However, when it comes to having someone else take photos of me, or even the boys, I'm a bit of stress case. I know this is paybacks for all the hell we put my Mom through when she tried to take our annual Christmas card photo every year. (Someone generally ended up crying and there was a year or two where one child - uh, um, Erin - protested being in it at all.)
This past June when we finally got our family photos updated, I managed to get everyone bathed, pressed, dressed and out the door so I could put some lip gloss on while Ryan strapped the boys in the car. When I joined them a couple minutes later, I turned around to find both boys licking a sucker that Daddy had given them to keep them quiet. Poor Ryan. Let's just say I didn't express my appreciation for his ingenuity as well as I could have. And thank God for baby wipes!
I'm really excited about this post, because I think it's helpful - and it's always fun to look at amazing photos! I am fortunate to have a number of friends (and friends of friends) who are super talented professional photographers. Most of them shoot a wide range of events and styles, but for this, I asked each of them to zone in on one of their specialties. I think their advice is super helpful and I hope you do too.
And thank you, ladies, for sharing your gifts and providing us with souvenirs for this ride we call life.
Enjoy!
xo
Newborn
Mary Kaye Girst - Treetop Photography
www.treetopphotography.net (Riverview, MI)
I know all photographers have their personal preference, but what age do you prefer for newborns?
What works best for baby clothing?
M: I always prefer naked babies for newborn sessions. I have a handful of swaddle wraps, diaper covers, rompers and accessories that I let parents choose from if they wish. As well as, I always suggest they are welcome to bring anything they would like to be photographed, such as a blanket or a hat someone may have knitted. Simple is always better, because I feel newborns get lost in outfits and clothing.
What are some of the coolest personal touches parents have included in your newborn photos? (photo or two?)
M: The coolest personal touches for me are the parents and siblings with their new baby! There is nothing sweeter than capturing a mom, dad or sibling adoring their new baby boy or girl. I know parents may not always feel up to pictures right after having a baby (myself included!), but I always say it's a special gift to be able to share these pictures with their children when they become old enough to appreciate them.
Anything else you could tell parents that might make the process easier?
M: Come with any ideas you may have gathered from Pinterest or other photographers, but also come with an open mind.
Any tips for apparel? In your opinion, what seems to work best?
Which age is usually the hardest at capturing?
Anything parents can do to make the shoot fun (and easier)?
Niki Taylor - Niki Marie Photography
How soon after popping the question do most couples start booking their engagement shoot?
K: I find that most couples are booking me for engagement sessions six months to a year before their wedding date, although I've had a few couples wait until the week of their wedding! Keep in mind that an engagement session is a great time to see if you really mesh with your wedding photographer, so it might be better to know sooner than later if you decide that you'd rather have someone else photograph your wedding day. Thankfully, I've never had anyone decide they should go with someone else!
Do most couples use the same photographer for their engagement photos and wedding photos?
K: I would say most couples do use the same photographer for their engagement and wedding photos, but the most common exception would be couples who want destination photos. I've had several clients hire me from out of town specifically for mountain engagement photos.
I personally think it's really important to have engagement photos taken by your wedding photographer since it's a great time to see if you really mesh. Brides and grooms will spend more time with their photographer on their wedding day than probably anyone else, so it's important that you not only like their photos, but their personality as well! Even if couples have friends or family members take engagement photos, I can't stress enough how important it is to have professional photos taken by your wedding photographer as well.
I know all photographers have their personal preference, but what age do you prefer for newborns?
M: I only shoot newborns within the first two weeks from being born and I prefer to shoot within the first 4-10 days. I book newborn sessions during pregnancy and I put their child's due date in my calendar and ask they contact me the day or day after they deliver to schedule their session via email or Facebook. Newborn sessions last up to 2 hours and they are most sleepy and flexible with their positions during the first 10 days from being born.
Okay, I have had two babies refuse to sleep for more than five minutes total at their newborn shoots... what am I doing wrong?
M: You did nothing wrong! The first thing I try to tell my clients is to bring a bottle of patience because newborn sessions last up to 2 hours and every baby is so different.
My first go to tips are:
M: You did nothing wrong! The first thing I try to tell my clients is to bring a bottle of patience because newborn sessions last up to 2 hours and every baby is so different.
My first go to tips are:
1. Is the room warm? I have a small heater I turn on prior to my clients arriving and I keep the heater very close to the baby when undressing them, trying to get them to fall asleep, keeping them asleep and changing positions during the shoot. It's really important newborns stay warm since they typically do not have very many clothes on, if any. I've had a handful of parents tell me they left my studio and went straight to target to pick up a heater because they couldn't believe how well they slept during their newborn session. My heater is DEFINITELY my baby whisperer!
