It was nice to be honored with an article in the Yorba Linda Hills Magazine. Just received my copy so I’d like to share it with you!
I am a Southern California based Portrait and Fine Art Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.
You can view more of my work here
Donna Edman Photography
To schedule a session or chat about your Portrait experience, call me!
(714) 746-2418
Together, we can capture YOUR LIFE, One Image at a Time!
In Part 1 of this series, I encouraged parents of small children to enjoy the “Portrait Rodeo” ride. Expect kids to run around and be silly or to be shy and observant. The expressiveness and unabashed nature of a child is what I want to capture in your family portraits. To read the Part 1, click here: Capturing Personalities In Portraits
Let’s continue…
Encourage, Don’t Discourage
Each child has their own individual personality, and it’s that uniqueness you want to capture. Encourage them to make faces and behave silly for the camera. These are the “Kodak” moments. When they make silly sounds and whisper goofy secrets, the results are genuine expressions.
It’s Not Play Time?
It may seem counter intuitive but preparing for family photos is exactly the time to play. Getting your wee one to act natural in an unnatural situation isn’t easy. Making up games, or playing old standbys, like Simon Says, can be an excellent way to get your stiff soldier to loosen up and have some fun.
If your shy, quiet child won’t smile, try playing a game where they’re not allowed to smile. Reverse psychology works. Music works too! Load up a few of their favorite songs on your phone. Of course, for your wee ones, singing a few verses of “Baby Shark do do do do do do” is always engaging.
Security Blankets and Well-Loved Toys
Another tip I like to tell my parents is to bring props (e.g., favorite toys, stuffed animals, sports equipment, and hats) which is a good way to get your child to focus on something else besides the lens.
Candid portraits with an unaware child at play can be the best. I know you weren’t expecting to have a pink bunny in your photos, but a big smile on your little one’s face is priceless.
Take a Break
No matter if the session lasts 20 minutes or two hours, kids are always either starving to death or dying of thirst (when they’re not running to the bathroom) within ten minutes of starting the session. Am I right?
Children’s metabolism is usually on eleven and they burn more fuel than a fighter jet. It’s wise to pack water or juice and some light, non-sticky snacks — snacks that do not melt on their face or stick in their teeth.
Now, whether you use it as a reward or bribery is up to your discretion.
Relax – Kids will be Kids!
To sum this all up, kids will be kids. Every moment is fleeting and never to be repeated. Try to relax and enjoy the ride.
As they grow older, you’ll long for these days. Enjoy their exuberance and innocence. Make memories for your children by letting their personalities shine like diamonds in these portraits.
Here’s what Mary says about this session with her two running kiddos…
“Donna is an amazing photographer. How easy it was to work with her including our two small children. We’re never sure how the kids will react to strangers. They felt right at ease with Donna. We love our family photos!”
While you are preparing for your portrait session, think about letting your kids be themselves. Think about how we’ll capture their genuine expressions and how you’ll love your family’s portraits displayed.
Wouldn’t you like your memories to reflect the sweet, silly and fun time you spent with your family in front of the camera? I thought so.
For Portrait Ideas, check out my galleries here
Portraits Ideas
I am a Southern California based Portrait and Fine Art Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.
You can view more of my work here
Donna Edman Photography.
To schedule a session or chat about your Family Portrait experience, call me!
(714) 746-2418
Together, we can capture YOUR FAMILY’S LIFE, One Image at a Time!
A common question today is “Why.”
If you are a parent of a teen who will graduate at the end of their senior year you may ask yourself, “Why would we want Senior Portraits?”
Capturing the Milestone
This is a milestone in your family’s life — your teen is ending their youth and beginning adulthood. Whoo boy, that’s an important time of transition.
When you have professional photographs created, you are telling your teen they are important, worth the time and money to prepare for creating images that will last for generations. These portraits will be on the wall of your home, on your office desk, or in an album. They’ll be given as gifts for extended family and friends, announcements of their graduation celebration, and will travel with your graduate as they begin their new life journey.
