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As a family and children’s portrait photographer in the Hamptons I know the best expressions come from children having fun in an activity they enjoy. The expressions are natural and heartfelt. So a few years ago I started using my classic 18 foot Marshall sailboat to bring me and my families to remote beaches in picturesque Three Mile Harbor for family portrait sessions.

Hamptons Beach Adventure Portrait Sessions

To add to the excitement for young children, we pretend pirates have buried treasure. I make treasure maps that lead the children to the chest of jewels and rings. Sometimes when a child finds the treasure they would scoop it up and take off running to find a more secluded spot to examine the contents of the chest.

Hamptons Beach Adventure Portrait Sessions

Hamptons Beach Adventure Portrait Session

The shallow water around the beach lends itself to nets and fishing rods. There are lots of little fish and small sand crabs to find. Even if not found, the looking is fun.

Hamptons Beach Adventure Portrait Session

The family pet has joined in the adventure. We have had bulldogs, labs, Chihuahuas and the like. Applejack and his trusty companions were in the dingy when he decided it was time to exit. The children had fun keeping the boat upright in the shallow water.

Hamptons Beach Adventure Portrait Sessions

As a child, my Dad used to take me and my brothers exploring. That has stuck with me through time. I like the quietness of the beach and letting children naturally explore the shoreline and inland seeing where their imaginations take them.

Hamptons Beach Adventure Portrait Session

The photographs at sunset are breathtaking with the golden light and deep blue water.

Hamptons Beach Adventure Portrait Session

Then off for a sail in the harbor at sunset and back to the dock with happy and sleepy children.

For more information on our Hampton Adventure Portrait sessions please contact Deborah at 631.324.1862 or email deb@DeborahKalasPhotography.com. There is also a collection of photographs on Pinterest at: http://www.pinterest.com/debkalasphotos/deborah-kalas-photography-beach-adventure-portrait/

 

 
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Whether you are a first time owner of a new puppy, or have a treasured family dog that’s seen all of your children grow up, or a show dog, having professional photographs made is always a good idea. As a professional pet photographer, photographing dogs comes with its unique set of skills and preparation. Patience and calmness is a must. Pets are like people, they have their own personalities and temperaments. It is important to establish a rapport with each dog.

Here are seven tips on preparing for your dog portrait session.

1. Location: Decide on a location that’s meaningful for you. Do you like taking your dog to the beach, are you used to playing with your dog at home. Talk with your photographer about what you enjoy doing most with your pet.

Pet Portrait Photography
Golden Retrievers in their flower and vegetable garden

2. Grooming: This is best done the same day before the session. A shiny clean coat makes for the best photographs.

Pet Portrait Photography
Afghan show dog, beach setting for a magazine cover

3. Handler: If you are going to be keeping your dog under control, bring along another person to help get your pet’s attention.

Pet Portrait Photography
Jack Russell puppy
4. Toys and Treats: Every pet loves being rewarded for doing a good job. Bring along toys and treats your dog likes.
Pet Portrait Photography
Red Retriever and Labrador Retrievers

5. Leash: Bring a leash that’s neutral colored and as small as possible. A well-mannered, well behaved dog is always a plus.

Pet Portrait Photography
Jack Russell on a boat dock and Welsh Corgi at the beach

6. The Unexpected: Playtime with your dog can lead to some unexpected photographs. Relax and enjoy your pet, that pleasure will come through in the photographs.

Lap dogs in a home setting

7. A Family Heirloom: Dogs come into our lives for different reasons and by different means. However they arrive, they become an integral part of our families. When creating an heirloom portrait make sure your clothes coordinate with your pet. Solid earth tones for park, garden or yards work well. For a beach setting, wear lighter colors, pastels, whites, and blues can be very pleasing to the eye.

Dachshunds and an all american bred dog at a Nature Preserve

I have a nineteen year old cat, a thirteen year old dog and a twenty eight year old horse. I am thankful for all of the photographs I have of each of them. Each day they are on earth is a blessing. When they are gone, I have hundreds of  photographs of our lives together. Cherish your pet!

 
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I will admit that besides being a professional portrait photographer, I am a Pinterest addict. What better venue to feast my eyes than thousands of wonderful photographs? Every day I watch how light falls upon someone’s face, or admire an outfit that brings out someone’s personality or see a landscape I would love to be in. Pinterest offers me hundreds of choices. Perhaps some of my signs of addiction match yours.

1. FOLLOWERS: First thing upon waking every morning and that first cup of coffee is checking on the number of followers on my Pinterest site. I have no clue how or why I think that the hours I sleep will magically make new followers appear. I probably check for followers at least four other times during the day. I always love it when suddenly new people are “Following”. I feel a twinge of disappointment when the numbers stay the same.

Pinterest_BLOG_1

 

2. PINNING: I set strict guidelines for making new pins. The photographs must be large, well lit, have good composition, be expressive and in focus. Even if I like an image but it doesn’t meet my criteria for one reason or another, I pass it by. When I pin it, I make sure the description makes sense and usually embellish when inspired. I am picky about what I pin.

Pinterest_BLOG_2

 

3. TIME LIMITS: Whenever I find a few minutes free during the day or evening, I am on Pinterest. The time seems to fly by. In fact, if I am not careful I can sit at my computer for hours. My dog comes in and out repeatedly checking to see if her dinner is coming soon. I promise her ten more minutes, or just until I finish searching someone’s board I find exciting. She signs and curls up in her bed again. She is so patient with me.

Signs of a Pinterest Addiction

4. NEW BOARDS: When ideas for new boards come to me throughout the day, I write them down. I always start them out as a secret board. When I search for other peoples similar boards I am amazed how many there are to choose from. I am methodical in my searching. I check every person’s board on the new subject. Eventually, I see similar images and realize I must go elsewhere in my search for bold evocative images. I enjoy learning about the subject as I go.

Signs of a Pinterest Addiction

5. EDITING BOARDS: After adding new pins to any board, I check to make sure it is not a duplicate. I hate duplicates! Sometimes I change the board cover to give the board a new look. I may run through many images to find the right one. It must meet my standard of excellence with the cropping. I tend to go for lighter images, or photographs that are intriguing and might draw you into the board to see more. I’m always looking for beauty and balance.

Signs of a Pinterest Addiction

6. WILD ABANDOMENT: At times I throw out all my rules of time limits; restricted searching on one topic and just see where clicking on an intriguing image will take me. I have found the most interesting boards, gotten new ideas, and learned about the history of people or places in the meantime. Occasionally, throw out all the rules and pin for pins sake!!

Signs of a Pinterest Addiction

If you haven’t tried Pinterest, do!  It’s a way of traveling without leaving your seat. It’s fun, entertaining, educational and can be relaxing. I hope you enjoy it too!!