Branding, Engagements, MERGE, Portraits
Family Portraits — Let’s Be Real
The first question I always get: “What should we wear?” Here’s the lowdown:
Family portrait sessions can be a bit stressful, especially if you’ve got little ones or a big group. Trust me, as someone with four adult children, three grandkids, and a career as a professional photographer, I’ve seen it all. But don’t worry—I’m here to share my knowledge and help you prepare for a smooth, enjoyable session that results in beautiful photos you’ll love.
What to Wear?
- Coordinate, Don’t Match: Gone are the days of matching outfits. Instead, choose a color palette that works well together. If you’re planning to display these portraits at home, consider your home’s color scheme. If your living room is decorated in warm, earthy tones, you might want to avoid colors like teal and purple.
- Start with Your Outfit: Pick something you feel amazing in. Your confidence will shine through in the photos. Once you’ve chosen your outfit, build everyone else’s looks around it, using complementary colors and styles. For example, if you’re wearing a floral dress with pinks, purples, and greens, you could have one child in a green shirt and another in pink, while your partner wears a combination of those colors.
- Accessorize Thoughtfully: Accessories like belts, necklaces, bow ties, and hats can add that finishing touch. Avoid anything too trendy that might date the photos—think timeless and classic.
Preparing for the Shoot
Preparation is key to a successful session. Here’s how to get ready:
- Hair and Makeup: Consider hiring a professional for hair and makeup. It can be a relaxing experience and ensures you’ll look your best. If you’re doing it yourself, go for a subtle, natural look. Don’t forget to use hairspray if you’re curling your hair, and bring along touch-up items like lipstick and a brush.
- Get Plenty of Rest: A good night’s sleep is essential, especially for the little ones. Well-rested kids are happier and more cooperative.
- Pack Essentials: If you’ve got young kids, bring along non-messy snacks, a favorite toy, or comfort item. It can make all the difference in keeping them happy and engaged.
- Arrive Early: Aim to arrive a few minutes early so you can settle in and everyone can relax before we start shooting.
Grooming Tips
- Men: A fresh haircut a couple of days before the shoot is ideal. If you shave, do it the morning of the shoot with a new razor to avoid irritation.
- Ladies: Keep your skin moisturized in the days leading up to the shoot, and make sure your nails are tidy. Avoid high-salt foods to reduce bloating, and check your undergarments with your outfit to ensure no straps or lines are visible.
Confidence is Key
The most important thing you can bring to your session is confidence. Remember, it’s perfectly normal to feel a little awkward in front of the camera. My job is to help you feel comfortable and guide you through poses so that you look your best.
Should You Bring Props?
Props can add a fun and personal touch to your photos. Whether it’s something as simple as a favorite blanket or something more creative like brightly colored balloons or umbrellas, props can make your session unique to you. If you’re not sure what to bring, think about what makes your family special.
Final Touches
- Teeth: If you want to whiten your smile, start treatments about 2-3 weeks before your session.
- Sunburns and Tan Lines: Avoid them! If you tan, do so at least a week before the shoot.
- Ironing: Iron your clothes the night before and hang them to avoid wrinkles.
After the Shoot
Once we’ve wrapped up the session, you can relax and look forward to seeing your beautifully edited photos. I’ll keep you updated on when they’ll be ready. In the meantime, treat yourself to something special—you’ve earned it!
I can’t wait to capture these moments for you! Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the experience. See you at the shoot!
Branding, Engagements, MERGE, Portraits
Cozy Moments Mini Sessions 🌟
It may be heating up in the Bay Area, but I’m already dreaming of those crisp, cool nights where sweater weather rules and cozy movie nights are the vibe! 🍿 I’m beyond excited to kick off this year’s family mini-sessions with my favorite families!
I know it might feel early to think about family or brand photos but trust me, these sessions always book up faster than you can say “pumpkin spice latte.” That’s why I’m giving you a head start! Plus, I’ve got something extra fun planned this year (think colors!)!
Here’s the scoop
This year, I’m offering four different dates spread across September, October, and November, with a variety of locations and mini-session themes! Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, I’ve got morning and afternoon slots to fit your busy schedule. And, because I love my email list crew, you’ll get the first chance to book before these spots disappear—because they always do, and fast!
What’s included:
- 20-Minute Shoot
- 20 Edited Digital Downloads (choose your faves from all the photos taken!)
