Tuesday Tip: Family Portraits

Summer. The ultimate time to get outside, and focus on family fun! Many people take vacations, and attend family reunions, go to weddings... its all part of the Family Photo Season!

Today, I wanted to give you a couple "out of the box" tips for capturing those family moments, without setting up a big "to-do" or stressing yourself out! You can add a lot to your basic snapshot by following a just 2 basic photography guidelines.

1. Learn some basic poses. If your taking group images, nothing ruins a good portrait like poor posing. It doesn't need to be any big deal! By utilizing this basic triangle you can successfully shoot 2 - 20 people in a snap!

The Stair, is created when one subjects eyes are in line with the others chin.

You can easily add people, by going from a single stair to a triangle.

Now you can add as many triangles to your image as you have people!

The key to this - is not to put anyone's head directly on top of someone else... you have to leave room to see part of their chest and shoulders! 

Tip: Keep children and babies in front, not only will this help you get their attention if they are close together, but it will also keep them from looking oddly small due to them being farther away!

Another classic pose is the: LINE

It doesn't get easier, just put everyone on the same line in front of you! 

2. Learn a couple easy rules of composition. These rules apply to all types of photography, and are common in all different types of art as well!

This shows you some guidelines for what's called "The Rule of Thirds" it simply states that 2/3's your image should be subject and a 1/3 dead space. (or vise versa). You see this a lot with off centered portraits, and landscapes like beach images where the horizon line will be the bottom 1/3 and the setting sun and sky will fill the top 2/3's!

Another MUST have in your bag of tricks is...

If your subject is wider then they are tall, shoot Horizontally.

 Taller then they are wide? Shoot Vertically!

I hope you put these super simple tricks to use this summer! Remember, it's more important to capture the moment... then to capture the moment perfectly. Relax and have FUN!

New Year!

Here we are again!

Happy New Year!

I find myself rarly making goals or resolutions for myself or my family during this time. It's simply something we have never really done as a tradition. The most I do for New Years is my salad made from:

Spinach: the green leaves look like folded money, and are thus symbolic of economic fortune. I added this after celebrating my first New Year in the south, when I lived in Atlanta.

Black eyed peas: My mom always did this, come to find out that according to Southern folklore, these are the first food to be eaten on New Year's Day for luck and prosperity throughout the year ahead.

Ham: Which I think comes from my Grandmothers German background, but  always went well with the back eyed peas I never really asked! When I looked it up I found out the cusm of eating pork is based on the idea that pigs symbolize progress. It is served not only in Germany, but Cuba, Australia, Spain, Portugal and Hungry.

Now, to make it a "salad" I typically dice the ham, cook and cool the pea's and dress it at all with a light vinaigrette and possibly some Mandarin oranges if I have some on hand from the holidays. 

 

New Year's Day, we used to have people over and mill around the house, catch up with friends from the holidays and watch movies. Giving a chance for some to recover from the previous night and always having lots of yummy foods on hand! It is, and always has been a relaxed "non" event. Don't dress up, don't stress. Just come over and hang out. 

 

We don't live close to friends or family now, so we are celebrating this holiday like most. Quietly. We will have salad, and snacks all day. Movies and computer games to be sure. But no big event for us this year! 

 

However, I can't say that its a bad thing. I have really enjoyed quiet holidays. Unplugged from the world and really focused on our family. 

Too smart.

Growing up I remember the Christmas that I realized Santa used the same wrapping paper as Mom and Dad... and had the same handwriting. It must have been around the second or third grade. The next year I was stealthy in my shopping picking up secret presents for everyone including myself, nothing big but little things and I wrapped them with paper I bought. We lived in a house in Alaska that we built, complete with wooden steps... I remember going up and down those steps and learning where to step so they wouldn't make noise... and I planned how to stay awake long after everyone else was asleep so that I could deliver my own Santa gifts to the family.

This act probably says a lot about my personality that I don't really want to analyse.



