A few weeks ago, Leslie gave me the opportunity to test out a new location for my maternity clients (as well as seniors… some fun trash the prom dress sessions may be coming soon).  We started with some great shots in the field with the beautiful backlighting of the evening, and then we moved down to the water.  Leslie braved the cold water for me to let me test out some ideas I had.  Thanks Leslie!  I can’t wait to meet your baby boy

I recently had the opportunity to photograph Wyatt and his family. What a adorable, happy guy Although he wouldn’t give me his biggest smiles for the camera, he did give me some pretty cute looks. I absolutely love the ones with Dad in his dress whites too. Thank you for serving our country Scott

What a fun session this was!  We met up at Kayak Point and braved the somewhat chilly weather to get some great photos of the extended family.  Little Miss Ashley was turning one a few weeks after the session, and Connor is very into Alvin and the Chipmunks right now   He loves it when you scream “Alvin!”

I finally had the opportunity to photograph a new baby with a ton of hair!  Isn’t Ruby adorable with the thick dark hair?

Here is my next What to Wear Wednesday installment.  This time, I decided to do a set of clothing for three sisters to wear during a summer photo shoot.  I put the approximate ages of the girls I would put in the outfits just to give an idea as to what I am going for.  All clothing found at the Gap or Old Navy (the one year old’s shoes).

I am a little behind on tip Tuesday, but thought I would post this anyway.  I have recently been asked questions about how to take better photos for those who are starting to learn on their DSLRs.  Here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Get down to their level and get close

Often, when you first go out and take pictures of your children, you start by standing and watching them play, and photographing them doing what they do best.  This is a great start, but if you try getting down to their level, you will have a better perspective on their world. Lay down on the grass.  Sit with your child. Then practice getting close.  Sometimes, the best photos are a close up of a face… or a hand, or foot.  I love photos of faces with the focus on the eyelashes… play around and see what you like.

2. Think about the rule of thirds

Often, the best composition for a photograph is not one that is centered.  Try dividing the photo into thirds, both horizontally and vertically (think of it like a grid), and then trying to have your child on a third.  Even if you want to center your child horizontally, you can always make sure your child’s eyes are in the top third.  This still presents a pleasing composition.

3. Be aware of the light

Watch for harsh sunlight (this often will blow the details out of an outfit, or your child’s skin), or dappled light (spots of light that cover the subject).  The best light for photographs is either a cloudy, overcast day, early in the morning or late at night, or  open shade on a sunny day.  Look for light in your child’s eyes.  Sometimes, it helps to have your child look up slightly to get that light in their eyes.

4.  Pay attention to the background

Something that can often ruin a great photograph is a distracting or busy background.  When you are taking photos of your children, look at what is behind them.  Make sure there is not a pole or tree sticking out of their head, or some other part of their body.  If you are setting up a photo, look for a consistent background… it could be a bush, a fun wall, or a hill of grass.  Watch out for garbage cans, lots of people, or anything else unattractive or distracting.

5. Experiment with different angles

Besides getting down to your child’s level, you can also work on finding different angles.  Try getting above your child and looking straight down on them. If they are laying down, experiment with taking a photo with their feet closer to you.  Think about what you may be trying to accomplish, and then play around.

6.  Connection with the subject

This can either be a connection between you (the photographer) and your child, or a connection between the child and something else in the photograph.  I often see a lot of photos with children looking at someone else outside the frame of the photo (a parent, another child, etc.).  A more compelling picture would show interaction with you, or with a toy, a flower, or another object (just make sure it makes sense… that it tells a story).

It has been awhile since I did a what to wear wednesday and since I am getting into senior portrait season, I figured I would do a post for the senior girls.  I have recently discovered the store, Love Culture and think they have some fun outfits for senior girls to wear in their portraits.  Here are a few that I liked, but go check out the store to see more great clothing options.  I love to see senior girls in cute dresses with fun accessories (i.e., jewelry, hats, sunglasses, etc.) or fun, layered outfits.  When you come for your session, bring lots of options and we can have a great time

senior girl clothing from Love Culture

Back in April, I had the opportunity to meet the kids at the Experimental Education Unit (EEU) at the University of Washington.  The EEU is a early childhood center that provides classes the have a great mix of children with and without disabilities.  The focus is on inclusion, not only for the benefit of the child with a disability, but also for the child without a disability.  The social integration of children with and without disabilities greatly benefits all children, and will impact these children throughout their life.  The EEU also collects data to continue to learn the best ways to enhance the experience of all the children.

I have always been interested in the needs of those with disabilities, and how unfortunate it is that our society does not seem to understand that best way to include these amazing individuals in our society.  We often feel the need to place them in special classes, facilities, etc., and while it may be beneficial to have specific areas in which extra help is needed, inclusion is very important for the development of the individual, as well as an accepting and loving society.

Here are a few photos from the two days I spent at the EEU getting to know the children and the staff.  This school has already embedded itself in my heart and I hope to continue to help in any way I can.

Meet the Cohen Family… full of fun, laughter, smiles.  Andrew is just about to turn two and he loved to run around the park just laughing and enjoying himself.  He loved the old tow truck I brought for him to play with.  We tried to get him to blow on the dandelions, but he decided it was more fun to shake them

I finally got a chance to take my daughter’s year and a half photos (albeit at 19 months)!  We had a great time trying out my new backdrop and some fun pettiskirts.