Category: Families

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Family Warmth -The Woodlands Family Photographer

Being a family photographer in the Woodlands and Spring area means I get to meet some fantastic families for their family pictures, like this beautiful family full of warmth. We met as part of an extended family session, and did breakouts with each family unit, to make sure each family gets their own special family portraits. I love the poses here, with them holding hands, you can just feel their connection and love!

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

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The 5 Essential Steps to Surviving a Family Photoshoot – The Woodlands Photographer

You are excited to book a photographer. You are crazy excited to get those beautiful portraits of your family. You’re beyond excited to get those prints back to hang on your wall. Then you start to realize … it’s coming soon. And you have no idea how you are going to survive!


You’ve seen beautiful, happy, smiling photos of other families and their kids, and think “That will never be us!”. I’m here to tell you — it *will* be you *if* you follow a few simple steps that lead to success!

TRUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
Straight out of the gate, this is your first step, full stop. From the moment you arrive at the location, let your photographer take the lead. Let her guide you and the kids into natural poses. Let her grab the children’s attention. Let her follow the kids when they start to run. Those make great shots! Trust that she is a pro, and knows how to handle it. Let her make the children laugh, to get real, authentic emotions from them.

TIME IT RIGHT
This starts from the night before the shoot. Have outfits laid out ready, no morning rush. Have kids sleep and wake up on time (no oversleeping!). Have a timely breakfast and lunch, with snacks, to keep the crankiness away. Keep everything normal, so they’re less likely to skip naps. And make sure your photoshoot is scheduled for when the kids are at their happiest – not hungry or tired

ABOUT THOSE SNACKS
Be *very* careful when it comes to snacks and bribes. Do not start out immediately bribing your child with candy or promises of fun later. Let the photographer use her tricks and talent, and save the bribes for truly desperate moments. Your photographer will let you know when it’s time to pull out the big guns. And make sure those snacks don’t leave stains and crumbs – sugar free gummy bears and pretzels are better choices than cheesy crackers and ice cream.

KEEP CLOTHING AND PROPS SIMPLE
You don’t need a lot of props to make a family photoshoot special and unique. In fact, less is definitely better and will look less dated as time goes by. Pick something special to your family, like an heirloom blanket, and ditch the moustaches-on-a-stick/theme-outfits/insert-trend-here for more authentic photos of you as you are. Coordinate your outfits into a colour family (think shades of blue and purple, or everyone in neutrals) instead of matching outfits for everyone.

BE OKAY WITH LESS THAN THEIR BEST BEHAVIOUR
For many parents, the end goal of the session is the frame worthy shot of the family, and children, smiling happily into the camera while everyone hugs in bliss. It’s a gorgeous shot. But it’s not the only, or even the *best* shot, of your family. If the happy posed shot isn’t happening, just let it go. Embrace the beauty of the unposed shots. It’s far better to have happy shots of everyone running or walking together, than stress out the fam and get miserable shots of everyone staring glumly into the camera. This is about YOU too. Just have fun with it, and we’ll naturally get great shots!


Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

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The 5 Essential Photos From Your Family Session – The Woodlands Photographer

If you’re looking for a family photographer here in the Woodlands, you’ve probably done a lot of research and are ready to book and get excited about your family portraits! On the big day, these are the 5 essential, absolute “must have” portraits that you will want to get from your family photoshoot. These pictures are the necessary shots you need to have a well rounded family session, to tell the story of your family.

PORTRAITS OF THE WHOLE FAMILY TOGETHER, SMILING
Your family photoshoot should be a really fun event! Everyone will be excited, happy, smiling, and having fun hugging and laughing together. These are the beautiful moments that you absolutely must capture, the carefree “being you” moments that show our family unity.

EACH PARENT ALONE WITH THE CHILDREN
Each parent should have their photos taken with all the children AND with each child individually. Children love to see photos of themselves with their parents, and nothing is more special to them than a framed photo of their mom and dad hugging them, on display where they can see it every day. Take a photo with each child, and have them printed for the children’s rooms!

EACH INDIVIDUAL CHILD, ALONE
Celebrate the unique character and personality of each child by letting her get some one-on-one time with the photographer! Kids love the freedom and the attention, and they’ll give you all kinds of fun, serious, silly, and downright beautiful looks when they have the stage to themselves. Don’t force them to smile – trust the photographer to draw their smiles out naturally!

