I work with a lot of moms who have all kinds of wants when it comes to family portraits or pictures of their kids.  Most of them hire me to just “take pictures”, which is fine.  However, I’m compelled to let the creative whims fly when I get inspired during a session.  That’s why they come back!

How inspiration happens?… I’m not really sure.   I think you have to be in that mindset to take advantage of it, or even be aware that it’s happening.  I don’t know how it happens, but I absolutely know when it’s happening.  And I’ve learned (the hard way) to follow that feeling, even when ‘mom’ has told me what she is looking for.  It’s the rare client who knows exactly what kind of an image she wants.  So when inspiration strikes, I tend roll with it.

Of course, my sessions start with “moms” idea, and then I work from there.  Most of the time, however, the inspiration comes from who’s in front of the camera; children, pregnant lady or an entire family.  It almost always happens.  And mom is almost always pleased with the creative nuances of her original idea.  Had we stayed on the ‘posed’ path,  we would have wound up in Same-Ol Town.  Been there, done that.

The other part of my creative process happens after the picture has been taken.  As in the old Darkroom Days, processing an image is where much of the magic happens.  I used to spend hours in the darkroom working one image until I had made it into the image that I was happy with.  Today, in the “Digital Darkroom”, many of the same tools are available, as well as a few million new ones.  Coincidentally, my mother-in-law just sent me an image that she had made with her new iPad…  interesting!  This woman is great at a lot of things.  You GO, girl!

Anyhoo, last week, I had a session with Matt, from Chicago Matt and The Rosedale Allstars (check them out; Chicago Matt & The Rosedale Allstars).  He’s a jazz musician, plays guitar… lots of guitars… really well.  As soon as we started the session, I knew the image that I needed to get.  He told me that he’d never had his picture taken like this and said he was game for anything.  He didn’t seem nervous but it was apparent that he didn’t know what to do.  So I put him where I needed him and said “Okay, game on.  PLAY.”  And he did.  It was very cool.  After roughly two milli-seconds, he was in his groove.  I shot and shot and shot.  After a bit, he sat down and we started talking about how he got started and stories of a life of playing guitar.  I was still next to the camera and that’s when I got this shot.  Not bad.  It was just what I had been hoping for.

Chicago Matt

Back in the studio, I worked on this image.  I’d never use this same process on a newborn portrait or a maternity image.  I wanted hard, rough and interesting.  Matt’s hint of a smile really brings this image home for me.  He’s such a nice guy, I’d be betraying his character if I had used another image with no hint of that smile.  The original image is pretty cool, but the inspiration I felt at the beginning of this process made me keep going until I was happy.  I had a version of the original image that’s not so contrasty and hard to show Matt, but I love this image.

I sent Matt about 15 different finished images to look at and pick from.  He picked this one.  Only this one.

I’ve got the greatest job in the world and I’m good at it.  If you’d like to see how I make it easy for you to look good, give me a call.  I’ll be happy to help.

Just imagine your little pumpkin taking her mid-morning nap, all quiet and angelic.  So you pull out your camera and – SNAP! – you take her cute little picture.  But it’s not quite cute enough, so you – SNAP! (again) – and, hmmmmm,… still not there, so – SNAP, SNAP, SNAP,… and then next thing you know, you’ve got yet another randomly named folder on your computer full of crumby images of your child,… kind of sleeping, then kind of cranky.

So, what’s the best way to get those great images that the pros get?  Here are my Top 5 Simple Tips for better pictures of your child:

 No. 1 – Don’t Pose Your Baby.  When you’re inspired to take a picture, they are already posed.  So just take the picture.  If you try to make the pose “better”, you’ll be undoing the natural position or action that drew you to the shot.  So just go for it.  If you miss the moment, live with it and the fact that posing a newborn or baby or feisty youngster is tougher than solving Rubik’s Cube.

No. 2 – Get in CLOSE.  I mean REAL CLOSE.  Force yourself to get in there, cropping out the bright shiny window in the background, or the neighbors car, or the junk in the kitchen.  Take the picture of what you love most about what you’re looking at; your child’s face.  Then maybe take a step back and take a second shot to include her cute hat (just her face and hat) then back up a little more to get a little more.  People usually take really wide pictures and your baby is lost in the muck… don’t do that. Get in CLOSE.

No. 3 – Forget the Props.  Once again, take the picture of what you like best about your child, and forget the extra stuff.  With the exception of Little Jimmy on the pony for the first time (which will make a great shot), keeping your pictures simple is usually the best way to go, by a long shot.

No. 4 – Use Window Light.  Nothing will get you to “Deer in the Headlights” land faster than riding your on-camera flash.  Sometimes you need it, but most often you don’t.  Turn that stinker off and use the natural light coming from the window.

And the greatest photo tip of all time;

No. 5 – DON’T make your child look at the camera.  I hate the guy who came up with “1-2-3…CHEEEEEESE”!  That never gets kids to smile. It gets them to say ‘cheese’ with an expression that says “Why am I saying ‘Cheese’?  I’m all about the natural look.  And snapping the pictures of your child doing what they’re doing is exactly that; the natural look.  Changing what they are doing changes everything, so hold the cheese, please.