- Online Gallery for easy access, sharing, and high-quality prints
- FREE Prep Guide to make sure you get the best photos ever
Who’s it for?
These sessions are perfect for everyone! Whether you’re a family of five, a couple in love, or an entrepreneur in need of fresh headshots, these minis are for you. Want to bring along the grandparents or even book a double session for your extended family? Let’s make it happen!
Investment
Only $300 for all of the above! (My custom portrait sessions are $650, so this is a steal!)
Don’t wait—these cozy, quick, and super affordable mini-sessions are only offered once a year, and they’re sure to go fast!
To reserve your session, just pick your date and time, and send over a $100 deposit. Let’s capture some beautiful moments together!
MERGE, Portraits
Top Tips for Successful Holiday Mini Sessions
Welcome, to our guide on making family mini-sessions a blast! What is a better way to spread joy than through capturing and sharing family photos for the holidays?
In this post, we’ll share tips that not only capture beautiful moments of your family’s growth and changes. Let’s dive in!
CHOOSE A PHOTOGRAPHER YOU HAVE FUN WITH
When you choose a photographer that is joyful and positive, you (and your family) will have fun while taking photos and the photo session will be another memory for your family. When you’re having fun, there will be way more photos that you love.
KEEP IT PLAYFUL
I love to give families actions to take instead of freezing a pose and saying cheese. I love to capture candid moments of tickling, chasing, or making funny faces. These shots not only showcase genuine connections but also add a dash of humor to the mix and allow me to photograph the laughter that ensues after.
If your child(ren) is shy, you can always take photos with them in your arms until they warm up!
Wardrobe Coordination
Try to coordinate outfits without being too matchy-matchy. A color scheme or theme can tie everyone together visually. Bright, cheerful colors work wonderfully and don’t forget to consider the location’s backdrop.
I always advise moms to pick an outfit they feel beautiful in and choose the colors in that outfit to pick the rest of the family and kids.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
Mini sessions are, by nature, shorter than full sessions. Clients should plan around the best time for their family (see the next tip).
Plan to arrive early so you don’t miss the start time for mini sessions and allow for parking or traffic.
Happy Tummies and Rested Kids
To ensure children have the best chance of enjoying the photo session, parents are encouraged to feed them beforehand. A full tummy equals a happy, cooperative kiddo. Additionally, picking a time right after a nap can make a world of difference. Rested children are more likely to be cheerful and engaged.
Have parents bring along non-messy snacks just in case little ones need a quick energy boost. It’s a lifesaver if they get hungry during the session.
Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Kids can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to have baby wipes on hand. They come in handy for wiping runny noses, cleaning up dirt on faces, or handling any unexpected messes during the shoot or the drive over.
It’s a great idea to include all essentials like wipes, tissues, a spare change of clothes, and non-messy snacks in your diaper bag or purse for the session.
Professional Hair and Makeup
If your budget permits, consider professional hair and makeup. When you look and feel beautiful, your confidents shines through and it’s such a nice way to include self-care. The key here is to keep it natural, enhancing their features without overpowering them.
I have amazing hair and makeup artists that I can share with you!
Have Fun
Know that kids will be kids. They can be unpredictable and a good photographer will work with them in a way that brings out their playful side to ensure we get photos for mom and dad.
So, relax and have fun. Kids will feel your stress so be prepared but know we will get the shot!
Summary
Family mini-sessions are all about capturing moments of joy, love, and togetherness. Mini sessions allow families to take photos every year to document that growth.
My clients find taking photos every year also includes a family tradition and will create memories all on their own.
FAMILY MINI-SESSIONS?
Looking to schedule Fall or Holiday Photos? I have one indoor session and several outdoor sessions scheduled through November.
You can also book a specific time and date for a full family session!
Click Here
MERGE, Portraits
Do you ever look back at old family photos and feel a wave of nostalgia wash over you? There’s something special about being able to relive memories through pictures. However, family photos are often taken only on special occasions, leaving gaps in the story of our lives.
That’s why it’s important to make family photography a priority throughout the year. In this article, we’ll explore why capturing memories through family photos is so valuable. From watching your family grow and change to preserving family history, you’ll learn the many reasons why taking photographs of your loved ones should be a regular occurrence. So grab your camera and get ready to make some memories!
