Project 52 - Glimpses week 8

Missed last week due to illness running through everyone in the family. So since the glimpse of last week wouldn't have been too pretty I opted to skip the week... But here is my little girl from today at a birthday party. She is getting too big! Join the fun!

"What should I do to prepare for my photo session?" Part 6 of 6 - Newborns & Babies

In concession with the previous "What should I do to prepare for my photo session?" posts, if you missed them start with Part 1 the other posts are linked at the bottom in the first post and they have a lot of good tips to inspire you to look your best for your shoot.

This prep list is in regards to Newborn & Baby sessions and what you should do to help your baby be happy and rested when your session arrives.

Newborns and Babies

• Use a wash cloth to clean away flaky skin and eye boogers.

• If your baby has flaky skin, cradle cap, or eczema, use baby oil daily for a week or so before the shoot. Don't worry if baby acne has begun to show, photoshop can fix those little spots.

• Trim those tiny fingernails and toenails with appropriate baby trimmers so they don't look awkward in shape and more importantly so they don't scratch themselves before hand.

• Book your shoot around your baby’s feeding and nap times, work with the natural rhythm of your baby. The perfect time to shoot is right when the baby would be laying down for a nap. If your baby normally falls asleep after a feeding, wait to feed the baby until shoot time. I allot plenty of time for this sort of thing to set up the best situation for great photos newborn sleepy photos.

• Dress up disposable diapers. Cloth diapers are classy and stylish, but if you don’t use them, bring bloomers or decorative diaper covers, solids preferred.

• What's the best wardrobe choice for a newborn? Nothing! – usually no outfit fits a newborn well, and they often look swallowed in clothes. Accessories are good, though – little hats, dainty headbands, boys in crocheted hats, etc. Bring sentimental items like the quilt that Grandma made for the baby, a baby blanket from your own childhood – they’re great for to lay on and be a backdrop in the photo.

• If your baby takes a pacifier, bring it – if they’re bottle fed, bring an extra bottle to help put the baby to sleep.

• I don't use backdrop set ups so your home will be my "backdrop" I may ask to rearrange your furniture to access the best possible light in your home. So don't be alarmed if I want to move your couch a little that way and bring a chair a little this way, it's apart of the process.

Email me at amanda@alarmsphotography.com if you have further questions about your session!

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"What should I do to prepare for my photo session?" Part 5 of 6 - Maternity

In concession with the previous "What should I do to prepare for my photo session?" posts, if you missed them start with Part 1 the other posts are linked at the bottom in the first post and they have a lot of good tips to inspire you to look your best for your shoot.

This prep list is in regards to Maternity sessions and what you should do to look your best when your session arrives.

Maternity

• Pregnant woman should do their maternity session during the last trimester for a perfect round belly shoot! There are a lot of suggestions as to "WHEN" during the 3rd trimester you should schedule your shoot but being that I have been there twice I would say some where between 34 to 37 weeks while you still have a little room, still comfortable and not quite as swollen as week 39 and 40. 37 weeks is considered full term so if you wait until after then you are taking a chance that you won't be able to "make it" to the shoot (trust me on this one, been there, done that and have no professional pregnant belly pics of me and my first born)The last few weeks are very uncomfortable for a lot of moms so you should get your photos before you get to that stage.

• Moisturize that belly if you plan to do bare belly shots however keep in mind I will not ask you to raise your shirt or show your belly so if this is something you wish to do, please let me know. Being comfortable is my main concern with pregnant clients, I have two children I know what it is like!

• Gather your props to bring along – ultrasound printout, alphabet blocks that spell your baby’s name, baby shoes, stuffed animals, flowers, whatever you’ve seen in other maternity photos that you like.

• Wear whatever you feel comfortable and pretty in – long, flowy skirts, especially solids are nice, and strapless bras that coordinate with them. Tube dresses are great for showing off your shape. Bring a pair of regular jeans, not the belly panel ones if you plan to show your belly, because those can leave marks on your skin that we don't want in the photo. A button-up shirt also makes it easy to transition into showing your belly but stay true to your style, if you don't have one, ask "daddy" to borrow his!

