March Issue 2012
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March Lemonade and Lenses issue 2012
Transcript of March Issue 2012
Lemonade and lensesMarch 2012
three.
As we publish our third issue of Lemonade and Lenses I think it is finally starting to settle in how much this idea has grown. Only three months ago did we throw around the idea of creating an online magazine. Only seven months ago did the Cincinnati chapter have their first Lemonade and Lenses gathering at a local farm. And only nine months ago did the first thought of Lemonade and Lenses occur well before our little logo. It literally hasn't even been a year and right before my eyes, thoughts have turned to ideas, which have turned into reality. See how much can be accomplished when someone just takes that first step towards something and never looks back. Lemonade and Lenses has truly become a place to learn, share ideas and network. No matter if you are a professional, beginner, or student; we, as in every photographer who is part of our group, has created a space to accept all. To help all. To be kind to all. And to respect all. Enjoy. Read. and be Inspired. - Lexi
WELCOME NOTEfrom lexi.
CONTENTswhat's inside.
COvEr WiNNErand runner ups.
LiNda gENTrynewborn photographer.
TOp Tips fOr a suCCEssfuL NEWbOrN sEssiONarticle by daniele miljour.
Our favOriTE NEWbOrN prOpsand where you can find them.
jaxONs jOyfuL jOurNEykathleen amelia's birth photography.
NEWbOrN safETyarticle by brenna e. wood.
LiL' OWL kNiTTs rEviEWreview by jade gae.
raChEL vaNOvEN newborn photographer.
ThE busiNEss Of babiEsarticle by whitney scott.
usiNg piNTErEsT fOr MarkETiNgarticle by amy fraughton.
jadE gaOnewborn photographer.
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Images are © Jill Serrano | Sarah Cambio | Erica Harker | Sarah Cambio | Rachel Vanoven | Brittney Maxey ( photographers are listed in order of images featured above left to right)
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contents.
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LExi vOrNbErgcreative director & co-founder.
daNiELE MiLjOurtop tips for newborns photogs.
WhiTNEy sCOTTthe business of babies.
brENNa E. WOOd newborn safety.
kiMbErLy TEskE fETrOWeditor.
aMy fraughTON10 tips for marketing with pinterest.
editors.
guest writers.
kaThLEEN aMELiaBeaufort, South Carolina.
raChEL vaNOvENIndianapolis, Indiana.
LiNda gENTryOmaha, Nebraska.
jadE gaOSydney, Australia.
Lemonade and Lenses is a monthly on-line magazine published by Lemonade and Lenses. All text is © Lemonade and Lenses 2012 unless it is otherwise stated where as it is then © to the listed artist. Reproduction with out written permission from Lemonade and Lenses or the featured artist is strictly prohibited.
CONTaCT [email protected]
lemonadeandlenses.comfacebook.com/lemonadeandlenses
featured photographers.
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Just wanted to send our a HUGE thank you to everyone who contributed to this issue, whether it was an article
or feature. This was literally our biggest issue yet, in size and content, and I couldn't have done it without these wonder
people shown above. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.
Please know that our issues are only possible with your contributions. We love receiving e-mails from
photographers all over the world who have so much to offer and share. Please check our submissions page on our
website to see what we are looking for to fill our future issues, we do update it regularly. Click "here" to view that page.
I am a Michigan based photographer as well as a proud wife and mother. After taking some classes
in high school when I was 16, I knew I wanted to become a professional photographer. I began assisting at
weddings and after high school I studied at Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California. In
2004 I opened Daniele Carol Photography and exclusively photographed weddings. After finding out that my
husband and I would be expecting our first baby in 2010, it seemed like everyone else I knew was pregnant too.
It was then that my passion was opened to a whole new world of excitement and I started on a new path with
newborn photography. I researched, practiced and attended a fantastic workshop to refine what I had already
taught myself. While developing my signature style of newborn photography I asked myself what I would
want of my child. What catches my eye and what do I find lovely? I like to blend my style, which is clean and
classic photography with a touch of personality here and there, with that of the clients so that I get something
that is truly unique for each of them.
"
march's cover contest winner Daniele Miljour.
"
I wanted to send out a huge thank you to everyone who entered our contest this month and to everyone who took
the time to vote. It was by far our largest and most exciting contest yet with over 70 beautiful entries and over 3200 votes
placed. At a few points it was even neck to neck in the poll. As we expect the contest to grow each month we are excited
to see more and more of your beautiful images being sent to our inbox. I think going through and writing e-mails back to
every one who has submitted an image is one of the highlights of my day. Just seeing how each photographer's image
represents them and their unique style truly puts a smile on my face. Again a HUGE thank you to everyone involved last
month. Now we would love to introduce our March Cover Contest winner, with over a thousand votes, Daniele Mijour.