Watching Your Family Grow and Change
As you continue to capture your family’s memories through photography, you’ll also have the opportunity to watch them grow and change over time. From the first steps of a toddler to the graduation of a high school senior, family photos can document the milestones and changes that occur throughout a person’s life.
Whether you display them in a photo album or hang them on your walls, these images allow you to see the growth and development of your family members over the years. And not only can you look back on these images with fondness, but they also provide a tangible way to see just how far you and your loved ones have come.
Reliving Special Moments
In addition to watching your family grow and change, family photos also provide a way for you to relive special moments. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a family vacation, or just a fun day at the park, capturing these moments through photography allows you to revisit them anytime you want.
Looking at these images can transport you back in time and allow you to relive the joy and happiness you felt in that moment. You can share these memories with others, passing down stories and details that may have been forgotten.
Not only do family photos help you capture and relive special moments, they also become a way to preserve your family history. Family photos can document the traditions, experiences, and values that are important to your family. They can serve as a visual representation of your family’s unique story, allowing future generations to connect with and learn from their ancestors.
Preserving Family History
Family photos are more than just a way to capture and relive special moments, they also provide a means to preserve your family’s history. These images serve as a visual representation of your family’s traditions, experiences, and values, capturing the essence of your family’s unique story.
By prioritizing family photos, you are creating a legacy that will be cherished for years to come. And while digital photos are convenient, there’s something special about having tangible memories you can hold and pass down to future generations. With this in mind, let’s explore how you can create physical keepsakes that will help you further cherish the memories captured in your family photos.
The ultimate holiday express session experience
Family photo sessions just got a whole lot better! Our holiday express sessions offer 40 minutes of professional makeup and hair styling, sensory play for the kids, and 30 edited photos you’ll love. Book now!
Click Here
Creating Tangible Memories
By prioritizing family photos, you are not only capturing precious moments but also preserving your family’s history. While digital photos are convenient, there’s something special about having physical keepsakes that you can hold and pass down to future generations.
These tangible memories can be cherished for years to come and can help you further connect with the memories captured in your family photos. You can turn your photos into physical keepsakes by creating family albums, scrapbooks, or even printing them out and displaying them in your home.
By taking the time to create these physical mementos, you are creating a lasting legacy for your family. Making photography a priority is not just about capturing moments, it’s about creating a meaningful history that can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Making Photography a Priority
By now, it’s clear that family photos are an essential part of documenting memories and creating tangible keepsakes. But how do you make photography a priority in your busy life? Here are a few tips to help you prioritize photography:
1. Schedule regular photo sessions: Whether it’s a professional photo shoot or a family outing with your camera, scheduling regular photo sessions can help you capture moments and memories as they happen. Plus, it gives you a fun activity to look forward to as a family.
2. Keep your camera handy: You never know when a special moment will happen, so keeping your camera or smartphone handy can help you capture those unexpected memories. Try to keep your camera within reach, so you’re always ready to snap a photo.
3. Involve your family: Making photography a priority isn’t just about taking photos of your family, but also involving them in the process. Encourage your family to take photos and document their own memories. Not only does this give you more perspectives, but it also helps teach your children the importance of capturing memories.
By making photography a priority, you can create a habit of capturing and documenting your family’s memories. It’s not just about taking photos, but also about creating a legacy that can be passed down for generations. With a little effort and commitment, you can create a meaningful history that will be cherished for years to come.
Summary
As we wrap up, it’s clear that family photography is more than just a one-and-done occasion. It’s an opportunity to watch your family grow and change before your eyes, relive special moments, preserve family history, and create tangible memories. By making photography a priority, you can capture those fleeting moments and hold onto them forever.
So grab your camera, snap away, and remember the words of photographer Aaron Siskind: “Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.”
More tips and help!
DON’T FORGET TO PIN IT!
Engagements, MERGE, Picnics, Portraits
5 Reasons Why Picnics Are the Ultimate Romantic Gesture
It’s a warm, sunny day, the birds are singing, and you’re lying on a blanket with your significant other enjoying some delicious food and good company. What could be more romantic than a picnic? Picnics have been a popular date idea for centuries, and for good reason. In this article, we’ll explore the top five reasons why picnics are the ultimate romantic gesture. From thoughtful planning to creating a memorable experience, you’ll discover why picnics are the perfect way to surprise and show your partner how much you care. So, grab a blanket and let’s get started!
