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As a portrait photographer, I welcome families with teenagers. I look at it as an opportunity to engage a young adult who is not running away from me at the beach as toddlers may do. Instead, I look for a line of communication that will inspire the teenager, even to  humor me and his family in the often required portrait session. Just getting a teenager to commit to attending may involve a trade or bribe between parent and child. Use any means at hand for cooperation. Once at the location, I have six suggestions to help make the portrait session with your teenagers a success. 

Photographing teenagers
1. Clothing: I have a clothing guideline for families where the suggestions apply to teenagers; however it’s important for them to also bring some of their favorite outfits. They’re at the age where their idea of the “traditional portrait” might not necessarily be in line their parent’s idea. It’s important to have options.

2. Treat them like adults: Enter conversation to engage them in topics they are interested in. Are they involved with sports? Music? Computers? Reading? Find a common ground.

Photographing teenagers

3. Engage them in an activity they enjoy: For beach photography, I often ask parents what sports their kids enjoy. Do they play football, baseball, or frisbee? Do they like to swim, boogie board or surf? Maybe they still like making huge sand castles. Find out what they like and have them bring along their toys. Any way I can get them to be engaged in an activity of their choice, I will probably be able make candid natural looking photographs.

Photographing teenagers

4. The Shy or Unsmiling Teenager: Not every photograph has to have the subject looking at the camera or smiling. I love a pensive reflective look. There is always the imagined “GQ” pose for guys where a smile would be laughed at. I like to let them be themselves. Forced smiles never look good. Kids with braces can be too embarrassed and feel there non-smile look is best. Never force a “smile”. Candid photographs from the side can reveal the true personality too.

Photographing teenagers

5. The Unexpected: Sometimes I ask them what they would like to do? This group of boys all jumped up in the air. They thought it was hilarious and it turned out to be a nice photograph as well. Do something unexpected. Ask for the ridiculous if necessary.

Photographing teens

6. Speed: These kids are smart, keep things moving. Don’t linger long in one place or overwork one idea. They will lose interest fast.

The art of photographing teenagers requires grace and tact. These young adults are striving to have their own unique style and sense about the world. As a portrait photographer, I want to reveal who they are at this time in their lives. Their long hair, torn jeans, earrings and hobbies are part of their identity . It’s important to have fun together and create beautiful photographs with pleasant memories.

Lately, the teenage trend for popular clothing is American Eagle. Please visit the link below for a sampling of their clothing.

http://bit.ly/2D4OIlK http://bit.ly/2D4OIlK
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So you are having a baby!! Congratulations! Photographing mother’s to be is one of my favorite kinds of portrait sessions. There are lots of possibilities for meaningful heartfelt photographs. Relationships seem to deepen with the commitment to a growing family. There is joy and anticipation. Eight months is an ideal time for photographs. Mom is showing enough and still mobile and comfortable. So, if you are one of those mothers who is up for some maternity photographs, I have eight suggestions for a successful portrait photography session.

1. Afternoon Sessions: For a late afternoon photography session have a restful afternoon. Come to your portrait session well hydrated and comfortably fed.

2. Clothing for Mom: Keep it simple. No stripes, patterns, or logos. Solid colors work best. I like the pastels for beach photography or natural colors. Wear something that makes you feel attractive and shows off your belly. Look for form fitting clothes. If the clothing is too loose, the shape of the belly will be lost. Make sure you can sit comfortably in whatever clothing you have decided to wear.

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3. Bare Belly: If at some point you would like to show your bare belly avoid elastic that leaves marks. Yoga pants work well. Bring some wraps or scarfs with you. I also have some I will bring along.

4. Hair & Make-up: Have your hair done the day of the session if you have a specific look you enjoy. Make-up should be natural and what you commonly use for daywear. At some point I will be photographing your hands so your nails should be neat, freshly manicured if possible.

Maternity Photographs

5. Clothing for Dad: Your clothes should coordinate and complement each other, but not match.  Solid colors are again a great choice.  Long sleeves and linen is a beautiful look.

