Blog – Janet Klinger Photography

Why Limit Your High School Senior? Include the Whole Family in the Portrait Session.

wpadmin — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 18:00:52 +0000

During our most popular Excursion Session, our high school seniors get to explore during 3 hours of photography, focused on them. That doesn’t mean a best friend can’t drop in, or that Fido the dog isn’t included. Most important to many seniors are family members, so they are often invited to join the fun too, especially toward the end of the session.

In this senior session, we hoped for a Seattle Sunset including silhouetted Olympic mountains. Luck delivered the perfect day, despite a summer of smoke-filled skies.

Meeting before the photography session, I learned what was important, from guitar, to record stores, to family, and nature. We talked about clothing, color schemes to highlight their home and wall images, and most importantly, about the family relationships.

I’m always searching for your ideas for senior sessions: locations you love, varied interests such as band, sports, writing poetry, and how we might illustrate these concepts.

Sonic Boom Records graciously let one of their favorite customers stop in for a quick senior photo. Thanks SBR!

Senior Photography Fun in the Sun (and Gray) on Lake Union

wpadmin — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 22:04:35 +0000

Great time had by all during this high school senior portrait on Lake Union. Even mom and dad couldn’t stay away!

Who can resist this family? Then add an adorable dog– who knew it could get even better!

Whatever the weather, this wonderful family has proven game over the years. Always great attitudes, lots of laughter, and brimming with love!

Working Out Daily at 90 and Loving Every Minute

wpadmin — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 21:11:57 +0000

Susan Cotter kicks butt, safely.

Jogging and scootering at 90? Dad is working out with Susan Cotter of Strength Studio, perfecting his squat and lifting form. Must protect those knees. Beyond daily workouts, Dad scooters to and fro the grocery store, carrying bags packed and balanced. Definitely BALANCED!

As a gift to him, he’s been joining me in Susan’s one-on-one training’s, and even several of her BodyPump classes at dynamic Community Fitness.

As his life-long gift to me, Dad gives his eternal optimism, humor and 100% unconditional love all these healthy years. The best gifts ever!

Less Frequently Asked Questions about Janet’s Photography

wpadmin — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 00:23:40 +0000

Do you have experience with disabled children? Yes! I love working with all children. My own daughter has a diagnosis, which requires unique adjustments as many of us do! Children and adults with developmental, hearing, sight and physical disabilities usually enjoy humor, humanity and flourish when greeted with genuine curiosity just as many of us do! Disabilities are simply a part of ones makeup. It’s possible you prefer to minimize the unique quality, or choose to visually celebrate all aspects of each family member. A Pre-session consultation is part of my usual flow to learn about your family individually and your special bonds. Help me understand your desires, and if we need to make special accommodations, simply state them. I’ll bring plenty of ideas too. Planning makes the session go smoothly, and smooth = fun!

What are your policies for rescheduling a session? Rescheduling is FREE with 24 hours advanced notice. Less than 24 hours is also free, the first attempt each session, then $50 thereafter. This arrangement allows me to share with you the risk of inclement weather. I love that we can check hour to hour weather. Rescheduling due to extraordinary circumstances is treated case by case.

Do you donate photography to charitable organizations? Yes, annually I donate photography sessions in addition to working on my own non-paid projects. If you have an organization that benefits from photography, request early! Naturally, clients take priority, though the majority of requests come from those as yet unknown to me. My personal preference is to donate first to children’s causes, and second, housing for disabled and/or the (formerly) homeless , such as the amazing Plymoth Housing Group.

Do you have repeat clients? Many! More than 30 years in photography allows us to build a long lasting relationship that serves you best and is a joy for me! It’s an honor to gain your increasing trust, allowing me to understand your family’s classic and unique developmental phases, and to capture time-revealed insights. Whether you come first for playful, energetic engagement or precious pet images, then stay for pregnancy, newborn, child, graduation and eventually, professional headshot images, let’s build an heirloom collection of images to pass along to your growing family. Even wall displays can be designed for adding images over time. Perfect for our long-term clients!

Ask your questions here.

