The longer a photographer has been in business, the more likely it is that it’s not just a hobby for them.
2. It’s uncommon for a photographer to specialize in several different types of photography as they often only specialize in one or sometimes two genres. For example, a photographer who specializes in newborn photography might not be the best candidate to shoot wedding photos unless they have the experience in doing so.
3. Do you have many repeat clients?
This is a great litmus test of not only the quality of a photographer’s work but of their customer service too.
4. What is your policy on rescheduling a session?
An experienced photographer will definitely have a policy in place when it comes to a customer cancelling or rescheduling a photography session. A photographer with policies indicates that they have experience with different types of customers and situations and have created policies accordingly.
5. Have you had any experience with (name your specific concern)?
If you have any specific concerns regarding your photo session such as the photographer’s ability to work with a special needs child for example, find out if they have ever handled that type of situation before. Do not dismiss a photographer and their abilities based on their answers to your concerns. If given adequate notice, an experienced photographer should be able to deal with any situation you present them. This is the hallmark of a true pro.
6. Silent Question:
Use your gut to judge their personality and rapport. A photographer’s main job is to capture emotions and moments. If your photographer doesn’t mesh well with you on the phone or in person, chances are you and your family will not mesh well with them at your session and this will show in your photos.
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Smartphone cameras are more exceptional than ever before, so it’s only natural for us to want to fill our phones with hundreds of photos and videos. If you find that your phone runs out of space quite often, it might be time to consider an online photo storage and sharing platform. Not only can these platforms be used to back up your favorite shots but it allows you to share your images with others more easily too.
When reviewing online photo platforms, there are a few things you should keep an eye out for:
Top Photo Storage Platforms to Consider in 2023
Flickr
Flickr is well known for its simple and clean user interface and is a great option for everyday and serious photographers. Along with several great tools, the platform also makes it easy to tag and download your photos at a variety of resolutions. The drag-and-drop functionality also makes it easy to organize your albums.
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This platform is more ideal for anyone who wants to share their photos with those who would really appreciate it. If you love capturing artistic or landscape photos, this is the best platform for you. Users can display their photos very creatively using the Sets and Stories functionality.
Photobucket
Photobucket’s free version allows you to store up to 250 photos, which isn’t that much if you tend to take hundreds of photos every week. Fortunately, their paid plans are very affordable, so it is possible to store all of your shots in a safe place. The platform also makes it very easy to share your photos on social media sites if that’s what you enjoy doing.
SmugMug
SmugMug is another stylish platform that uses a number of design templates to display your photos. Unfortunately, there is no free version and their paid plans aren’t that affordable either, so it’s a better option for those who are more serious about their photography and don’t just want to store family photos.
iCloud
iCloud works with Apple Photos and it allows users to upload up to 5GB worth of photos, which they can then share as they please. The photos can be viewed in Apple Photos or on the web and a location and names can be added to each shot.
Google Photos
Google Photos is the perfect platform for everyday users and the editing and sharing functionality is not bad either. Users can create individual albums and mark them as private if they would prefer not to share their shots with others.
Dropbox
Dropbox continues to be a firm favorite amongst many photo fans and it works on both Android and iOS devices. Dropbox makes it easy to upload photos from your phone or computer and safely store them behind a password. You can also share slideshows and images with anyone who has access to the necessary links.
As you can see, there really is no reason why you should risk losing or sharing your favorite photos. There is a photo storage and sharing platform for all needs and budgets.
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Around 93% of HR professionals and recruiters turn to LinkedIn to find quality candidates, 2 in 3 turn to Facebook and more than half utilize Twitter. This just proves that a headshot plays an important role in your professional life. Your headshot should be a powerful, compelling and confidence-instilling headshot that makes prospective clients, employers and partners want to reach out and connect with you.
Before you head to the studio for your professional headshot photo session, think about the things that you want others to see when they glance at your profile page.
Think about some of the characteristics that embody your personal brand. Are you a chef, an educator, a writer? Write down some keywords and phrases. If there are certain props that could help tell your story, bring them along to your session too.
We will usually take a few different shots using various outfits so that you have a good selection to choose from. If you’re going to be using your headshot on a specific social media platform, you might even want to tailor it to fit that site.
It’s important that your look matches the image you’re trying to convey. What you wear on a daily basis is a great place to start. Solid colors are always a good choice, as are tops with strong collars and necklines. We suggest that you wear clothing that compliments your skin and eye tones and it’s best to stay away from very bold colors too. Even though you’ll only be photographed from the shoulders up, it’s important for your entire outfit is professional as you may want a shot or two that is taken further away and incorporates more of your body.
