Oh the horror! Grade School photo day is almost here!

School is back in session!  I know other parts of the country have had schools open for a few weeks now but, in our neck of the woods, school starts this week or next. 

That run up to the big day is crazy: new clothes, shoes, and supplies.  Did they get their summer reading done?  Can you get them back on the right sleep schedule and ready for the new school year?  Then the first day arrives and they are off and you can breathe a short sigh of relief as you settle back into your schedule.  I, for one, love having that fixed schedule so I can plan our days and minimize surprises.  Then the form comes home from school in his backpack.  You know the one: School picture day is almost here!

Did that make you wince?  If not, then you have one of those kids that never looks ‘bad’ in a photo or you have found the secret to serenity in the universe. Namaste! For the rest of us, the school photo packet is a challenge. Full disclosure: I always create my own portraits of my son each holiday season.  It is what I do after all. However, I love the school photos too.  It is a great snapshot in time that I can keep (usually in some drawer somewhere) and compare as he gets older. 

As a photographer, I thought I had all the answers to getting my young child ready for photo day.  As a mom, I learned a whole new set of rules to keep everyone smiling for the camera.  The best advice I can offer:

Make sure they are comfortable and like how they look.  Below are tips to help them look their best but if they aren't happy with how they look they won’t be their best in front of the camera.

Here is my list of things to remember so that grade school photo day is fun, not frantic.

Clothing:

- Comfortable clothing that resists wrinkling is best. Choose solid colors that complement their skin tone. Remember, you want their faces to shine not their clothing and they have school all day so comfort is important. Yes, Aunt Susie did give them a lovely wool sweater and she would love to see it in the photo but if your child is uncomfortable in it, it will show.  Aunt Susie and everyone else will only see them looking miserable.

- Let them help pick out their outfit.  You may disagree on some of their choices but if you let them propose some options or give them a choice of a few, you can both feel good about the final selection and that makes everyone smile. (Hint: Most school photos are from the waist up. Let them express their wild side and go crazy with their pants, skirts, and/or shoes.)

Hair :

- Make sure to get haircuts or trims a week or two before the photo session so it looks neat but has time to look natural.  Your child needs to like the style so they will feel more at ease with their look. 

- Pick a simple style! I know, Sarah thinks Elsa’s side braid is awesome and slicked back, poofed up bangs make Eric look so handsome but by 12:30, after PE and lunch, both styles have fallen and fizzled.  Does your child’s hair get frizzy around the ends in barrettes or hairbands?  Make it easier on everyone and think of a loose style that will work.  Maybe you will be lucky and your kids will get the first time slot but my child’s experiences have made me a realist.  Simple is best.

- Help them understand why a photographer’s assistant may want to straighten their hair. Photographers want to produce the best possible image and will ask if they can smooth a stray hair or fix tangles.  Many times, the child will be uncomfortable and unwilling to accept help.  If you are OK with having someone second check the hair (and outfit) let your child know so they can feel more secure if the situation arises.  They may still tell the assistant no, but maybe not. 

- Are they old enough to touch up their own hair?  That makes a big difference.  Make sure they have a comb or brush and encourage them to use it before they get in the photo line.  Each school has rules about how children can get ready but most allow them to freshen up before their close up. 

Faces:

- It is all about being clean. Yup, having them check for stray dirt or food is a biggy.  The photographer should be looking too but if your child is on top of it you stand a much better chance of getting a neat, fresh face in the image. 

- Messy foods for snack or lunch are a no-no.  If it will leave a stain on clothes or smear on faces it should be off the menu for that day.  If they get their lunch at school, talk about what choices might work and cross your fingers they remember.  Actually, just hope the photos get taken before they eat anything.    

If you can follow most, if not all, of these suggestions you are well on your way to a great photo day, however there are two big rules that will make or break the experience for all of you. 

Rule 1 – Make sure your children know that you love how they look and you are going to love seeing their photos.  Seems simple but you would be amazed at how many children tell me that their mom thinks they squint too much or their dad doesn't want them to show too many teeth, too little hair, too much nose.  If it was pointed out to them, you name it, they will be self-conscious about it.  