2. Are they full? Full tummies typically mean content babies. Sometimes an extra feeding can do the trick.
3. As I mentioned above, patience, patience, patience! Every baby is so different and it's important to stay calm and flexible. Sometimes a baby will fall asleep right away and sometimes it takes an hour.
2. Are they full? Full tummies typically mean content babies. Sometimes an extra feeding can do the trick.
3. As I mentioned above, patience, patience, patience! Every baby is so different and it's important to stay calm and flexible. Sometimes a baby will fall asleep right away and sometimes it takes an hour.
M: I always prefer naked babies for newborn sessions. I have a handful of swaddle wraps, diaper covers, rompers and accessories that I let parents choose from if they wish. As well as, I always suggest they are welcome to bring anything they would like to be photographed, such as a blanket or a hat someone may have knitted. Simple is always better, because I feel newborns get lost in outfits and clothing.
M: The coolest personal touches for me are the parents and siblings with their new baby! There is nothing sweeter than capturing a mom, dad or sibling adoring their new baby boy or girl. I know parents may not always feel up to pictures right after having a baby (myself included!), but I always say it's a special gift to be able to share these pictures with their children when they become old enough to appreciate them.
Anything else you could tell parents that might make the process easier?
M: Come with any ideas you may have gathered from Pinterest or other photographers, but also come with an open mind.
Family
Darcy Sherman - Sassafras Pic
www.sassafraspics.com (Superior, CO)
How have family photos changed over the years?
D: I think family photos have changed significantly over the years - now instead of just standard portraits, there is a lifestyle leaning - far more people are asking for candid moments to be captured.
What makes for a great location when it comes to family photos?
D: I prefer very simple locations - the more clutter that is in background, the less powerful the image is to me... that said, we live in a very beautiful area. Many people want that in their photos. I find background is very secondary and I don't give it too much importance.
Any tips for apparel? In your opinion, what seems to work best?
D: Clothing matters... stylish outfits make for more appealing photos - that does NOT mean everyone dresses the same... rather, everyone should portray their personalities through clothes they wear... color palettes should blend, but do not be afraid to add patterns! Stylish also doesn't mean super dressy - concentrate on footwear too - shoes that are dirty, super bright (athletic shoes on kids), etc. can really impact photo. I would rather barefeet any day, but cold temps require great boots, simple loafers or sandals - NO FLIP FLOPS!
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| "I love the energy that exists within families..seeing that connection is what makes for powerful images." -Darcy |
D: I have hardest time with newborns - many other photographers struggle with teens - that's a group I can connect with well, so I have no issues. It is all about making people feel comfortable - laughing at themselves, and not taking session too seriously.
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D: Parents need to take backstage during family shoots - NEVER tell your kids to smile, brush their hair, etc. let them be. They will be more relaxed and you will be happier with end results..best photos are from spontaneous expressions - not forced ones.
Senior
http://www.nikimariephoto.com (Clearwater, FL/Southeastern, MI)
When is the best time for seniors to start booking their senior photos?
N: I would definitely recommend for seniors to start booking their senior photos during the summer and fall. Not only does it give the senior more time to use their photos, it also is a great time seasonly.
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| "I love how these photos show the natural, raw emotion of each girl, and how the natural, golden light emphasizes their unique beauty." -Niki |
What makes for a great senior photo?
N: What makes a great senior photo is when my seniors feel confident and I am able to capture their personality and who they are as an individual. I’m also a lover for gorgeous, natural light!
I graduated back in 2001, when most students took their photos in a studio with more traditional options... do students still do traditional shots or has it moved away from that entirely? (any photos to show a more traditional shot vs a unique one?)
N: Senior photos are moving away from tradition entirely. I have actually had senior girls request to have their senior photo session more of a model session than a typical senior session!
Who seems to have the most fun on these shoots?
N: Girls definitely seem to have the most fun! It is always fun for girls to plan their hair, makeup and outfits for the session.
Engagement
Kerinsa Mullins - Kerinsa Marie Photography
www.kerinsamarie.com (Denver, CO)
How soon after popping the question do most couples start booking their engagement shoot?
K: I find that most couples are booking me for engagement sessions six months to a year before their wedding date, although I've had a few couples wait until the week of their wedding! Keep in mind that an engagement session is a great time to see if you really mesh with your wedding photographer, so it might be better to know sooner than later if you decide that you'd rather have someone else photograph your wedding day. Thankfully, I've never had anyone decide they should go with someone else!
