I thought I'd use this blog post to address a question I've been asked more than once this week alone! "Can I get the unedited photos too?"
There are a couple things that need to be said before I answer, so that you have a full understanding of why I'm answering the way I am. First, when I take a photo I'm not overly worried about the composition of the photo. Did a foot get in the picture when it shouldn't have? Not a big deal, if everything else is perfect, I'll just touch it up and clone it out. I can change the crop in the editing stage as well, so that a photo with a lot of blank space or background becomes a much nicer portrait.
Second, I take a LOT of photos in a session. A one hour session typically has me shooting between 150 and 300 photos. Generally, the client will get between 35 and 50 photos, edited. The reason is, about 60-75% of the photos I take are almost identical. A tiny adjustment here, slight pan out there... Oh you blinked in this one... I shoot so many, because I want to be able to choose the absolute best photos I can for you. I want them to be perfect. But rest assured you will be receiving at least one of every pose we do - I dont' hold out on you!
So, when someone asks me if they can have the unedited photos, I'm wary about saying yes. Not because I'm hiding anything - trust me, you were there, you saw the pictures I was taking! It's because I want to preserve the perfection of the shoot - I don't want you to know about the blinks or the blurs or the overexposed. I want you to take your photos and just love them as they are! I want you to look at the edited photos and say "these are perfect", not see the mass of unedited ones as well and wonder what I was thinking!
So thats not to say you can't ask me - I understand that you want as many photos as you can! But trust me when I say i'm giving you the best of the shoot - if there's a picture in particular you think is missing, please tell me. There may be a good reason, but more often than not I can edit the photo and send it off to you!
Capturing moments you'll never forget!
Monday, 25 April 2011
Saturday, 23 April 2011
Sweet little Ayslin
So read back a couple blogs, you'll likely find where I said that babies can sense me coming. Well, I found one that didn't mind! Sweet, sweet little Ayslin was a wonderful model and just loved sitting in my baskets - this was perfect for me, because thats just where I needed her! He had such stunning blue/green eyes and an innocent little face. I could have snapped pictures all day, and she likely would have let me! We got away with only one tiny little accident too - poor mom had a bit of a wardrobe change, but the shoot was marvelous anyways!
Ayslin's parents found me on a friends recommendation - there really isn't any greater compliment than when a family chooses you AND tells their friends to do the same. I truly feel blessed to have found a calling that I love so much, and havign people enjoy my work, just adds that little bit more to it.
Without further ado - here's the Easter teaser of sweet little Ayslin!
Ayslin's parents found me on a friends recommendation - there really isn't any greater compliment than when a family chooses you AND tells their friends to do the same. I truly feel blessed to have found a calling that I love so much, and havign people enjoy my work, just adds that little bit more to it.
Without further ado - here's the Easter teaser of sweet little Ayslin!
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Amanda & Greg... expecting!
Saturday had friends of ours, Greg and Amanda, coming to the house to have their maternity session done. Amanda was glowing... 33 weeks pregnant and not a stretch mark to be found. She was so excited for the shoot, she went to have her hair done in the morning, but as luck would have it, the weather turned and her curls fell. Despite all that, we managed to get some wonderful shots!
Greg, on the other hand was a ball of nerves! Although we've known Greg and Amanda for years, Greg was still nervous in front of my camera. I hope that by the end of the shoot, Greg felt a little more confortable with the situation, but regardless of his feelings, he looked good in the pictures!
Expecting a little girl, here are some teasers from Greg and Amanda's maternity session:
Enjoy!
Greg, on the other hand was a ball of nerves! Although we've known Greg and Amanda for years, Greg was still nervous in front of my camera. I hope that by the end of the shoot, Greg felt a little more confortable with the situation, but regardless of his feelings, he looked good in the pictures!
Expecting a little girl, here are some teasers from Greg and Amanda's maternity session:
Thursday, 14 April 2011
Welcome baby Reese!
