B Y NA P C P M AY 2 0 1 8
Featuring Marena Rudy of Marena Beck Photography
The
LATEST INSIDE
Instafaves and #NAPCPMOTHERHOOD: Featured Images
Free Printables, Photo Walk Recap, Articles You’ll Love and More!
We’ve got spring fever!
We’re seeing green again! Spring bouquets are blooming and the days are dappled
with sunshine. In this month’s issue of Inspired magazine, we’re celebrating international award winning photographer Marena Rudy, of Marena Beck Photography! Marena is one of NAPCP’s most enthusiastic cheerleaders. Many thanks from our team and the entire National Association of Professional Child Photographers to Marena, who gives up-andcoming photographers straight talk in the most caring way and is always ready to help pull up another photographer; Marena is a true delight and it is our pleasure to share her with you.
We’re collectively looking forward to our next NAPCP Gatherings, coming to you globally,
in September. Spring Gatherings were a smashing success! Friends of NAPCP, NAPCP Ambassadors and members came together in fellowship for energizing photo walks. We’re featuring some of our favorite images on the NAPCP blog and across our social media this week. If you missed out on the spring Gathering in your area, mark your calendar for fall -- it’s sure to give you a busy season boost!
While you’re at NAPCP.com, download our Dress Your Dad Father’s Day printables, print
your free June calendar and menu, and visit the NAPCP store, too! If you believe in being prepared for what’s coming next, you’ll want to begin making a list of your favorite new child and family photographers, as nominations for our coveted Best New Emerging Child Photographer will open before you know it. Bookmark the landing page so you can get your nominations in as soon as they’re live!
Speaking of bookmarking, don’t forget to add the Inspired by NAPCP Gallery Event to your
August calendar! The competition will be open for image submissions over the summer months; the Atlanta event will feature LIVE announcements of awards and winning print images, and we have special judges for you, too. We’ll be there with our favorite drinks in hand!
W ith love bugs and crazy daisies, The NAPCP Team
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TA BL E O F CO NTE N TS Pg. 4 ......................Dress Your Dad Printables Pg. 5 ..................................What’s Happening Pg. 6 .....Featured Photographer Marena Rudy
Pg. 28 ...........................#NAPCPMotherhood Pg. 29 ...............................NAPCP Gatherings Pg. 30 .....................Best New Emerging Child Photographer
Pg. 31 ..........................Snapshot Travel Guide Pg. 32 ..................................Articles You Love Pg. 34 .....................Video Series: Willy Wilson Pg. 35 ..............................Marketing Mondays Pg. 36 ..............................#NAPCPInstaFaves Pg. 37 .............................Membership Benefits
F R E E
D I Y
P R I N TA B L E
DRESS YOUR DAD
1. Print the materials.
2. Fill in the blanks.
3. Give Dad a face.
Go to NAPCP.com to download your FREE Dress Your Dad packet - complete with clothes and accessories!
Ask your son or daughter to answer the questions on the sheet provided and fill in the blanks.
Let your child give dad his very own look. Make sure to color his hair and give him a handsome smile.
4. Color his clothes and accessories.
5. Cut and glue.
6. Give it to Dad!
Let your child pick out the clothes and accessories for Dad and color them however they please!
Now that he/she has picked Dad an outfit and colored it, cut out all the pieces and glue them to his body.
Make sure you sign your work and give your creations to Dad on Father’s Day! Don’t forget to tag #NAPCPDressYourDad!
I’M READY TO DRESS MY DAD
WHAT’ S HA P P E NI N G
right now
Now accepting Marketing Monday submissions!
june 2018
Do you know an amazing newer photographer who deserves major NAPCP love? You’ll be able to nominate them for NAPCP’s coveted Best New Emerging Child Photographer, soon!
july 2018 Start preparing your images for the Inspired by NAPCP Gallery Event print competition!
september 11th - 18th
Our next NAPCP Gatherings. Mark your calendars!
NAPCP Inspired Magazine May 2018 | 5
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER MARENA RUDY
Images by Marena Rudy of Marena Beck Photography
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E
ven though she’s lived in Chicago for 10 years, Marena Rudy
still considers herself to be an Ohio girl. She’s been a professional photographer since 2011 and opened her Lakeview studio in 2013. Marena and her husband have two children, and one fur baby. Marena’s favorite moments during a session are the unexpected and in-between moments. She has been recognized internationally, with several winning images in both the National Association of Professional Child Photographers (NAPCP) International Image Competitions, and Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) image competitions. We are honored to introduce Marena Rudy of Marena Beck Photography to you! Turn the page for our interview with Marena, a peek inside her camera bag, and 3 of her top pieces of advice.