We love being unique and allowing our readers to submit and vote on images for our issues covers! If you are
interested in submitting an image for our April cover contest you can find all the information you need below or on our
website. Each month submissions may be entered for our contest from the 1st of the month until the 7th. All images
must be sized to 8.5x11 inches tall at 100dpi and be clean, with no watermark.
All entries can be sent to [email protected] with the subject line 'Cover Contest'. Our judges will
then pick five finalists to move on to voting, which are picked based on creativity, proper lighting, focus and composition.
On the 8th our five finalists will be posted on our blog and then voting will begin. The finalist who has the most votes by
the 12th at noon EST will be the winner. Please only one entry per person.
MARCH 2012 | 6
Image © Jennifer LaChance 2012.
runner's up
Image © Lindsay Nickel 2012.
Image © Heather Morrow 2012.
Image © Elisabeth Smith 2012.
It’s funny how when you start something you
never know where it’s going to end. Never could this
be more evident than when I started taking pictures.
It’s a journey, isn’t it? I hear this from friends who
also have an interest in photography constantly.
Three years ago, I was set with another career, in
my mid 30s, and suddenly felt the burning desire
to do this thing. Before I had our daughter, literally,
I’d changed one diaper and held a newborn baby
once. Click. Everything changed. Fast forwarding
through my photography career evolution, here I am
today. I have a studio in Omaha Nebraska where I
shoot newborns, babies, toddlers, kids and some
families mainly using studio light. I totally love it.
My studio style has evolved to be very clean and
simple. When I set up a newborn session, I make
a conscience effort to remember that the images
of their precious baby are going to be theirs for a
lifetime. I will usually include one or two prop set
ups for variety, and because it’s fun to play with new
props. But the meat of my newborn session is
focused around neutral organic colors, textures,
and the baby. These colors and textures fit nicely
into my client’s homes as well, making for some
neat art pieces. I like easy “loose” posing and, to me,
the most important part of the newborn pose is the
peaceful relaxation of the baby’s face. These poses
may not be the most exciting you’ve ever seen, but
they are by far my favorites and they are very easy on
the baby. I love it when you can palpate a sense of
peace and calm in newborn images.
Images and text are © Linda Gentry Photography 2012. To see more of Linda's beautiful work please visit her website or facebook.
"
"
Linda Gentry.
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Just like any aspect of photography it is important
to be comfortable with your subject. Being confident
handling a newborn can be the determining factor in
having a successful shoot or not. Handling a newborn is an
art all by itself. Babies are sensitive and delicate subjects. I
would not attempt newborn photography unless you are
fully comfortable being responsible for a child while he or
she is in your care for the session.
Images and text are © Daniele Miljour 2012. To see more of Daniele's beautiful work please visit her website or facebook.
Top Tips for a successful newborn session
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PreP The ParenTs.
Open communication with the parents about how
your session will go will help them feel more comfortable
and confident with you handling their newborn child.
Let them in on all the details, from poses, props, and
positions. They might not know what to ask, so offer
up all the information you have. This helps to create an
environment that allows you to do your best work for your
clients while assuring them that their precious package is
in wonderful hands.
LIsT your Ideas & PreP your sTudIo.
I spend a good hour and a half in the studio before
parents arrive. Since I have already discussed color
scheme with the parents ahead of time, I make myself a
list of the poses, shots and props I would like to use during
the session. Prepping the studio includes turning up the
heat, pulling out props, and setting up my beanbag (I use
the Newborn Nest). A fussy baby can throw any good
photographer off so having your ideas written down will
give you something to reference, regroup and move on if
you need to.
hoT, hoT, hoT.
I make it a steamy 80 degrees in the studio. This
is probably one of the most important factors, especially
if you want to photograph the baby nude. I turn the
heat up to 80 for an hour prior to the photo session to
make sure the room is nice and toasty. I also keep a space
heater going during the entire session, though it is never
pointed directly at the baby and I never use a heating
pad or heated blanket. That creates too much heat on a
baby's delicate and sensitive skin. The combination of the
higher room temperature and the space heater works to
not only keep the baby warm but it also helps to promote
sleepiness which makes for a more posable subject.
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use a whITe noIse machIne.
I use a white noise app on my phone and I crank
it up as loud as possible. This helps block out any noises
and is a great soothing tool.
Take conTroL and LeT The BaBy seTTLe In.
