Archive for March, 2011

Anyway – enjoy these imgaes of my cuties and if you haven’t yet – be sure to check out the Blog Carnival post from Monday and my new digital pricing that is under the “Information” tab above, then “Specials”.

I have teamed up with an amazing bunch of photographers to bring my readers information on all aspects of working with a custom photographer. So here’s the deal. . .check out my article on “Preparing for your custom photography session.” Then when you are done, you will see a little bit about the next photographer and her article, with a link to her blog. The fun continues on through a team of photographers and amazing topics. You do not want to miss out on this!

Newborns
If you are considering a newborn session and thinking “Oh this will be easy as pie to get ready for, he/she is just going to sleep the entire time!” Think again! Newborn sessions take lots of preparation by the client ahead of time. It is important to have your new baby photographed within the first two weeks, so the first step is to book your session when you are still expecting. This will ensure that your photographer has the time reserved in his/her schedule for you. It is also important keep in mind that many newborn sessions can last for at least two hours. Be sure to pick a session date that allows your family plenty of time so that you are relaxed. Newborns with big full bellies will be sleepy babies. I always tell my clients to feed the baby as close to the session time as possible. Since I am an on location photographer, I often tell parents that if the baby is due for a feeding when the session starts, go ahead and feed him/her then. I’d rather set up while you are feeding than have a baby that is hungry an hour or so into the session. Warm babies are sleepy babies too, so if you photographer is coming to your home, turn your heat up, I always say to 78-80. In the summertime, just be sure your air conditioning is turned off.

Babies & Toddlers
I know you’ve heard it before “The way to his heart is through his stomach.”, well this old adage rings true for little ones too. Always schedule your session soon after a meal. Having a snack ready at your session is a great idea, but if your session is an hour before lunch, it’s likely that a few cheerios won’t cut it for your little one during the session. On the topic of snacks. . .please don’t bring snacks that will stain your babies face, or clothing! Stick to things like crackers, water, apple juice. Even goldfish with dribbled out. . .isn’t pretty. The timing of the session is important too, always schedule your session around nap time. Don’t try to work your little one’s naptime into the day by doing it a bit late or a bit early. Keeping your baby on “schedule” is always the best policy. So mant babies and toddlers are shy or experiencing stranger anxiety. This is ok, just be sure to tell your photographer and let them in on the things that make her happy. Then your photographer knows ahead of time which verse to their special song they should memorize. . .or if singing scares them too! Of course, if your little one is sick call your photographer to discuss the possibility of rescheduling. While a photographer can edit a scratch or bruise on your little one’s face, we can’t add a smile or remove the red watery eyes from a cold.

Children & Families
I always find that the most important consideration for older children and families is the wardrobe. I see families agonize over this. First and foremost, make sure everyone is comfortable. While the gorgeous taffeta holiday dress will make an amazing portrait, if your daughter is itching like crazy from it, she won’t be smiling in the picture. Now I’m not saying don’t photograph everyone in their holiday best because Lord knows I love that look too, just make sure it is comfortable! Choose clothing that expresses who the child is and what you want your photographer to capture about them. When in doubt, just ask. I tell my clients to take a picture of a few outfits they are considering and email them to me. I’m more than happy to check them out. I am always happy to help look for outfits online if clients send me links too. Also consider your location when choosing the clothing too. Even with older children and families, eating a good meal before the session is important. Please don’t tell your children “Just a few pictures and then we will go to (insert restaurant with amazing ice cream sundaes that they love) as soon as we are done.” When you do this, they just want to get through the session to get to the meal. Consider making your entire portrait day special and go out that special meal first. I always tell parents of older kids that may be anxious, to let their children know that I simply want to have fun with them. I want to be their friend, I want to play and I want to capture them on my camera while doing it. If your photographer is portrayed as another adult that is going to boss them around, they aren’t going to be up for having their portraits taken by the photographer.

Bottom line – when in doubt, just ask. Your photographer will always be happy to point you in the right direction. We always want our clients to have the very best experience and it always begins at that first phone call or email!

Next Up – Please check out Custom Digital Images on their blog at http://blog.customdigitalimages.com/custom_digital_images/. The topic is “Why your baby/child’s age is an important consideration for the type of portrait you would like.” Photographer Mary Ann Talamo provides custom child photography in New York and Staten Island.

For a complete listing of all of the photographers involved and their articles, please head up to the “Information” menu on the top of my blog and check out the “Photography Blog Carnival”. You will find awesome photographers and amazing information.