However, in trying to preserve the holiday for my child, I continue to purchase paper and hide it each year, donating the unused portion back to schools or other places. While Santa in our house typically doesn't wrap many gifts, he un-boxes things like barbies and sets them up, installing all the batteries when needed, and recycles the packaging ahead of time. This year the request was made for Santa to WRAP everything... *sigh* apparently Santa wasn't busy enough this year!

So this was the year in the rush I forgot to stick everything back in the closet one day, and my child saw it. The paper that is. I didn't say anything and just bundled up all the wrapping supplies and put them away. Hoping she wasn't paying attention. Only to have her ask that dreaded question Christmas morning... Mom... why did Santa use OUR paper?

Crap.

There are time when I wish my child wasn't so observant and smart.

I tried to explain that I knew Santa was extra busy and since he doesn't normally wrap all the gifts I had purchased extra paper for him to use... just in case. Turns out he used it! She looked at me with that "I know your lying to me... but I'm going to let you think I believe you look" and we left it at that. I am so sad that shes that much closer to figuring out the secret of holiday magic.

On the flip side, everything she sees and hears melts into her brain. I am extremely lucky to have such a smart child. She has extreme empathy towards animals and is learning some hard facts about life and how other people are not as lucky as we are. She requested that I find a animal rescue for people to donate money to instead of always giving her gifts a few days ago. I couldn't be more proud of my smart cookie!

Catching Santa!

Ok, this is SUPER cute!!!!

Since my daughter has decided that she doesn't want to go see Santa to do photos with him any more, odd since she was never afraid of him and we always did something fun like breakfast with Santa at the zoo with friends... but whatever. For the past 2 years we have done an email from Santa, where he sends a nice personalized letter saying how proud he is of her accomplishments and he is looking for a special ____ gift for her. She loves them. 

But this year, I found this, well being part of US Family Bloggers, the offer found me.  After going to the site, and checking out the process, I am totally going to do it! Plus, I thought I would share it with you all! What could be more fun! 

Basically you take a photo of your house, holiday tree, Grandma or Mom, and upload the image you want to use. Select from several images of Santa, like him leaning over to do a kiss, placing presents under the tree etc... the program combines the two images and poof - you "caught" Santa in your own home! You can print or email the image out right then!

http://www.icaughtsanta.com/

The service is normally $10, not bad... Here is a code I get to share with my readers for 25% off that... Code:SANTA2012

I am planning on taking some photos of our tree and working on this over the weekend so I can show you our image next week! I would love to see yours also! Be sure to link them to me if you post them! 

Oh and if you want to  have even more fun! Enter to win the ipad giveaway or learn how get a FREE Santa image here!

Ornament Exchange 2012

Well I admit, I am a little behind! However, I am super excited to share the ornaments I received!

This exchange was hosted and put together by Tutus and Tea Parties, a super cute blog btw! I highly recommend you get to know Robin!

I was SUPER lucky and got to double dip my ornaments... meaning I got to have 2 partners! My first, was Colletta from Colletta's Kitchen sink. She does a great job reviewing books and recipes! PLUS she has a super cute shop attached to it!

In fact! I had a great surprise when I opened my package, she had enclosed a newborn hat from her shop, to add to my prop box for babies! SUPER awesome!!!! I LOVE IT!

 For my Ornament she made me this sweetie.... which is now prominently displayed with all my other treasures on our family tree! Yes... I included the hat in this image so you could see how adorably small it is!

My other swap partner is from Eugene, Or. Where I spent a wonderful Christmas with family YEARS ago... I have really warm memories, even though it was bitterly cold when I visited.  Chrissy from Muse in the Mornings describes herself as ". I'm a mama, an artist and a kisser of owies, giver of snuggles and nurturer of art. I live in the heart of Oregon hippie country with The Hubs and my 2 adorable children" She has a great sense of humor and I have really enjoyed reading up on her life, craft projects and ooing and ahhing over her sewing patterns.