Don’t waste your time! Spend it planning your Family Portrait.

wpadmin — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 17:00:22 +0000

Use your cell phone if you just want a few basic photos. Yet, if you are invested in a professional photographer, it’s likely you want something special. Besides the obvious difference years of experience and top gear make, planning adds professional to your family portrait.

Here are a few portrait planning essentials that will let you relax and get the best images.

During the complimentary Family Portrait Photography Planning Session,

Plan the portrait session time when subjects are at their best: well fed and rested, and that works best for all ages! However tempting after school and work hours may be, is that really a good time for your family to be captured?
Share scheduling restraints (Mom leaves for work at 11:00 yet Grandma can’t arrive until 10:45…)

If anyone has a special talent or right of passage to celebrate, or navigates a disability, temperament, or illness that may affect mobility or engagement others in the image, talk with me about strategies in the Photography Planning Session. We all have strengths to highlight and weaknesses to navigate.
Location Selection? Sharing special relationships and interests leads to the most insightful images, AND these tidbits help narrow down to your ideal family portrait location.

Besides the experience, what would you like to end up with? Do you already know you want a wall collection, a single image framed, an album, or a box of matted images along side an easel to display them? Let me know. If a single image above a piano is desired, the ideal shooting methods are different than successfully photographing for a Mini-Art Book, displaying a collection of palm sized images. Most sessions include a variety of techniques, but emphasizing the ideal is what we aim for.

All this planning only takes 15-45 minutes, and results in Happy Clients!

My goal is You as Happy Client!

Let’s plan your family portrait session

Child photography to-do list before the Session!

wpadmin — Thu, 28 May 2015 20:11:47 +0000

Planning a photography session with your younger children? Have a fabulous and successful session by following a few tips before the photography session.

It’s fun to get dirty. Best to come prepared for your outdoor toddler photography session.

Two Days in advance to Photography Session:

You may find it helpful to coordinate and layout outfits, and pack spare clothing just in case dirt happens.

One night before:

Pack your toy bag and prepare snacks

Blast off:

On session day, allow the kids to wake, eat, play as normal. Keep hustling to a minimum unless that IS the norm.
Wear your first outfit to the session, covered by an additional shirt for little ones.
Keep snacks fresh, small portions, and nutritious (think banana slices!). Avoid sticky or colors that might stain the skin.
Bring favorite music. One selection for energizing children, and one for soothing children (an especially soothing for parents). (Indoor locations only.)
If including a favorite toy, aim for less colorful choices.

I look forward to seeing and playing with you soon!

The weather is warm! If you haven’t yet booked your session, contact Janet.

Family photographs are meaningful, even after all the chicks leave the nest.

wpadmin — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 18:26:42 +0000

Photographing families is one of my favorite activities in life. Each experience tells a story. Each story becomes a cherished collection. What could be more rewarding then hanging client artworks then witnessing the exciting affect.

What a wonderful experience I had photographing this blended family near the Woodland Park Zoo.

Second Grader suddenly loads dishwasher, and other wonders of aging

wpadmin — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 01:00:39 +0000

I love my 2nd grader so much!

One year later, Justin Forsett’s gift to his wife Angela

wpadmin — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 19:52:16 +0000

For their one year anniversary, Justin (whose wedding Janet Klinger Photography photographed last year) wrote a love song for Angie and recorded a video of it:

How great is he?! Congratulations to the them both! And to all of those who are celebrating their 1st year of marriage. May this be the 1st of many great years to come!

Parents Guide to Summer in Seattle

wpadmin — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 18:51:10 +0000

Looking for some fun Seattle summer things to do!? Janet Klinger Photography has come up with some local ideas!

Kids eat free?! Check out this link for local restaurants that offer up some free food for kids!

Read the summer away! Join the Seattle Public Library reading programs

Get Out! Summer at SAM

Outdoor movies! Head to Marymoor Park, Magnuson Park, West Seattle or Fremont to watch an outdoor movie this summer.

Looking to join a fun summer camp?

Pick your own berries and other yummy food! Check out one of the many local farms, Remlinger Farms

And be sure to catch up on Martha Stewart‘s 60 days of summer

But don’t forget to have the award winning portrait photographer, Janet Klinger capture your 2011 summer memories (and tan)! Book a session with Janet before the end of September and receive her Spectacular Seattle Summer Special! Contact us to find out more.