Even though this is a more professional shoot, remember to have fun. A relaxed, comfortable subject naturally exudes confidence.
]]>I’ve recently been reminded that life is truly precious and filled with moments we sometimes take for granted. I have found that moms want to be in more photos with their children and this is why I have come to realize how important my Mommy and Me photo sessions are. Now is the perfect time to capture memories with your children, regardless of where you or your kids are in life.
We want to make this photo session work for you, so whether you want a few photos with your children, or you simply want some memorable pictures of you and your own mother, we are here to guide you. This is your chance to get creative and really make a photo session about you and your kids and the special bond that you share.
Bring along anything that will make you all feel comfortable and will help you spend some time together as we do our job. For example, you might want to bring a blanket and some of your daughter’s favorite books so that we can capture your snuggles and story time. Maybe you want to stop and grab some ice--‐treats with your son or bring along a game that you both enjoy playing. This is all about creating a space where you can enjoy being together so that we can perfectly capture these moments for you.
If you are looking for an alternative to the traditional family portraits, the Mommy and Me portraits are ideal. While a family portrait can be a wonderful way to capture those special moments of you and your children through the years, it does require some extra effort to get everyone together and in the same place. A Mommy and Me photo session is easier to style and coordinate.
I love that Mommy and Me portrait photography is intimate and sweet with very little fuss. These sessions don’t take very long and will free up your schedule to spend more quality time together. These sessions provide a space where those natural interactions and emotions can play out, resulting in a mini time capsule of your current relationship. You might even want to make this an annual tradition so that you can beautifully document the relationship with your children.
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Low angles are a no-no. Nobody looks good when they’re photographed from below. Photos taken at this angle make you look heavier, shorter and will more than likely give you a bit of a double chin. Instead, take photos from a side angle or from above.
It’s all in the jaw. It might feel rather awkward at first but try practicing moving your chin up slightly and your neck forward so that it accentuates your jaw.
Think before you get dressed. What you wear plays a big role in how you look in photos. Avoid bulky or baggy clothing that doesn’t fit you well. While darker clothes do make you look slimmer, if you want to go for brighter colors, stay away from any patterns that draw attention to your problem areas and always avoid horizontal stripes.
Angles & posture are instant wins. You will always look slimmer in photos if you twist your body slightly to create an angle. Place one leg in front of the other and keep your weight on your back leg. Put one hand on your hip and keep your other arm relaxed at your side, not pushed up against your body. To accentuate your collarbones, stand up straight and push your shoulders back.
Sit correctly. If you’re sitting in a photo, try and cross your ankles instead of your legs. It makes you look leaner and shows less of your thighs.
Stick to the middle. Taking a group shot? Try and stay away from the end of the group if possible as people standing on the edges of the group always look a little bigger.
Remember that confidence makes a big difference to your photos too so don’t forget to smile naturally and let your beauty shine through.
Need new family portraits? Click here to see my portfolio and a link to get more info: https://zenfolio.page.link/QEPEq
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Images can take up a lot of space and can easily become a chaotic mess that you spend hours trying to sift through. From the images, you take personally to the ones you have professionally done, keeping your digital photos organized on your computer may seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, there are some quick and easy ways you can keep your images organized and make finding the ones you want a quick process.
5 Tips To Keep Your Digital Photo Library Organized.
1. Date and Time
Most often you can set the date and time on your camera and this information will automatically show when you upload new images onto your computer. But, if you are uploading digital files from your professional shoot then you will want to make sure you add the date to the files before you begin the upload.
2. Name
Create folders for your images with the name, date or occasion you had them taken. It is always a good idea to add in the year that they were taken as well. You can create subfolders in the pictures folders on your computer for images you upload from your professional shoot.
3. Face Recognition
Most photo software allows you to tag people in your images using facial recognition. This can be an easy way for you to find specific images of your children and significant other.
4. Keywords
It can take a little extra time to tag your images with keywords but this can make finding the images you want significantly easier. Use keywords that you will be able to remember and be consistent with them. Keywords can be single words or phrases. Some ideas for keywording your images can include the event, date, location, season and people in the images.
5. Rate and Delete
You'd be surprised how many images are on your computer that you simply will never use or feel the need to look at again. Do you have images that are out of focus, have poor exposure, or random images of your hands, feet, or the inside of your bag? Spend an afternoon going through and deleting the images that are pointless to keep. While you're at it, you can go through and rate the images as well. This will allow you to easily find the images you like the most.