While I feel she got the short end of the stick on this exchange... I LOVED what she sent me - It is vibrant and colorful just like her!

I am super excited that I was connected with these ladies! Both offer such great shops and blogs I am certain that I will continue to follow them and I really hope you take some time to visit as well!

On a personal note... Yes.. the background is new,  it's a background mini - small and made just for these little objects! These are the first test shots with this color combo, let me know your thoughts!
You will see more of the mini's for sale in my shop come January, but if your looking to add to your photos, picking up a pre-made mini, or custom ordering one to match your shop colors is a great option!

5 days of Thankful: Day 5

Today, last but not least... in fact probally at the TOP of my list. 

I am SO THANKFUL not to work RETAIL - ESPECIALLY TODAY!

My heart really goes out to all of those underpaid, retail managers, and employees who have to deal with crazy people at midnight, and can't even enjoy their wine at Thanksgiving any more because they have to go to WORK!

I remember having to work from 4am to 11pm ( or later ) many times in studios, labs and retail photography stores, salaried so no overtime, being the person everyone yelled at when something wasn't right, and oh yea lets not forget mandatory 7 day work weeks... 

I learned a lot then.

Mostly, I learned that I don't care how good the deal is, how much I want something, or how much my family is driving me crazy, there is absolutely no reason to go out Thanksgiving Day, or Black Friday for ANYTHING... EVER.

Except maybe more wine.

So I am super thankful that I get to sleep in.

I get to spend time with my family.

I get to have thanksgiving leftovers and not cold pizza for lunch (if I got lunch)

and I am REALLY thankful that my business gives me the ability to unplug, and enjoy.

5 days of Thankful: Day 4

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Today I am thankful that my Eco-Friendly business gives me a reason to buy extra wine! No holiday of mine is really complete without it, and it is the only way to survive some holidays! Since I can claim the need for "new props" and reuse the corks and bottles for work... I am doubly thankful that my holiday, and job include many empty bottles :)

A Sweet Giveaway

Our lovley sponsor and my client Kim at Sweetsie's is hosting a giveaway! I was super excited to offer a very timely product for her to giveaway and I wanted to be sure each of you saw that you had a chance to win a little something from me... and a VERY big something from her! Oh yea... and some other great prizes from many other wonderful ladies! So here is the info and the links!

Thanks again Kim for offering this great opportunity for a lucky viewer! 

 <<Kim's post>>
Hello Everyone!  I have reached 100 followers and I'm so blessed and so very excited!  I've gained a few more since then!  Thank you, thank you!

So in honor of gaining enough followers and out of appreciation I, and a few of my good bloggy friends, have put together a little Give-A-Way!

Please join us and may the luckiest person win!

One winner takes all!!!

First of all, I will be giving away a {Sweetsie}Sampler!  Wait, not just one, but two!  One for you and one delivered to your friend or just keep both for yourself!!

Who doesn't love those personalized holiday cards?  Well, this is one that will beat even the best of the best!  Verte Photography is offering a card design to match your personality!

Next is Ms. Holli from over at Holli's Hoots and Hollers!  Holli has this beautiful unique ornament by one of her favorite artists that she is offering up for this special give-a-way!

And last but certainly not least is Pamela from Pamela's Heavenly Treats!  She is including some wonderful Ad Space to show you off!

Now that you've seen these wonderful prizes, get goin' on entering this Little but Certainly not Skimpy Give-A-Way!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Holiday Photoshoot: Reveal!

I had a BLAST writting my 10 days of Thoughtful photo series and I promised to reveal my own Holiday Card this year!

I also have been doing some guest posting around some blogs, and decided to challenge myself a bit. I didn't use any studio lighting, or equipment. In fact, I used a sheet from the resale store, and a "kit" lens that I had around! I also didn't use my background holder - I taped it to a wall, worked in my office (which didn't allow for much room to shoot), and I tried to use the tips that I specifically gave during that series!

