I recently had a wonderful experience where I re-discovered an old location I used to go to for portrait sessions. I hadn’t been there in a long time so I decided to try it again for this family photo session.
Read MoreShaffer Family Photo Shoot--Longmont, CO
I had such a fun time at the Shaffer family photo shoot! Between the joking, tickle fighting, razzing and even a few headlocks from dad, I couldn’t stop laughing! I am so used to being around little kids all the time, I forgot how fun older kids can be. And it sure made my job easy because they were genuinely laughing the whole time!
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Embracing the crazy | Family Portraits | Fort Collins, CO
As a family photographer, people often tell me their struggles or biases about family photo shoots. I often feel the pressure to deliver photos of everyone in the family looking at the camera and smiling. You know, the one for the Christmas card? And while I will do that, and I want to give you that, I also have to tell you a secret…
Read MoreHunter Family Photo Shoot--Longmont, CO
Mother’s Day is this Sunday and I couldn’t have had a better reminder of why this day is so important to all the moms out there. My friend Bethany recently gave birth to her fourth son, Beckham. She wanted to get new photos with the newest member of the Hunter clan so we met on Sunday to make it happen! I really enjoyed our time together. I mean how could you not… 3 rambunctious happy boys, a mom and dad who still affectionately love on each other in spite of the chaos of raising kids and a fresh new baby boy that everyone in the family just adores. My little photographer heart was on fire.
Their story is actually quite powerful and a good lesson that none of us have any control and are at the mercy of a much bigger plan. Bethany and Blais had three boys (Jamin, Blais jr and Kohen) all really close together. They are all in elementary/middle school now. Their life was pretty far removed from those early days of babies and toddlers… some might say they were in an easier phase of life where they didn’t have to worry about feeding schedules, naps or diaper bags. They could just pack up and go. But life, as it often does, threw them a curve ball.
Last summer, Bethany found out that she was expecting. It came as a big surprise to everyone and even though it wasn’t a part of the plan, it was still very exciting! She lived through everyone asking her, “don’t you hope it’s a girl this time?” And, “Woah, another baby?” And all of those other strange and judgemental questions we ask pregnant women (that’s a whole blog post on its own!) She found out pretty early on that it was in fact another boy. I asked the brothers if they wanted a sister and they all emphatically agreed, “No! We were excited we were getting a brother because we can teach him hockey!” Ha! Boys are fun.
Bethany and Blais have such a patient, kind and relaxed disposition. Life has thrown a lot at them. In fact, Beckham was born really early at 31 weeks. He had to stay in the NICU for a few weeks and Bethany and Blais had to make the trip down to Denver daily to see him. You can imagine the strength it took to get through those emotional and exhausting first weeks of their baby’s life. But now look… he’s so healthy and plump and perfect in every way! This little bonus baby was so lucky to have been born into this loving home.
Mother’s Day is a perfect reminder that what moms go through to bring little ones into this world is nothing short of amazing. Then comes the hard part. The actual raising of children is by far the greatest challenge I personally have endured and I think most parents would agree. It is the days, weeks, months and years following the birth of your child that are the hardest. We need a special reminder that we are loved by all of these little humans that depend on us each day. My hope is that these five boys do something extra special for their mama this year because she is so deserving.
Wishing all of the moms out there a most wonderful Mother’s Day! Cheers friends!
Mother's Day Mini Sessions at Ollin Farms--Longmont, CO
Mother's Day mini sessions at Ollin Farms in Longmont, CO were a big hit! Six families joined me for a beautiful day on the farm. The weather was perfect, the grass was green and there were plenty of genuinely happy people!
Read More4 Easy Tips to Get Ready for a Family Photo Session
So you booked a family photo shoot... Now what? Follow these 4 easy tips to get ready for a family photo shoot and walk in with complete confidence. Using this handy guide will totally help you rock your session!
Tip 1: Coordinating Colors
Do you ever wonder how you decide what to wear on photo shoot day? Of course you do! It's an important day and you want to dress your best. The trick to getting everyone's outfits to look coordinated (while avoiding the dreadful matching shirt conundrum) is to focus on the color palette.