On Sunday, my good friend Diane, her hubby Rob and their daugther Rylie welcomed their newest addition, Reese, to the family. 7lbs, 11oz and absolutely perfect, this little stunner is sure to have boys going crazy when she's older! Look out daddy!
I'm not sure what it is about babies - I think they can sense when it's time to be photographed, and they instantly wake up! There isn't much I can do to get them back to sleep, trust me, I've tried it all! I've had mum's feed their baby 5 and 6 times to try and get them drowsy... but it generally only works for a couple photos, then it's back to the crying. And I get it, babies... I get that you don't like being naked. I get that you want to be cuddled... I try to take up as little of your time as I can!
Reese, true to baby form, did her best to make the shot challenging. She peed, she spit up a little... she even pooped on daddy! But that's what makes my job the most fun - trying to work with someone who doesn't want to be worked with!
Despite not wanting her photo taken, we got some great shots! Here's baby Reese!
I'm not sure what it is about babies - I think they can sense when it's time to be photographed, and they instantly wake up! There isn't much I can do to get them back to sleep, trust me, I've tried it all! I've had mum's feed their baby 5 and 6 times to try and get them drowsy... but it generally only works for a couple photos, then it's back to the crying. And I get it, babies... I get that you don't like being naked. I get that you want to be cuddled... I try to take up as little of your time as I can!
Reese, true to baby form, did her best to make the shot challenging. She peed, she spit up a little... she even pooped on daddy! But that's what makes my job the most fun - trying to work with someone who doesn't want to be worked with!
Despite not wanting her photo taken, we got some great shots! Here's baby Reese!
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Baby Nicole
On Sunday, after my son's 2nd birthday party (where did the time go?) I went to Newmarket to do a 'newborn' shoot for baby Nicole. Nicole is 5 weeks old now, so a little older than I'd like for newborns, but we made it work.
Nicole's parents are parents from my son's daycare, and their son is the same age as my little guy. So it was nice to see the dynamic between two siblings that aren't my kids!
Anyways, back to business. Nicole was an adorable little girl - she was always JUST about to smile, but hasn't gotten there yet. And the poor little girl was so mad at me for trying to move her around and pose her - this was one of my most challenging shoots yet! I did manage to capture some beautiful stares, and she didn't cry the whole time, so we got some nice pictures in the end!
Now, the teasers...
Nicole's parents are parents from my son's daycare, and their son is the same age as my little guy. So it was nice to see the dynamic between two siblings that aren't my kids!
Anyways, back to business. Nicole was an adorable little girl - she was always JUST about to smile, but hasn't gotten there yet. And the poor little girl was so mad at me for trying to move her around and pose her - this was one of my most challenging shoots yet! I did manage to capture some beautiful stares, and she didn't cry the whole time, so we got some nice pictures in the end!
Now, the teasers...
Squishy & Sleepy - preparing for a Newborn shoot
One thing I've been asked over and over regarding preparations for a shoot is "What do I need to do for my baby's photoshoot?" and the answer is really quite simple!
First, about an hour before the photographer is due to show up at your house, you should turn up your thermostat. I have found that warm babies are happy babies, and since your little one will spend a good portion of the shoot wearing nothing but a hat, 75deg is a good point to start.
Second, keep the baby up as much as you can in the hour or more leading up to the shoot - you don't want your baby to be on the verge of waking from a nap when it's time to photograph them sleepy. I suggest, for a newborn, wake them for at least an hour before the shoot, try everything to keep them awake!
Third, have on hand anything special you want to include in the shoot. Is there anything that you had in your maternity shoot that you want to carry to the newborn shoot? Is there a teddy bear you had when you were a child that you're passing on? A blanket for the new babe? All these little props will make your session that much more special. I, of course, will come with hats, cocoons, bowls, baskets etc... but the personal touches are what makes it special!
Last, try and relax! I'm not in any hurry when I come to your house. If the baby is fussy, take your time in soothing him or her. Feed your child when they need to be fed, cuddle them if they need a cuddle. Most importantly, like I mentioned earlier, a happy and comfortable child will be happier, sleepier and squishier in the photos, which is generally what we're looking for!
