Lemonade
and
lenses March 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
Image Š Elisabeth Smith.
contents. 1 3
WELCOME NOTE from lexi.
contents what's inside.
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and runner ups.
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newborn photographer.
Cover winner
linda gentry
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article by daniele miljour.
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and where you can find them.
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kathleen amelia's birth photography.
top tips for a successful newborn session
Our favorite Newborn props
jaxons joyful journey
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article by brenna e. wood.
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review by jade gae.
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newborn photographer.
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article by whitney scott.
newborn safety
lil' owl knitts review
rachel vanoven
the business of babies
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article by amy fraughton.
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newborn photographer.
using pinterest for marketing
Jade gao
Images are Š Jill Serrano | Sarah Cambio | Erica Harker | Sarah Cambio | Rachel Vanoven | Brittney Maxey ( photographers are listed in order of images featured above left to right)
editors.
lexi vornberg
kimberly teske fetrow
creative director & co-founder.
editor.
guest writers.
whitney scott
brenna E. Wood
Amy Fraughton
the business of babies.
newborn safety.
10 tips for marketing with pinterest.
Daniele Miljour top tips for newborns photogs. MARCH 2012 | 4
featured photographers.
Linda Gentry Omaha, Nebraska.
Kathleen Amelia
Rachel Vanoven
Beaufort, South Carolina.
Indianapolis, Indiana.
jade gao Sydney, Australia.
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.
contact us lexi@lemonadeandlenses.com lemonadeandlenses.com facebook.com/lemonadeandlenses Lemonade and Lenses is a monthly on-line magazine published by Lemonade and Lenses. All text is Š Lemonade and Lenses 2012 unless it is otherwise stated where as it is then Š to the listed artist. Reproduction with out written permission from Lemonade and Lenses or the featured artist is strictly prohibited. 5 | MARCH 2012
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.
"
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.
"
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 lexi@lemonadeandlenses.com 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
runner's up
Image Š Jennifer LaChance 2012.
Image Š Lindsay Nickel 2012.
Image Š Heather Morrow 2012.
Image Š Elisabeth Smith 2012.
Linda Gentry.
"
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. 11 | MARCH 2012
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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
Top Tips for a successful newborn session
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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.
Prep the parents.
the Newborn Nest). A fussy baby can throw any good
Open communication with the parents about how
photographer off so having your ideas written down will
your session will go will help them feel more comfortable
give you something to reference, regroup and move on if
and confident with you handling their newborn child.
you need to.
Let them in on all the details, from poses, props, and positions. They might not know what to ask, so offer
Hot, hot, hot.
up all the information you have. This helps to create an
environment that allows you to do your best work for your
is probably one of the most important factors, especially
clients while assuring them that their precious package is
if you want to photograph the baby nude. I turn the
in wonderful hands.
heat up to 80 for an hour prior to the photo session to
I make it a steamy 80 degrees in the studio. This
make sure the room is nice and toasty. I also keep a space List your ideas & prep your studio.
heater going during the entire session, though it is never
pointed directly at the baby and I never use a heating
I spend a good hour and a half in the studio before
parents arrive.
Since I have already discussed color
pad or heated blanket. That creates too much heat on a
scheme with the parents ahead of time, I make myself a
baby's delicate and sensitive skin. The combination of the
list of the poses, shots and props I would like to use during
higher room temperature and the space heater works to
the session. Prepping the studio includes turning up the
not only keep the baby warm but it also helps to promote
heat, pulling out props, and setting up my beanbag (I use
sleepiness which makes for a more posable subject. MARCH 2012 | 40
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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… MARCH 2012 | 42
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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Jaxon's Joyful Journey.
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
Images and text are © Kathleen Amelia 2012. To see more of Kathleen's amazing work please visit her website, blog, facebook or rally point. 51 | MARCH 2012
are now proud parents to 2 year old Keeley and newborn Jaxon.
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because tomorrow is never promised.
"
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.
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Newborn Safety.
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
When it comes to photography, there are so
failed. You have decided your art is more important than
many mistakes I've made, corners I've cut, props I've
the "what ifs." Would you ever tell that to the parent? Even
tried, mistakes I've made, ideas I've expounded upon,
if the parent is a fool and would actually let you value "art"
and mistakes I've made. You know those baby in glass
above the child's safety, would you tell that to the surgeon
vase shots? Oh, I not only was going to try that, but
who tries to save the baby's life after the shot didn't go as
mine was going to be even more creative than those
planned?
other photogs'. Like putting cute little marbles in the
bottom and plopping a fish hat on the baby's cute head.
any concept. The safest shot in the world could in some
I'm pretty sure never was a more stupid shot thunk
way render an injury. A child could still get injured at the
up. Aside from the fact that it sounds like the absolute
pool even with the lifeguard's 110% effort. What's the
worst idea in the history of photographydom, it sounds
difference? Realism. Realistically, children who have heard
incredibly dangerous. "But I checked the glass! I'm right
the rules, are immediately stopped if they disregard the
there! The baby will be in there for half a second! We have
rules, are attentively watched, and are protected are not
a spotter! I'm always careful and safe!"
going to suffer a serious injury at the pool. Realistically, a
These are what we would call rationalizations.
newborn who is shot by a professional, who is trained on
It's not just the baby in the glass. There are a plethora of
how to safely take shots and who respects the potential
unsafe concepts. There are maybe even more concepts
danger by avoiding obvious hazards is not going to get
that are okay, but you must test out the safety before you
injured. Nothing is 100%. But when you willingly choose
try them. If you are running a photography business, then
to take a shot that puts the newborn in a potentially
you purport to be a professional. If you are a professional,
dangerous position, you have compromised your ethics
then you make professional choices. One of the biggest
and run in the opposite direction of being a professional.
