Archive for the ‘Session Information’ Category

Maternity Photography: What to Expect | Phoenix Maternity Photographer

April 9, 2010

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Pregnancy is probably one of the shortest times in a woman’s life, yet it is full of anticipation, excitement, surprises and wonder. Some women even feel their most beautiful when they are pregnant. I encourage every pregnant women to consider maternity photography. It is a time to celebrate the gift of new life.

If you are pregnant or know someone who is pregnant, and are researching maternity photography, you may have many questions. I’ve compiled some frequently asked questions with my own answers and suggestions:

“When should I schedule my maternity photography session?”

I recommend women to schedule their maternity photography session between 28-36 weeks. This is the time where the pregnancy is showing but not too close to the due date where the mother-to-be may miss her scheduled photography session due to an early delivery. It is up to you to decide when within the time frame to schedule a session. Some pregnant women want to be as far along as the can for maternity portraits. Other’s may feel their best before the last few weeks of pregnancy.

“I would love to bring my husband and children along, do you photograph families during a maternity photography session?

I love photographing families. It’s my passion. So please feel free to bring your significant other and any children you may have. Photographing interactions between family members not only allows for variety in your maternity portraits, but adds another dimension of emotion in your photographs.

“I don’t want the studio look that other mainstream photography businesses provide. Can I can choose a location that has a special meaning to me?”

I am a location-based photographer. I have a portable studio that I can bring with me, but I specialize in environmental photography. We can choose an outdoor location or we can hold the maternity session within the comfort of your own home. I am flexible with whatever you have in mind. The wonderful thing about custom portrait photography is that YOU are in control.

“What is your style as a maternity photographer?”

My style as a phogorapher is very relaxed, organic and emotional. I love capturing interactions between loved ones. There is an astronomical difference between a stuffy posed picture and a portrait that looks like a special moment has been caught. The personalities of the people in it are revealed and the photograph can almost tell a story. The photograph becomes a personal reflection of a mother’s love for her unborn child.

I am experienced in creating beautiful black and white photographs that are almost abstract in concept. This style looks beautiful when implemented with maternity photography. The natural curves of a pregnant woman mixed with contrasty directional lighting result in a beautiful effect.

I also specialize in natural settings. Phoenix has some beautiful parks that stay green all year. I can recommend some if you are interested in more natural maternity photographs.

Pregnancy is a very personal experience. Depending on how comfortable you are, I am available to photograph intimate, yet classy maternity portraits as keepsakes.

“How do I prepare for my maternity photography session?”

Take into consideration what you will be wearing to your maternity photography session. Make sure to wear a shirt that flatters your pregnant figure and shows off your belly. Try to avoid “frumpy” clothes; you want to look your best. A solid colored maternity shirt or dress is ideal for your photography session.

If you are wanting an fun, outdoor session, bright colored, stylish clothes look best. If it is cool out, dressing in layers will add depth to your photographs. Accessories like a textured scarf or cute hat add an element of fun and whimsy.

If you desire more natural, simplistic maternity photographs, I can provide a variety of fabric to wear as a wrap. This will give your portrait an artistic, polished look. For these kinds of portraits where much of your skin is showing, avoid tight-fitting bands from maternity pants. These will leave pressure marks. You can also roll the band down at least an hour before your session. Also avoid sock lines by either wearing low cut socks or none at all.

The best piece of advice I can give you on how to prepare for your maternity session is to just relax. This is an enjoyable experience where you can capture the wonder and excitement of your pregnancy.

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Newborn Photography: What to Expect | Phoenix Newborn Photographer

February 22, 2010

Is there anything on earth that is more precious than a newborn baby? Newborn photography exudes a certain calmness that I can’t describe. I know how special and fleeting the first few days of your baby’s life are. When my son was born, I don’t think I ever looked away from him for at least a week, He was not only the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen, but he almost seemed to change and grow right before my eyes. I took countless photographs in a desperate attempt to capture this tiny, peaceful stage forever. Now, only a year later, I cherish every image of his first days because I know he will never be that small again.

My passion for newborn photography stems from a desire to provide every new parent with the opportunity to document their newborn’s first few days as well as turning images of their precious baby into fine art. My style for newborn photography is a little different from the rest of my photographic work. I take a minimalist approach by eliminating background distractions, and implementing muted colors so your newborn is the primary focus of the image. In order to create the perfect newborn portrait, There are a few guidelines to follow:

“When should I schedule my newborn session?”

