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As a family portrait photographer there are a few key ingredients that help make a portrait session successful. They are an inspiring location, pleasant temperatures, and a family that arrives on time and is well-dressed for the occasion. I had those three elements working for me when I caught the last of the fall leaves at Mulford Farm, a historic farm in East Hampton, New York. Sometimes the simplest things will bring out the joy in a child. Please enjoy the photographs below.

Fall Family Portrait Sessions

Fall Family Portrait Sessions

 
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 “A baby has a special way of adding joy in every single day”

-Unknown

Being a baby photographer for many years, I know what it takes to create a successful baby portrait session. Photographing newborns and infants requires careful preparation and lots of patience. Follow the seven tips listed below for your upcoming baby portrait session.

Seven tips for baby photography

1. CLOTHING: Keep it simple. Choose clothing in soft colors like pastels. Lighter is better than darker. Avoid stripes, patterns and logos. Make sure the clothing fits properly. Too large a size and the baby disappears, hands and feet are hidden by folds of clothing. In case of accidents, have three to four outfits to choose from. We may only use one or two. it is a good idea to have bloomers to cover the diaper.

2. LOCATION: If the temperature is warm enough, it may be possible to work outside if the light is soft or somewhat shaded. Avoid bright sunlight; young children will keep their eyes closed. Indoors, look for the rooms that have the most light. Sometimes it’s the master bedroom or a living room. Remove any clutter from these areas in advance.

3. BLANKETS: Have available any afghans, quilts, blankets, baby wraps and large scarfs. For photographs without clothes, I like to cover the private areas and will use an edge of a quilt, or baby wrap.

4. BABY WIPES, BURP CLOTHS: These come in very handy!

5. SOUNDS AND SONGS: Babies respond to touch and sounds. If you have any music pillows, rattles, songs you sing, have them ready and be prepared to be silly.

6. PROPS: Was your child given a special stuffed animal, heirloom baby rattle, maybe a hat or scarf? Have those nearby to include in a few photographs.

7. PARENTAL PARTICIPATION: You are an important part of your child’s first session so be prepared to be in some of the photographs. Clothing doesn’t have to be identical but similar tonality is helpful. Moms- wear something that makes you feel good, Dad’s – the plain colored shirts work better than stripes or plaids.

Seven tips for baby photography

Most of all, relax, have fun and enjoy your baby!!

 

 
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As a portrait photographer, I find that many of my clients plan their yearly portrait sessions around making a Holiday Card. Sending out Holiday Cards plays a large role in their family holiday celebrations. There are endless choices and possibilities so how do you decide what’s best for your family? I have a list of five suggestions that can simplify this process.

1. Choose the photograph: Do you want a photograph of your whole family or just the children? Many cards we design can use two or more photographs. You may want a photograph of the whole family on the front of the card and a photograph of just the children inside. Perhaps there are some active playful photographs of your children where two or three tell a story. Sometimes we create a bar of three small photographs for a mini story.

Designing your holiday photo cards

2. Paper Styles: At my studio, I offer a slightly textured watercolor card in white or ivory, a smooth fine quality white and ivory stock paper, a one-sided extra thick card stock in multiple colors and a coated linen texture. Choosing the color paper depends on the photograph you are using. Is it a warm toned photograph with lots of sunshine? Ivory can be a great choice! Maybe everyone was wearing an outfit that goes better on white stock. Each photograph and card has to be considered on its own terms.

Designing your holiday card, textured papers

3. Holiday Card Greetings: Greetings fall under different categories, religious, non-religious, or the unique use of a favorite quotation. Part of a song or poem that has specific meaning to the family or relates to the photograph can be used. Sometimes you can search the internet or browse through a book store or card shop for a greeting. If you would prefer, email me and I will send you a list I have complied over the years.

“The world is so full of a number of things,

I’m sure we should all be as happy as kings.”

Robert Louis Stevenson

4. Names: The woman’s name first, man’s name, then surname. Children’s names should appear below their parents. The word “and” and “&” are interchangeable and a matter of personal preference.

Jane and Robert Smith

John, Kevin and Samantha

Or

The Smith Family

Jane, Robert, John, Kevin & Samantha

If you have a pet, don’t forget to include their name. Sometimes we make paw prints for pets not photographed but a part of the family.

5. Return Address: The home address is written in the same font style as the text inside the card. Either the address is written out or the family’s name may be included like:

The Smith Family

22 Indian Hill Road

East Hampton, NY 11937

 Designing your holiday photo card

Most of all have fun creating your card. Let the professionals help you and do it early so you can have all of your envelopes addressed by Thanksgiving Weekend!!