Thoughtful Planning
Creating the perfect picnic experience requires thoughtful planning. It’s not just about packing a basket with food and finding a nice spot to sit. You need to consider the setting, the time of day, and the weather. You also want to make sure you have all the essentials, such as plates, glasses, and utensils.
A well-planned picnic shows your partner that you care about them and their experience. It’s not just a spur-of-the-moment idea, but rather a thoughtful gesture that took time and effort to plan.
When planning a picnic, think about your partner’s likes and dislikes. Do they have a favorite food or drink? Incorporate those into the menu. What type of atmosphere do they enjoy? Choose a location that fits their preferences.
By taking the time to plan out the perfect picnic, you’re showing your partner that they are worth the effort and that you want to create a special memory together. It sets the tone for a romantic and intimate experience that neither of you will forget.
Intimate Setting
When planning a picnic, it’s important to consider the setting. The location you choose can have a significant impact on the overall experience. Opt for a spot that’s secluded and intimate, such as a quiet corner of a park or a secluded beach. This will create a sense of privacy and allow you and your partner to focus on each other without any distractions.
By creating a cozy and intimate setting, you’re setting the stage for a romantic outing that will leave a lasting impression. Your partner will appreciate the thought you put into selecting the perfect location and the effort you took to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
Catering to your partner’s tastes is an important aspect of any successful picnic, and the intimate setting will only enhance this gesture. By choosing a location that fits your partner’s preferences and incorporating their favorite foods and drinks into the menu, you’re sending a clear message that you value their likes and dislikes.
In the next section, we’ll explore how catering to your partner’s tastes can take your picnic to the next level and make it a truly unforgettable experience.
Cater to Your Partner’s Tastes
Catering to your partner’s tastes is an important aspect of any successful picnic, and the intimate setting will only enhance this gesture. By choosing a location that fits your partner’s preferences and incorporating their favorite foods and drinks into the menu, you’re sending a clear message that you value their likes and dislikes.
Perhaps your partner enjoys Italian cuisine, in which case, you might consider packing a delicious charcuterie board filled with Italian meats and cheeses, along with a bottle of their favorite red wine. Or, maybe your partner loves seafood, and you could surprise them with a picnic by the ocean complete with fresh lobster rolls and a crisp, chilled white wine.
Whatever the case may be, catering to your partner’s tastes adds an extra level of thoughtfulness to the gesture and shows that you truly care about making the experience special for them.
By taking the time to plan a picnic that caters to your partner’s tastes, you’re also creating an opportunity for deeper connection and intimacy. When you show genuine interest in your partner’s preferences and desires, it creates a sense of trust and comfort that can lead to more meaningful conversations and interactions.
In the next section, we’ll explore how unplugging and connecting during a romantic picnic can deepen your relationship even further.
Unplug and Connect
By taking the time to plan a picnic, you’re setting the stage for a truly special and intimate experience with your partner. And by unplugging from technology and the outside world during that time, you’re creating an even deeper level of connection. Without the constant distractions of emails or social media notifications, you’re free to fully engage with your partner in conversation and make lasting memories together.
Plus, creating a technology-free zone is an excellent way to foster intimacy and trust. It shows that you value your time together and prioritize your relationship over anything else. This sense of undivided attention can lead to more meaningful and vulnerable conversations that can help solidify your bond.
And the best part? Unplugging and connecting during a romantic picnic doesn’t have to break the bank. It’s a budget-friendly way to strengthen your relationship and create lasting memories that you’ll both cherish.
Memorable and Affordable
Another reason why picnics are the ultimate romantic gesture is that they are both memorable and affordable. Unlike expensive dinners or weekend getaways, picnics can be planned and executed with minimal cost. The lack of a formal setting creates a relaxed atmosphere where you can focus on each other’s company rather than the surroundings.
A picnic also offers the opportunity to personalize the setting and add your own touch to the experience. You can choose a location that holds special meaning for both of you or decorate the space with your partner’s favorite flowers. These small but thoughtful touches can make the moment even more special and memorable.
Lastly, picnics can create lasting memories that you will both cherish. The shared experience of preparing and enjoying a meal in a natural setting can evoke feelings of happiness and contentment that will be etched in your mind for years to come.
