Senior Proof Books ~ The Woodlands Senior Photographer

Are you looking for a great portable way to show off your favourite images from our session? I offer my clients these beautiful proof books in a convenient 5×7 size for carrying in your purse or backpack, or home display 8×10 size. Up to 40 of your favourite images that come in your chosen Collection are printed and bound together in one convenient little book.  Soft cover or hard cover. Black velvet bag included.

senior albums for high school seniors in the woodlands

These are ordered from a professional photography lab  and the front cover is mounted on white styrene to prevent creasing and damage.  These books are spiral bound, with thick sturdy pages on real lustre photo paper.

products and albums for seniors in the woodlands

And of course these are not just for seniors and  they make a great gift for grandparents.  I am proud to offer my clients more than just photographs, but quality products that you can keep and display in your home or office for many years to come and gift to family and friends.

 

Adorable Sisters – Professional Photographer The Woodlands

Another gorgeous day for a family portrait session for this family from Spring, TX. A clear blue sky, beautiful fall light, a field of wheat coloured grasses and these adorable sisters – such a fun session!

For family portraits with little ones, I make sure to leave enough shooting time to accommodate snacks and time outs, and some cuddles with their favourite blanket or teddy bear. We’ll start with the family together, since at the beginning of the session children are often the most coooperative and a little curious, which helps get those formal shots where we want eye contact. We will move on to  mother-daughter and daddy-daughter portraits, so every child gets a special moment alone with mom and dad. They love this part of the photoshoot!  I won’t let you get away with not having a shot of the two of you together either — children love to see portraits of their parents, and walking by a portrait of their parents happy and together has been proven to help boost their self esteem and happiness!

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 The kids are usually more at ease towards the end of the session, to get some individual and sibling shots. Families often worry about their little ones not cooperating, and sometimes all the naps and kisses in the world can’t make the portrait seem less scary for toddlers. With time and patience, we’ll get those family portraits you’re looking for! Some of my favourite child photographs are of the children just being themselves – and if teddy, a soother, or a comforting blanket is a part of your child’s life right now, making it a part of the portrait session (even if just to help soothe tears) may be something you’ll be thankful for years from now. I aim to capture your family, your children, as they are so you have those visual reminders in the years to come how they are NOW, while they’re little. Embrace this now, and document it forever.

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Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area? 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.

Large Family Group Portraits in the Woodlands

I met this lovely family close to Christmas, for a family reunion portrait session. I love shooting families who are excited and happy to be back together in the Woodlands area, they always have a great energy. This family was ready for their family portraits with these beautiful cheery red accents and classic black, for a formal but stylishly fun look. The little ones surprised me with how well they posed for the camera! Such a fun family!

The family matriarch contacted me originally in early fall, to make sure her date was booked. I met with her in November, to look over the location near her home and make sure it was suitable for portraits, with sufficient light. I really enjoyed meeting her, and was looking forward to meeting the whole family.

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The whole group together!

 

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All the grandkids. This is a photo that the grandparents and the families always treasure — all the cousins together, happy and smiling.

 

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For extended family shoot, I also shoot individual photos of each couple and their family.

 

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Parents can also request individual shots of their children also.

 

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Grandma with her babies.

 

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

To see my family portrait gallery, click HERE.

Family Photographer in the Woodlands for Wall Canvases

The K family was definitely one of the most fun and laid back families I’ve had the pleasure to work with this year. What makes each family portrait session unique is the personalities of each family, and the energy they bring to their session, and how I use that to make personalized portraits for each client.

This family was all about having fun and laughter, and just being themselves for their portraits. After a few posed photos, we slowed things down and just let the family laugh and interact, to let their personalities shine through. I was also really happy that they brought the grandparents along for the shoot, and of course the adorable puppy!

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This mom went home with six gorgeous large wall canvases to decorate her home with the faces of the ones she loves most. We designed a trio of wall hangings for the common room, with one of the family large in the middle and smaller ones of the boys and the parents on the sides, for a 3D effect.

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Then for the playroom, mom chose these beautiful black and white portraits for a classic touch. The boys being boys in the middle, and one of each boy on the sides.

 

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I really enjoyed this session, and nothing makes me happier than providing  beautiful large portraits for your family home.

Do you need a family photographer? I’m now booking ,  email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To see more information see the FULL SESSION INFO PAGE and check out the FAMILY PORTRAIT PORTRAIT GALLERY.

Engagement Photographer in the Woodlands – Fall Portraits

Fall is my absolute favourite time of year, and engagement portraits are one of my favourite types of sessions to shoot! So I’m totally in love with this fall engagement session here in Spring with this soon-to-be-wed couple from the Woodlands, right at peak fall season. Her dress is the most beautiful shade of magenta, a perfect match for the amazing fall foliage we found around the Spring area. Against an almost painterly looking backdrop, this engagement couple look radiant and so happy in love.

