5 tips to help you take more exciting vacation pictures
Heading out on vacation? Excited to finally have some down time away from the everyday and hang out with your family and friends? Even if you are planning a stay at home vacation there are some ways that you can shoot with purpose instead of candidly. 1. Indoor lighting: Take advantage of bright airy spaces in your room, lobby, casual area or even in the comfort of your home. Look for spaces that are not too cluttered but allow you to tell your story. The brightest and hottest time of the day is typically from 11-3pm however pending on where you are, this harsh lighting can be to your advantage. Experiment and have fun. Look for covered shelter overhead so your subjects are not squinting.
2. Use sunlight: The "Golden Hours" are found during sunrises and sunsets. Gorgeous soft diffused warm natural light can be used in so many ways and create such impact images. Use this to your advantage for documenting some of your favorite people in natures garden outdoors. Since the golden hours happen so quickly, make sure you prepared and are ready to go. Those few minutes could mean a great shot, or waiting till the next day :) Speaking from experience lol. Have fun, there are so many ways to create magical golden hour photographs. Play with the sun's flare, back lighting, rim lighting, and straight on front lighting.
3. Build your story: Use your surroundings. Vacation is easy. You are away from home and your norm. Utilize this to your best advantage to evoke the emotions you feel in that moment. Walking on the beach with your family? Tell them to walk ahead of you and focus on them, the interaction, the smiles and love you feel in that moment. At home? Go for a walk to your favorite trails, parks or conservation areas. The sky is the limit.
4. Capture movement: Kids jumping on hotel bedroom beds? So fun! So carefree...set up your shot, Whether shooting with a DSLR ( throw your shutter speed way up there and make sure your ISO helps to compensate for lighting) OR your mobile phone. Moments like this are part of telling your story.
5. Capture emotions: You can help capture these emotions by relating to your subject. Make the kids laugh, start a tickle fight. Connect with your family in ways that allows you to easily snap a few photographs that allows the "real smiles" to come forward.
Hopefully some of these tips will help you when you plan on taking some photographs this summer. However, you'll notice these can be applied to year-round. Not just in the lazy days of summer! Have fun and I cannot wait to see what you come up with!
P xo
Why bother hiring a Professional Photographer?
Afternoon everyone! How is summer treating you so far? Having fun with your little ones and kids now that some sunny days are ahead? We have had a wet and wild summer here in Toronto so far. So today I wanted to chat a little bit about a topic that has been brought to my attention. I've written many times over the years of the the importance of photographs and why they are needed, how they make you feel and the importance of leaving family memories and traditions for your children However today I would like to touch base on the importance of baby photography.
Baby photography, why is it so important?
When was the last time you stopped to "enjoy the moment?" We hear it all the time...time goes by so fast. Especially all you moms and dads out there. That first year of your child's life goes by in the blink of an eye. Wasn't it just a few months ago you brought them home from the hospital? Excited to have baby "finally here" so tired and scared you aren't doing things the right way? Within a few months they are rolling over, sitting up and next you know running all over the house with zero fear.
The first year is full of so many new things, milestones and moments you want to hold onto forever.
Baby photography is an essential key in helping you to remember these incredible moments.
Why use a Professional when I can take my own?
Right? Well...those baby photographs that you have from the first year will be without a doubt the most treasured.
The importance alone is a key reason why having a professional capture some of these memories for you.
Photographers who specialize in baby photography are extensively trained in capturing the most beautiful photographs of your little one. In addition to this I believe that it is of the utmost importance to have that connection with your little one/s. Not only do I love what I do, I also love getting to know your baby. Playing with them, building that trust in the first few seconds is so important. Getting them to smile makes them feel at ease is important. Babies read body language and are very sensitive to noise and tone. Being a parent certainly helps in this area too. Crouching down instead of towering over, speaking softer so that baby gets the vibe that..."hey this is one of mom and dad's friends" it's okay...I am safe. Touch and sound all come into play and making it a welcoming environment for babies, no matter where you are.
*They are trained in baby safety. First and foremost this must be one of the top reasons when researching for a baby photographer
*Baby photographers know how to use the most flattering light to highlight your babies features
*They know the best angles to share and focus on details
*They will know how to evoke natural emotive photography so that those innocent and pure expressions tug at your heartstrings.
When you have photographs of your baby done, be prepared to be in a few. You are just as important and need to be in front of the camera instead of behind. Over the years to come your baby will want to see mom and dad in those photographs, present in those memories too. They will be able to see how much they are loved and that they are important. Professional baby photographs will be ones that you proudly display in your home. You are not just investing in baby photography to capture milestones, but beautiful treasured artwork that will be displayed and loved by your whole family.
What is the best age to photograph babies?
Babies growth is forever changing. So it's important to know roughly the right stages to photograph them at. There is no written rule as to WHEN to have your babies photographs done, however I can let you know that in general and by MY experience that the stages below are typically the norm.
*Newborn: I photograph my newborns within the first 2 weeks of life. Exceptions are always a given, premature, twins, any health complications etc. Mom and dad are in a total haze at this time so it is important to have stunning images to reflect back upon when you catch up on your sleep.
*6 months: A favorite stage of mine when babies personality really comes out. Learning new things, rolling over, hands in mouth, finding feet, laughing and clapping.
*1 year: This milestone is as equally important and I love reflecting back with my clients over the last year. Especially when we document that first year in an album and parents are in awe at how fast it went.
So there you have it...just some food for thought. My best piece of advice for new parents is to listen to your gut and your baby. We are bombarded enough with self help tips, books on how to, internet videos and advice from grandma's and friends. At the end of the day this is just a guideline. I am ALWAYS here to help you and I cannot wait to document these milestones for you of your child. Come chat with me when you are ready to start planning your babies upcoming milestone session. It's exciting and I provide your what to expect for an amazing experience.
Book your session today!
Baby Aleeza makes four
Check out this hair! This tiny little one visited recently with her family to celebrate the arrival of her birth. Aleeza was 2 weeks old at her shoot and so wonderful to work with. Dainty little fingers and toes. I swear I have the best newborn hair in studio lately. Makes me laugh ;) It was so awesome to see the family again. Big sister Aliya was photographed 2 years ago and was such a sweet big helper. Thank you Z family for coming to visit and for bringing in your second daughter! Shes a doll! Look forward to seeing you again soon.
All the best,
P
Newborn Isla
This little ray of sunshine came into the world a month ago and couldn't be more adored and loved. Meet Isla at 2 weeks. Hair, cheeks and a dream to photograph. She was so sleepy during her session and loved to hang out in the studio for her session. Thank you J & E for allowing me to photograph her for you. A blessing for you and the family and I can't wait to watch her grow.
See you at her next milestone session! But for now enjoy those cuddles and taking it day one day at time with her. She is your priority now and is so lucky to have you all as a family to guide her and love her.
All the best, till next time.
P
Bloomin Crazy
I've recently had the utmost pleasure of working with a beautiful woman who owns her own business right here in Oshawa. These stunning floral arrangements were in studio and we are so in love with how these photographs came out. There is something about a floral arrangement that stops you in your tracks. Holds your attention longer than a second look. Your eye wanders over the softest of petals, tiny buds yet to bloom and intricate details that have been strategically placed with care and love. Thank you Bespoke Wedding Flowers and I look forward to working with you in the near future!
Mason and Mom
These two...are so amazing. These two...were so much fun! I have loved watching him grow and see his little personality evolve. It is pretty humbling to be able to capture this for parents and even more so to be the one to do so for this family. Thanks Lindsey for allowing me to do so for you.