• Do bring your significant other! They’ll make a great prop for your photos, and greatly expand on the number of different photos you can make during your shoot. They should bring outfits that coordinate with what you’ll be wearing. The focus should always be on you, your expressions, your emotions, your personality, your joy and your connection.

 Email me if you have any other questions not addressed here amanda@alarmsphotography.com

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"What should I do to prepare for my photo session?" Part 4 of 6 - Children

In concession with the previous "What should I do to prepare for my photo session?" posts, if you missed them start with Part 1 the other posts are linked in the first post and they have a lot of good tips to inspire you to look your best for your shoot.


This prep list is in regards to Children sessions and what you should do to look your best when your session arrives.

Children

• Clean, clean, clean – clean nails, clean hair, wipe away eye boogers, clean feet (sandals on kids = black feet!), wipe snotty noses, fresh-scrub teeth. The cleaner the kid, the better their photos will turn out. Bring wet wipes because as a mother, I know that a child (at any age) can always be wiped down! 

• If your child is still in diapers or pull-ups, tuck’em in or wear bloomers or diaper covers under dresses and skirts.

• If your child is still of napping age, make sure they nap before the shoot. I always advise to make sure you schedule your session AROUND nap time, this is very important and some first time mommas may not think of this so schedule your session early in the morning before nap time or late in the afternoon or evening after nap time.

• It is perfectly okay to bring bribes to a photo shoot – given a stage and being the center of attention, it’s like our kids know exactly when to act their worst. Some cereal, smarties or other candy that won’t stain teeth can help a short photo shoot go by smoothly.

• Parents don't freak out if your children are not cooperating, I am very patient and if need be will take your child on a walk... just me and them so we can get away from all the "pressure".

• For smaller children bring a favorite toy or something that usually gets them smiling or laughing. Squeaky toys are great for toddlers.

• Avoid colorful drinks or lollypops within 24 hours of your shoot, don’t let them eat or drink anything that will stain their face, teeth or mouths.

• Wardrobe – For girls, you can’t go wrong with cute dresses, rompers, and dainty hats or headbands. For boys, jeans and polos or a button-up shirt, or a T-shirt with a button-up over it can be very cute, as well as overalls on the right age and personality. For siblings, the children don’t have to match perfectly, just coordinate. You can’t go wrong with dark, rich monotones, which drive the attention in photos to sweet faces and darling expressions instead of loud prints or colors. If nothing else, pick a color that compliments your child’s eye color.

If you have further questions about what you should wear for your session whether your man or woman feel free to visit my pinterest board dedicated to Inspire YOUR style there are several styling suggestions for men, women, and children of all ages. Email me if you have any other questions not addressed here amanda@alarmsphotography.com

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NEW Product: iPhone 4 / iPhone 4s Photo Cases

I'd like to introduce a new product that is available at ALArms Photography

iPhone 4 Photo Cases

$35.00

As an introductory offer clients can order these cases at the discounted rate of 20% off until the end of February! So HURRY offer won't be around long!

amanda@alarmsphotography.com 

Email if you are interested in getting some of your favorite images on the iPhone 4 photo case. 

Personalize your iPhone 4/4S with a custom iPhone Case. Your favorite image is displayed with a vibrant high gloss finish.

Features

• Available in black, white or clear.
• The image is printed on a high gloss vibrant metal insert.
• Fits the iPhone 4 and 4S only.

Please note: Due to the nature of this product, minor surface imperfections such as bubbles or bumps may appear. We will make every effort to place the image so that imperfections are as inconspicuous as possible. Remakes are not available due to imperfections in the product.

Here is an example of an actual template for the iphone case -

the red line would not appear on the final product,

it's only there to make sure all the important stuff is visible in the final product.

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"What should I do to prepare for my photo session?" Part 3 of 6 - Seniors

In concession with the previous "What should I do to prepare for my photo session?" posts, if you missed them see them here - Part 1  & Part 2 they have a lot of good tips to inspire you to look your best for your shoot.
This prep list is in regards to Senior sessions and what you should do to look your best when your session arrives. 