ALL THE CHILDREN TOGETHER
The shot we’re all hoping will lead to more smiles and laughs, than shoves and tears! Really, kids to love to play with their siblings, so let them play! Get them smiling and in no time you’ll have that one great shot of them looking at the camera, all smiles. This is the photo you’ll be sharing on Facebook later!

THE TWO OF YOU, TOGETHER, THE FOUNDATION OF THE FAMILY
This family all started with you, and the love you share. Don’t even think about walking away from your family photoshoot before you get an updated shot of you two lovebirds, the rock upon which your family love is built.

Are you ready to to capture those essential pictures of your family? Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.


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Planning Your Family Portraits – The Woodlands Photographer

I really love being a family photographer here in the Woodlands, where I get the chance to meet so many wonderful families for their family portraits!

This well dressed family was part of an extended family session, and we broke into groups to photograph each family unit and each child. This family had such a great sense of style, and we had a beautiful day for family pictures with sunshine and even temperatures.

Their styling is a perfect “how to do it right” when planning your family portraits. Their outfits coordinate, without being too “matchy”, and the hues compliment the environment they chose for the backdrop – rich colours, perfect for the greenery and flowers, and portrait ready without being too formal, with button ups in checkered flannel.

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

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Family Mini Sessions – Keepsake Portraits

It’s always a special opportunity for me to photograph families here in the Woodlands, for portraits that families will cherish forever! Meeting new families in the Spring and Woodlands area is always fun, especially when the clients are as fun as these ladies were. We had a great time capturing their family pictures!

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

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Furbabies and Friends – The Woodlands Photographer

I shoot a lot of milestones, like family portraits and senior photos, but some of the finest moments in life are the little ones. Like the friendship between friends, and the love we have for our pets. This was one fun photoshoot, with the playful antics of Oakley making for some crazy running around and laughter!

Such a fun session, and look at that gorgeous light!

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

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Family Portraits With Style

I really love being a family photographer here in the Woodlands, where I get the chance to meet so many wondeful families for their portraits! This lovely family was part of an extended family session, and we broke into groups to photograph each family unit. This family had such a great sense of style, and we had a beautiful day for family pictures!

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

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Toddler Life – The Woodlands Child and Family Photographer

How adorable is this two year old birthday girl! I met this family at a park in the Woodlands, to get some portraits of this cutie in her birthday dress and pretty white cloak. I love her cheeky smiles! She made me work for it but it was so worth it! 

My mini sessions are the perfect price point and set up for you to get a smaller collection of amazing portraits you want to celebrate a special occasion, between full family sessions.  Call or email me to ask about mini sessions!

Email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

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The Woodlands Child and Family Photographer – Texas

A special mini session to celebrate this little one’s fifth birthday! What a sweet smile he had, and so well behaved! We met at at pretty park in the Woodlands where we could have him seated, and also use the surrounding greenery.

I love being a part of your family’s celebrations, and look forward to meeting this little man and his family again!


Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

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Spring Green – Family Portraits in the Field

Spring is such a lovely time for family portraits! In the fall, you get the gorgeous colours of the autumn, all warmth and golden. In the spring, it’s fresh green and flowers in bloom. You can’t go wrong with a pretty field for your family pictures, to infuse your family portraits with the pretty natural elements we have in the Woodlands and Spring, Texas. Celebrate your family and important milestones by giving yourself the gift of beautiful family portraits that your family will cherish for a lifetime.

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

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The Perfect Outfit for Fall Family Photos – The Woodlands Photographer

I get this question all the time — what should I wear for my family portraits? What’s the perfect outfit for our pictures? The short answer is – there is no perfect outfit! It all depends on your family and your personal style! However, there are some outfit choices that really take your portraits up a notch, and some colours that translate better on camera than others. These fashion forward clients of mine showed up for their family portrait session with wardrobes that really stood out, and the overall tonality and harmony of their family pictures really shows!

POPS OF COLOUR
These ladies really stole the show with their eye catching colour coordinated outfits, that make use of pretty fall tones. Their outfits blend well together with the environment and each other, without being too tonally matching. Beautiful!

