How To Get the MOST of Your Photography Sitting

No matter if you are a High School Senior, an Expecting Parent, a Corporate Executive or the Grandchild of 16, there are a few simple things you can do to ensure your photography sitting not only yields awesome photos, but is FUN!

(1) RELAX & LET'S TALK/PLAY:   You are amazing, your child is amazing, your family is awesome- even if a zit popped up on the tip of your nose this morning, the baby is crying when you arrive or you spilled coffee on your lap on the way over.  (Not a big deal in this age of technology and Photoshop.)  Our goal is to see YOU, the subject, in a photo.  A good photographer can get around just about anything you can throw at them. When you simply "show up" as the relaxed version of yourself, we get to see the light that is you shinning brightly.

(2) LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS:  Ok, not literally.  What I mean by this is that you need to let go of there being a "perfect" photo or a "perfect" sitting for a 14 month old.  The "perfect" photo will happen without you trying to be perfect or scolding your child to smile.  Sometimes it's the sweet closed eyes or an infectious laugh which leap out of the photo and grab our hearts, let those moments be the perfect moment they are.

Seriously, I wish it had occurred to me to have a hidden camera in the studio to video tape parents during their child's session. Parents would be appalled to see themselves sometimes.

(3) BRING A JUST IN CASE BAG:  If it's just you, bring a change out-fit just in case you aren't "feeling it" in what you showed up in and a water or snack.   Sometimes just knowing you have options you like puts you at ease.

If you are bringing children I suggest:
     - FOOD & TREATS: to both ensure they aren't hungry and as bribing tools if necessary.
     - EXTRA CLOTHES:  kids are messy & a clothes changing opportunity often yields adorable images.
     - FAVORITE TOY or DOLL: a good photographer will have the toy or doll help take the photos and keep even the least cooperative kid entertained for a minute or two-  Long enough to capture at least ONE spark of joy.

The key is to just be yourself and think of your mini-session as your opportunity to SHINE. Tell the kids it's their time to be a star or simply play with "Miss Jess" or whomever your photographer is.  If you are enjoying yourself and allowing the children to enjoy themselves,  you will be floored by the phenomenal images that result

Family Sports Day

Kids are funny. It does not matter if it's raining, cold, yucky or otherwise not pleasant outside. If you've been away from the kiddos for one or more days at a time, all they want to do is play with you.

These are the moments worthy of your walls, with everyone in them.  

This is my family, but I would love you to think about setting aside an hour to simply play with your children.
Take a walk and see all the 'cool' things they see.
HINT to DADs: Mom's LOVE it when you think to organize a play date with the family. 
We moms especially LOVE if you also hire a photographer to stealthily capture this awesome family time & present us with amazing family photos as a gift. (Mother's day is right around the corner really.)

Indoor Pond

I love children. I love them when they're happy, I love them when they're sad. 

I love to photograph children just being children. 

I really love photographing children as they teach us to remember to find the joy in things like your basement flooding. Today I accomplished almost nothing I wanted to do and everything I needed to do. Enjoy this little snip-it of our day. 

It's Time to Reserve Your Iris Garden Photos

IMG_3194MusictoLord, originally uploaded by jessicanoelle.

I am certain that if you live remotely near the Presby Iris Gardens in Montclair, NJ you may think I am a bit insane in starting the reservations now, but I have found that if we wait until the Crocus has broken through the snow most people have to scramble to make their session be what they want it to be. This year, we are planning ahead and marking our calendars in pencil.

I will be shooting just 16 Iris Mini-Sessions this year. Each mini-session is a steal at just $95. Sessions are 30 minutes and include an 8x10, three rights released jpegs and the option to purchase eco-conscious prints at the "friends & family" rate. 

Don't miss your opportunity to create an eco-heirloom album from your session.
This year we are offering the GP Albums "The Green Album" at a low introductory rate as well.

I will be driving by the gardens regularly to keep you posted, or you may follow the Iris Garden Web-Cam to keep you up to date on Spring's progress.

If you have not yet already booked your Spring/Easter Photos, I will be using my RI & NJ Home Studios for 2010 Spring/Easter Photos this year. There are a few spots left in each state. New Jersey has openings on March 13th, while Rhode Island has openings the afternoon of March 20th & 26th.

Tips on how to get the most from your 30 minute sessions are coming in the blog this week.
See you all soon!!!!