Master's Session: Preview

I'd like to introduce you to Eric! He recently graduated with his Master's degree in teaching and wanted a session at the University where he has spent many years working diligently to achieve such a wonderful accomplishment.
I had never been to the campus before and researched it online and arrived early to scout locations. I could not resist the grand architecture. There was a plethora of spots to choose from and Eric was an awesome subject. He is incredibly kind, yet loves to play football as a defender. So lots of knocking people over. Ouch! He is a coach and his passion for people will make him a great teacher.
See if you can spot what University he graduated from in this photo?

Congratulations Eric! You found a way! Thanks for the lovely session...

How to take better Newborn Pictures: Part 2

Taking Newborn Photographs Part 2:

How to prepare? Client

Many parents ask this question and here is my list:

1. Milk, milk, and more milk. I never hinder the parent from feeding the newborn as often as needed. In fact, this actually helps keep the baby in a happy state.

I ask the parent when the cutie has been eating and at what times to ensure I arrive close to a feeding. This way it gives me time to scout out the best light and set up, while the baby is eating.

If during the session the baby is hungry 2 or even 4 times-roll with it and have fun. 

2. Typically, most sessions are held at the home of the newborn, which means warmth is good. Putting on a heater can help tremendously with those naked baby shots. 

3. I consult with parents ahead of time to find out what style they want, if they have headbands or any props, do they want to be in the pictures, what images are they imaging to see when the proofs arrive.
4. Remind the client to take the diaper off or keep it loose at least an hour before the session. This way there are no diaper lines during the naked photos. 
How to prepare? Photographer

1. I always bring a bean bag, a couple cute blankets or fabric, a few props I've been wanting to use, a diaper pad(because little & sometimes big messes can happen. I always keep one under the newborn & out of the picture), a snack, water, & my gear. 

2. The gear I like to use:

     50 1.4 

     85 1.8 
     24 1.4
     Holga

     100mm macro

3. Patience. I have had a few sessions where the adorable baby gets fussy and then I will take shots of the parents holding him or her. Be creative and innovative. 
Also, wrapping a blanket around the cutie before, then as you set the baby down on the bean bag or whatever scene you have set up, then slowly taking the blanket off as the baby sleeps can help keep the baby calm. 

4. Be creative and listen to the client- a balancing act:

As you want to make the client happy first and foremost. 
Try to also takes pics that are new and something they haven't seen before. 
       a. Previsualize- I literally draw or write out a visual representation  of the session (maybe 2-3 scene changes) and show  the client what my ideas are to ensure we are on the same page. 
       b. I recommend using different textures and props to let your photography personality shine through, while still getting the shot the client wants. 
The reason being because you don't want to get burnt out doing the same poses, using the same props. You want to be innovative and stand out. Plus, you never know the client may love those pics.
5. Have Fun!!!!! 

I hope these tips help you in some small way...I am not an expert and have only  been doing this for a little while. These are the things I have learned thus far and wanted to share them with you.
I'd love to here any questions or tips you have?

How to take better Newborn Pictures: Part 1

I am not one to keep all the good info to myself. If I love a recipe I share it, if I adore a website I post it, and now I've been learning so many things that have been important in my development as a photographer over the past 3 years and guess what I'm sharing them!

I would like to say-these are my opinions and what works for me and hopefully they can help someone...

How to take pictures of adorable newborns:
Well first, I have to say this is one of my favorite, favorite type of sessions that I shoot,next to weddings. 


What to Schedule?: 
1. A meeting with the client to discuss the options that I offer: album, art pieces, print styles and types, framed, canvases, and just to get to know them better. I have a quick get to know them questionaire I cover to get to know their style & expectations a little more. In this meeting I also go over the contract. 
2. The babies delivery date: This is more of a time-frame, than an actual specified date (unless a c-section or enduction is planned, these are often set  on a specific date and time, therefore scheduling is for the newborn session). 
What I mean by this is that if the little bambino is being born natural, then blocking out a 2-3 week range around the due date will be helpful in planning out other appointments, but still being aware that this newborn will be arriving. Most Newborn sessions your dates will need to be flexible.
Keeping in contact with the client to get up-to-date information is important (This is where excellent client care comes in handy). 


