Photo Shoot 18: March 2012

 

            This shoot was about 2 weeks ago and took place from about 10 to noon. Katelyn was well-rested and fed--perfect conditions. I eventually want to put together an album with select photos of her nursery, some of her clothes and shoes, and a few of her other personal things--so that's where I began. I opened drawers, took out clothes, and photoed things that might not be remembered in another few years--the way the closet looked, the drawer of diapers, the changing table. Then we went to the floor by the sliding glass door in the living room again--beautiful outdoor light and the ability to control it by using the curtains.

            I learned during the course of the shoot that the baby's number of outfits can be changed only so many times. I also learned that 2 hours is pretty much the maximum amount of time when photographing a baby. Other than that, I just tried to do what I normally do: to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible. My favorite shots are usually those that are natural and un-posed.

           It's only been 3 months since I last shot her and already I'm amazed at how much she has grown. Again, I feel so lucky to be able to be a part of the documenting of her growing and coming into the world. Our next shoot will be in June at 6 months old, and again in November at her one-year mark. It is the coolest thing to be able to photograph new life in this way. It has reminded me how much I love to photograph people (even small people) and how much I love to photograph their relationships with one another (like Katelyn's joy at seeing her mother's face). Wonderful.

                                                                              (click once to enlarge)

Photo Shoot 17: December 2011

 

         I shot these photos of baby Katelyn in December; I think she is about two weeks old here. My thoughts on shooting a newborn: wow. Not only was I amazed at the beauty and wonder of a new life, but the love, peace, and contentment of new parents. I have been so privileged to be able to shoot this beautiful baby and family, twice now. Thank you Christina and John for this amazing opportunity.

         Like every shoot, I learn so much--about light, about space, about fabrics and backgrounds. This shoot took place over the course of about 4 hours. It was tough because the baby needed to eat, rest, and cry in between shots. I learned to be patient and actually enjoyed having the extra time to be able to plan. I also enjoyed photographing all her little baby parts--feet, hands, ears, nose, mouth. I did look through some photos on the internet before the shoot to get some ideas--hence, the wedding rings on her toes (which I thought turned out pretty neat!). I also played a little bit with different fabric textures, which turned out great in the b&w shots, especially the dress I brought (which I used for the background in shots 2, 3, & 5).

Photo Shoot 14: September 2011

          My husband's friend Christina & her husband John hired me to do their maternity pics about three weeks ago. I was honored because this is such an important, special time in their lives . . . it was so neat to be a part. Just being with the two (three!) of them for one afternoon made me see how excited and happy they are to be anticipating their first child -- a new baby girl.

          The shoot itself was a challenge for me because I had only done one maternity shoot prior to this. I did some research and read about what made other photographers successful; it pushed me outside my typical comfort zone and I thought the shoot turned out great! We not only did the more intimate boudoir-type photos, but also went outdoors to the bay side of Long Beach as well as the beach itself. I also had some more fun with Adobe Lightroom -- I'm constantly discovering new techniques to make a photo really pop! I think the program adds a new dimension to my work. I'm not quite used to the new look yet but it's what's popular right now and that sells! (Scroll down to read another testimonial!)

(Click once to enlarge)

Client testimonial:

      WOW Ashley!!!!!  Absolutely sooo beautiful!!!  You had me in tears the minute I opened up your album and saw that picture of me.... THANK YOU!!!! You captivated all I could ask for and for that I am grateful!!  After the baby is born we will set something up with you =)  Again thank you.... I will treasure these pictures forever!! 

Truly,

The Pearces

Photo Shoot 10, October 2010

Last Friday, I drove down to Lindsay's to photo my favorite little boys, Lex & Matteo. I was totally enamored -- and fell in love all over again (I tend to do that with children!). They are very well behaved and have creative and playful personalities (though Matteo does tend to be the more serious one) and thanks to Lindsay, Ann, & Aaron, who helped keep them entertained, I was able to get some pretty dreamy shots that I was very happy with!

I had trouble towards the end of the shoot because we were losing the light quickly; it was already a gloomy day and we started the shoot at about 3:30. Many shots were turning out slightly blurry. Next time I will experiment with the ISO so the camera will capture the image a little faster (several photos I rendered unusable because of the blurry factor -- too bad, in many cases).

At one point, we got the boys to pick flowers and bring them over to me -- Lindsay grabbed my camera for some adorable shots of the boys putting flowers behind my ears. It was a moment I'll never forget! Thank you, Lindsay!

Shoot specifics:
*high-speed shutter (6 frames/sec.)
*cloud cover (no sun); late afternoon
*aperture priority

Lessons learned:
*It's all about the eyes! Get to their level and focus on the eyes.
*Use the help of the family to keep them entertained! It really works!
*Do not attempt to pose little ones. In general they will get upset and not want to stay.
*Keep them in a good mood! Once crying begins, they remain irritated for the rest of the shoot. Keep them happy!
*Children are best photographed when they're in their own environment or one where they feel most comfortable. Keep this in mind.

With Matteo -- what a darling boy!

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

(click once to enlarge any photo you like)

~  Lex  ~

 

~  Matteo  ~