How to Dress for Portraits

This little guy was dressed so well for portraits! He looks stylish, coordinated, and clean. But what I like most is that he’s comfortable so he can relax and focus on being himself. There’s enough distraction with a camera around; who needs uncomfortable clothes on top of it? I always aim to reflect the moment, and the subject for who/what it is. These parents knew that to have a comfortable portrait that reflects their son’s real essence, he needed to be relaxed and comfortable.

And while we’re here . . . there’s a lot to ponder about the composition in this photograph; especially the use of lines.

Life is Beautiful

Fun Shoot Today!

Today was one of the most fun and creative opportunities I’ve had in a very long time. I’ve been studying strobe lighting for quite a while now, but I don’t get a lot of opportunity to use it when I’m working with little kids since we generally head outside and play. Well, today was an exception. I got to hang out with my friends at Cafe Piccolo and do some commercial images for their restaurant! It was a really fun time for me, and I got to enjoy a fabulous lunch from Chef Nick Carlino. I have more photos to do for them, and I can’t wait to go back! This yummy shot was lit with two strobes; one on the background for separation, and one from the upper right for detail. Mmmmm . . . hungry yet?

The Quest for the Smile

I’ve always understood the quest for the ultimate smile in a picture, but when kids aren’t interested in performing for the camera, is it a bad thing? I don’t think so! It can say so much about a child when the expression is sincere. Smiles are cute, and we love to remember our children happy. But what about this? What a stitch! This was the “you’re interrupting my play time, so I will allow you one lousy photo and you better like it” look. I’m not sure who was going to eat me first – the angry boy or the dinosaur on his shirt! When your children put on the pouts, I hope you will see it as an opportunity to capture their little feisty side. They are people, after all, and people are very complicated.

April Special for Your Referrals!

Do you know I have an ongoing referral program? For every referral you send my way, you get a $25 gift certificate after their first session is complete. It’s my way to send a little “thank you”.

But take note: I’ve boosted my referral program for the month of April! If you refer a friend during April and their session is completed before the end of May, you will receive a gift certificate for a free session! Not only that, but the clients you refer will receive a $25 credit toward their purchase! This is the best my referral program has ever been, and it won’t last long.

This special will be valid for the first 4 referrals, or through April 30th, 2009 (whichever comes first); so act quickly!

note: if you are a Chicago or Iowa client, you can be a part of this too – the referral session just needs to be completed during my next trip to your area.

Birthday Girl

Yesterday was a big day in our house – Molly’s 6th birthday! It’s amazing how fast they grow, the things they can learn, and the wit that abounds at such a young age! We’ve been through Elmo, Dora, princesses, and now Pokemon. We’ve been to many museums, beaches, parks, field trips, and parties. The adventure will continue and we look forward to many joys and challenges to come. I have loved watching her grow, and it’s through pictures that I am able to savor the memories.

You might recognize this cute face; I used to get a whole lot of personality from her, but things have changed. I love this expression – it’s very natural, and what I see in her. But it’s not so easy to get the variety and the exuberance that exploded from her as a toddler. We’ve reached the frozen grin stage. I knew it would come – and it will come to your family if it hasn’t already! It wouldn’t bother me much, except that it means she’s a big kid now!!! NOOOO!!!! I think one of my challenges for April will be to get a big expression from her and post it for all to see.

What I love so much about my job is that I’m going through the stages of parenting myself. I really relate to my clients because I know what it’s all about. I understand the joy and the frustrations. Most of all, I understand what a precious thing it is to capture that beautiful essence that we see in our children every day.

Coffee Anyone?

When we first moved to Seattle I knew Starbucks was big, but was quite surprised to find a stand-alone Starbucks directly across the street from a strip-mall Starbucks in Mercer Island. Later, on the East Side, I discovered two Starbucks stores in the same strip mall across from Factoria mall. I found it quite appropriate when a flight attendant from Southwest Airlines once said “Welcome to Starbucks” upon our arrival in Seattle. It really is out of control! I haven’t been over there in a while to see if those stores are still in existance, but since Starbucks has been struggling, and even started offering *gasp* instant coffee . . . I started reminiscing about life in Chicago. Here in Seattle the “other” coffee place seems to be Tully’s (I haven’t been there, so it’s hard for me to say); something I had never heard of before moving here. But out in Chicago, there was a great coffee company called Caribou Coffee. They had great coffee shops with comfy seating, cozy fireplaces, and that cabin in the woods atmosphere. I haven’t thought about it for quite a while, but I have to say it’s something I miss. I think the last time I went to a Caribou Coffee shop was with my great friend Amy after one of our soccer games. I hope I can get there again some time – that is if the economy doesn’t shut them down first. As for the soccer, while it is a really fun game, our team had 6 players for 5 positions on an indoor field. I don’t think I was ever cut out for that! Just a latte and some chocolate covered coffee beans would be enough to relive the memory!

Maternity Models Wanted!

In case you haven’t noticed, the pickings are a little slim in the belly department. I want a larger maternity portfolio with more variety! Are you pregnant? Contact me before March 31st, 2009 to schedule an appointment during your third trimester, and receive a $50 credit toward your session!