L is for the way you look at me...

Those familiar with my style know that I prefer to shoot on location, outdoors if at all possible. However, I do have a small studio setup which I use on occasion (like for G's 18 month shots). I try to stay away from "picture people" type photography, because I want to offer something different. However, props are hot, and so I do use them on occasion. This coming Friday, I am embarking on something that may prove to be an insane idea. I have invited my playgroup over for free Valentines photo shoots. Why? Because I like them! Stay tuned at the beginning of next week for some of the proofs!!!

What's the fashion???

I often get asked, "What should we wear???" It is a good question, since the images I shoot will hopefully be family heirlooms for years to come. Here's my attempt at an answer.

Rule one: Babies are better naked.
Babies in general are more comfortable in the buff. That's how they've spent the past nine months. Now they have to worry about scratchy tags and shirts riding up around their heads. An uncomfortable baby equals a cranky baby, and most likely that's not how you want to remember your bundle of joy! That being said, a cute pair of booties, a simple hat or treasured blanket can add to the photograph.
Rule Two: No matter how much your child likes Elmo now, he won't when he's 19.
Granted, it can be hard to convince a four year old that wearing a plain polo and khakis is a good thing, but if you can do it, you'll be better off. Character clothing dates a picture, as well as adding distracting floating heads to the scenario, which I try to avoid. You want the focus to be on your child's big eyes, not his favorite cartoon character's.
Rule Three: Hats are good, shoes are not so good.
Hats, especially on babies and young children, draw attention where it is supposed to be drawn... to the face and eyes. However, I am not talking about the ball cap recently purchased at a major league game. Think classic hats such as the beret, a newsboy cap or a beautiful knit piece. On to the other end...shoes. Most kids will willingly kick them off, and I say, kick away! Bare feet in pictures create an easygoing and relaxed feel that you just don't get with patent leather or light up sneakers.
Rule Four: What about group shots?
Yes, khakis and white shirts on the beach does seem a bit cliche, but there's a reason for that. It works! It creates a timeless feel and you don't have to worry about uncle Eddie sticking out like a sore thumb in his velour track suit! Alternatively, you can choose a color theme such as everyone in either blue or white, or you could go adults in plain colors and kids in something a bit more flashy. I have no problem going through closets to make your portrait look good. Just ask!
Rule Five: Sometimes, rules can be broken.
If your five year old is edgy and loves to wear funky patterns and designs with tutus...BRING IT ON! It can result in a wonderful, contemporary, fun portrait that she'll probably want to hang onto well into college. The only rule I beg you not to break is the Elmo rule. It really just doesn't look good for pictures.

In the links under my profile you will find suggestions for places you can obtain great clothing and accessories. Most likely, you can find something similar already in your child's closet, and remember. I am here to help!

P.S. I have been asked if it's ok to make comments on my blog. By all means go ahead! It'll make me feel special!

Launch

Just wanted to let everyone know that my website is now working! The link is to the left above my profile picture. I am still "tweaking" and working on galleries, but they should be up soon. Please feel free to tell family and friends. Help me get my name out there! Thanks for your support!

Fresh baked baby

I very recently had the pleasure of photographing little Shane and his family. Shane was a preemie, and was not even supposed to be born until today, but he's already a month old. He's officially the smallest baby I have ever seen up close, but he's super strong, and super cute! Congrats to mommy and daddy on the birth of this precious little one!

Also, I normally only use a child's first initial for privacy issues, but Shane's parents wanted his first name used rather than just "S". And rightly so, it's a fantastic name!

He's really only 18 months...

Here is my G's 18 month portrait. I can't believe how OLD he looks. Now I see why the lady at Busch Gardens asked if he was three the other day (she thought I was trying to sneak him in free and he was too old)! He's on the 50th percentile on everything like height and weight, and has been pretty much forever, but for some reason this just makes him look like a big boy. Maybe it's the Jersey...

Little man "J"

Oh the joy and challenge of photographing toddlers! It's one of my favorite things about the job. Sometimes you get this...

Or this.....

But other times, you get something like this....

Thankfully, little J and I had a lot of moments like the last one, which officially means he is easier to photograph than my own tot!

B-E-A-utiful!

I recently did a session with little "O" and her mom and dad. "O" is a vibrant and beautiful 2 year old with eyes that literally I have never ever seen on anyone else! We went to a local beach front, and although it may look like a typical Florida sunset, it was FREEZING. Ok, as freezing as we get in Florida. At around 50* the wind snapping off the ocean was enough to make us all want to get a lot of shots FAST. And we did. I had a great time with this family. Good luck to mommy "M" on the birth of a new little one in March!