Top 5 Things to Photograph for Spring

Spring time is a perfect time for photography! The weather is cool and not too hot yet, the flowers are starting to bloom, the sun is starting to shine more. Here are some ideas of things to photograph in the spring time.

Flowering trees

This time of year, the trees start to bud and turn green.  Forsythia bushes start blooming in yellow bursts. Magnolia trees are one of the first things to blossom around this time of year.  It only lasts a short period of time, so be sure to get out there and get your pictures done!

Weeds

Farmers hate them, photographers love them! Weeds start springing up everywhere! Dandelions, and henbit are some of the first things to start sprouting.  There is nothing better than that classic kid photo of them making a wish on a dandelion.  As days get longer you will have more and more light to work with.  Make the best of it!  

Outside Time

Finally!! After months of being stuck indoors, the kids can run wild and free! Be sure to capture those happy kid faces.

Baby animals

I think this is just a springtime standard.  Baby animals just signify spring.  Maybe it has to do with Easter- new life and such.  Anyhow, we usually start with new chickens in the spring. It is always a must to capture new chickens.     

Stormy Skies

The weather gets a little crazy in the springtime.  Warm fronts move in, there is always a lot of wind and rain.  Wind in the hair always adds movement and interest to an image. Sometimes you can catch an interesting and stormy sky!  Especially just after a good rain.  Just make sure to protect your camera from getting wet! I have a rain cover that I use sometimes, but a Walmart sack will work too in a pinch!

These are just some of my ideas for spring. Spring is a perfect time for a photo shoot, so contact me if you’d like to set one up!

Thanks for reading!

What to Wear for your Next Photoshoot

Worrying about what to wear for your next photo shoot can be exhausting and hard! The truth is, what you wear really does make a huge difference in your photos!  I have written a few things here to consider:

Patterns and layers

Patterns and layers add interest and cohesion to your images. Vests, scarves, necklaces, jackets, boots and socks all can add layering that will add pops of color and cohesion with others in your photograph.  You want to be coordinated but not matchy matchy.  Don’t have everyone wear the same color.  Especially all black or all white. Add some other soft neutrals.  Neutrals are always very timeless. Think about timeless clothing and try not to mix eras.  If you are wearing something from the 80’s, but the rest of your family is wearing something very modern you are going to stick out and look like you really don’t belong with the rest of your family.  You should opt for a subtle pattern that will look good with solid colors and other family member’s outfits.  Your outfit shouldn’t be the loudest but look in place with the other outfits.  Cohesion without being matchy is the key!     

From your head to your feet

Some things to consider is any accessories and how they look together.  Think about hats and shoes. They can add interest to a photo, or they can take it over.  Sometimes with little kids, bare feet are best.  Necklaces and scarves can add a pop of color.   

Movement

Think about how things will photograph.  For girls a twirly dress can add amazing movement to a photo! Think about fabrics that move well and consider a dress from Alice + Ames. They are so very twirly. Don’t wear a stiff fabric that will not move well.  Also think about what you can comfortably move around in.  If your dress is so short, it keeps you from bending over you might want to rethink it!

Comfortable and fitted

Find an outfit that you like, that speaks to your style. It’s important to pick something that is waist defining. It must flatter your body and be comfortable.  No one is going to photograph well in a tuxedo unless they are actually very comfortable in it!  It needs to suit you! Not too tight and not too loose. You don’t want to wear sweatpants, or baggy frumpy clothing either! If a tie doesn’t suit your husband, then don’t make him wear one! His face will look miserable, and your photos will remind you of the power struggle over clothing instead of a fun time and beautiful memories.  

Be kind to your photographer and avoid neon and large brand logos

Neon will leave color casts on your skin.  They are not easy to get rid of in Photoshop.  It can be done, but it is time intensive and very tedious.  And depending on the photo, it may not look quite right after all of those adjustments in Photoshop.  So, it is best to stay away from it.  The last thing you want is an amazing moment ruined by weird skin tone.  Large logos take away from the people in the photograph and take a long time to clone out.  Children should stay away from trendy character tops.  Graphic tees and ones with fun sayings are OK for kids.

The key is to pick things that are not going to take away from the subjects (aka: YOU!) It’s helpful to start out with one piece that you really love and then build around that. These are some simple ideas to think about for your next photo shoot! There is a great article from Click Magazine that is very helpful: here and also here. Another option is to rent dresses or outfits at Opal and June or Bentley + Lace.  Follow me on Pinterest for more ideas and inspiration! I love putting together outfits and textiles so please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you need help!  

Thanks for reading!

Why are Family Photos Important?

I know what you are thinking. “Why should I even consider hiring a photographer? I have this phone right here in my hand that does a pretty darn good job of documenting my family’s lives.” And you’d be kind of right! I love using my phone to capture all those little moments with my own family, it is just so darn convenient.  But you know what, my phone doesn’t take great pictures.  My phone doesn’t consider the rules of design or take into consideration skin tones and light.  My phone doesn’t include me in the pictures at all, unless I flip the camera and get that awkward selfie.  My phone doesn’t allow me to be fully present with my loved ones.  I am the one working and filming and trying to get my kid’s attention and focusing more on the light than on the time with others.  Hiring a photographer does put you at complete ease.  Finding a photographer you trust can help you to relax and enjoy the experience with your family and actually be included in the photos! Your children will want to remember you too.  Not just see themselves in pictures. 

Maybe you’re thinking “Uh, why are family photos even important?” Well, if you have children you know how quickly time goes by!  It’s like you blink and those babies who were just born are already smashing a cake for their first birthday.  Then they get into school and extra curricular activities and time speeds up even quicker!  Photography will help you to slow down and savor the moment. Photography also gives you something to look back on in later years so you can reflect on those precious moments with your family. Photography can also make you cringe later, so find a good photographer that will give you those timeless photos. And these are things worth investing in! Photography is art, but it is also personally special to each person and family member who love and adore those people in the images.

Maybe your thinking “I don’t have the time for family photos!”  Well, I know from experience that if you plan it, it will happen! Just commit! Think of all the things you make time for that you plan in your own life.  Doctor appointments, getting your hair and nails done, vacations, church meetings, meals, there are countless things you plan in your day to day life!  Photography is just another one of those.  Christmas comes every year, and you will know you need photos for those Christmas cards.  Big life events, like getting married or having a baby, all require documentation! Make it easy by booking a photographer ahead of time.     

In summary, the photos and videos and memories that you want to hand down aren’t going to be the blurry crazy millions of digital and phone photos.  They are going to be the ones you value enough to print.  The ones that capture your family in an artful and beautiful way.  They are the ones that you will want to look back on and remember and show your children.   

Thanks for reading!