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Taking a vacation, whether it’s on your own or with family and friends, is a happy and exciting time. There is always a memorable, funny or majestic moment to capture as you relax and unwind. Taking great photos is not a skill that comes naturally to everyone but there are a few things you can do to ensure that you have plenty of wonderful images to remember your vacation by.
Simple Photography Tips for the Traveler
Safe travels.
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What you need to consider before you pay that photography deposit.
If you’ve started the search for a photographer then you’ll know just how many options there are. Before you go ahead and book a professional photographer for a shoot though, there are a couple important things to consider.
What style are you looking for?
Photographers have different styles so you need to decide on someone who can help you achieve the end result you are looking for. This applies to everything from wedding and maternity shoots to family and corporate shoots. Ask the photographer for some examples of their latest work to evaluate whether they can cater to your needs.
Research and review.
Before you invest in a professional photographer you need to do your homework. Get online to find a few customer reviews, browse around their website to view their latest work and have a look around their social media pages to find out what others are saying about them. These platforms will also give you a good idea of their personality and style.
Some other important points to consider when researching photographers are:
Create a short list.
Once you have done your research, create a short list of professional photographers that stand out for you. Get in touch with each of them to discuss your needs and to ask any questions that you might have. It’s important that you chat with the photographer over the phone if not in person as this is the best way to get to know them and find out whether you’ll be able to work with them. Feeling uncomfortable or stressed out around your photographer makes for bad photos.
It’s important that you pick a photographer that you have confidence in. Your photos are there to last you a lifetime so while there is nothing wrong with helping out your photographer friend who has just started out, it’s best to choose an experienced photographer for important events and occasions that you can’t relive.
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The photos that a photographer hands over to you are part of their life's work. It has their name or branding so there are a few important restrictions to note when it comes to the professional digital images that you receive.
1) Copyright. The digital images that your photographer provides you with have a copyright, which means the photographer has the option to use those photos to market their work and services anytime in the future. We are however also respectful of our clients so if there are any images that you would prefer to keep private, it’s best to let us know about it ahead of time so that we can honor your wishes.
2) Image type. We aren’t able to provide you with the original files or raw images. All images given to the client have been cropped and have been edited. If you do require further touch ups we would need to provide you with a quote.
3) Image altering. While we appreciate your business and welcome the sharing of our photos on social media platforms, we ask that the images not be altered in any way as this is against our copyright policies.
What constitutes image altering?
So why do we have this as a restriction? Our photos are a representation of our work so when a customer alters an image it directly impacts our name and brand in the industry. When we present you with final images, they have already been through our editing process and don’t require further alterations. When images are altered, the results are not always reflective of our original work and can then be mistaken for ours. We greatly appreciate your loyalty and cooperation in this matter.
We are happy to give a quote if you want images to be edited in a specific way or if you want further alterations made.
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Then you are probably always on the lookout for inspiration for your next photo session. Below are some unique photo ideas that you’ll love.
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Below is some inspiration for deciding how to display your favorite memories.
If your home décor is very contemporary you might want to consider canvas gallery wraps, image blocks or standout mounts to showcase your photos. Going frameless is also a great option if you’re looking for something truly sleek and modern.
If rustic and chic is more your style, then why not turn old pieces of wood into stained photo clipboards, using binder clips to hang the photos against the wood. Another unique option is to hang your photos on a thin cable to make it look like a clothesline. Binder clips also work perfectly for this.
If you’re the creative type and have some extra time on your hands then there is the option of creating frames out of washi tape. This way you can incorporate different colors and designs around your photos to really make your walls pop.
If you are a fan of frames, why not buy different sizes, colors and styles and create one big photo wall that displays a variety of memories. There are so many shapes and designs that you can use to create your photo wall and really make it your own.
Since we work with so many creative vendors who offer a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional framing and display options, we are able to help you pick a unique option that suites your home and style. Whether it’s a traditional frame with hand-cut matting, shadow box or float frames, we will help you pick the right option for your home.
No matter which method you choose, get creative. Filling your walls with a lifetime of memories is one of the most special and visual ways to tell the story of your family, so get hanging.
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Family photos are truly timeless and such a great keepsake for future generations. Getting the family together to take those perfect portraits can turn into chaos if not approached correctly. There is usually a lot more to consider when it comes to a family photoshoot since there are members of all ages, which means that there is some extra coordination involved.
Below are some family photoshoot ideas and tips to keep you and your loved ones calm and smiling the whole way through.
Enjoy capturing your memories.
]]>If you’ve never taken professional family photos before or if you simply want to improve on your last session, here is some advice on how to pose that will leave you with exceptional images.