Recommend to mom to bring something to
keep busy during the lengthy photo session like a book,
laptop or knitting. Understanding that she will be excited
about the beautiful photos you will be taking of her
baby, let her know she is free to relax and you’ll let her
know when you need her. After showing mom where
to sit and relax during the session, I begin undressing
and handling the baby. Babies startle easily so do not
let the babies arms and feet fly free. Always keep their
hands and feet close to the body to encourage a nice
and snug feeling.
keeP BaBy haPPy.
I ask moms to feed baby before they leave for the
studio. If it has been a long car ride I have mom nurse
right before we begin. If baby is bottle-fed I usually take
care of feeding and burping. Keep the baby’s nuk or
binky close by even if they have not taken to it much yet.
That just may be your little ticket to success. Remember
you are dealing with a newborn, so there are bound to
be "accidents". You will want some important items
on hand should one of those "accidents" occur. Warm
wipes (your studio will be warm so they will be too) and
cloth diapers for blotting up pee-pee or cleaning up
"other" messes. When adjusting baby into poses I keep
one of the soft diapers near babies’ bum, just in case…
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shhhhh…
I used to talk a lot during my sessions with
the parents. It is something I brought over with me
from doing weddings where being able to easily talk
to your subjects is key. It is different with newborn
photography. You want a peaceful and relaxed
setting for baby. Talking and other unnecessary
noises creates stimulus which distracts and possibly
even upsets baby, so speaking in hushed tones only
when it is necessary is key. I am much more focused
and quiet during a newborn session. I let mom rest
and I concentrate on baby.
PaTIence Is key.
Newborn photography is 99% about being
patient. Poses can take 20-30 minutes to get just
right. Some babies are really fidgety and keeping
them in even the simplest of poses can be difficult.
If something is not working, move on. Refer to your
list of shots, props, other poses, and keep the session
going. If you end up with a baby who is wide awake,
switch things up. Don’t be afraid to hold baby, walk
around, and soothe them by bouncing and shushing
them. If you’ve had a difficult time getting one
pose just right and you finally get it, use it wisely.
Do as much as you can do in the pose with minimal
movement of baby. Shoot different angles, shoot
your close-up detail shots, and then add small things
like a head band, hat, or an easy wrap. This will help
build your gallery for the parents if baby has been
particularly fussy and awake.
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FInaL hoT TIP.
Take a workshop from someone you
admire. This is especially true for beginners who
would like to know more about lighting, color
balance, and camera function as well as posing and
soothing techniques. If photographing newborns
is something you are serious about, find a class
and invest the money.
One last note: you will have sessions
with perfect sleepy babies, and you will have
sessions with fidgety fussy babies and you will
have messes to clean up. It all comes with the
territory of newborn photography. Remember to
be prepared and pay attention to what the baby
is responding well to. Don’t force it. Not every
baby will like every pose. Work with the baby and
you will have a much more successful session than
trying to force the baby to do something baby just
does not want to do. A few of the popular shots
you see are a composite of two or three photos
used to make one. Know which ones these are
and never attempt to do something that you’re
just not sure how to safely carry out. The baby's
safety and happiness is always most important.
"
"
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MARCH 2012 | 48
Birth photography can be very unpredictable and a
little intimidating. You only get one chance to get it right.
It can also be so exciting and emotional. Nonetheless,
I was so very excited to know that Misty wanted me to
photograph not only her maternity photos, but also the
birth of her second child, a baby boy named Jaxon. As
Misty's due date came and went, we pondered when
was Jaxon going to make his appearance. He apparently
loved it too much in his mama's belly, because a week
later Misty was schedule to be induced. After a labor of
over 24 hours, Jaxon finally came into this world. Daddy
Drew is a US Marine, and Misty is a photographer. They
are now proud parents to 2 year old Keeley and newborn
Jaxon.
Images and text are © Kathleen Amelia 2012. To see more of Kathleen's amazing work please visit her website, blog, facebook or rally point.
Jaxon's Joyful Journey.
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I am a mother and a US Marine wife. I am
a kind–hearted, fun-loving, down-to-earth, easy
going, greyhound loving, metal head, silly,
happy person that loves life and photography.
Our military is my biggest inspiration, to strive
to be better everyday - because tomorrow
is never promised. I have been very grateful
that I get to do what I love every day. I love
weddings, I love people in love, and I love
family. These are my very favorite things to
photograph. I love taking pictures for people,
and I hope to do it for the rest of my life.
"
"
because
tomorrow
is never
promised.