When I shoot engagement portraits, I always try to get a variety of poses and expressions so your pictures show all the different sides of you and your relationship. It’s always wonderful to have posed portraits, especially for Save the Date cards, but for wedding slideshows and  storybooks it’s even better to have a set of engagement portraits that show you in more candid moments of laughter and togetherness. Best wishes to this gorgeous couple, may they have a long and happy life together!

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Are you recently engaged or interested in purchasing a session for friends or family? To inquire about a session, email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To see my engagement portrait gallery, CLICK HERE.

 

 

Extended Family The Woodlands Family Photographer

Every time I photograph this family, it’s always so much fun and I was happy to welcome back one of my 2013 Senior Portrait clients! I loved how their coordinating purple outfits looked with the fall foliage we have this year!

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Are you looking for a family photographer in the Spring, Woodlands, Conroe or Tomball area?

 To get more information or email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

Woodlands Family Photographer

This awesome family knew exactly where they wanted their family portraits done this year! One of my favourite new families, they are fun, fearless and full of laughter and I loved this whole shoot.  And big winner – everyone happy and smiling for that holiday card portrait!

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Tips for a Successful Photoshoot ~ The Woodlands Family Photographer

Your family photo shoot doesn’t have to be stressful, and it’s my job to make things as wonderful and enjoyable for you as possible. Here are a few things you can do to prepare for your family photography session, to ensure smooth sailing!

1. Be YOU.

This may sound obvious, but you’ll have so much more fun and be more comfortable if you are dressed and styled in a way that you feel reflects you and your family.  If you are not comfortable in high heels or a tie, or if you feel too dressed down in jeans, then you may be worried that the photos won’t “feel” like you. Don’t worry! We have a chance to go over styling at our Pre Consultation, and I’ll help guide you with wardrobe. Also, check out my Style Guide here: STYLE GUIDE.

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2. Have a relaxing day.

Don’t plan any unnecessary activities the day of the photo shoot. Sleep in, have a nice breakfast and leisurely lunch, and have a restful day. This is especially important if you have little ones, so they can be relaxed enough to take their nap. The day before the shoot is a better day to clean and press the outfits,  and have the bag of snacks, accessories, and toys ready and waiting by the front door. All you’ll need to do before you get in the car is check your lipstick! If the kids are relaxed, they’ll be much more open to having fun during the shoot!

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3. About those snacks and toys…..

To keep little ones happy and entertained between set ups, or while we’re taking individual pictures of each child, make sure to have some books, bubbles or other toys on hand. Just make sure to avoid snacks that stain, so not popsicles or chocolate! Cheerios and gummy bears won’t make too much of a mess.  But even if your little one gets a little cranky or has a fit, don’t worry! I’ve seen it all before! We’ll just let the little one walk it off, or take a breather, before we set up again.  Your child won’t be the first to stress out on the shoot, and we’ll still come away with amazing images, wait and see!

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4. Talk to the kids before the shoot

Very often, children over the age of four really, really enjoy getting their pictures taken. They love the attention, and the praise, and being my little helper while I take pictures of mum and dad. So it may help to get them a little excited and practice some fun poses on the days leading up to the shoot. For younger ones, or children who are a little shy, you may want to emphasize that it’s all for fun, and they won’t be expected to “perform”.  If you feel it’s appropriate, you can always promise a bribe (a trip to the ice cream parlour? a new book or toy?) after the shoot is over. Lighten the mood and watch the kids laugh!

 

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5. Bring a helper

If you have a friend or family member who can come along with us while we shoot, they can help keep the kids entertained while we take photos of you and your spouse. Helpers can also keep the children’s attention while we’re shooting, help fix wardrobe malfunctions, wipe little noses, and crack jokes to make everyone laugh and ease any tense nerves.

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6. Bring a prop

While I don’t emphasize photography that utilizes a lot of props, some children may be more relaxed if they have their favourite teddy to hold onto during the shoot. Keep it simple and small if they will be holding it, but even larger furry friends are welcome. That oversized Hello Kitty doll can sit next to me and be my helper. And hey, anyone that Hello Kitty likes can’t be all bad, right? It might just get us those happy smiles we’re looking for! Cute signs and personal mementos are a great way to personalize your session, too.

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7. And lastly, be open to just letting go and trying something other than the “perfect pose”. You want to remember your family as they are right now – the laughs, the interaction, the love of family you share. Kick off your shoes, start a tickle fight, and you’ll find those are the very images you love the most!

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Are you looking for family portraits?  Email shannon@shannonstroubakis.com, Or use the contact form HERE to inquire.

CLICK to view all sessions posted in FAMILIES  and join me on Facebook HERE

 

Senior Photographer The Woodlands TX ~ Miss J

A touch of glamour for this senior session. I just loved her stunning floor length red dress! Perfect for some street shots for a chic urban look, and we had plenty of gorgeous backlighting.

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I’m available for Senior Portraits! Email shannon@shannonstroubakis.com or use the contact form HERE to inquire.