Get Close
The last thing you want is a family portrait that looks stiff and awkward. The secret to creating a beautiful, intimate family photo is to get close. Snuggle up with the people you love if you want the best photos. If there are people of varying heights in the photo, take a few photos on the same level so that you can get your heads close together too.
Have Fun
Your photos always look more authentic when your family is genuinely having fun and laughing. Spend time talking about your favorite vacation or a memory that makes you all laugh out loud. These candid moments always make for the best photos.
Keep it Natural
When you overthink posing, it takes away from the genuineness of your photos, which is why it helps to shoot your family photos in a setting where you’re all comfortable and where you can go about your lives as naturally as possible. For example, if you’re in an outdoor setting, take your little one for a walk. If you’re shooting at home, bake something together or snuggle up for a story.
Use Your Surroundings
Very often, standing upright in the middle of a room or garden will make your photos look and feel stiff. Use your surroundings to make yourselves more comfortable. For example, if there’s a wall in the vicinity, lean up against it. If there’s a couch available, pose on that for a few shots.
Make Use of Props
If you would like to change things up a bit or give a younger child something to do, you can also always incorporate a few basic props into your photos to get a few non-standard shots.
If you still have questions about your shoot and how to make the most of it, let us know and we will be happy to assist you with additional tips. We offer a FREE consultation where we will abswer all of your questions. Why not call us at 720-237-6034 and schedule your free no-obligation consultation today!
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Remember, using props can be the perfect addition to your photos but make sure that they don’t become the main focus.
]]>1. Don't make a huge deal out of it. If you're stressed out and cranky, your kids will usually pick up on it and act accordingly. Their behavior will usually be better if you are relaxed and having fun. You may have to make some compromises to keep the peace such as letting your energetic daughter's hair stay straight instead of curling it into because she won't sit still. Focus on the big picture and don't sweat the small stuff.
2. Make it fun. Let the kids have a couple “fun pictures” where they get to pick their own pose or props. You get to keep the more serious photos while they get to keep their silly photos. This way everyone wins. If you are struggling to get your kids to sit still, turn the photo session into a game. Simon Says usually works like a charm.
3. Be prepared. If you're going to be out for several hours, ensure that your children are well rested and have had their nap. Bringing some snacks and activities along is also a great idea. If you are having your own photos taken too then you might want to bring a babysitter or family member along to watch the kids. If you happen to be shooting in a remote location, you never know when you might need something like bug spray, tissues or a first aid kit so bring that along too.
4. Be patient. Save your sanity by trying not to control the photo session too much. Sometimes the best photos come from kids just doing their own thing. Work with your photographer and your photos will look fantastic.
5. Have a chat. Get your children talking to both you and the photographer about topics such as school or their favorite songs. This allows them to feel more comfortable around your photographer and will also give your photographer a chance to capture a few candid and cute expressions.
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Amid it all, though, we argue that it’s important to take some time once every year or so for yourself, and for your loved ones, to have your pictures taken. We admit we’re pretty partial to this notion, but here are seven reasons why we think it’s a good idea. Let us know if you agree!
Things Change Really Quickly
Your baby can change dramatically in a matter of months, and this rings true as your kids get older, as well. Adults grow and change just the same.
It Presses Pause on a Period of Time
You know how when you smell a perfume or a certain food it brings you back to a moment in time? Looking at a picture does the same thing. Not just in terms of the moment itself, but in terms of that period of your life.
You’ll Love Looking Back on the Images Later
Having images that document you and your family over time is unspeakably meaningful. You, your kids, your kids’ kids, and so forth will love being able to look back at these snapshots from throughout your life.
Professional Photos Are of a Certain Quality
Candid images you taken on your phone are super important (seriously — snap away and don’t stop!), but there’s nothing that compares to the high quality of professional images.
You’ll Always Have a Fun Holiday Card to Send
Cheesy as it may sound, having a fun image of your crew to slap on a Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving card is always nice. And you know what, loved ones enjoy seeing your face in the mail! On that note, photos also make great gifts year round.
It’s a Reason to Get Together
We alluded to all the chaos in our worlds above, but we’ll reiterate the point. Stopping everything to get together for a couple hours — looking your best and chilling in a cool location — is a great way to spend an afternoon and forget about all the other stressors in your life.
The Actual Experience Can Be Super Meaningful
We talk a lot about looking at the images and enjoying them after the fact, but the actual session is meaningful, as well. It can be a true bonding experience for couples, small families, and large groups. Some even make the commitment to do images once year just for that reason.
Ready for your photo session; but having a difficult time deciding where to have the session? Don’t be hard on yourself, many people have trouble in deciding where to have their photos taken.