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Newborn Safety. When it comes to photography, there are so
many mistakes I've made, corners I've cut, props I've
tried, mistakes I've made, ideas I've expounded upon,
and mistakes I've made. You know those baby in glass
vase shots? Oh, I not only was going to try that, but
mine was going to be even more creative than those
other photogs'. Like putting cute little marbles in the
bottom and plopping a fish hat on the baby's cute head.
I'm pretty sure never was a more stupid shot thunk
up. Aside from the fact that it sounds like the absolute
worst idea in the history of photographydom, it sounds
incredibly dangerous. "But I checked the glass! I'm right
there! The baby will be in there for half a second! We have
a spotter! I'm always careful and safe!"
These are what we would call rationalizations.
It's not just the baby in the glass. There are a plethora of
unsafe concepts. There are maybe even more concepts
that are okay, but you must test out the safety before you
try them. If you are running a photography business, then
you purport to be a professional. If you are a professional,
then you make professional choices. One of the biggest
aspects of being a professional is being responsible. If I'm
a lifeguard, I don't let the kids go swimming in the pool with
no supervision and put in "safety precautions" of giving
them some water wings. That would be catastrophic. We
may not be able to put our finger on what makes that
different from putting a baby in a dangerous position, but
it's this: a professional thinks of the "what ifs." It's actually
their job. It's why they are a lifeguard and not you.
Along with training, lifeguards have taken on the
responsibility of planning for the unexpected. They have
not only planned on watching those children diligently,
but they've come prepared with life-saving devices in
case all the best efforts are not enough. The lifeguard is
thinking of the "what ifs."
It's no different with Newborn Photography. Even
if nothing detrimental ever happens to a baby when you
put him or her in a dangerous position, you've already
failed. You have decided your art is more important than
the "what ifs." Would you ever tell that to the parent? Even
if the parent is a fool and would actually let you value "art"
above the child's safety, would you tell that to the surgeon
who tries to save the baby's life after the shot didn't go as
planned?
Yes, an injury could theoretically happen with
any concept. The safest shot in the world could in some
way render an injury. A child could still get injured at the
pool even with the lifeguard's 110% effort. What's the
difference? Realism. Realistically, children who have heard
the rules, are immediately stopped if they disregard the
rules, are attentively watched, and are protected are not
going to suffer a serious injury at the pool. Realistically, a
newborn who is shot by a professional, who is trained on
how to safely take shots and who respects the potential
danger by avoiding obvious hazards is not going to get
injured. Nothing is 100%. But when you willingly choose
to take a shot that puts the newborn in a potentially
dangerous position, you have compromised your ethics
and run in the opposite direction of being a professional.
We were all new once. I still feel new. I haven't
been at this long at all. I landed in photography because
I was fairly certain I could take some better shots than the
local department store studio. And as boring as college
was, I had somehow made it to my senior year with no
plan. Besides, photography? A cash cow! I could buy a
camera for $1,000 and then charge a fortune. I'd be rich in
five minutes. I think you see where my delusion is going. I
stumbled into this industry and honestly, haven't stopped
stumbling yet.
We can't lose sight of what it's like to be new. You
salivate at every image the greats post. In your strive to
be creative, you come up with some ridiculously unsafe
concepts. Unfortunately, sometimes your creativity is
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sometimes just desperation in disguise and it leads you to
think a baby would make a cute fish. (Or maybe that was
just me.)
There's also just stupidity. There are the people
who think they can do it and it will be safe. Listen to me
here - there is no safe way to do an unsafe shot. Some
shots are not safe, no matter how many safety precautions
you put into it. There are also shots that can be safe, but
instead of going to all that trouble, you just do it the
quicker/easier way. That's the stupidity part right there.
The bottom line is that a professional thinks of the
"what ifs."
So what now? Do I have to paralyze myself with
fear that every shot is potentially unsafe? While I'd rather
you be a little too worried about safety than not worried
enough, you don't have to cripple yourself in fear. The
most important things to take from this article are:
- some shots are not safe no matter how "safe" you are.
If you can't effectively answer reasonable "what ifs," you
don't do the shot.
- don't do a shot if you're not comfortable with it.
You're only competing with yourself, not every other
photographer.
- Go over the "what ifs" in your mind. What could be the
possible outcome if everything within reason went wrong
here?
So now for the fun part, right? I am beyond
certain that there are many more safety tips out there.
I encourage you to do your own homework. Actually,
if I could require you to do it, I totally would. What I've
included are some commonly sought after shots, and how
I do them. I sure would love to see yours!
image one
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weIGhTs.