 

FORMAL ELEGANCE
Create wall worthy works of photographic art with a stylish wardrobe emsemble. The little touches here really set them apart – the strings of pearls, lace overlays, and professionally styled hair that really show care and preparation for their family pictures.

 

DELICATE NEUTRALS
Feminine and airy, sweet neutrals blend well into natural locations like parks and fields. The natural colours are earthy and calm, adding an extra layer of beauty and grace to your portraits.

 

BOLD COLOUR AND PATTERNS
This is a popular look for late fall, with Christmas just around the corner! Add a pop of merry cheer to your portraits to make them perfect for the holiday cards. Red is a bold choice that looks beautiful against the fall golden greenery.

 

BLUE IS THE COOLEST COLOUR
Blue just always looks good! No matter what hue or shade, the camera loves, loves, loves the colour blue. It pops against grass but also looks perfectly at home in urban settings. Pair with peach or baby neutrals for a winning combo.

 

ADD SOME WHIMSY
Babies and toddlers are tons of fun to dress up for family photos! When our formal pictures are done, you can bring along some adorable outfits for special individual portraits of children to cherish. This little one sports the iconic tutu, always a popular choice for sweet baby girls! Try a cute fedora, tie, and vest for little lads.

 

ADD LAYERS FOR INTEREST
If your session date falls on a colder day, you can add layers to avoid the shivers and still look stylish. Overcoats, peacoats, long patterned sweaters, and slim vests look great without adding bulk.

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

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What To Look For in a Family Photographer – The Woodlands Family Photographer

Are you looking to get some great family pictures done of your family? Overwhelmed by the choices out there, and wondering how to go about choosing your family’s photographer? Here are a few things to look for, when booking your family portraits.

UPFRONT WITH PRICING
Does the photographer provide *all* the pricing info up front, when you inquire? Is there an online guide where Collections pricing is open and transparent? Walk away from photographers who are shy about providing pricing information, and steer you away from asking questions. When you book with Shannon Stroubakis, you receive access to a complete information guide, with all pricing upfront, so there are no surprises later. I have sessions and pricing for all budgets, just ask!

QUICK AND EASY TURNAROUND
How long will it take to get your photos back? Is it easy to download, or do you have to mess around with complex systems to get your portraits? Will you have to wait WEEKS to see your gallery? My turn around time is very fast, and you see your family gallery within the week. Upon payment, the gallery is yours to download and prints are ordered immediately and back within 10 days. As an experienced photographer, I have the ability to get your amazing gallery in a timely manner.

CONNECTION, CONNECTION, CONNECTION
Your family pictures should show the connection of family, and be joyful, soulful, full of light and love. Look for close posing, happy smiles, and warmth and happiness!

BEAUTIFUL FLATTERING LIGHT
The photos should have lovely lighting that doesn’t cause harsh shadows, or splotchy patches on the faces from dappled light. Pretty backlighting or nice overall even light is best. A good photographer knows how to handle the light!

GREAT BACKGROUNDS
Be on the lookout for pictures that have intrusive elements, like bike racks, telephone posts, garbage, and so on. Your family photographer should pay attention to the background so the focus stays on your family. You want pretty flowers, nice trees, or an urban background for a chic look. Nothing distracting!

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

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All Together – The Woodlands Family Portraits

One of the best gifts you can give your family is the gift of family pictures! This family had a ton of fun together, despite the summer heat, laughing and joking around together. Family pictures together can be a fun activity, stress free, when you’re all in it together!

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

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Featured on Shutterfly – The Woodlands Family Photographer

I was honoured to be approached by Shutterfly for an article about photographing large families, using my work as an example of good posing! Thanks for the shout out, Shutterfly! You can find the article by clicking here: Shutterfly. The picture below was the image requested for the article.

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

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Bright and Cheerful Family Portraits – Family Photographer the Woodlands

The smiliest baby ever! What a treat to photograph this lovely family to celebrate the birth of this handsome little one, the smiles on their faces say it all! Celebrate your family and important milestones by giving yourself the gift of  beautiful family portraits that your family will cherish for a lifetime, and leave behind for future generations to enjoy. Ask me about my special family print packages, so you get the wall portraits and gift prints you need!