But, choosing a photo shoot location might seem like a big deal but it really doesn't have to be difficult. A location usually drives some of the other decisions you will need to make about your shoot so it’s important to choose the right place. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you decide on a location:
Make sure that your location doesn’t become a distraction and that there is shelter nearby if you need it. Your location tells a story so it’s worthwhile to choose a meaningful spot.
If you are ready for an updated photo session (photos that look like you TODAY), then call me at 720-237-6034 to arrange your FREE consultation. We will discuss theme and location ideas. We will also discuss what to wear so that you look your very best.
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Allow me to introduce myself. The most important things that I could tell you about myself - besides the fact that I take a lot of photographs (ask my wife if you don't believe it) - is that I am husband to an amazing woman. My wife is very important to me.
My wife and I enjoy going to movies, walking together in the park, watching Jeopardy! (our favorite TV show), and serving others.
When I am not spending time with my amazing wife or hanging out behind the camera, I do enjoy gardening (although I must admit that gardening with Colorado's limited rain and rapid evaporation rates, has me puzzled) and hiking (even then I have my camera!).
One thing I do have to warn you about me is that I tend to drink WAY too much coffee!
Okay, now that I've told you about myself - and revealed a secret - I want to hear from you!
Did I mention that I love to take photos?
You can reach me by phone at 720-237-6034 or email at [email protected]. I am currently offering special deals on family portraits.
]]>Last month, the nation was engaged in following our brackets in the NCAA Tournament and many of us (myself included) saw our brackets shredded! Well let me tell you about an amazing group of people. These folks are REAL champions. Last month, the Colorado Special Olympics put on a basketball tournament for these special athletes.
I had the privilege and honor to be able to follow and photograph a couple of teams through this tournament. It was a blast! The tournament was held on Saturday, March 3 at Chatfield High School. It was a very large tournament with hundreds of athletes from all over the local area.
All of the teams showed up with lots of enthusiasm and spirit. If you have never witnessed a Special Olympics event, you are really missing out. The athletes that participate in these events display a lot of sportsmanship, drive, and energy.
It was a thrill for me to see such great sportsmanship and teamwork as these athletes demonstrated that true champions work together at all times.
I was so glad to have been a part of the excitement and happy to share some of that excitement with you here. Hope you enjoy the photos!
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Saturday, March 31’s Mini Session at DeKoevend Park was a lively day jam-packed with several sessions in 4 hours. Despite the slight madness of getting everyone photographed, I am so pleased with every single photo I took for this My Hero & Me mini-session.
I wanted to create a relaxed feel for this shoot. To help create that vibe, I incorporated a variety of park locations into the session. Some of my favorites include: The hill by the tennis courts and the playground.
I really like using shots with the kids making funny faces as an ice-breaker into the session. But, I never expected a family to randomly call “funny faces” and the entire family put on their funny faces!
All of the families showed up looking amazing. One of my favorite outfits of the day was the little guy dressed up in his best suit. I am a lover of jazz and he looked like he was ready for his gig at the local jazz club!
Clearly, I had so much fun doing this mini-session and it makes me even more excited for my next session! I will be scheduling a new mini-session soon, so be sure to check my Facebook page for details.
In the meanwhile, I am offering full sessions for only a $50 creation fee, that is a $200 savings! Click here if you're interested in information: https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=e48qds7ab&p=oi&m=1130184077284&sit=5wh9riimb&f=2d7833ac-159a-42bd-81f0-ca43d909ebcb
Can I help you and your family “capture some memories to last a lifetime”? Email me at [email protected].
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A great photo starts with planning what you are going to wear. In this post, I am going to focus on the 4 basics of wardrobe for the ladies.
1) Flesh-Colored Under Garments
You can't really go wrong with flesh-colored under garments. Because it's usually very similar in tone to your skin, it doesn't show like white under garments would. Nothing ruins an outfit more than when you can see what you are wearing underneath your perfectly planned outfit.
2) Layers
There is a fine line between cute and not being able to move your arms, because you are wearing so many layers. Layers can be a key part of your outfit because they're so versatile; but, be careful that you can still move.
3) Jewelry
Remember the rule that you learned in school, a little bit goes a long way? That is a lesson that can be applied to many things and jewelry is one of them. Keeping accessories simple; but, noticeable is not an unattainable goal. If you feel beautiful and comfortable in a simple, clean-cut T-shirt, add a little something to your photo with a single statement necklace.
4) Patterns to Mix
This isn't easy; but, it's certainly achievable. Keep in mind to coordinate colors, not patterns. Some say leopard print counts as a neutral - so it's easier to pair if that's your style. Stripes with floral. Stripes with leopard print.
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