First, about an hour before the photographer is due to show up at your house, you should turn up your thermostat. I have found that warm babies are happy babies, and since your little one will spend a good portion of the shoot wearing nothing but a hat, 75deg is a good point to start.
Second, keep the baby up as much as you can in the hour or more leading up to the shoot - you don't want your baby to be on the verge of waking from a nap when it's time to photograph them sleepy. I suggest, for a newborn, wake them for at least an hour before the shoot, try everything to keep them awake!
Third, have on hand anything special you want to include in the shoot. Is there anything that you had in your maternity shoot that you want to carry to the newborn shoot? Is there a teddy bear you had when you were a child that you're passing on? A blanket for the new babe? All these little props will make your session that much more special. I, of course, will come with hats, cocoons, bowls, baskets etc... but the personal touches are what makes it special!
Last, try and relax! I'm not in any hurry when I come to your house. If the baby is fussy, take your time in soothing him or her. Feed your child when they need to be fed, cuddle them if they need a cuddle. Most importantly, like I mentioned earlier, a happy and comfortable child will be happier, sleepier and squishier in the photos, which is generally what we're looking for!
Sunday, 10 April 2011
Beautiful Belly - Danielle's Maternity shoot
On Saturday morning, I met Danielle and her growing family. I can't say enough about her, she's beautiful, sweet, glowing and just was a real pleasure to work with!
Danielle brought the soon-to-be big sister Claire for some pictures, and she was just a doll - the second mommy bared the belly, Claire ran towards it to give a kiss! It was just so beautiful, I can tell that Claire is going to be a doting big sister, and the soon-to-be baby will be blessed with an incredibly loving family!
Now, on to the teasers from the shoot!
Danielle brought the soon-to-be big sister Claire for some pictures, and she was just a doll - the second mommy bared the belly, Claire ran towards it to give a kiss! It was just so beautiful, I can tell that Claire is going to be a doting big sister, and the soon-to-be baby will be blessed with an incredibly loving family!
Now, on to the teasers from the shoot!
Friday, 8 April 2011
Maternity sessions - how they work
In light of my maternity session tomorrow with Danielle Hely, I thought I'd blog a little bit about how a maternity session runs.
Generally, after everything is set up on my end, we do a couple shots to get the client comfortable. I find that if you're saying over and over in your head "relax your shoulders, relax your shoulders" that the pictures will turn out beautifully, because you're relaxed and comfortable.
Next, we do a couple poses of JUST the sibling(s). You want your kids to feel like they're involved and you want them to be comfortable when you tell them to kiss mommy's belly - so what better way that to make them the star of the show for a little. After the sibling pictures, we re-introduce the expecting mum to do a couple shots with mum and her children. Then in comes dad, and we do some family shots. At this point, I can pretty much guarantee the younger siblings will be tired of playing along and we move straight into pictures of mom and her belly.
Thats not to say that you can't reintroduce your children in when you've done, say, a wardrobe change. You're welcome to do any pose with whoever you'd like. I'm here to guide you and make sure you're comfortable! You tell me what you have to have to make the shoot worth it to you.
Now, if you have any props at home you want to have involved, here's your chance. A pair of shoes you have waiting for their arrival; a bear you had as a child; a quilt you're waiting to use - all these things make wonderful props, because they can be used again when you have your newborn shots done. It's a continuity that looks wonderful in photos. I have the wooden letter blocks, and with those, the oppurtunities are really endless - spell the baby's name, spell "boy" or "girl" just plain "baby" etc.
As far as what to wear, this is a question I'm asked a thousand times over. Wear what makes you comfortable. Period. Like I said previously, the best pictures are where you're comfortable. I like to have a black or white camisole or sports bra for the maternity shots, but only because they showcase the belly so well. If you're not comfortable with bare belly shots - no problem! We can make it work with yoru shirt covering your belly! I suggest that you have/bring at least one shirt that has no pattern if you intend on keeping your belly covered.