When is the best time to take newborn pics?
Keep in mind the first 10 days of the sweet babies life are the best 10 days to schedule a session. This in my opinion is when they are most sleepy and easily posed. I typically shoot within  the first 5 days and earlier if the parents will let me:). (Now I have had newborns who don't sleep. What? Yes it's true. When my sisters Baby B. was born she was bright eyed the entire shoot. And guess what that is fine! Ultimately, we  are there to get great pictures that will keepsake this amazing gift. Use new perspectives, get more pics with the  parents, or in essence have fun. 


What camera settings are best?
I typically shoot wide open in manual with my prime lenses. This let's me focus on the details of the sweet newborn such as; eyes, ear, and hands. I use my internal metering to establish correct exposure. Indoors my camera has a tendency to under expose, so I compensate for this by overexposing 3/4th or so. This way my images will be correct straight out of the can. 


I hope you enjoyed this post and Part 2 will be out soon:)


Happy Tuesday!


     

Nicole (Baby Bump)- Maternity Photographer

I arrived at Nicole & Jason's on a Saurday morning. The sun had not peeked through the clouds yet...I was hoping it would some time during our session. I knocked on the door and immediately was welcomed with a hug. I could see the joy all over their faces. Baby books lined the coffee table, we went into the nursery. They showed me some of their inspiration (I actually was the decorator for the nursery too!) pink strips, a sweet chandelier, and lots of storage. I knew this baby is going to be so loved. Our session was so much fun and the sun did shine through for about 15 minutes. 

Thank you so much Nicole & Jason for letting me capture this amazing memory- your first baby bump!

Inspiration of the day

Inspiration can be found anywhere...

Brooklynn Rose {7 week session}- San Diego Portrait Photographer

Baby B.  is adorable! She is my one & only niece. I love her to pieces. She has the cutest little nose and big beautiful blue eyes. I had a blast having this 7 week session as part of my specially offered First Year Package. 

It  is amazing how quickly babies grow up...the process is an incredible thing to witness.

  I am overjoyed!

Bliss Productions

Bliss Video productions was started in 2002 and the owner Kristen creates the most beautiful, truly breath taking film videos. Check out there site...www.blissvideoproductions.com

They use super 8, 16mm, and other film to capture your day in an amazingly original way. 

Nicole + Jason- {smitten}

Nicole & Jason have been married for 3 years as of July 24th, they are the sweetest couple. 

May your love and joy last always!

Quotes...

On any given day I am always looking for inspirational quotes, ideas, photographs, anything to bring insight into my photography and my life. As I scroll through magazines, or am watching TV. I like me a good quote...

Here are a few lately.

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.

Mahatma Ghandi

It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.

Henry David Thoreau

An artist cannot do anything slovenly. 

Jane Austen 

Beautiful Day

Have a Happy Wednesday!

Inspiration of the day

 Many many times we will walk by objects that we see everyday, without taking the time to notice the beauty that is enveloping us...
I love this rod iron fence. Simple design. Age. Creams, greys, and browns.
I wonder how many times it has been painted? How many storms it has experienced? How many good night kisses by the front gate?
I encourage you to take the time to  find the beautiful details that surround you everyday.

Gulf Oil Spill Fundraiser

Image by awrc

Etsy Help the Gulf Coast

Etsy has put together a collective group of sellers who have donated art, prints, jewelry, clothes, and many other items with 100% of the sales going  to help  the victims of the oil spill in the Gulf Coast. Above are some of my favorites.

Buenos Dias!

Creative Live

I was reading Jasmine Stars Blog today & discovered this amazing concept. For all of you wedding photographers out there, actually any creative person. This is a neat (yes I said neat) opportunity to see a live wedding (yes I said live). On August 24th-August 29th Creative Live is going teach an online seminar hosted by Jasmine Star and Chase Jarvis. Check out the video...