Trust the Experts
The best advice I can give is to book a picnic expert, like Glamour and Stars in the Bay Area. They provide the most romantic picnics and you can pick from a variety of styles to surprise your loved one with the picnic style they will appreciate and remember forever.
What a much better experience to be able to arrive and have everything set up and ready to go and bonus, you don’t have to clean up after yourself!
Don’t forget to capture the moment. You can add on photography by yours truly to have photographs to remember the day! Click here to check out information!
My Favorite picnic company in the Bay Area is Glamour and Stars. They have the most creative and beautiful picnics that can be customized for you and the planning, setup, and cleanup are perfection! Check them out here.
Summary
Overall, picnics are a cost-effective way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and focus on each other. They are a simple yet effective way to create lasting memories that will strengthen your bond and make your relationship even more special.
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MERGE, Portraits
Five Reasons To Take Family Photos Every Year
There are so many things that make it hard to think about having family portraits taken. Let’s be honest, it’s easy to say oh we’ll do it next year and then you look up and it’s been five years! You’ve missed kids growing by feet, missing teeth and so much that you would love to see in future years.
It’s easy to make excuses NOT to make time for family photos, but here are 5 reasons that you SHOULD have professional family photos taken!
I will add a personal note: I have four adult children and 3 grandchildren (with one on the way in December). I WISH I took more family photos and looking back, the time is so minor compared to the lost time of missing photos and missing seeing them grow. Having the images I did take on my walls and in albums, gives my grand-babies the opportunity to see their parents grow up and for us to see how similar my adult children looked to their babies. One thing I can promise is that you’ll NEVER regret taking the photos!
If you’d rather watch a video, scroll to the bottom! Ok, let’s get to it!
1 | Create Memories
Memories tend to fade and the easiest and fastest way to remember memories is with photos. When you see a photo, you tend to go back in time to that moment. Children change especially often, but even you as a parent age. I always say the best time to take a photo is NOW — you will never be younger than you are today.
Even the act of scheduling and taking yearly family photos themselves are crating memories for your family. Where you go, the laughs you have are all a memory. Capturing these changes and growth enables us to capture a timeline of milestone ages and events.
2 | You’re Not Just Taking Them for Yourself, But for Future Generations
Capturing the holidays, the old photo albums come out and memories flood the room as relatives recount stories from their younger years. While at the time, you might not care about photos of you, your grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be overjoyed that they have pictures of you to remember you by.
My kids LOVE to look through my albums of family photos and my wedding album. It’s a way for your kids and young adults to connect with you.
3 |Document Growth
Babies grow so quickly, I always encourage my families to get a Growing Baby Plan which is heavily discounted sessions for newborns, 3 months, 6 months, and one year. They are helpful because having a new baby is a whirlwind. Half the time you forget about all kinds of things as you are in the moment with them.
Kids grow so fast. Family portraits are a great way to document their growth progress, watching them change from year to year. Also, looking back on past trends and styles will be sure to provide a laugh in the years to come.
4 | You Never Know When the Last Chance for a Family Photo Will Be
I have always had former wedding photography clients contact me asking to create a piece of wall art after a loved one has passed with the photos I’ve captured for them. The same is true for family photos. When a loved one passes away, photos are WAY more important suddenly.
Here’s a personal story: I always photograph each family gathering and my family always complains. I photographed Father’s day since my grandfather was 95, but I also capture the whole family. Sadly my father passed away suddenly a few months after that and those photographs are so cherished to me. More importantly they are super important to my adult children and their grandchildren, who never have the opportunity to meet him.
Bottom line, life is always too short and it’s unpredictable. Unfortunate things happen without warning and loved ones may pass unexpectedly. Take advantage of the time you have together now so that you won’t regret not taking those photos.
5 | High-Quality Photos to Last a Lifetime
In today’s world with shared albums on our cell phones, Instagram, Tik-Tok, and Snapchat, we don’t think about having photos taken professionally. And, we almost never print them. I feel like this will be a lost generation with so few images printed and so many lost digital images over the last decade.
With the quality and digital size images professional photographers create, you’ll never have a problem creating large images to put on your wall, printing holiday cards, or making cool unique gifts for birthdays and holidays for loved ones.
As a bonus to my clients, I have a professional printer attached to my online galleries, so they get a photographer’s discount on printing quality professional prints that last generations and not fade after 8 years from Walgreen, Costco, etc.