So, aside from that - if you have any questions regarding your shoot, the best person to ask is your photographer. I'm more than willing to answer any questions you may have, so that when you come, or I come to you, you are happy with the service you're getting!
Generally, after everything is set up on my end, we do a couple shots to get the client comfortable. I find that if you're saying over and over in your head "relax your shoulders, relax your shoulders" that the pictures will turn out beautifully, because you're relaxed and comfortable.
Next, we do a couple poses of JUST the sibling(s). You want your kids to feel like they're involved and you want them to be comfortable when you tell them to kiss mommy's belly - so what better way that to make them the star of the show for a little. After the sibling pictures, we re-introduce the expecting mum to do a couple shots with mum and her children. Then in comes dad, and we do some family shots. At this point, I can pretty much guarantee the younger siblings will be tired of playing along and we move straight into pictures of mom and her belly.
Thats not to say that you can't reintroduce your children in when you've done, say, a wardrobe change. You're welcome to do any pose with whoever you'd like. I'm here to guide you and make sure you're comfortable! You tell me what you have to have to make the shoot worth it to you.
Now, if you have any props at home you want to have involved, here's your chance. A pair of shoes you have waiting for their arrival; a bear you had as a child; a quilt you're waiting to use - all these things make wonderful props, because they can be used again when you have your newborn shots done. It's a continuity that looks wonderful in photos. I have the wooden letter blocks, and with those, the oppurtunities are really endless - spell the baby's name, spell "boy" or "girl" just plain "baby" etc.
As far as what to wear, this is a question I'm asked a thousand times over. Wear what makes you comfortable. Period. Like I said previously, the best pictures are where you're comfortable. I like to have a black or white camisole or sports bra for the maternity shots, but only because they showcase the belly so well. If you're not comfortable with bare belly shots - no problem! We can make it work with yoru shirt covering your belly! I suggest that you have/bring at least one shirt that has no pattern if you intend on keeping your belly covered.
So, aside from that - if you have any questions regarding your shoot, the best person to ask is your photographer. I'm more than willing to answer any questions you may have, so that when you come, or I come to you, you are happy with the service you're getting!
Monday, 4 April 2011
Busy week ahead!
This week is, as the title suggests, a busy week here for me! I had a shoot on Saturday morning with the adorable Grayson, my sisters wedding shower was on Sunday... I have my sons SECOND birthday tomorrow (where did the time go?) and then my dad's 50th is Thursday. I have a boudoir on friday with the beautiful Jen from HipKnitIzed Trends. And also another new mom is due friday, so we could be seeing her any day now! Saturday I have a Maternity shoot with the fabulous Danielle, and then Sunday, after my son's birthday party, I have another late newborn shoot with Sarina - another mom from my son's daycare that just welcomed her little beauty Nicole to the world.
Big deep breath........ I'm going to be sitting here full time editing photos! I should also mention, editing photos is next to impossible with a 4 month old and a 2 year old on my hip, but my turnaround time for an individual in home/studio shoot is 2 days! I quite literally sit on the computer every time my kids are napping, or when they go to bed. I can't get enough of the photos I take.
Big deep breath........ I'm going to be sitting here full time editing photos! I should also mention, editing photos is next to impossible with a 4 month old and a 2 year old on my hip, but my turnaround time for an individual in home/studio shoot is 2 days! I quite literally sit on the computer every time my kids are napping, or when they go to bed. I can't get enough of the photos I take.
Saturday, 2 April 2011
Sweet little Grayson
Today I had a newborn shoot with darling little Grayson - his parents Chelsea and Brian should be so proud! He was a tough little cookie, that didn't want to sleep, DID want to pee and *almost* had a diaper free poop. We made the best of it though, and a little patience went a long way. Eventually, Grayson did fall asleep, and we got some great shots!
A couple teasers of the little guy;
He's so adorable, I just keep looking at these pictures!!
A couple teasers of the little guy;
He's so adorable, I just keep looking at these pictures!!
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