There you have it, a few tips and ideas on how to take better and even great pictures of your kids.  If you have any more questions or would like to know more about how we can create great images of your child, give me a call.  Happy Shooting.

The fact is that there are lots of really good camera manufacturers making lots of cameras with lots of different features on them.  If you add up the ‘Lots’, then you get exactly 2.3 Zillion choices, which is lots of choices.  So narrow down you search by setting a limit on what you’re willing to spend.

$200 is going to get you a really good point-and-shoot camera with pretty decent features, including video.  Double that budget, $400 and you’re going to start to get into the high end point-and-shoot / low end DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras.  And the features are going to start to get confusing, especially when you’re willing to spend more than $500 on a camera.  The choice of swapping lenses figures into the equation, so at least be aware of that.  And video as a feature, which is the latest craze(y), is getting a lot of attention.

So start with a budget and then look at the features, start making a list of the features that you like / want to find the camera that fits you, not the other way around.  It’s out there, you just have to find it.

Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Olympus, Sony,… you’re going to have plenty of choices no matter which manufacturer your choose from, and they are all pretty much in the game.  I bang my nails into the wood with Cannons.  They work great, just like most of the other hammers out there (this is a metaphor, I treat my equipment very well) so please don’t get hung up on the name.

Happy Hunting.

I owe my success (my happiness) to you, Dee, my best friend, the love of my life.

I gave a presentation this morning on “Following your Passion to Success” and when I returned to the studio and had received a note about how “Success is not the key to happiness.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you do, you will be successful.”  So I thought that I’d pass that along.

I love Family Portraits.  I love Kids Portraits and tiny little baby portraits.  And I really love those absolutely beautiful Maternity Portraits.  Portraits, not pictures, not snapshots but the real deal.  The ones that make you stop and look twice.  Portraiture is my passion.  I’m such a believer in following your dream, even when it gets tough, to help you get through life with a purpose and when you finally make it to the end, your regrets are minimal.  I believe that is the true measure of success.

If your idea of success lies in your bank account, I’ll wish you luck, but I don’t have too much faith that you’ll find it.  Sure I charge a bundle for what I do; I need to stay in business so that I can help other families, and Dee deserves it.  And my goal is still to create great portraits, at a fair price.

I’ve followed my passion, professionally, for 25 years now.  I’ve experienced ups and downs and that’s called Life.  I’m used to it (although I don’t always like it) and do my best to prepare for what’s next.  I won’t ever not be a portrait photographer.  It’s who I am and I’m happy!  Very happy.

I get asked if I offer “Picture Packages” all the time.  Mostly with my Baby and Newborn Portrait sessions.  I don’t like this question, especially when it’s the very first thing out of the callers mouth, as in;  Me: Hello, this is Stuart. Caller: Do you have PACKAGES?  It makes my skin kind of crawl trying to imagine what kind of person interacts like that.  It kind of irks me and the Devil inside me wants to say “Sure I have packages.  Do you want cardboard or vinyl?  My packages usually contain really cool baby pictures and are wrapped in frufy paper”, but smart ass quips don’t make for new clients.  Right?

So I suppress my devilish side and redirect with something like “Sure I offer packages, what kind of a package were you looking for?” (which never gets a good response but I have to get a dig in now and then).  Or “I usually feel uncomfortable deciding for my clients what size pictures they have to purchase, so I like to leave that up to them.” Then continue on so that they can figure out how expensive I am, which is why I get most of these kinds of calls…. Packages!

I honestly feel that packages could limit the choices for my clients if not handled properly.  Everyone is different and wants different “stuff”.  So how can I “package” my clients?  Silly, I know, but that’s how I feel.  However, I do see one benefit to offering picture packages and it has nothing to do with lower prices, which is what everyone expects; it gives me a chance to educate my clients that I have more than 5×7’s and 8×10’s.  In fact, I sell more than just “Pictures”!

When I include “Float Wraps” in a package, what do you think is the first thing my client’s going to ask?  How much is an 8×10?  No, no, no.  What’s a “Float Wrap”?  and I pull out my handy-dandy example and they say “Wow, that’s cool.  I want one of those”. And I smile… packages…

Or how about a cool family portrait album as a great way to showcase the collection of images from a family photo session?  Opens door and is a great starting point to understanding the different products that I offer in addition to the pictures.  There are a lot of photographers that offer jewelry and beach bags and even towels in their product line.  I don’t know about you, but when I’m shopping for my jewelry, I don’t think of calling a photographer for the latest styles.  What better way to get the word out about these products than to slam them into a “Package”?

Juat about every business has incentive for spending more money: the more you spend, the more free stuff you get, right?  Photography is no different and I think that the best packages are the ones that get people thinking outside their box,… or package.

But this is MY blog and I get to say what I want (and start my sentences with ”But”) and the madness has to stop.

