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Choosing the Right Props for Your Next Photo Session

Have you ever thought about adding props to your photo sessions? Props can add interest, depth and an extra flair to your pictures. Get your children to hold coordinating flowers for a spring or summer shoot. Love sports? Then use baseball bats or a football theme in your next family photo to bring out your passion. Here are a few tips for ways to incorporate props in your next photo session.

Avoid trends. While you might have recently seen a few photos that incorporate a specific prop, try not to use something that will not look really dated in 20 years’ time. Classic is definitely better and there are many fun options to choose from.
Be realistic. It’s easy to go wild when thinking of a theme for your photo session. You should decide on one that you can actually find props for. For example, if you want to use seasonal props, try and source them in that season as they’ll be easier to find and before you decide to remake your favorite movie scene, think twice about whether you’ll be able to find suitable outfits for everyone in the photo.
Size matters. There are some larger props that work really well in photo sessions such as using your grandpa’s farm tractor as a background piece. However, there are some larger props that can take away from the beauty of the photograph altogether. Make sure that your prop enhances the photo and doesn’t detract from it.
Make it meaningful. If your child has a favorite stuffed animal or if you have a musical instrument that you treasure, try and incorporate it into your photos. This way your pictures will have more meaning to you and your family.
Use what you have. Make the current season work to your advantage by using what’s available. Leaves in the fall make for amazing props in photos and don’t cost a thing.
Don’t bring a multitude of props as you are the focus not the props and families can spend so much time trying to work with props instead of focusing on getting a great image.

Remember, using props can be the perfect addition to your photos, but make sure that they don’t become the main focus.

You can read more information on how to make a photo session with kids easier.

Top 5 Tips for Making a Photo Session with Kids Easier | Jen Vazquez Photography

MERGE, Portraits

Top 5 Tips for Making a Photo Session with Kids Easier | Jen Vazquez Photography

If you’re preparing for a photo session with your children, you may be feeling a bit apprehensive. Children aren’t always easy to deal with, which is why the below tips will definitely come in handy before your upcoming photo session.

1. Don’t make a huge deal out of it. If you’re stressed out and cranky, your kids will usually pick up on it and act accordingly. Their behavior will usually be better if you are relaxed and having fun. You may have to make some compromises to keep the peace such as letting your energetic daughter’s hair stay straight instead of curling it into because she won’t sit still. Focus on the big picture and don’t sweat the small stuff.

2. Make it fun. Let the kids have a couple “fun pictures” where they get to pick their own pose or props. You get to keep the more serious photos while they get to keep their silly photos. This way everyone wins. If you are struggling to get your kids to sit still, turn the photo session into a game. Simon Says usually works like a charm.

3. Be prepared. If you’re going to be out for several hours, ensure that your children are well rested and have had their nap. Bringing some snacks and activities along is also a great idea. If you are having your own photos taken too then you might want to bring a babysitter or family member along to watch the kids. If you happen to be shooting in a remote location, you never know when you might need something like bug spray, tissues or a first aid kit so bring that along too.

4. Be patient. Save your sanity by trying not to control the photo session too much. Sometimes the best photos come from kids just doing their own thing. Work with your photographer and your photos will look fantastic.

5. Have a chat. Get your children talking to the photographer about topics such as school or their favorite songs. This allows them to feel more comfortable around your photographer and will also give your photographer a chance to capture a few candid and cute expressions.

6. Let the Photographer direct the Shoot. If you talk with you children, they will look at you and not allow the photographer to capture an image with them looking at the camera. I always tell my clients to always look at me and smile – then as I talk to the children, I’ll get them to smile or giggle or laugh and capture that perfect shot.

If you would love to have a family shoot and capture your child like never before, click here to contact me.

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Tips for Beautiful Fall or Winter Photos | Jen Vazquez Photography

MERGE, Portraits

Tips for Beautiful Fall or Winter Photos | Jen Vazquez Photography

There is a special kind of magic that comes with outdoor, winter photo sessions. There’s a chill in the air but the light is phenomenal! Here are some tips to make your winter or fall photo sessions go smoothly.