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AT A GLANC BEHIND 1. Started photographing? 2010 2. Officially opened business? 2013 3. Favorite camera? D750 (inside), D800 (outside) 4. Lens of choice? 35mm inside, 85mm outside 5. Favorite lab? Musea 6. Favorite framer? Musea
Marena Rudy
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CE WITH SCENES
MARENA RUDY
7. Favorite subject to photograph? Lifestyle newborn with toddlers 8. Favorite musician? The National 9. Favorite movie? Pride & Prejudice 11. Recent favorite read? Chasing Calm, by Erin Loechner 12. Favorite client product? Miller’s Signature Albums in Deep Matte 12. 3 things you can’t live without? Coffee, pistachio ice cream & hair straightener
F L I P T H E PA G E F O R O U R E XC LU S I V E I N T E RV I E W W I T H M A R E NA !
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Congratulations on being our feature NAPCP photographer this month, Marena! Please tell us about yourself and how you got your start as a professional photographer. My love for photography started in my 9th grade photography class in high school, but wasn’t sparked again until 2010 when my husband bought me my first DSLR, for our honeymoon. I have the personality that if I start something, I go deep and truly commit. It becomes an obsession and I devote all of my energy into trying to master it. I signed up for classes at a local academy in Chicago. I didn’t have any children at the time (and neither did any of my friends), so building my portfolio was challenging, but through co-workers and other people in my network, I began to grow and finally opened up business in 2013 full-time. The decision to launch came after attending (by chance and luck) the NAPCP retreat in Charleston. I met so many supportive and successful photographers that gave me the courage to take a leap of faith, and the tools to be smart about my business.
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Who or what inspires you? Meg Loeks captures her children in such a rich and emotive way. She lives in such a gorgeous part of the country, which helps – but she is a master of storytelling. Her tones are also PERFECT in every image. Will you share with us the funniest or most awkward thing that has ever happened when you were shooting a session, and how you handled it? I just had my last posed newborn session in my studio, but I’ve been doing them for five years. I ALWAYS have a change of clothes at the studio, just in case something happens. Two years ago I was 8 months pregnant and a sweaty mess wearing jeans (which I never do at the studio) and a baby peed allllll over my crotch. It was the first five minutes, and I had to spend the remaining two hours in another baby’s pee. I wanted to crawl in a hole (after I showered). What is your go-to lens? Why? Inside, I stick to my 35mm. I like that I can get super close and work my angles to have interesting depth. Outside, I usually always have my 85mm on my camera. The compression is stunning.
Thank you so much, Marena! NAPCP Inspired Magazine May 2018 | 17
Three Tips F O R S E S S I O N F L O W & G E T T I NG O RG A N I C E X P R E S S I O N S by Marena Rudy
1- I like to start with the portraits. This allows mom to feel comfortable that her hair is at its best, lipstick is on still and she has one photo that she can use for her holiday card and give to grandma. I don’t do a lot of posing or traditional portrait style photographs throughout the session, so I find that getting it done first checks that box and allows me to engage at a more personal level for the remaining portion of the session. Toddlers especially can be clingy in the beginning, so allowing them to stick close to mom or dad at the start tends to help me build trust.
2- I have a lot of energy at sessions. I recently listened to a BTS video of me shooting and got really embarrassed by how high pitched my voice gets! I play off of the energy of the children – if they are shy, I do tickles, running to and from the child to get laughs. If they are crazy, I let them run around for a bit and then play red light/green light to get them to slow down. For babies, I sneeze or play peek-a-boo from my camera. I carry noise makers with me just in case a baby is being super challenging, but I don’t pull them out often.
For 2-4 year olds, my best smile maker is telling them “not to smile” or else … usually they think it is hilarious. I also ask if they want to have a snack then follow up with, “Do you want to try my booger sandwich?”, or, “Do you want to have some stinky feet sausage?”, or the best, “Did Daddy toot?”
3- For cuddles and tender moments, I have the family sit together and give kisses and then do a game of telephone. Telling secrets is a great way to get sweet moments mixed with silly laughter. This usually loosens up dad. It is also a great way to get sibling shots, having them tell each other secrets.
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BEHIND
We visited Marena’s Instagram feed and gathered some of our favorite captures.
SCENES
WITH MARENA RUDY
Follow her at instagram.com/marenabeckphoto/ to see more beautiful imagery!
CAMERA BAG ESSENTIALS WITH MARENA RUDY
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B O D I ES • Nikon D750 • Nikon D800 (not pictured)
L E N SES • Nikon 35mm 1.4 (not pictured)
• Nikon 85mm 1.4 • Sigma 50mm Art 1.4 • Nikkor 70-200mm • Lensbaby Composer Pro Edge 50mm • Lens Pen • Extra Memory Cards
EXTRAS • Advil (not pictured)
• Chapstick (not pictured)
• Two Shaking Toys • One Car (most of the time it’s gifted at the end of the session)
AUGUST 23RD 26 | NAPCP Inspired Magazine May 2018
NAPCP Inspired Magazine May 2018 | 27
@clairefluttersby
@jenniferkapala
@livelovelaughphotosnj
#NAP CPMOTHERHOOD Some of our favorite images from the May @NAPCP tag on Instagram. Stay tuned for our June tag and keep tagging #NAPCPMotherhood for your chance to get featured in our feed!