This first shot has a substantial weight buried in the bucket. (see image one.) I used to use a ridiculously
heavy part from an antique scale. It weighs about twenty pounds. Then my fabulous photog friend Kristen Mackey said,
"Umm...weights." After the giant "Duh!" feeling washed over me, I realized she was right. Go to Target, Wal Mart, Big Lots,
anywhere, and get small foldable weights. Look for ones people strap on their arms and legs. Those will be bendable.
I like twenty pound weights. Put those in the base of your props. What happens if baby wiggles too much? The whole
thing tips. You need counter weights.
Brace sIBLInGs.
I like to lay the older sibling on the beanbag-but it won't fit them. We lay them how we would like, and then
push a stool that happens to be the right height to the beanbag. Their back is laying on the beanbag, and they can rest
their legs on the stool. It helps keep them balanced, which is always a good thing when they're holding a newborn. If we
feel iffy about how well they are going to do, Mom or Dad holds onto the older child's legs that are on the stool. On the
other side, Shannon holds onto the bottom of the baby. There is next to no support going on for the newborn from the
actual older sibling. Shannon is the one doing it. Basically, the sibling is just lying there with the newborn being held at
the bottom by Shannon. You can always wrap the newborn when he or she instinctively starts wiggling and squealing.
(see image two.) See how you don't see the entirety of the newborn's body? Shannon is supporting him. (In this shot,
the newborn had just pooped all over his big sister. Is she a superstar or what? She deserves more than an m&m bribe.
She deserves a pony.)
image two
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hoVer.
Even if the shot is as safe as safe can be, hover.
(see image three.) Just have someone a sneeze
away. They should be in panther mode and jump at
the slightest hiccup of the baby. You can see in these
images that she stays near him. I either edit or crop
her out. To edit someone out, usually you need to
have taken an establishing shot first. You shoot just
the prop at the exact same angle as it will be shot
when the baby is in/on it. Then you shoot it with the
baby in/on it. In Photoshop, you take the baby (or
the baby and the whole prop) out of the second shot
and drop it into the shot of just the prop. (see image
four.)
image three
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InVIsIBLe assIsTanT.
So far, I haven't been able to turn my fabulous
assistant invisible. Many poses require you just not letting
go. Maybe you can't let go because the baby won't stay
posed. Maybe you can't let go because it wouldn't be safe.
Maybe it's both! (see image seven.) This shows my assistant
Shannon spotting a variation of the hands in face pose.
You can see her hand stays on the baby. I just clone it out.
(see image eight.) Unfortunately, I replaced the original
image with the edited version back when I was editing this
family's sneak peeks. But I did have the frame before it, so
that's the "before" photo you see. This is used a lot with the
face in hands shot. The next image is the before of a face in
hands shot.(see image five.) Often, we can get the baby
balanced where no support at the bottom is needed (as
you see in the previous face in hands shot). When we can't,
I take two shots of the image. One is Shannon supporting
the head like in the previous image, and the other is with
her supporting the bottom as you see here. The final result
is the next image. (see image six.)
image seven
image five
image six
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TILT The camera.
So many times you see an image and think about how they got the baby's head or entire body to stay at that
angle. ( see image nine.) Often, they didn't! The baby was lying flat or slightly elevated. (see image ten.) They tilted
the camera when they took the shot. If you tried to prop up the baby to be as vertical as she appears in this shot, she
would roll. At the very least, her head would keep dropping. I cropped it and had the red around it to show you exactly
how the image was turned. This is how the shot was taken. I just tilted the camera to take the shot looking like she was
upright.
image nine image ten
image eight
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image ten
FaLL ProoF.
This goes along with Invisible Assistant as well, but the sack of baby pose is a common pose. Occasionally I get
the baby to be posed where he or she is completely balanced. I take the shot with Shannon's hands right by the baby.
(see image eleven.) Sure, the baby's balanced. She could go get a drink if she wanted to. But "what if" the baby doesn't
stay balanced? She stays close. Her hands stay with the baby. Usually, it's not balanced anyway and Shannon just holds
on to the back. I clone her arm out. (see image twelve.)
image eleven image twelve
image thirteen
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uP In aIr aware.
Often in shots with parents, the baby is away from the parent's body. For me, it's just as simple as having
Shannon either under the parent's hands, or if it makes more sense safety wise, next to the parent's hands. (see image
fourteen.)Shannon is there if the baby wiggles enough so that the parent might not have a good hold, in whatever
way makes the most sense for safety with that shot. This is why the shot is usually cropped so closely, or done against
the black backdrop, so I can just paint Shannon out.
head suPPorT.