Color is a great way to tie everyone together but not everyone has to wear every color. Decide on a color palette of 3-4 colors that go together. This creates a more natural look as opposed to everyone wearing the exact same color. Pick colors that you love and that you know you look great in. Another way to choose might be to consider how your home is decorated. Choose colors that are going to look good on your walls when you frame your beautiful new family pics.
Easier said than done right? So let's get specific. Let's pretend your color palette is Navy, Grey, Teal and White. Mom's dress is Navy and she has on a Teal Statement necklace and earrings. Dad's shirt is grey or white paired with navy or denim pants (and maybe even a sport coat or tie if he's that kind of guy). The children can wear any combination of Teal, White or Grey. Girls love to wear jewelry to match mom. Scarves add fantastic pops of color and can tie together pretty much any color combo. Shoes, bow ties, bows/headbands, watches, and belts are fun ways to incorporate color as well.
An artist's note on color palettes: Color can be a hard topic to tackle so if you're feeling stuck, just start by picking a color you love and pair it with a couple of neutrals. Neutrals are typically described as beige, grey, white, and black.
Color Palette= Brown, Orange, Teal, Denim & Black
Color Palette= Navy, Maroon, Denim, Black
Tip 2: Be True to YOU!
There's nothing worse than wearing something uncomfortable am I right? I hate getting dressed up in something I would never wear because I always end up feeling awkward and stiff. I also hate when someone else tries to tell me what to wear (well that part never really happens because I'm the mom and I make the rules.) But... that's how dad and the kids might feel when getting ready for a photo shoot!
One of the most important things to consider when picking outfits for family picture day, is to be true to YOU. Pick clothing that is comfortable, yet classically stylish. Choose pieces that are simple yet flattering. Solid colors, patterns and plaids are totally welcome! However, let's leave the graphic and character tees in the closet today... they can date the pictures significantly and become distracting.
It's really fun to get dressed up and it definitely adds to the excitement of the day. Clothing is how we show the world our own unique style and it should reflect your personality. So if flowing floral dresses are your thing, rock it. Or maybe you're a skinny jeans and boots kinda gal? Whatever your preferred look, just go with it. Pick items that you know you look good in and feel great in. And once you've decided on your color palette, then you can start to build everyone's outfits based on their own individual preferences too. Happy shopping y'all!
Tip 3: Accessorize Baby!
This is my favorite part of putting together an outfit! Accessories are a fun and easy way to elevate your look in seconds. It is also a great way to tie together your color palette!
Think statement necklaces, earrings, fancy watches, scarves, blazers, denim jackets, or ties. You can even think about hats... like a fun summer straw hat or a Panama style for the guys... Little kids look great in scally caps or berets. If you have girls, headbands and bows are always in style! Oh! And don't forget about your shoes!! Shoes are are essential in completing an outfit.
Picking accessories can be a really fun way to finish off your look for photo shoot day. Have fun with it! And if you're stuck, you can always consult Pinterest!
Tip 4: HAVE FUN!
Okay so the hard part is over, you are here and you look amazing! You put together fantastic outfits for the whole family! Congratulations!!
Now let the FUN begin!
I LOVE what I do so when you get to photo shoot day, let me take care of the rest. I will make sure to pose, adjust, and pay attention to the details so that your images turn out great. You don't have to worry about a thing. My number one priority is making you all feel at ease in front of the camera. I play with the kids, get them laughing and snap away photos you'll love the whole time. I also tell bad jokes (duh!) and bring snacks, water, bug spray, hairspray... I got you covered!
I think somewhere along the way family photo shoots got a reputation for being stressful... but I have not had that experience. I love kids and feel totally at ease making new friends. I worked in childcare for 15 years before staying home with my girls to pursue this dream. That experience combined with 'Mom Brain' comes through in every session... I truly get it and know how much you want good photos of your family (with YOU in them!)
This day is all about the wonderful moments that make your family unique and special. Just relax, be yourself and have fun... it's going to be great, I promise!!