@mar ybeaphoto
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@staciezphotography
@whitandwhimsycreative
Photo Walk Recap # NA P C P G AT H E R I NG S
During the month of April, child and family photographers from around the world gathered together for the third annual NAPCP Photo Walk. Some made it a game while others just went out to have a good time. Gathering together doing something fun helped us all get the creative juices flowing as we all get back into the swing of things this summer. Thanks to all of our 2018 Ambassadors for putting these Gatherings together! Stay tuned for our next meet up during the week of September 11th-18th.
s e e what yo u m i s s e d l ast mon t h
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The Search is On for New, Undiscovered Talent! We all know how challenging those first two years of running your own business can be – learning best business practices, juggling marketing, branding, finances, equipment, workflow … all while consistently producing gorgeous portraiture for clients. We love the spirit and tenacity of the future greats in our community, and we are here cheering them on. NAPCP is looking to shine a spotlight on one of our industry’s brightest rising stars. And we need YOU to help us find them.
C OM I NG S O ON - S E E AL L T H E DE TAI L S
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YO U R S U M M E R T R AV E L B U D DY
H A S A RRI V ED Experience your best trip ever! Use this guide for image inspiration through a new place, adventure or even your own backyard. See the world around you in new ways and add fun to your travels. Have a marvelous time and, most importantly, capture moments for the memory book!
O R D E R YO U R S T O D AY
NAPCP Inspired Magazine May 2018 | 31
ARTICLES YOU’LL LOVE Inspiring words written by our members, for our members.
Are Newborn Photos Worth It? 4 Questions, Answered
Almost 5 years ago, I was eagerly anticipating the birth of my first child. I’d prepped everything, my suitcase was ready, and I’d booked a photographer months before for her special newborn session. I couldn’t wait! A week after she was born, I was so excited the day had arrived for her session and I worked with a wonderful newborn photographer who truly seemed to spin magic as she posed my precious baby, added headbands, and positioned her with various props. I was in love with the photos and the experience, and decided then that, one day, I’d take my photography hobby to the next level and become a newborn photographer to provide experiences just like that to future families.
Fast forward to today and I’m now 35 weeks pregnant with our fourth and last child, our third little boy. I have followed my dream to become a newborn photographer and absolutely love preserving those special memories for my clients. Every time I see one of those tiny babies, just a few days old, I am so awestruck at their little features and movements. I am also completely humbled and honored to have been chosen by a family to capture these special moments that pass all too quickly.
Meet Jennifer Jackson: Jennifer is the mother of four beautiful children who pursues her photography passion so she can stay home with her kids. She is originally from Texas and loves preserving Memories for Families.
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Video Interview with Emily Ley! Join in on this short film as we interview Emily Ley, Founder and Creative Director of Emily Ley and the Simplified Planner! In this NAPCP video interview, Emily discusses her best strategies for work/ life balance as well as her philosophy on creating “white space” in your life as a creative, so that you can get bback to doing what matters. Emily Ley’s story is so relateable and inspiring, so spend 30 minutes and learn her tips on how to best organize your home, and youre life! Read more.
Meet Rya Duncklee: Rya is a full-time professional child photographer working in Florida. Her work is known for it’s fresh, airy look and her children’s portraits are often called whimsical. Rya has been published nationally and is a NAPCP award recipient.
What’s in Her Bag: Mary Okner, of Mary Bea Photography I am a Canon girl through and through, as you’ll notice. My first film camera was Nikon, my second was Canon and then I never looked back! My favorite lens to shoot with is the Canon 70-200 — while it definitely is heavy, it’s worth it because it takes some sharp pictures with the creamiest of backgrounds. Read more.
Meet Mary Okner: Mary Okner, the artist behind Mary Bea Photography. Mary is a San Francisco Bay Area photographer specializing in child and family photography, focusing on cute candid images with an emphasis on celebratory experiences.
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# N A P C P I N S TA FAV E S The images of these amazing photographers caught our eye in May. Visit them on Instagram and follow along! Tag #NAPCP on Instagram and you may see your work in a future issue of Inspired.
E @BROOK
O @KATIERAINPHOT
@rachel
EA
GL ID CE
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OGRAP EEKPHOT
NCR HAMILTO
nielsenp
hoto
OT
PH N O S
N @CA
@LINDSEYNIC H
OLEPHOTOGRA
@SL PH
OTO
GRA
PHY8
PHY
3
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APH OGR
@EUR OP
EANMO
MMYO
F2
OGRAPHY
NERPHOT G A W V E L E H C I @M
1111
UDIO @THEST
winning image by Alexandria Neoh
Membership Benefits Read about NAPCP and see the many benefits of NAPCP membership, on our site. Download freebies and preview member-exclusive videos; get to know the heart of our association! LEARN MORE
Please visit napcp.com or email us at info@napcp.com with questions or inquiries. CLICK HERE TO PRINT THIS ISSUE
NAPCP Inspired Magazine May 2018 | 37
NAPCP Issue 65