Also, check out Creative Live for tons of information.

Bon Journee' everyone!

Grey Inspiration

Image by So Binique Blog

Luphia, Etsy, Flickr

Anthropologie

Inspiration is an important part of this industry. It is as important to find your vision, your individuality. But it can be hard to set yourself apart. There are so many beautiful photographs out there, "how can I possibly see something new?"
I am telling you, you can! It might take some thought and maybe a few tries, but it's worth it!When you look at an idea that has come to fruition and it works! What a great feeling!
My philosophy is to stay true to yourself. For me this has been and still  is an evolving process.
I often wakeup in the middle of the night with ideas for photo sessions, color schemes, and room decor. I   keep a note pad on my night stand to quickly write my thoughts down, so I can return to restful slumber (I love my sleep, you know). Lately, my thoughts have drifted to questions like, "How can I represent love without being cliche?"
This week I adore the color grey...cool, sweet, actually it's a neutral with an edge. It reminds me of love on a rainy day- cuddling under the covers, going for a walk hand in hand and splashing about through the puddles, and what calm a true love can bring. Love is not pretentious or disrespectful, but compliments and enhances the other. That is what grey does. I think that's why I adore this color so much...
Inspiration can come from anywhere...look out your window, go for a hike, talk to an old friend, or even skip through the interwebs til you find it.
I am always looking for inspiration for my photographs, whether a necklace or pillow.
I believe in promoting other creative ideas...
Check out the links above and I hope you find your inspiration today.

Noah {Little Blessing}- San Diego Portrait Photographer

Noah is energetic as all get out! He is innovative- forts anyone! He adores his mom-fresh picked flowers anyone! He is a great older brother-and  he is only  2 and 3/4th years old!

I truly enjoyed taking photographs of this cute kid...

Happy Monday everyone!

Bliss Books

image by alyssa nicole

images by Elizabeth Messina

Bliss Books is a uniquely wonderful way to archive your event...they offer a  Romance book and a story book-both  are absolutely beautiful!
I adore the customized art work,every last detail is carefully hand crafted to represent you. I am proud to collaborate with their design team to bring your vision to life. Let your individuality shine through...
Be inspired every time you turn a page or show a loved one your personalized album.
I cannot say enough about the quality  and design ascetic! I love it!

Please checkout their website for more options Bliss Books

I hope you had a delightfully memorable Holiday weekend...Au revoir!

Epiphanie Bag

After much debate and weeks of research...I finally gave in! I purchased an Epiphanie Camera Bag. 

One thing I really loved about this camera bag is that it doesn't look like a camera bag. It's stylish, yet super functional. I want to use it on trips and it would have come in handy at the wedding last weekend-darn, why didn't I think of that earlier.

I bought the "Lola" in black and am so excited to use it. This feeling reminds me of Christmas morning when I was 5 and I saw a Strawberry Shortcake bicycle under the tree, wrapped up with a big bow, built and everything!

When I get the bag I will do a full review of it and let you know what I think, but for now here are some images...

images from Beyond Snapshots

***Disclaimer: My shootsac is still my go to for sessions and weddings. 

Happy  Friday! 

Flash Mob-Seattle

Flash Mob makes people happy...or atleast it makes me happy! I like to watch the faces of the people who don't know whats going. They crack me up and make me smile. By the end I'm dancing with them (well maybe not around my living room, but you get the point).
Check out this latest video from Seattle. Over 1000 people participated! 



Happy Friday! Have a wonderful, delightful, and free spirited 4th of July Weekend.

Faith {Little Blessing}- Southern California Newborn Photographer

Faith is absolutely one of the sweetest babies I have ever seen. She slept the entire shoot and ate about 4 times. Her mom & dad are great friends of ours and I was delighted to take these pics of baby Faith...

Baby Faith you are b-e-a-utiful! Thank you for allowing me to share in this special addition to your family.

Little Blessings are so amazing!