This goes along with Invisible Assistant, but it's important to note that often the baby's head is going to need
support. It may be a super simple shot. The muscles in newborns' necks are nowhere near strong enough to support
their heads. Keep a finger on the babies' heads when you need them to keep their heads in a position where they're not
resting. In this image, Shannon kept her fingers supporting his head and I cloned them out. (see image thirteen.)
image fourteen
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hanGInG shoTs requIre IT aLL.
It took me quite awhile to try a hanging shot. Just the idea gave me hives. Even now, I'd say we only end up
with a hanging shot on about half the babies we try it on. We only try it on about a third of the babies. We have to be
absolutely certain that this is a baby who is in an incredibly deep sleep. There are so many things to do with hanging
shots that I broke it down into two categories. For a horizontal hanging shot, this is what we did: (see image fifteen.)
- Check fabric with more than enough weight.
- Mom and Dad are holding each end of the fabric.
- With the fabric resting slightly on the beanbag, we place the baby the way we like him.
- While I support baby in the middle (Mom and Dad are still holding the ends), Shannon removes the beanbag and
lays on the floor on her back.
- We place the baby in Shannon's hands while Mom and and Dad pull the fabric taut on the ends.
- Shannon never lets go of the baby! He is lying in her outstretched, flat hands while she is on the floor with her arms
up.
- She does not raise her arms too high but enough for the baby to not be touching her anywhere but on her hands.
- If somehow he moved tremendously and somehow she could not simply hold him in her hands, the fabric is high in
the back, so the only way he could go is forward a few inches and onto Shannon's chest.
- I would never do this shot without three people.
- I take the shot and edit out Shannon's hands.
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For a more vertical hanging shot, this is what we
did. (see image sixteen, seventeen & eighteen.)
- Check fabric with more than enough weight.
- With fabric laying on the beanbag, we pose the baby
the way we like her.
- I wiggle and tweak while Shannon ties a knot in the
fabric above the baby.
- While I hold the baby, Shannon takes all the extra
fabric and ties another knot securing the "sling" onto
the background stand.
- It is double-knotted, and a strong clamp is added to
also secure the knotted sling to the background stand.
- She moves her hands down under to support/hold the
baby, and I can let go.
image sixteen
image seventeen
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TIdBIT TIPs.
- Watch for blue appendages. Newborns circulatory systems aren't as mature as ours and their little hands and feet get
purple. Just wiggle a little to get the blood pumping.
- Not every baby will do every pose. Don't push it. They can't verbalize their displeasure so you must take your cue from
their behavior.
- Be careful of their startle reflex. Be prepared for them to jump when you are unfolding fingers, touching the palms of
their hands/feet, picking them up, etc.
- Don't overheat a preemie. Preemies find it more difficult to breathe when it's hot.
- Babies use their abdomen muscles to breathe a lot. Be careful you don't squish their bellies too much.
- Watch their wrists when you have them cradle their faces. Go slowly and if they don't like it, stop. You don't want
to hyper extend their wrists.
- Do not even consider doing a shot that needs a composite if you know you cannot successfully edit a composite.
- Do your own research! Learn about the safety behind the poses you love.
- Join me on my Facebook Business Page where we can love photography and be amused at how snerky we are.
Images and text are © Brenna B Photography 2012. To see more of Brenna's beautiful work please visit her website or facebook.
- The background stand is already braced at the
bottoms where it meets the floor.
- I like to have the mom feel that she's comfortable
with everything at that point.
- The mom stands to the side and moves her hands
either as an extra brace on top of the knot/clamp
on the background support, or sometimes she helps
by being an extra stabilizer to the background stand
itself. Whatever she prefers. She is not really needed
for support, but I prefer to have her close so she feels
confident in what we're doing.
- The baby is elevated no more than four inches above
the beanbag! The beanbag stays under her the entire
time.
- Shannon's hands never let go underneath the baby!
She keeps her hands there during the shot.
- The fabric is covering the baby in the back so there is
no chance of her sliding out backwards.
- I take the shot and edit out Shannon's hands.
image eighteen
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lil' owl knitts review.
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Some people love vintage and some people love modern but Jen's work combines
vintage and modern elements perfectly together! They are so classic and timeless, so soft
and pure. If I say they are amazing it would still be an understatement!! Jen's creations
are so much more!! They mix grace, beauty and soul and they amaze me every time I see
her post a new picture or receive her newsletter!! Every time I receive something from
Jen I just couldn't help to do 'ummmm, ahhhhh' for a while and I always keep the little
beauty I just received on my table or in eye sight until it is replaced by the next one from
her! I get so much inspiration just from looking at her creations!