 

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

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Family Portraits in the Park – The Woodlands Outdoor Photographer

It’s been a couple years since I’ve seen this beautiful family, and look how much little girl has grown! I love seeing clients come back for renewed portraits, and it’s an important family milestone to be together as a family and document your lives with beautiful family pictures. I look forward to meeting this family again, next time around! Check out their previous session by clicking here.

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

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Baby’s First Photoshoot – The Woodlands Family Photographer

That very first photoshoot as a family with a new little one is such a special moment! I was very excited to meet this little girl and her family, to celebrate their first family portraits together. What a beautiful family, and I look forward to seeing them again!

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

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Large Group Family Portraits – Extended Family Photographer The Woodlands

It can be challenging getting a whole group together and posed for a beautiful family portrait. The great advantage to hiring a pro for those tricky portraits is getting perfectly posed pictures, with a photographer who takes care to pose your group in a flattering way that isn’t cliche or too stiff. Staggering lines, posing arms, and grouping family units is important to getting natural posed portraits of your large extended family. And sometimes, using a prop like a neutral sofa or loveseat adds to the charm!

This family used their pretty loveseat to create family portraits with warmth, with everyone circled around each other. The two lines creates a nicer look for the portrait, like a warm family circle. It also helps if there’s a little one involved, to keep her seated and not squirming!

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

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Do I Need to Order a Collection? – The Woodlands Photographer

You’ve decided the time is now to get some great pictures of your family  or high school senior, or perhaps you’re getting married or having a baby and are getting a photoshoot done to document this momentous event. It’s a great gift to yourself and your loved ones, and there is much to consider! The location, the time, your wardrobe, and what you will do after your pictures are ready.

So after the session you might be thinking…now what? Should I order just digitals or products? Do I have to order a Collection? What if it doesn’t fit into my needs or budget?

There is nothing quite like coming home to see the faces of the people you love most on the wall, where you can walk by it and smile every day! Or maybe you’re considering a family album, that everyone can sit together and look at. Albums are a great way to let your story unfold, and make wonderful keepsakes.

Shown below: a 20Ă—30 fine art canvas

 

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH YOUR IMAGES?

Before the session, we’ll talk about how you plan to display your pictures, so when it comes time to do your in person viewing and ordering session we will have a good idea of what types of products you are looking for.  Clients have the option to purchase a Collection, or to choose products a la carte. So which is right for you?

COLLECTIONS: My Collections are for clients who want to have digital copies of their images. There are several Collections, depending on how many digital files you have chosen – all or 25. The top two Collections come with a monetary credit to spend on the a la carte menu, and the third is a digital only Collection. I prefer to give my clients this freedom, rather than create Collections that dictate the exact sizes and types of products my clients receive. This way you get exactly what you want, and your order fills your specific need. Check out some of the products you’ll take home in the PRODUCTS PAGE.

Shown below: mini desktop collages

A LA CARTE: If you do not need a large selection of digital files and would rather purchase products, you do not have to order a Collection. A la Carte ordering allows you to focus directly on the products that interest you,  to build your own perfect order. With the purchase of an album 8×8 or larger, or a wall portrait (canvas, metal or mounted print) 16×20 or larger, you also receive a complimentary copy of that digital file for sharing on social media with friends and family.  There is a minimum $500 a la carte ordering requirement, and lots of options available to maximize your purchasing power, such as print packages.

With my personal guidance during your ordering session, you’re guaranteed to walk away happy!

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

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Family Trio – The Woodlands Family Photographer

It’s always great to see families who continue to take portraits with their children, as they continue to grow and enter high school! So often, life gets busy and schedules fill up and we forget to preserve these all too fleeting times in our times.  For high school teens, it’s a great time to get together and take portraits before they head out to university and you’ll have some special portraits of you together to frame and keep close to your heart. It’s also a pretty fun photoshoot! Without small children to wrangle and tantrums to soothe, family portraits will never be easier!

