mon petit
MAGAZINE
1 2012 | a publication from amy larson photography | premier edition fall & winter
Hi Friends, Thank you all for your interest in Mon Petit Magazine and welcome! I never imagined I would be producing a publication for my business, but here is the Premiere Edition. I could not feel more blessed to be doing something so fulfilling. As I am constantly inspired by my sweet boys, naturally I thought of them as I chose a title for this new venture. Mon Petite is Elijah’s name of endearment that I coined when he was only a few days old. It means “My Little” in French. This issue is full of information from what to wear to your sessions to Christmas card sneak peeks. I hope you enjoy a cup of coffee while flipping through the pages of My Little Magazine. Thank you for taking this journey with me! I hope you enjoy. XOXO, Amy
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image credit: Jamie Weiss Photography mon petit | 2
CONTENT
2 4 6 7 8 9 10 11
Welcome Note
Content & Contact
Session Favorites
Parent Photo Tips
Digital Age
Bedtime Stories
Child’s Art Display
Featured Session
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22 23 24 25 26
What to Wear
Fall
Mini Sessions
Christmas Cards
The Land of Nod
Announcements
CONTACT Website www.amylarson.com Email larsonamy@mac.com Blog www.amylarson.com/blog mon petit | 4
SPRING
&
SUMMER mon petit | 5
FAVORITES
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PARENT TIPS
how to take better photos of your kids
tip1
Natural light is key. Start by looking for a large window in your home and position your kiddo in front or to the side of it on a sunny or partly sunny day. A doorway or entryway is also a great location.
tip2
Get down on their level. Getting on your hands and knees or even your belly takes you into their world and helps to engage your children through the images you take.
tip3
Interact with your kids. “Say cheese” or “Sit still and look at me” doesn’t work and often produces fake smiles if not frowning. Play games with your kids, tell jokes, or make funny faces to get some good laughs.
tip4
Don’t feel like you must make your child smile in every photo. A relaxed, innocent look is very sweet.
tip5
Don’t be afraid to get close. Of course your kids are cute, and you want every finger and toe in the photo; however, some of the best photos are close ups.
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DIGITAL AGE
copyright release vs. print release Since the photography industry has moved into the digital age, I am often asked if I give or sell copyrights to my images. As an artist, I personally never give or sell my copyright to clients. Instead, I provide a print release with any digital image purchase. What is the difference between a “print” release and a “copyright” release? A copyright release is a document that releases the copyright from the photographer to the client. Meaning, I (as the photographer) would give up ownership of the art I created and could technically never use the photographs without permission of my client. If I wanted to use an image on my website, or on my blog, or hang an image in my studio, a copyright release would NOT allow me to do so. I would no longer have a right to use my images, nor would I be able to control how the images could be used.
While clients may print and give away prints to whomever they desire, the print release does not allow them to sell the image, use it for any contests, use in any marketing pieces, or resale in any nature. Think about it like this... would you ask a musician to give up his/her rights to a song? Of course not, but you would want the song for use on your iPod. Would you expect a writer to hand over his/her original work? No, instead you would purchase a printed copy of the book. As a professional, I believe it is not only my job to photograph my clients, but to also educate them on the confusing terminology used in this digital age. Copyright laws are taken seriously by myself and most other professional photographers. By working together we can help preserve the integrity of the industry, and both parties mutually benefit!
Providing a print release to my clients allows them to print for personal use while preserving my rights to the images as the photographer. So, how does a print release benefit my clients? Clients may print an unlimited number of images, copy, email, and post files on social media websites. They may also use their images for any other personal use such as creating Christmas cards, birth announcements, photo calendars, etc. Plus, they have the digital files to keep forever. A print release allows me to own my photographs but also gives clients what they want as well- the ability to print.
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micah & mommy’s ten favorite
BEDTIME STORIES
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displaying your child’s
WORK OF ART As a mom of a preschooler, I think it is fair to say I collect at least three pieces of art in any given week. Although I encourage my little artist’s talent, I don’t have extra space for twelve works of art per month (144 per year). What’s the solution? I have a plastic memory box that I keep in the top of the closet to collect Micah’s art throughout the month. At the end of every month, I take down the box, tape all of his art pieces to the wall, and photograph them. Once photographed, Micah and I choose one favorite painting/drawing to keep in his memory box and recycle the others. Our collection has now gone from 144 pieces of paper per year, to twelve, and yet we still have every masterpiece downloaded onto our computer. At the end of the school year, I make a photo book using the photos of his masterpieces. There are many companies that allow you to create photo books: Apple iPhoto, Blurb, and Shutterfly, just to name a few. I love the ease and beauty of iPhoto books, so we create ours on our Mac. Photo books are a great way to display the creative imagination of your child without having a mess of loose papers stacking up around the house. Designing a photo book is also a fun project that you and your child can work on and look forward to every year. For more projects and wall display ideas, be sure to check my pins and connect with me on Pinterest. Micah’s snowman painting, Winter 2011
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BLAKELY
June 19 | 7lbs 13oz | 20 1/4 inches
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fall fashion guides to help you plan
WHAT TO WEAR With fall sessions around the corner, I have many families asking, "What should we wear?" Here are some guides to help direct you on your shopping journey! First, be sure to choose an outfit that you feel comfortable wearing. The same goes for your children's outfits. If you or your family members do not feel comfortable in the outfits you are wearing, it will show in your photographs. Second, choose outfits from a color palette that work well together. "Matchy matchy" is not a good idea as it tends to look more like a uniform instead of an outfit. Most importantly, wear something that shows off your personality! Everyone has their own unique style, so be sure to coordinate outfits within a color palette to show off your individuality.
style no. 1
All of the outfit examples were designed by Amy Larson using clothing from H&M.
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style no. 2
style no. 3 mon petit | 22
FALL MINIS october 26th & 27th | $85
plus tax
Mark your calendar and contact Amy to schedule your Fall Mini Session. These popular sessions book quickly. Sessions are 20 minutes at a location to be announced by Amy. Families will receive an online gallery and one 8x10 print from their session. A special discount for digital files and Christmas cards will apply. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to capture wonderful family photos for your Christmas cards. Contact Amy today to schedule your session.
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CHRISTMAS CARDS
Designer holiday cards available exclusively for clients of Amy Larson Photography. These luxurious cards are offered in a variety of custom shapes and paper options. Combine them with your favorite fall photo from your session for an inspiring way to wish loved ones best wishes for the holidays. Choose your card style and Amy will do the rest. Your finished card will be simply unique.
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great finds and things you’ll love from
THE LAND OF NOD
A Monkey on My Backpack $20, Robo Bedding $99, Locker Baskets $19.95, Grey Pouf $99, Play Canopy $139, Coat Tree $99, Doll Crib & High Chair $118, White Fridge $229, White Kitchenette $249
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NOW BOOKING September Special Book a 3, 6 or 9 month session in Amy’s natural light studio for a discounted price during the month of September. Book a Watch Baby Grow Package during September and receive $100 savings!
Fall Mini Sessions
Fall Mini Sessions book quickly so be sure to contact Amy today to reserve a spot for you and your family.
Maternity Sessions Book a newborn session and bundle a maternity session for $100!
2013 Newborn Sessions
To hold a date for your 2013 newborn session, contact Amy today to ensure availability.
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mon petit
MAGAZINE
a publication from amy larson photography www.amylarson.com | www.facebook.com/amylarsonphotography