- Jade Goe
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Lil' owl knitts shop | facebook
Jade Goewebsite | facebook
Jen is the creator of lil owl knitts. she started knitting
seven years ago and got more serious about her craft when
she was pregnant with her son. During her research into
how commercial clothing items were created she came to
the realization that most were made with synthetic fibers
and dyes that were, in her eyes, not suitable for newborns.
Thats' when she started to look to greener, more organic
ways to knit things for her customers. She started to use
natural fibers, and realized that for a little more money she
could create a far superior knit that felt softer and was easier
to work with as well as clean. This journey has evolved over
time but one thing has remained the same: Jen puts 110% of
herself into what she does to make the most conscientious,
environmentally responsible, and safe knits for your clients,
family, and friends. Jen is a God lover, a mother, a wife and
loves to create.
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I started building my portfolio in the spring of 2008, after
a few years of doing photography for friends and family, and I
have been very blessed to have a really great client base build up
so quickly! I began specializing in newborns in 2010 after realizing
it was where I got the most joy work-wise. Teaching is my second
passion and I also believe in helping other photographers learn to
safely and successfully photograph brand new babies, so I began
offering workshops/mentoring and two e-guides. Working with
newborns and hanging out with fellow photographers is amazing
and I have met so many awesome people from the parents and
clients to the photographers from all over the United States. I
believe newborn photography shouldn't be boring, and enjoy
lots of laughs and craziness behind the scenes!
Images and text are © Rachel Vanoven Photography 2012. To see more of Rachel's stunning work please visit her website, blog or facbook.
rachelVanoven.
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First of all, I should say that I’m a mom. So some
things about baby photography have come easily. For
example, I know that when a newborn cries and pulls
his legs up tight, his tummy probably hurts, and in a few
minutes he’s going to cut loose with something loud and
smelly that’s going to make him feel much better. I know
that I’m going to be able to get him to sleep quickly if his
tummy is full, he’s swaddled tightly and is warm. I know
that if I put my f-stop on 2.8 and focus right up close on
the crease of his eye, I’m going to get a beautiful soft focus
down his tummy and legs. However, it’s the business of
baby photography that has come only through trial and
error. Here are 5 lessons I’ve learned while creating “Year
One”, my first year baby plan.
The Business of Babies.
Images and text are © Whitney Scott 2012. To see more of Whitney's stunning work you can visit her website, blog or facebook.
1. reduce the number of sessions you offer.
When I started out, I thought you HAD to offer
maternity, newborn, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. It was just
too much. By the time we proofed each session and
delivered the order, these moms were seeing us every 3
weeks during the first year. We now offer only 3 sessions
with our Year One plan: newborn, 6 month and one year.
It still offers great coverage of baby’s first year, but moms
are less overwhelmed and our sales averages for the year
are HIGHER than when we offered more sessions.
2. make each session unique.
If all sessions are similar, parents are going to
lump all purchases into one category in their mind (ex.
“first year baby photos”). If the sessions and products
seem very different, they are not as likely to add the totals
together in their head, and your order averages will be
higher!
For example, our newborn session is “an intimate
session in your home”. I tend to create a lot of images
for them in black & white, as it adds a sense of intimacy
and makes the session feel unique to the others. For the
six month session, we offer to add-on the family for free
and then proceed to base this sale around your “first
family portrait”. For the one year session, we are focusing
on personality – bright colors, unique location, special
outfit and props. A popular seller for this session is an
autograph album (similar to a wedding sign-in book) for
parents, family and friends to write notes to the baby
about their first year.
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3. don’t offer all products, all the time.
Moms used to come in for the newborn session,
bust their budget and purchase ALL their favorite
products. Now each time they come in, they receive
a pricing card specific to that particular session, with
unique products available only at that time. It keeps
them excited, and creates an urgency about purchasing!
4. Give incentives for purchases.
For every high-priced product you offer, you
need an incentive to help people rationalize the sale.
We offer extras with a high perceived value, that don’t
come at much expense to us (for example- 25 birth
announcements, half-price “classic prints” with your
purchase of a large wall portrait, free digital files with the
purchase of an heirloom album).
5. Finally, treat your clients as friends.
Long-term clients are the best clients, and we’ve
discovered that clients with whom we have a friendship
are fiercely loyal. We always make a point of friending
clients on facebook so we can keep up with and comment
on their lives. We often throw a little extra something in
with their order (a print they were considering, but didn’t
order, double-sided wallets etc.). In the end, it’s the big
things that make your business good, but it’s the small
things that make it great.