So here’s the comparison; Anyone can purchase a guitar, but can just anyone make good music? The answer is a resounding no. The same comparison applies to professional photography—anyone can own the latest glitzy photographic equipment, but producing quality images requires finesse and experience behind the lens.

 I don’t think that we’re comparing Apples to Apples here.  I do agree that when it comes to musical instruments, (except for the piano, you could just put the thing on “Auto” and away you go.  Right?) like a guitar or a flute, or the drums,.. well, maybe not drums, it takes years to learn to play without inflicting pain on your listeners.

When it comes to photography however, and today’s… how did he say it… latest glitzy equipment, most of these cameras come out of the box ready to go.  With a big green “P” on the setting dial (stands for “Professional” by the way J) and a pop-up flash so the chances are pretty good you’re going to get a decent shot.  It happens all the time… everywhere.

So why is a pro touting the greatness of today’s technology?  Why not!  The reality is that tons of folks pick up a new glitzy camera, take some decent pictures of their kids on the playground, get compliments from their friends and hit Vista Print for free business cards ready to let the world know that they are now a photographer.

This is great for folks who love photography, but the ones who want to make a business out of it may as well be trying to get a gig at “The House of Blues” Downtown with their brand new guitar.  There is just so much more to photography than the camera.  Running ANY business is tough, let alone one where you do everything by yourself.  Great photography does not come easy, nor does a profitable business.

Most of the younger photographers that I get to help out get the hard advice to stay in school and study accounting, marketing, and business.  Then study lighting and posing.  A portrait is just a picture until it’s lit correctly.

So to the “Soccer Mom’s” with cool camera’s I say “More power to you sister.  Give it a go, you never know.”  But (there’s that word again) if you’re looking for someone to create a truly memorable portrait for you, put your money on the pro with experience.  In the end, you will save frustration, friendships and money,… maybe enough for shiny new guitar.

I hope that the Holidays treated you very well and the this new year is one filled with Happiness and prosperity.  I’ll look forward to sharing both with you all.

Stuart

iGive members can generate donations by shopping at any of our 900+ stores.  There are no costs, obligations, nor any hidden fees.  So when you’re shopping this holiday season, including the Nascar Super Store!!! (okay, so I have freaky friends who wouldn’t have a pulse without NASCAR! Go figure), and you buy something from one of the listed stores, iGive sends a percentage of that sale to your chosen charity.  Learn More Here.

And this thing really works.  I signed up two weeks ago, listed Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep as my favorite (big surprise) and I was buying Dee those diamond (kubik Z) earrings she’s been wanting (wishing for) and at the end of the sale, iGive notified me that a percentage had been donated, WITHOUT COSTING ME A PENNY EXTRA.

Pretty cool, I’m helping without even knowing it… now to sift through all the Cracker Jack boxes for those earrings …

Some of the most successful wedding photographers in the industry, including Becker, Zach and Jody Gray, and David Ziser, will share their latest and greatest strategies that have gotten them to where they are today.

On Dec. 28, Jan. 4, and Jan. 11, from 11am – 3pm CST each day, tune in for F-R-E-E to learn

• How to attract the right clients (who won’t banter you on price).
• Creating the perfect wedding album your clients will HAVE to have.
• Pricing your photography so you come out profitable every time.
• Getting your phone ringing with an easy, no-cost marketing technique.
• And much, much more!

All you need to do to attend this event is register here now.

If you’re considering having your pregnancy portrait made, you’re going to face a bunch of options, including what to wear, when is the best time to create the pictures and, of course, where to have the session.

When I first started photographing pregnant ladies (my sister-in-law was my guinea pig J), I quickly realized that by having these maternity sessions in my clients homes, I realized a lot of cool things going on to help create the mood that is essential for great maternity portraits.

I put a heavy emphasis on making my moms feel comfortable during their session.  This is one of the most essential parts of creating beautiful images.  When mom is relaxead and at ease, she will love her expression and the feeling that she gets from the portrait.  She’ll also be able to connect with her baby in the way that I need her to.  If she’s not relaxed, the images will show it and the session was a waste time.  She will never feel right about any image from that kind of session.

The best way to get mom to relax and be comfortable is to put her into an environment that she’s familiar with.  No better place than Home, Sweet Home.  Right?

So getting the mood that I want was one of the first things that I noticed from the In-Home session.  But then my moms started telling me about the other conveniences; having ALL of her outfits in the next room and not having to lug them to a studio.  If she gets thirsty or hungry, the fridge is right there, too.  If she has another child, she did not have to get a sitter or bring them to the session.

Sure, it’s more work for me, but the results are absolutely worth the extra effort.  And when Mom tells me that she’ll have to clean up before I come over, I let her know that my backgrounds will block out all of her lovely knick-knacks (and the other stuff, too!).

In a nutshell, every pregnant woman is different, but when it comes to the question of “What’s so great about an In-Home Maternity Photo Session” the answer is simple:  Everything!

Give us a call if you’d like to learn more about our Maternity Portraits.