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
been at this long at all. I landed in photography because
no supervision and put in "safety precautions" of giving
I was fairly certain I could take some better shots than the
them some water wings. That would be catastrophic. We
local department store studio. And as boring as college
may not be able to put our finger on what makes that
was, I had somehow made it to my senior year with no
different from putting a baby in a dangerous position, but
plan. Besides, photography? A cash cow! I could buy a
it's this: a professional thinks of the "what ifs." It's actually
camera for $1,000 and then charge a fortune. I'd be rich in
their job. It's why they are a lifeguard and not you.
five minutes. I think you see where my delusion is going. I
stumbled into this industry and honestly, haven't stopped
Along with training, lifeguards have taken on the
Yes, an injury could theoretically happen with
We were all new once. I still feel new. I haven't
responsibility of planning for the unexpected. They have
stumbling yet.
not only planned on watching those children diligently,
but they've come prepared with life-saving devices in
salivate at every image the greats post. In your strive to
case all the best efforts are not enough. The lifeguard is
be creative, you come up with some ridiculously unsafe
thinking of the "what ifs."
concepts. Unfortunately, sometimes your creativity is
We can't lose sight of what it's like to be new. You
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sometimes just desperation in disguise and it leads you to
- Some shots are not safe no matter how "safe" you are.
think a baby would make a cute fish. (Or maybe that was
If you can't effectively answer reasonable "what ifs," you
just me.)
don't do the shot.
There's also just stupidity. There are the people
who think they can do it and it will be safe. Listen to me
- Don't do a shot if you're not comfortable with it.
here - there is no safe way to do an unsafe shot. Some
You're only competing with yourself, not every other
shots are not safe, no matter how many safety precautions
photographer.
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
- Go over the "what ifs" in your mind. What could be the
quicker/easier way. That's the stupidity part right there.
possible outcome if everything within reason went wrong
The bottom line is that a professional thinks of the
here?
"what ifs."
So what now? Do I have to paralyze myself with
certain that there are many more safety tips out there.
fear that every shot is potentially unsafe? While I'd rather
I encourage you to do your own homework. Actually,
you be a little too worried about safety than not worried
if I could require you to do it, I totally would. What I've
enough, you don't have to cripple yourself in fear. The
included are some commonly sought after shots, and how
most important things to take from this article are:
I do them. I sure would love to see yours!
image one
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So now for the fun part, right? I am beyond
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.
image two
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.) MARCH 2012 | 82
image three
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 four 83 | MARCH 2012
image five
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
image six
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 MARCH 2012 | 84
image eight
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
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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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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
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. 87 | MARCH 2012
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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image sixteen
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
image seventeen
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.
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- 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
image eighteen
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.
Images and text are © Brenna B Photography 2012. To see more of Brenna's beautiful work please visit her website or facebook.
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.
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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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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 Lil' Owl Knitts shop | facebook
Jade Goe website | facebook
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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rachel Vanoven. "
 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 Š Rachel Vanoven Photography 2012. To see more of Rachel's stunning work please visit her website, blog or facbook. MARCH 2012 | 100
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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.
The Business of Babies.
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
"
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
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.
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.
"
Images and text are © Whitney Scott 2012. To see more of Whitney's stunning work you can visit her website, blog or facebook. MARCH 2012 | 120
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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.
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"
our sales averages for the year are HIGHER than when we offered more sessions.
"
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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?
10 Amazing Ways to use Pinterest for Marketing.
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…
10.
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.
9.
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.
8.
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.
7.
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.
6.
Consider creating a board with just your own work.
Amy Fraughton, owner of Photo Business Tools,
You could title it “My own work”, “My personal favorites”
loves business, setting high goals, and helping other
or “Favorites from my studio”. This should only be done
women to do the same! She runs a family of 6, a successful
if you also have boards with many other ideas or other
photography business, and sometimes a 5K, as well as the
peoples work as well. Remember, it won’t look that great
amazing Photo Business Tools site for photographers who
to only pin your own stuff.
need a little business help along their way.
5.
When you have a favorite board, share about it on
Lemonade and Lenses readers may enjoy 20% off
facebook! Or promote your own page, or a favorite post.
your membership to Photo Business Tools for a limited
Also, be sure that in your Pinterest settings, you have “link
time! Enter the code LLROCKS in the shopping cart.
to Facebook” selected.
4.
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.
3.
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.
2.
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.
1.
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!
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.
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Jade Gao.
"
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.
"
Images and text are Š Newborn Photography by Jade 2012. To see more of Jade's whimsical work you can visit her website or facebook. 129 | MARCH 2012
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fin.
Image Š Carra Harrison.