This was TOUGH! I did use my bounce flash, with a white piece of foam core as a bounce which I hand held while shooting which was a tip from one of my lighting posts.

I picked our theme...

I picked our color pallet

I also came up with a fun take on what I wanted: Picked up some supplies... big brushes, paint, drop cloth to put under so paint didn't get on the wall or carpet, a sheet to paint on (that I am recycling into a fun new backdrop for my studio) and of course a new dress good for Thanksgiving this week also!

I set up the studio in the morning and then did a bath after lunch, so she could have new nail polish and pretty hair. (working without a time frame helped us a LOT)

I picked a day where this was ALL I had to do, no running to the store, no big dinner to cook... no other stress.

I even let her pick the first 2 outfits to shoot in, so she could have some fun playing "pop star" and "model"

Then I got her changed and broke out the paints!

I let her go to town!

I didn't pose

I turned on some music... and the paintbrushes became drum sticks...

We even changed the hair to take on her "rock" style.

and now... I can't choose!

Want to help?! Vote for which card you would use! Since most family/friends see photos of her often I don't mind sending the more artsy one with the paintbrush where her face is blurred. But I also love the other... it is just her! Crazy kid. So help me choose! Leave a comment and vote which one you like the most!

10 Days of Thoughtful Photos: Day 9

5 Rules of Composition!

(As a side bonus this post covers our TUESDAY Tip also!)

Now, if you are the one taking your holiday photos this year... this might be the most helpful information I can give you! Other then pointing your camera and getting everyone in the frame, there are a couple of tricks that pro's know to create a dynamic image! Composition is a CORE essential when it comes to photography or art of any kind. Understanding some basic "rules" will allow you to capture the right image, rather then trying to create it on Photoshop later.

TRUST ME! You want to save Photoshop for having FUN with your images, not FIXING them!

With that being said. Here are the Rules of Composition.

1. Fill the Frame with your subject. (imagine if Dad was shown... it would really limit what you could see of baby! Plus it would make him look HUGE because she is SO small!)

 #2 If your subject is TALLER then they are WIDE, shoot VERTICAL

#3 If your subject is WIDER then they are TALL shoot horizontally

Note: If you cant get what you need with your camera's zoom or lens, use your physical zoom... YOUR LEGS! Move yourself closer or farther to be able to fit your subject!

#4 Perspective or Viewpoint: Before photographing your subject, take time to think about where you will shoot it from. Rather than shooting from eye level, consider photographing from high above, down at ground level, from the side, from the back, change it up!

Angled Down

Standing on a chair leaning over (not for the faint of heart)

#5 Rule of 3rd's: Imagine you have a tic-tac-toe board over your frame. It is separated into 9 equal parts with 2 vertical and 2 horizontal lines. This rule says that you should position the most important elements in your scene along these lines, or at the points where they intersect. Filling either 1/3rd or 2/3s of your frame to do so.

NOTE! Some cameras even offer an option to superimpose a rule of thirds grid over the LCD screen! This is EXTRA handy when shooting anything with a horizon line so you can keep your perspective and horizon straight!

10 days of Thoughtful Photos: Day 8

Continuing yesterdays "what to wear" topic, were going to talk about how to come up with a color pallet for your photo shoot! If your not the "typical" family, or perhaps you want something more "trendy" or "out of the box" kicking up the style, patterns, and colors of your images will drastically change the "tone" or "story" of your images!

When selecting a colors and clothing to fit many people, skin tones, and personalities I suggest creating a color pallet. You can find say, the babies outfit with a bold print and then have everyone else do solids are pops of color taken from that print. You can also find inspiration from your holiday cards, if you already have one picked out. Or even from the location, or other images you LOVE!