6. Siblings: If there are siblings make sure to include them in some of the photographs. Their clothing should blend with whatever mom and dad are wearing.

Maternity Photographs

7: Snacks: Bring some snacks and drinks. Relax and just be yourself, I will take care of the rest.

Maternity Photographs

8 Extra Clothes: There is a chance if we are at the beach you may get wet; bring towels and an extra pair of clothes to change into when we are done.

Maternity Photographs

Most of all, relax and enjoy this peaceful time with your partner. Soon, these moments will be hard to find once your little one arrives!!

 
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Growing up with horses, I learned early on that each one was unique and special. Building the bond between horse and rider was developed over time. Learning about your horse’s personality was the best part of the adventure. Does your horse nicker when he hears your voice? Maybe a soothing hand on his neck calms his anxious temperament? Do you ever hum when you are riding? Just being in the presence of your horse can bring so much joy. Having made the decision to book a professional equestrian portrait session now is the time to prepare for success. With a horse portrait session there are two to get ready, your horse and you. Today I am going to cover how the rider can prepare. Here are five tips to create a work of art.

  1. The first thing to consider is your concept. Think about if you want your portrait to be about being a “Rider” with your amazing talented horse or about a photography session with your “Best Friend”.
Preparing for Your Equestrian Portrait Session
Mary Ann and Cayado. A longtime western equestrian, this was her first show hunter. An occasion to be celebrated.

If you want to be a “Rider”, horse show clothes always look nice. Black boots, britches and a riding shirt is another approach. Maybe you don’t show and all you ride in is jeans and boots. That works too. Think about wearing lighter colored shirts than darker. Avoid bold logos and stripes. Always bring a few outfits for clothing changes.

Preparing for your Equestrian Portrait Sesison
Luna and Kate. Kate’s wearing a ballroom dance gown from my collection

If this session is more about being with your “Best Friend”, you can wear a beautiful gown, a nice dress, a pair of slacks or jeans. Don’t forget you are going to be around your horse, a creature weighing twelve hundred pounds or more and your footwear must keep you safe as well as compliment your outfit.

Preparing for your equestrian portrait session
Nicole and Indy. Nicole is wearing her prom dress. A blast from the past.

 2. Keep in mind the color of your horse when selecting what to wear. Here are some suggestions:
 For a gray horse, there are lots of options; white, black, red, pink, blue or green.
A black or dark colored horse looks great with many colors; red, magenta, pink, ivory, white, blue and green. Black is not suggested.

Preparing for your equestrian portrait session
Amber, a High School senior heading off to college. Lily and Evan, team up for a a bright future

 A chestnut looks stunning in blues and greens. Certain shades of pink and ivory can also go well.
For a bay horse, I like blues, greens and ivory.

Preparing for your equestrian portrait session
Dress up with Lily and Evan

Pick a selection of outfits that you feel great in. Since horses come in many different colors, if you have a question it’s always good to ask your photographer ahead of time. For my clients if a home visit is not possible in advance, texting photographs of dresses or outfits work.

 3. Hair and makeup: No matter what type of portrait you are having, freshly blown dried hair adds to the beauty of the overall portrait. Depending on the amount of makeup you normally wear, use what you are comfortable with. For gowns, I might use an evening makeup style. Schedule a hair and makeup session in advance of the shoot. A makeup artist can also be present during the session. 

4. Nails: Either polished or unpolished, nothing in between. Your hands will be seen in the photographs, particularly the closeups. If using  polish select a color that compliments your outfit.

5. Personal health: We are going to be asking a lot of you and your horse and I like you feeling great before we began. Come to your session rested and hydrated. You will feel good and look better.

Preparing for your equestrian portrait session
Kate is wearing another ballroom gown from my collection

I always feel privileged and honored to be selected to create a horse portrait. Not only do I want to make a wall portrait you can treasure for years to come, but I want the whole experience to be fun. Use your imagination, dream big, and I will take care of the rest. Look for my upcoming blog on preparing your horse.