2013 Seniors: Don't forget to check out the senior rep program.

High school seniors

• The biggest tips for seniors are to have an even (shade of brown) tan, DO NOT tan a few days before the session and don’t get sunburned, you will be red. Do not use spray tan or some other form of tan in a bottle the day of your shoot, you will be orange. This goes for any big event you have coming up this year, especially PROM! Please prepare well and tan well in advance to any event you have and don't over do it!

• Clean those nails! Moisturize and scrub away dry skin EVERYWHERE but especially on hands and face! Guys - please scrub your nails clean before your shoot, trim your nails and make sure your hands look decent, show them to mom or your girlfriend for approval. Girls - put a freshly-painted coat on your nails so your senior ring will photograph well. Oh and DON'T FORGET YOUR RING!

• Girls don't over do the make up - every little detail will show in close up photos and I do love a close up! Bring some powder for touch ups. GUYS- Please bring mom or a girlfriend with some translucent powder, if it is warm out and you begin to sweat you will get oily or shiny looking and that is NOT a good look, it shows up very well on camera. PLEASE BRING POWDER! Do not try to cover blemishes with make up, unless you know what your doing, it will show up in the photos and it will be easier to deal with in photoshop than dealing with make-up issues after the fact.

• Bring a variety of outfits – cap and gown, something casual, something stylish, ladies slip a dress in there fancy or casual to throw folks off, fellas try a formal look to impress. If you have already had prom and you want to do a "Trash the dress" session that would be cool too. Wear what you think you look best in, but take the opportunity to also try a new look, just to surprise folks and maybe even yourself. Check out my Pinterest board for some inspiration.

• Bring props that recall your high school years – band instrument, sports gear like a volleyball or baseball bat, your beloved (or cursed) high school car, letter jacket, sunglasses. Most of all, rep your style, whatever that may be. Your senior photo should be unique to your life and personality.

If you have further questions about what you should wear for your session whether your man or woman feel free to visit my pinterest board dedicated to Inspire YOUR style there are several styling suggestions for men, women, and children of all ages. Email me if you have any other questions not addressed here amanda@alarmsphotography.com

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"What should I do to prepare for my photo session?" Part 2 of 6 - Families

In concession with the previous "What should I do to prepare for my photo session?" post, if you missed it - See it here it has a lot of good advise to inspire you to look your best for your shoot.

This prep list is in regards to Family sessions and what you should do to look your best when your session arrives.

Families

• Dad – Have a fresh shave or trim, and use a new razor with shaving cream and a moisturizing after-shave lotion to limit bumps and redness. Make sure nails are clean and trimmed. Wash your hands. Clean up your shoes. Moisturize and scrub away flaky facial skin (see above General advice). When you wash your face, pay attention to eye boogers and sleep crusties. For wardrobe, go for jeans or pants, tucked polo or dress shirt with a belt, or go casual with just a T-shirt or untucked polo, button-up short sleeve, etc. In general, whatever your wife tells you to wear. Again you don’t have to perfectly match the rest of the family, just wear something that coordinates.

• Mom – Women know what to wear, but in general, unless you are extremely thin you may want to wear something that covers your upper-arms. Long- or 3/4-sleeve tops are very flattering. If you wear jewelry, aim for subtlety, and be aware of it twisting or turning. Make sure your make-up is in good taste and there are no streaky or weird looking uneven lines.

• Kids – Same advice as above, but again, everything needn’t match, simply coordinate with the parents’ outfits. If Dad’s in a T-shirt, don’t put the kids in dress shirts – make it make sense. You are welcome to bring those dresses if you would like to make an outfit change during the session for some individual portraits of just the children.

If you have further questions about what you should wear for your session whether your man or woman feel free to visit my pinterest board dedicated to Inspire YOUR style there are several styling suggestions for men, women, and children of all ages. Email me if you have any other questions not addressed here amanda@alarmsphotography.com

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Like me, Friend me, Tweet with me or Send a note

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