Practicing what I preach...

The look on a parent's face when I tell them it is time to take a few photos with the kids is priceless. It is almost always a total recoil and 20 reasons why they simply cannot be photographed that day. If it was planned as a family session that is one thing, but if they are just there for the children's photos, they can't imagine stepping in front of the camera.

I have been advocating for years that parents (especially moms because they are usually the one who holds the family camera) need to get in the photos with their children. Your kids don't care if you think you need to lose a few pounds or wish you had lipstick on, they just want to see themselves in photos with you. It gives them a larger point of reference. It allows them to look back on fun times and see you smiling too. It is truly important that they have that tangible evidence that you were there.

In my house it is clearly do as I say not as I do. I work with a camera all day long and I am comfortable when the lens is pointed at someone else. Point it at me and I want to duck and hide. I take great care with my clients. They are like family and I want them to feel energized and happy when they view their photos. I can't say that when I see photos that someone else has taken of me, I get those warm fuzzy feelings.  Knowing this, I have conveniently 'missed' camera ready moments.

Well, this Sunday I changed all that. My crazy 11 year old and I had a little fun with the camera on my cell phone. Bad lighting, no makeup, wickedly bad angles... should I go on? But, it was so much fun! I am glad we took them. I may regret sharing them, but here they are.

See not that painful. When you get the chance get in the photo. Cuddle with your family, laugh out loud and record those memories you are making. Make sure that you are a part of the family in every way, even the photographs. Your loved ones want to see you there!

Then call me and we will create a family session perfect for your family and full of images you will love to show off.  The best of all worlds!  

  

A Photo Ready Mother's Day!

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day and for most of us getting a photo of Mom can be really hard.  Let’s face it, how many times do you try and take her photo and she puts up her hands in horror or makes 'that' face and rolls her eyes.  Not the best time to press the shutter. 

We know our Moms and Grandmas are beautiful inside and out but they rarely believe it. Seeing themselves in photos that don't show them in their best light just reinforces their doubts.  This year arm yourself with these tips, let Mom know you are on her side, and take photos she’ll want to hold on to.

Go natural! The shots you love the most are the ones that show your loved ones being themselves.  Creating candid images provides a real feel for the subject and lets you show off Mom’s love for her children and grandchildren.  Try not to pose your subjects or announce that you are taking photos.  You'll end up with real smiles and relaxed postures, not forced expressions and posy groups.  Watch the interactions happening around you and be ready to capture the spirit of the day. 

Whenever possible, use available light. The flash on your camera eliminates shadows which can flatten the resulting image and is usually much less flattering.  Look for better lit areas to place your subjects.  I know, low light situations can make candid shots difficult but if your camera allows you to set the ISO, try a higher setting.  Newer cameras have gotten much better at handling low light situations so an ISO setting of 800, or higher even, should be fine.   You can also tip a lampshade,  move the lamp, or open a curtain if possible.  If you are outside, use the shade to your advantage.  Over exposure can create hot spots in an image that are distracting and create way too much contrast to be pleasing.

Watch your focus!  Sounds silly but we have all been disappointed when the subject of the photo is blurry but the tree behind them is crystal clear.  If your camera has a face recognition setting, use it!  Make sure that you see the indicators showing that it has locked on the faces where you are focusing.  If not, make sure to use your focus points wisely.  If you don’t know how to use that feature on your camera, practice today so you are ready for anything tomorrow!

It is all about the angle! Remember, no one wants a photo looking up their nose.  Blunt but true and especially true for Mom or Grandma.  If you are holding the camera lower than their faces and shooting up at them, don’t!  Take your photo from slightly above and you will be the favorite child. 

Pay attention to the background.  Mom looking gorgeous with a pile of dirty dishes behind her is probably not going to be her favorite photo.  How many times have your subjects looked awesome but something in the background distracted from the image?  Watch that trees, lamps, door frames, and other things don’t seem to be sprouting from shoulders or heads.  You don’t have to move your subject, in most cases, a step to the left or the right will change your point of view and improve the image.

Digital cameras make it easy to take a lot of photos, so do.  Professionals don’t rely on one image to get the shot right, and neither should you.  Just make sure to delete the ones that don’t work.  Your subjects trust you to take photos of them at their best.  Earn their trust by choosing wisely before you post or share their photos.  Photos from behind are rarely flattering, delete them.  Photos with mouths open or chewing food, why did you take them?  Delete them.  Be kind and make this a Mother’s Day to remember with images you will all love!

Happy Mother's Day!