn't even edible, but a favorite squeaky toy, ball or whatever it is, make sure it's available for the session.  I'll also bring treats.  (Sometimes I feel like I'm the pied piper because my treats are different than usual--it makes me very popular!)

Have more questions about your session?  Contact me!

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Pro Photographer's Quick Tips: How To Look Better in Photographs

The question I get asked most often is...drumroll.... "What can I do to look better in photographs?"

Because the camera sees a little differently than the human eye, we can all use a little help with this!  I had a little help from one of my very favorite subjects, (I had to bribe her by making pancakes) to demonstrate my favorite 6 tips (and a bonus!) on how to pose whether it's for a selfie, a photo with friends, a family portrait or a business portrait with a professional photographer.  (Of course, at that point, you'll have the help of a pro, but you'll be ahead of the game with these tips!)

1.  Turn your body slightly away from the camera rather than facing the camera straight on.  Facing the camera straight on will make you look wider, so if you'd like to appear thinner, then turn your body a little.

2.  Keep your arms slightly bent and away from your body.  Any body part that is pushed against another will look bigger, so create a slight gap between your arm and your body.

3.  In a group, try not to be the one on the ends (closest to the camera).  The closer to the camera, the bigger the object will look.

4.  Keep the camera just slightly above eye level.  First of all, no one looks good with an up the nose camera angle.  Again, the face will look slimmer with a slightly higher camera angle.  (Slightly, not super high)

5.  Maintain good posture, keep your shoulders back.  Good posture always makes you look more confident (and slimmer!)

6.  Finally, my favorite tip: bring your chin out and slightly down.  Not so much that the tendons stand out in your neck, but just enough to get rid of the double chin effect that happens.  We all have a tendency to pull back from the camera or pull our chin in when we laugh--giving the dreaded double chin!  You might will feel goofy, but from the camera view, you'll look amazing!

My bonus tip:  There are lots of articles on the psychology of the arms crossed pose--whether or not you think it's good or bad, I don't recommend it for portraits. The pose is often seen as a psychological and physical barrier--don't risk it!

Here's to looking better!

Pro Photographer's Quick Tips: What To Do When You Don't Have a Makeup or Hair Artist For Your Shoot

You've been prepping ahead of time for your shoot and have followed my advice on what to do in advance of your shoot. You've been drinking lots of water and getting enough sleep.  It's the day of your shoot and time to do your hair and makeup.  Now what?  If you don't have a professional makeup or hair artist at the ready, don't worry, I've got you covered!  Here are my favorite tips for perfect makeup and hair for your shoot.

Think these tips are just for women?  Guys, you'll benefit from (well, some) of these tips too!

1. Hydrate your skin:  (This works for both men and women!) Begin by hydrating your skin with a lightweight, non greasy moisturizer.  (preferably without SPF which sometimes has ingredients that can make your face look shinier) A good moisturizer will plump up your skin and it will look softer, firmer and smoother.  And hydrating with a good moisturizer will prevent makeup from looking too "cake-y".

2.  Think MATTE:  Use matte makeup so that your skin won't look greasy or shiny or reflect the light.  Matte makeup also covers inconsistency in skin textures (i.e. wrinkles!) making your skin look smoother.  It can cover any redness in the skin or blemishes.  It goes without saying that your foundation should match your skin tone exactly.

3.  Limit shimmery blushes or eyeshadows:  In camera, a shiny area is like a spotlight and will attract attention.  (However, a little shiny lipgloss is good because it can make your lips look more full!)

4.  Highlight and brighten the focal point of the portrait: your eyes:  Got dark circles?  Use a yellow based under eye concealer to hide them.  Use eyeliner to define the eye on your upper lid and use a shadow that will highlight your eye, blending it to the outer corners with a brush. For blue eyes, choose warm tones to balance them.  For brown eyes, most any color will work, but purple, bronze and navy work well.  For green eyes, reddish browns are good options.  And for hazel eyes cool tones work well.  Don't forget mascara and use an eyebrow pencil to fill in thin brows.

5.  Apply your makeup just a *little heavier than you think you'll need it:  Even if you are going for a more subtle look, the camera sees differently than our eye does. Makeup will look less dramatic than to our eye.  Be sure to bring your makeup with you in case you need to add a little more.

6. Apply your makeup in natural light if possible.  If it looks good there, it will most likely look good in any lighting condition.

7.  Plan for your hair in advance:  Hair requires a little advance planning.  If you color your hair, it's important to see your stylist in advance to avoid showing root grow out.  A cut or trim needs a bit of settling in--another reason to make your appointment prior to your shoot.  The day of the shoot, plan to bring some sort of hair serum (works better than hairspray) with you to smooth flyaways or frizzy hair.

Good makeup application and good hair only enhances my post production work and makes for an even more natural look so that you will look your best in your portrait!

Have you got more questions on how to prepare for your portrait?  Look here and here!

I can't wait to see you!

Photographer's Quick Tips: How to take better pictures of your kids and family this holiday season

The holiday is upon us and there'll be lots of picture taking going on this week.  Do you want to make your holiday snapshots more meaningful this year?  Here's a few of my favorite tips for taking better pictures of your family and kids this season:

1.  Don't Chimp!  What's "chimping"?  Looking at the back of the camera to see what you've got.  Look at the images later.  While you are taking the pictures, focus on what's in front of your lens and capturing the moment.  I've seen many moments missed because the camera operator is looking at the back of the camera to see what they got.  Look at your first shot to make sure everything looks good exposure wise and shoot.  Look at the rest later.

2.  Get close.  Use a longer lens, or walk closer.  Fill up the frame with those beautiful little faces!

3.  Your subjects DON'T have to look at you!  Every time you ask your kids to look at you and smile, you're training them to give you the dreaded fake smile.  Capture the moment and the feeling of what's going on.  Most times, the best images are the ones about the feeling.

4.  Get down on their level.  You've probably got LOTS of pictures of your kids (or pets) looking down on them. This year, get down to their eye level.  Squat down, kneel down, lay down.  They'll engage more with you when you're on their level and you'll love the resulting image!

5.  Put yourself in the picture!  Don't forget to include yourself in the pictures.  Hand your camera to someone else, use the timer, take a selfie or get creative and use a reflective surface.  Just put yourself in the images.  Your kids will thank you!

Bonus tip:
This year, DO something with your pictures!  Whether you print them and put them in an old fashioned slip in album or create an online album and have that printed, make a coffee mug, a calendar or a refrigerator magnet.  Pick a few or pick them all--print your photographs and enjoy them!

Happy holidays!