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| "The clouds take up a large part of the photo, but my eyes are still drawn to her." -Kerinsa |
What tips do you have for a great engagement photo session?
K: The most important thing about your engagement photo session is to relax and have fun! Keep in mind that although candid photos are wonderful, it's important to make sure you find a photographer who you trust will make beautiful posed photos as well. Careful posing helps couples look natural and comfortable while making sure you're looking your best. Engagement sessions are also a great time to have your trial wedding hair/make-up done, so you can see how everything will translate through the camera. And lastly, I recommend that couples wear coordinating (not matching) outfits. I love fun colors, and a pattern is okay as long as the other person is in solids.
K: The most important thing about your engagement photo session is to relax and have fun! Keep in mind that although candid photos are wonderful, it's important to make sure you find a photographer who you trust will make beautiful posed photos as well. Careful posing helps couples look natural and comfortable while making sure you're looking your best. Engagement sessions are also a great time to have your trial wedding hair/make-up done, so you can see how everything will translate through the camera. And lastly, I recommend that couples wear coordinating (not matching) outfits. I love fun colors, and a pattern is okay as long as the other person is in solids.
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| "This is one of my all time favorites because there is no faking joy and there was a clear comfort level between these two." - Kerinsa |
K: I would say most couples do use the same photographer for their engagement and wedding photos, but the most common exception would be couples who want destination photos. I've had several clients hire me from out of town specifically for mountain engagement photos.
I personally think it's really important to have engagement photos taken by your wedding photographer since it's a great time to see if you really mesh. Brides and grooms will spend more time with their photographer on their wedding day than probably anyone else, so it's important that you not only like their photos, but their personality as well! Even if couples have friends or family members take engagement photos, I can't stress enough how important it is to have professional photos taken by your wedding photographer as well.
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| "Katie and Dayne did a great job of coordinating while not matching." -Kerinsa |
Wedding day photography seems to be the most pressure of all to me because you can't miss a moment (ie. can't ask them to redo the "I do")... what kinds of questions should couples be asking a photographer when they are looking for to book someone for their big day?
C: Ask your photographer about their approach and style. There are different approaches to the way that they insert themselves to achieve their artistic vision of the day. For example, a photojournalistic photographer captures the day as it unfolds without directing anything or inserting themselves in the moment. My personal style is fine art wedding photography, where I may clear the room, or move you outside to get the right lighting or to get a cleaner background, or direct a pose during portraits. Also, if you are considering booking someone, study their recent work! If you are drawn to their images, ask yourself what is it about them that you gravitate towards.
What can a bride and groom do to make sure they get great shots?
C: Schedule an engagement session. It’s a great way to get more comfortable in front of the camera as well as get a feel for how your photographer works without the pressure of the big day. Also, communicate with them! Your photographer wants to get great photos for you, and they will have advice and tips on how to achieve that. Communication also helps them get a feeling for what is important to you. If you are spending a lot of time planning style details, or are really excited about all your out of town family and guests, let them know!
Kind of a follow up to that... Does it help for the bride and groom to have a shot list? Do you provide them with that?
C: Definitely provide a family shot list to your photographer. List names and combinations of people in each shot. Coordinating big groups of people can take a lot of time. A clear shot list will help in getting the shots you need and finishing them quickly. Plus, it allows more time for bride and groom portraits! Your photographer wants you to be happy with your photos and will try hard to capture everything, but from time to time things get missed in the days events. So, if you have a piece of your grandmothers veil wrapped around the bouquet, or a piece of your mothers wedding dress stitched inside your dress, let them know so they can be sure to capture it!
When it comes to makeup, what is your recommendation? Do you need more than usual for photos?
C: In general, more makeup than what you wear normally would be recommended for your wedding day. But the main thing is to make sure you wear what you are comfortable with! A happy bride is the most photogenic and if you are unhappy it will show in pictures! I highly recommend scheduling a makeup trial with your makeup artist. Sometimes words can mean different things to different people, so if possible, bring an inspiration photo to show them. If you schedule it right, you can use your makeup trial for your engagement session!
C: In general, more makeup than what you wear normally would be recommended for your wedding day. But the main thing is to make sure you wear what you are comfortable with! A happy bride is the most photogenic and if you are unhappy it will show in pictures! I highly recommend scheduling a makeup trial with your makeup artist. Sometimes words can mean different things to different people, so if possible, bring an inspiration photo to show them. If you schedule it right, you can use your makeup trial for your engagement session!