Dress warmly. You will be surprised at how often this is overlooked. Since you’ll be standing outside for a long period of time, short sleeves, thin fabrics, and open toe shoes will not be comfortable for very long. Shivering makes it hard to look happy and pose properly. If you want to wear something that is more summer in the winter, then bring a sweater or coat to wear in between shots.
Wear sunscreen. Protecting your skin should be a priority throughout the year, not just in summer. Use a good moisturizer to protect your skin from chilly winds.
Be flexible. If the weather isn’t exactly what you had hoped for, see if you can still make the photo session work. If you are however scheduling this session in advance, you may just have to work with the weather on that particular day. Some of the most beautiful images came from when it was raining. The overcast sky is like a filter from mother nature and makes for stunning images.
Incorporate color. Even though fall and winter have some amazing colors to work with, why not wear a splash of color to really stand out in your photos? For example, vibrant shades of blues and greens look amazing amongst crunchy brown leaves.
Plan your day. Taking your photos just after the sun rises or just before it sets will provide you with amazing lighting so try and plan your session around those times.
Be Prepared! Take some hot tea, hot chocolate or coffee along to make your photo session even more enjoyable and get ready for some beautiful results.

Schedule your Fall or Winter photo shoot now by clicking here.

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Best of 2015 – Creative Photographer in Santa Clara

Engagements, MERGE, Portraits, Weddings

Best of 2015 – Creative Photographer in Santa Clara

We are so proud to announce that Jen Vazquez Photography has received great reviews from Thumbtack customers for projects related to creative photographers in Santa Clara, CA and the whole Bay Area.

We are honored to have 30 reviews and they are all Five Star reviews. Here are a few:

5/5 stars Acting Headshots Verified Review: Working with Jen was such a great experience! I’ve never taken headshots before and she made me feel comfortable and at ease in front of the camera. She gave me really good direction during our session and emailed me tips before I came to see her for our shoot. Such a wonderful lady and experience, thanks Jen! ~ Natascha B.

5/5 stars Portrait Photography Verified Review: Jen was professional, flexible, and fun. She made the experience for my daughter and her friend a pleasant and relaxing one, while still getting the job done right. I would definitely use her again. Thanks, Jen! ~ Cheryl W.

5/5 stars Portrait Photography Verified Review: I had a fabulous time working with Jen as she took my senior portraits. I’m someone who’s typically camera shy but Jens charming personality brought genuine smiles to my face and I couldn’t be happier with the results! ~Rose R.

5/5 stars Portrait Photography Verified Review: Jen is an amazing photography and truly a delight to work with! My husband and I were so impressed with her skill and her ability to work with our children 5 and 7. They were no tears throughout the entire photo shoot and she had our photos uploaded the next day. Once we chose the photos we wanted she had them edited and back to us the next day again. She is awesome and I would highly recommend her. The best photography experience we’ve ever had. Thanks Jen ~ Tonya Z.

Los Gatos Maternity Shoot with Randa and Scott

MERGE, Portraits

I had the pleasure to photograph Randa and Scott’s engagement photos before they got married in Hawaii. Of course they had to include their beautiful dog Lulu who is very photogenic.

Fast forward, and now they blessed me with the honor or photographing their maternity or belly shoot.

Randa is a beautiful pregnant women both inside and out. She’s one of those women who are blessed to be all belly.

Scott and Randa are very excited to be having a boy who they will name Preston.

I had a blast photographing them at Oak Meadow Park at Vasona Park in Los Gatos.

CONGRATULATIONS Randa and Scott! I’m looking forward to photographing baby Preston’s newborn shoot.

Dani High School Senior 2014

MERGE, Portraits

Dani’s High School Senior 2014 Portraits! I had so much fun with Danielle and her friend. These two high school girls are very active in their school and super focused on going to college. Plus they are total dolls! Here are some pictures of Dani’s photo shoot.