Whitney Scott, along with her husband David, own and operate Whitney Scott Photography out of their home in Carthage, Missouri. They divide their time between homeschooling their children, servicing clients both at home and throughout the United States and teaching classes and workshops to other professionals through their sponsorship with Black River Imaging.
Whitney will soon be offering a “Year One” baby plan and products which will be available to purchase through her website.
our sales averages for the year are HIGHER than when we offered more sessions."
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10 Amazing Ways to use Pinterest for Marketing.
Pinterest is fast becoming one of the hottest social
media sites around. How lucky are we as photographers
that the main form of information shared is through photos?
It is truly a visual feast and understanding Pinterest and
how you can use it for your business can make that site our
little candy store!! So we have put together 10 amazing
ways that you can use Pinterest for your marketing and to
increase your exposure. Check them out…
Follow people that are local to you and local
businesses that have Pinterest boards. Your clients all
live around you, but Pinterest has users from all over. By
keeping a strong local following, you’re likely to have a
lot of local people following you too, which is keeping
yourself in front of your potential clients.
Create boards that interest your clients. If you’re a
wedding photographer, create boards about weddings,
for example maybe a board with ring shots, or a board
just for flowers. You’ll find that brides will follow that
board, or just visit your boards frequently because of your
collections.
Pin your own photos mixed with other peoples
photos in the same board. You want to be careful not to
promote yourself too much, since Pinterest frowns on it,
and it can appear a little tacky. So mix it up a little and
share others' work as well.
Remember that this is soft marketing, have fun using
and building your Pinterest account, which will give you
more exposure, but be sure you are doing other stronger
marketing efforts like a referral program, or partnering
with local businesses. It would not be smart to count on
only Pinterest for your marketing, this should supplement
what your already doing.
10.
9.
8.
7.
Consider creating a board with just your own work.
You could title it “My own work”, “My personal favorites”
or “Favorites from my studio”. This should only be done
if you also have boards with many other ideas or other
peoples work as well. Remember, it won’t look that great
to only pin your own stuff.
When you have a favorite board, share about it on
facebook! Or promote your own page, or a favorite post.
Also, be sure that in your Pinterest settings, you have “link
to Facebook” selected.
Add Pinterest buttons to your blog, website, and
email address so others can follow you. Building your
brand is all about becoming recognizable and desirable.
Being in front of people regularly is one great way to do
this.
Use your boards as an extension of your site. Build
boards to share outfit ideas, location inspiration, props,
wall designs, and even your products. How fun will it be to
send your clients to your Pinterest board to get inspiration
for their own shoot with you, what a great way to enhance
their overall experience they have working with you.
Invite your clients and friends to join Pinterest if
they have not already. Be sure to invite them to follow
your boards for great photography inspiration.
Use your photography logo in your Pinterest profile
picture, and if you can include a picture of yourself as well.
Strong branding is getting that logo recognized, and this
is one way to have it out there!
6.
Text is © Amy Fraughton 2012 & Photo Business Tools 2012. You can check out Photo Business Tools by visiting their website or facebook. Images were taken from pinterest and are © to their respected artist.
5.
4.
3.
2.
1.
Amy Fraughton, owner of Photo Business Tools,
loves business, setting high goals, and helping other
women to do the same! She runs a family of 6, a successful
photography business, and sometimes a 5K, as well as the
amazing Photo Business Tools site for photographers who
need a little business help along their way.
Lemonade and Lenses readers may enjoy 20% off
your membership to Photo Business Tools for a limited
time! Enter the code LLrocks in the shopping cart.
MARCH 2012 | 128
I am so excited to be working in this
industry that it brings a smile to my face every
time I think about it. I have to thank my children
for helping me discover and define my passion.
We purchased a DSLR shortly after our first
son was born and I guess you could say I was
a hobbyist but the more photos I took of my
boys the more I realized how much I enjoyed it
and that I seemed to have some talent. Since
launching Newborn Photography by Jade
things have been happening very fast! I did
my first shoot of twins a few days ago. That
is something I would not have been able to
pull off only 3-6 months ago! It feels like I have
learnt so much but I know I still have so much
to learn. I am loving every minute of it! I feel so
blessed to see and capture all the little miracles
that bring wonder, hope and dreams to their
family. It makes me so happy to know the
photos I take mean so much to their family
and that they will cherish them and pass them
down generations to come.
Jade Gao.
Images and text are © Newborn Photography by Jade 2012. To see more of Jade's whimsical work you can visit her website or facebook.
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