I was there when my child told another photographer that, ‘my Mom thinks I have a fake smile but I can’t help it.’ He was so sure he wouldn't do it right that he couldn't relax and be himself.  I assure you; I never meant to make him self-conscious.  It never dawned on me that helping him practice smiling translated to me hating his ‘photo smile’ but to my son it did.  Now, my only suggestion when I drop him off in the morning is to think of something that makes him giggle because I love how his eyes sparkle when he is truly happy.  

Not stressing about how he looks in the image has allowed him to relax and have fun in front of the camera. Maybe that is what he is giggling about...

Rule 2 – Relax, it is just a school photo.  The honest truth is that school photographers get to spend on average 30 seconds with your child.  They try to pose them, click the shutter once, maybe twice to make sure that their eyes are open and move on to the next child in line. The best ones have their tricks to keep the children interested and giggling but it can't be 100% effective 100% of the time.  

Looking back, I have two grade school photos that are actually cute and one that is OK. The ones I really remember are the three that are cringe worthy but they are all me.  The time I gave myself a haircut four days before the big event. The day my mom tried a high ponytail that was low and to the side by the time my photo was taken and the one where I thought I would be cool and ‘pose’.  Don’t ask, it isn't pretty but it is pretty funny now. 

See, there really are no ‘bad’ school photos.  There are cute ones, funny ones and memorable ones, but they are all reflections of those faces that we love the best. That is what makes them wonderful.  As long as we remember that, then school photo day will be one to look forward to, not dread.  Doesn't that sound like a pretty picture?

Did you like this post? Check back soon.  School photo tips for your preteen and teen are on the way.  

Do you have any tips or tricks that make grade school photo day easier?  Please add them in the comment section.  I would love to hear them.  

All images used in this, and other Jean Terman Photography posts, are copyrighted.  Do not copy, print, or reuse. 

I love this time of year...

The birds are singing again.  The snow is receding and green sprigs of promise are sticking their heads out of the ground.  There are so many possibilities waiting out there as the days get a little longer and the wind a little warmer.

It is also the start of first communion season with boys dressed in suits and girls twirling in beautiful white dresses.  I love capturing these special moments for families.  The images are truly lovely and a great memory of such a special time. 

Call me at 201-301-3556 to schedule your child's session.  One more special memory to add to the joy of the season.

In loving memory...

One of the best parts of my job is getting to meet wonderful people.  This lady was a truly special soul.  She was funny, smart, sweet, and a bit sassy.  Her eyes told the story of her spirit and I was honored to be able to catch a little of it and reflect it back in a series of images for her family.  Heaven claimed a really good woman.  I know she has the angels doing water aerobics and rooting for her sports teams by now but earth will surely miss her.

Fall is almost here...

Help me find the perfect place to take your family photos and you may win your session!

 

 

I hate to say it but fall is just around the corner (ducking to avoid whatever you just threw at me.) Fall photo sessions are already booking. Want to win a free one? Suggest a great place for family photos in the fall and if I choose the location for one of my events, you win a session on that day*! OK everybody, where are some great fall spots?  The first person to suggest a location is the one who gets the session spot if I hold a fall promotion there.  (Make sure to read through the suggestions before posting. People are posting on the Facebook page too.  If you have Facebook head over to my page and post your suggest there.

I will take all suggestions through this Wednesday, 8/21/2013 and make a selection by 9/1/2013. Let your friends know! 

*If, for any reason, there are no location suggestions that work for this year's fall events a random drawing will be held using all the names from all the entries.  The winner will receive a fall event session at a predetermined location.  There is no monetary value assigned to this selection. 

A night of fun just for you!

I am so excited!  This year has been so much fun, working with so many people and helping them step up their web image and put their best face out there in the world.  Now we are taking it to a new level and making it a party! 

June 12th is our first Ladies' Night Out social networking event.  Come, have some food and wine, get some makeup tips and tricks to get all camera ready and then get a new head shot for your web page or social media accounts. It is going to be so much fun and you are invited.  Bring friends and make a night of it. 

Join us on Wednesday, June 12th from 7:00pm until 9:30pm

Pompton Plaza
200 Wanaque Ave. Pompton Lakes, NJ

All of this is just $60. Bring friends and you each get in for $45! Come with a group and make a real ladies night of it!

Make sure to reserve your spaces today! Go to http://jtp.bookmonline.com/schedules/social and sign up now.

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!