To insure the sleepy, curly newborn poses, I advise scheduling a newborn session within 10 days after delivery. Parents of breastfed babies should wait until the mother’s milk comes in so your newborn will have full tummy. For baby boys, I recommend waiting until after the session to schedule his circumcision .

“How long will my newborn photography session take?”

Newborn photography sessions take at least 2 hours and, depending on the baby’s disposition, may take up to 5 hours. Multiple  newborns may take even longer. Please reserve the entire day for your photography session.

“How do I prepare for my newborn photography session?”

Newborn photography requires a good amount of planning and an insane amount of patience. My goal is to recreate a womb-like environment for your newborn.With any newborn baby, there are a set of rules and guidelines I require with all my sessions.

I prefer to go on location to the client’s house for newborn sessions. This way, everyone is comfortable and all the baby’s necessities are easily accessible. Newborns are also surrounded by the familiar sounds and scents of home. To prepare your home for a newborn session, I suggest you do the following things:

1) Open all of the blinds in the house and turn off all of the house lights. When I arrive, I will walk through the house looking for the best source of natural light to do the session. I will bring a portable backdrop stand and some other equipment I have mentioned below. I will also need adequate space to set up everything.

2) About an hour before your session, turn your house temperature to around 80-85 degrees. Newborns love to be warm, especially when they’re naked. I will also bring a space heater for added warmth.

3) Please keep young children and other distractions that could cause startling loud noises out of earshot. I want to create a quiet atmosphere to keep your baby calm and asleep. I will bring a noise machine or will ask to use a hairdryer/vacuum cleaner to help with ambient noise.

4) Make sure your newborn is well fed and sleepy when I arrive. Many images I take require your baby to be in a deep slumber.

5) I love capturing sweet moments with Mom, Dad, and other siblings. To keep the focus on your baby, please have available a solid gray, cream, black or brown shirt, blouse or sweater. Make sure your outfit is washable because I guarantee there will be accidents with a diaper-free baby in your arms.

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Family Photography: What To Expect | Phoenix Family Photographer

January 20, 2010

If I had to choose one type of session to photograph the rest of my career, I would gladly choose families. Family photography is my heart and my passion. Interactions between parents and children, brothers and sisters, even kids and their pets, can speak volumes in just one photograph. If you are interested in family photography, But you don’t know what to expect, this blog post is for you.

“What do I wear to my family photography session?”

This question is probably the most popular of all family session inquiries. Sorry, there really is no right answer. It really depends on the type of photography session you’re envisioning and the personality of your family. One thing I will stress to you is try to think beyond white shirts and jeans give color a chance. Here are a few helpful hints:

1) Search around for a cute outfit and base the rest of your family’s clothing colors around that one cute ensemble.

2) Choose two complimentary colors and purchase your family’s clothes with similar hues.

3) Take into consideration your home decor. You’re going to be having those beautiful family photographs displayed in your house. Try to keep the color scheme the same in your family’s clothing choice

“I’m worried the kids aren’t going to be able to stand still long enough for family photographs.”

If this is you, then you’ve come to the right photographer. I specialize in kids being kids. Children usually behave best at the beginning of the photography session; while I’m still “that weird stranger with the camera”. Once they warm up to me and their surroundings, that’s when their attention spans diminish. For this reason, I usually try to get all the “sit still and smile” poses out of the way. Once their done with that, we move on to a more lifestyle photography style which allows for natural interaction between family members; you know, the candid pictures that emanate your family’s personality. So you can see the difference yourself, here’s a good example of a more traditional, posed session, and here is a more relaxed, lifestyle family session.

I also suggest you come to your family photography session prepared for an activity. Bring a large quilt and some snacks for a picnic, set up a tea party, bring bubbles and wands, play some classic lawn games such as croquet or bocce ball, fly a kite, or bring some sidewalk chalk and let the kids loose. This will not only give the kids a chance to focus their energy and loosen the older ones up in front of the camera, but will also provide fun, natural poses that come together to tell a story.

“How long will our family photography session take?”

I allow as much time as possible to photograph the best pictures for your family session. On average, a family of 3-5 people will last 1-2 hours. Larger families require a little more time. I limit my scheduled sessions to one per week. This gives you my undivided attention not only during your photography session day, but also during post processing and ordering. As a result, you will never feel rushed during your family photography session or after.

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