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

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Perfectly Styled Family Portraits – The Woodlands Family Photographer

This beautiful family is a great example of what to wear for formal family portraits that really shine. With the rustic woods as a backdrop, the neutral cream, dark brown and beige, and that gorgeous pop of natural rose on the girls – wardrobe perfection!  With each family member coordinated, but not perfectly  matched, the whole ensemble comes together for a sophisticated overall look (love that jewelry on the ladies!!) that is formal and classy without being overwhelmingly stuffy. And those beautiful smiles are the icing on the cake!

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

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How to Guide for Wall Portraits – The Woodlands Fine Art Photographer

Hanging family portraits on your wall turns your house into your home, your personal space where love and family reside. Having your family portraits taken and displayed on your wall is not about necessity, but about inviting love and beauty into your life, and celebrating family. It’s about happiness, and bringing joy to your world.

When you book your family, senior, maternity or engagement session, we’ll set a time to go over the most important aspects of your upcoming photo shoot so your pictures not only exceed your expectations but also are a perfect match for your home.

YOUR HOME DESIGN

Before the family photo shoot, we’ll discuss your home decorating style so that the entire look of the final portrait matches the overall style of your home.  From the colour of your wardrobe to the style you choose – casual, formal or fun and fresh – the overall style of the portraits should be in harmony with the home style you have curated.

MEASUREMENTS

Before your in person ordering session, it’s a good idea to take measurements of your wall space where you intend to hang your wall art. In the home entrance, above the mantle in the living room, or in the master bedroom are usually the most common places to hang your portraits.  After you’ve chosen your favourite image for display, I’ll show you how it will look in your chosen size and ratio. The common gift print size is 8×10 and it’s tempting to choose that size since it’s a popular ratio. However, that is not the size you want on your walls, that size is far too small for details to be seen at a distance. Go bigger! Here is a little article I wrote on the difference between gift prints and wall art.

COLOUR OR BLACK AND WHITE

Along with your home decor, your personal preference for colour or black and white photos is also something to consider. I convert some of the pictures in your gallery to monochrome, when the light is right and the background isn’t too busy to  be a distraction. I personally love black and white photography, and most of the large prints I have of my own children and for my family album have been converted. However, for my walls I just love full colour!  When you purchase a digital file, if there is a black and white copy, you keep them both! So it you are printing, we’ll go over the two options to decide which version is right for you.

 

I look forward to helping you get the perfect piece of wall art for your home!

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Perfectly Posed Family Portraits – The Woodlands Photographer

When it comes to your family pictures, every family has their own style and their own idea for what makes the *perfect* family portrait. For some, it’s carefree, giggly, lifestyle portraits running around a field or hanging out at home. For others, it’s more formal and traditional, with perfect posing and eye contact with the camera. Whatever your style, I’ll work hard to make your family portrait vision a reality, so you are proud to display your family’s style around your home and with friends and family.  You pick the location, and we’ll curate a beautiful gallery of images you’ll treasure for years to come.

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

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Tip #1 – How to Take Better Photos of your Kids

It’s a brand new year, and if you’re like me and many other parents out there, one of your resolutions might be to take better, more engaging photos of your own kids!

Maybe you have a new camera (or smartphone) and want to use it better. Maybe you think your snapshots don’t really show your child’s nature, or lack interest. With this year long series, I’ll be giving you some helpful tips and advice on how to really get those fun and compelling shots of your own children, in day to day life, that really capture the personality of your children! Learn to *shoot like a pro*, no matter what equipment or skill level you have!

TIP #1 –  STOP SHOOTING FROM ABOVE
We tend to shoot from a standing position. When photographing children, this means we end up with a lot of photos of the tops of their heads, and miss their beautiful eyes and expressions! Next time you see your child playing or sitting, get down on the floor. Sit or lay right down in front of them (or to the side or even around the corner, if you want to be stealthy), level your camera so it’s not pointing down at them, and shoot away!

This little guy from a family session was very active! So to really get a great shot of him (ie. not the back of his head as he was running away!) I had him sit down and sing some silly songs! Make sure your little one is facing a light source.  This sweet boy was put down in the shade facing the light, but you could also use a home window. I was laid right out on the pavement in front of him, on my side, with my camera angled directly at his face to make sure I caught the light in his eyes as he giggled.

Get low and capture that twinkle in their eyes! Stay tuned for more tips on how to photograph your own children!