Friday, December 29, 2006

I haven't done a Riley session in a while so today I took the time out to do that! I like to do a real concentrated shoot on her every now and again. Since she got a TV in her room we've been spending alot of time there, I know I'm bad, but now its a comfortable place to watch DVD's, color, and play with her new Christmas toys!

My mother is...not a very talented photographer. She uh, cant take a picture to save her life, and doesn't really "get" technology!(sorry mom!) I've always had the label of "family historian" even before I considered photography as a profession. Most of my child hood pictures are sparse (last child, my parents didn't care anymore), blurry beyond recognition, taken from so far back you have to squint (zoom!!!), or just scary! But I still love them, and laugh at them because they are memories of course! I think the photos I take of Riley now, are more for me than for her, but I think when she's older she will appreciate all the pictures I've taken of just the normal days like this. Well, she better!!

So, hey moms!! Here are some tips for taking better snapshots of your kids! (i'm testing out my new logo for my blog)

1.TURN OFF THE FLASH! On any occasion I am shooting a child I will not use a flash unless abslutely nessecary! You'll end up with that ugly direct fake flash look, harsh shadows, and youre kids will probably squint/close their eyes. Open the blinds/curtains in your house and let the natural light flow in!

2.Act natural! I admit I am an offender of using the "look at mommy!" every once in a while. But 95% of the time I am just shooting her being herself. I couldnt have captured this adorable face if I made her flash me a big one. :)

And this one, I just let her color in her book like she always does, nothing posed. She looked up at me on her own, I swear!!

3. Details!- Its always fun to look back at the little things, whether it be a favorite toy or an image of their little hands and feet. I have one picture of Riley's little baby feet, that I will love forever!

4. Silly faces!- sure the direct look at the camera and the smile from ear to ear is nice for grandma and grandpa but do you want an album full of that?

5. The most important of all tips is to...CALL ME! :)

Just ONE more important thing I should add:

1. Don't dress your kids in a rediculous fluffy over the top outfit just for taking pictures. You'll look back and ask yourself, "what was I thinking" or your kid will ask "mooom! Why did you put me in that outfit!?!?!". I know you've done it, dont deny it! Stop now! For my "lifestyle" sessions with Riley I usually make sure to put her in something simple and timeless. But for special pictures I will put her in something crazy and fun!

3:42 PM

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