CLICK  to view all sessions posted in SENIORS and join me on Facebook HERE

Miss G ~ The Woodlands Senior Photography

I had a great time with Miss G at her senior photoshoot! Three outfits, for three totally different looks, and with her gorgeous  colouring the weather was just perfect to catch the sun in her hair and light in her eyes.   I adore simple serene black and white images, and her calm and laid back style made for some beautiful and slightly moody monochrome shots. We got a lot of variety from this senior photo session!

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I’m available for Senior Portraits! Email shannon@shannonstroubakis.com or use the contact form HERE to inquire.

CLICK to view all sessions posted in SENIORS and join me on Facebook HERE

 

Headshot Session with Local Author ~ Portrait Photographer in the Woodlands

This local author contacted me for updated headshots months ago, and the weather has finally cooperated with us to go outdoors on location to do her photoshoot. We were looking for several different angles to get a variety to choose from for promotional images for her new book coming out this week. I like to use natural light and soft flattering lighting to bring out the beauty in my clients, and we found a few little pockets of nice light in her home garden.

Are you looking for business headshots? I shoot outdoors for environmental portraits in natural light for a friendly and organic feel to your business headshots. Click here to view my portfolio.

corporate and business headshots for local artists and businesses in the woodlands

Congratulations Barbara on the release of your latest work, and I wish you much success!

Cropping and Sizing Images ~ Why In Person Ordering Sessions are Important

As a photographer, nothing gives me greater joy than showing my clients the images from our family and senior sessions, wonderful outdoor family portraits that I want you to love and cherish for a lifetime! I present your gallery images to you in person for ordering, so you can see them on a full screen and touch and look over the prints and products when deciding which package is right for you. I will also help guide you when ordering gift prints, wall art and canvases because the ratio matters for the most flattering presentation.

The standard gift print size is usually 8×10, perfect for sitting framed on your desk or in a scrapbook album. However, it is not the same shape as the original 8×12 ratio that the camera produces. Since 8×12 is not the standard, you might be hesitant to order your favourite images in the original ratio.  Let me show you why it’s sometimes better to retain the original composition and ratio in which the image was shot and compare to the cropped version.

On the left is the original image with the 8×12 ratio, within an 11×14 frame and matted, with an 8×12 opening.  As intended, this young couple is framed perfectly, with some ground below them to stand on and the beautiful fall colours of the trees in the background. It’s just as common to find 11×14 frames in stores as it is to find 8x10s!

On the right is the 8×10 crop, within an 8×10 frame. Due to the way the 8×10 ratio crops into the image, they have lost their feet! And the beautiful background trees and sky are almost gone, losing that environmental feel.

Another example shows how this pretty little fairy shot changes when the 8×10 crop closes the frame in around her.  In the 8×12 ratio on the left,  she’s lost in her own little world, in the forest. On the right,  cropping in closer lets us focus on her but eliminates some of the environment. In this case, it’s a personal preference which crop ratio you may prefer for the final print.

Just one more reason why I am happy to do in person viewing and ordering sessions with my clients! My goal is to make absolutely certain you are happy with your final images and order the right size and shape for your prints, so your family looks their absolute best!

Thank you very much to Katie Belmont at Katie Belmont Photography in Omaha, NE for providing the template for this comparison. Please follow this link to view her wonderful work at her website, and follow along here to Facebook  and “like” her page!

One Year Anniversary ~ The Woodlands Portrait Photographer

I had the honour of helping this young couple celebrate one year together! They chose two locations, a field and a small forested area with a pathway, for some fun outdoor on location portraits! And they even came with their own little prop – a cute sign that Miss S made herself!

Thank you for letting me capture images of you on such a special occasion! Love is a beautiful thing!

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Choose Your Location with Shannon Stroubakis, The Woodlands TX Outdoor Photographer

Looking for a family portrait, engagement, maternity or senior session? There are plenty of great locations around the Spring, TX and The Woodlands, TX where we can meet outdoors on location! Each  Full Session and Simplicity Session with me also includes a Pre Session Consultation, and we’ll go over the perfect place that’s convenient for you and that reflects you and your family!  A lovely flower field?  An urban location? How about near the park and canals?

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Sondra Sneed ~ Writer/Author ~ Shannon Stroubakis, The Woodlands TX Personal Portfolio Photographer

This month I met the talented and inspirational Sondra Sneed, a local writer and author here in The Woodlands, Texas, for unique and personalized headshots. She inquired with me for images for her website, with a specific vision in mind. We met last weekend, on a gorgeous golden late afternoon at my favourite grassy knoll, and shot these beautiful images of her in the field. With the sun rays raining down behind her, she’s illuminated with beautiful light, a perfect ethereal glow that matches the aura of her inspired writing. You can read her story and follow her upcoming work at www.sondrasneed.com.

Unique corporate headshot on location outdoors with a local author and writer for a website design