One of my favorite tips I share with clients is creating a color pallet. I found Design-seeds.com to be AMAZING for helping people see what similar and contrasting colors look like in an image. Because they show the image, then take up color samples from it! Plus they make it easy to search, by color (using sliding bars) or by theme of the photograph, plus you can click on a color from one image and it will link you to other images where that color shows up!

When your shopping (or digging through the closet) you can use the colors to coordinate.Here is a sample of what I might have found... (for my pretend family of 5!)

Might I just say creating one of these boards - WOW does it give me a new respect for all of them I see online! This took way too much of my time today! However, just like a great portrait, it was totally worth it! Look how this fashion set totally works together. You have the pops of color, I added the purple from the pallet above, because that was the combo that I could find the orange in. But it completely works! Your, hip, comfortable and not super matching. It's got enough interest to add to any background!


Now if you want to kick that up a notch....

Lets talk for a moment about what I did. I kept the toddler outfit with my orange and a burgundy along with a neutral (tan in this case). Then I found something trendy with the very fashionable sparkles in a neutral for the teen, but added a very trendy jacket. Mom gets to sport some fur (VERY in) and a decked out casual top. The boys stay relaxed in coordinating tops (not matching... but adding some color and I gave Dad the option of an additional sweater so he is more neutral for shot with just him and mom. (AHH a thinker, I am!)

To either of these fashion boards you can add more by giving the teen a scarf or some orange jewelry, or funky shoe. Depending on how far out of the box you want to go. By mixing trends, the lace, sparkles, fur... but giving it balance with neutrals and core items such as the boys - we have taken the same color pallet and brought in some more interest and personality. Everyone gets to be themselves and will hopefully be happy to continue to wear each item!


Just for fun....

This is the color pallet I choose to work with for my holiday images this year! While I probably wont use all of them - I have really been liking the dark purple, charcoal-like grey and orange pops I have been seeing in the fashion stores while I was creating those fashion boards for you! I hope you remember to check in when I do my holiday photo reveal!

10 Days of Thoughtful Photos: Day 2

Today's tip is: Enjoy yourself!

I am a portrait photographer. However, I do NOT think that every great image is done in a studio.. or even by professional hands. It's not always the image that is posed, staged, or commanded, or even  bribed by mom that will create the best memory, or capture who the subject is at that point in time. I recently talked to a good friend about just this. It isn't that perfect photo that is captured that should be the focus of the "Family Portrait" but the memories you have of getting ready, playing in front of the camera, and a day of family togetherness that should be "remembered" when you look at that image.

If you, or your family puts so much pressure on being perfect, it wont be fun! I tell clients all the time - don't bother dressing the kids before you put them in the car... by the time you get here you will be a wreak that they have drooled, spit up, splashed in the mud puddle... whatever. Just save yourself the stress, and get dressed at the studio. The more stressed mom is the less fun, and the less productive the shoot will be - ALWAYS, regardless of age! I have kicked moms out of just as many newborn shoots as I have High school senior shoots... when it comes down to it - you have to have FUN!

Custom Design Card: Available now on our storenvy shop!

If little Suzie wants to stick her tongue out... and thats what she always does... thats her PERSONALITY. That's what you should capture! If everyone is laughing and rolling around in the leaves, and slightly blurry from the motion... isn't that better then blotchy eyes and runny noses in a serious pose? I don't know... but I would rather kick back and throw some leaves, stick my tongue out or eat some ice cream and call it a day.

10 Days of Thoughtful Photos: Day 1

Today starts my 10 days of Thoughtful Photos series!
My intention is to inspire creative thinking as you get ready to do your own (or have your own) portraits done for the holiday season.

Today, I am going to talk about... making it simple. Sometimes it is the simplest pose, or the accidental photo that creates a memory and a lifetime work of art. Don't overdo props in order to "create" utilize things that are important. Mom. Dad. Siblings. "Mr. Bear." If you are going to use a prop, in new born images or holiday images... have it make sense... if it doesn't ADD to the image get rid of it and just focus on your subject!