Questions
Look at the differences in these teens. Senior portraits showcase personality and style. Professional portraits show who your teen is at this specific time in their life and what’s important to them.
As a parent of a teen, you may want to talk with them about their session and how best to showcase who they are. As a client, I help you with this. Here are a few questions to get you started:
Many parents ask if they have to make their teen smile. Smiling comes from a thought, then a feeling of joy, expressed in the eyes. Some teens smile, some are more pensive. Most teens are not immediately comfortable in front of a camera. As I get to know your teen and build rapport, setting them as ease, their portraits will capture who they truly are — smile or no smile.
Another question you may have is, “Do I come to the portrait session?” The answer is: whatever makes your teen most comfortable. Some prefer to have you with them, some prefer to come alone or with a friend.
I’m often asked by a parent, if we can include a few portraits with the graduate in their cap and gown. Of course we can! Some teens welcome the idea, others cannot understand the need and don’t want to include them. A discussion with your teen about what is important to you can go a long way. “It’s important to me to have a portrait with you in your cap and gown. Will you do this for me?”
When is a Good Time?
Spring or Summer is the best time for the Senior Portraits for the teen entering their senior year in the upcoming Fall. You can celebrate your teen all year with their portraits proudly displayed in your home. Importantly, these portraits can be used in their final Year Book.
If you haven’t had your teen’s portraits created and they are in the final months of their senior year, the time for their session is as early in Spring as possible. These portraits will be used for your home, as gifts and the “Save the Date” celebration announcement.
An Invitation
I would be honored to capture images of your teen, as they are rounding the corner into adulthood. If you would like to discuss this important milestone, or are ready to schedule a session, feel free to call me. I’m always happy to talk with you!
For Senior Portrait Ideas, check out my galleries here: > Portraits Ideas
I am a Southern California based Portrait and Fine Art Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.
You can view more of my work here > Donna Edman Photography.
If you’d like to schedule a session or chat about your teen’s Senior Portrait experience, call me!
(714) 746-2418
Together, we can capture YOUR FAMILY’S LIFE, One Image at a Time!
Do You Shine Like a Diamond?
Not every color looks good on every person. Have you ever looked in the mirror when you’re trying on new clothes and your skin appeared green? The reason for your skin color transformation was due to wearing an unflattering color, according to your skin’s undertone.
So the next question is: Do you know your color palette? You may be a cool, a neutral or a warm. The first step to determining which of the three you are, is to discover your undertone.
While skin overtone can change based upon factors such as sun exposure, illness, or blood pressure, your undertone is defined by genetics and will never change. A simple test to determine if you’re a COOL or WARM is to put a dab of pink-based foundation on one cheek, and a dab of yellow-based foundation on the other. Spread the foundation evenly on each cheek, creating a thin layer. Check the mirror for which foundation blends in versus which one appears painted on. The one that blends is your match.
Pink means COOL and yellow means WARM. Easy peasy. If your husband or son won’t sit for this foundation test, read on to discover other ways to find undertones.
Hair Color
We are talking natural hair color, here.
If your hair is colored, let’s hope your stylist has helped to find a color that goes with your skin undertone.
You cools might rock very dark brown or black hair to sunny blonde. You have skin with a bluish undertone ranging from the fairest of the fair to very dark.
If your hair is dirty blonde, blonde with ashy streaks or warm-toned browns with highlights, these are all considered neutral. Skin tone for those of you who are true neutrals can be difficult to determine and is variable from warm to cool.
You’re probably a warm if your hair color is in the dark brown to dark blonde shades. Skin tones for warms range from greenish to yellow undertones and some have an olive complexion.
For those sporting red hair, the shade of red lets you move between color palettes, but you’ll typically roam within the Neutral Undertones.
What to Wear?
Cool Undertone
Neutral Undertone
Warm Undertone
Color is fun to consider in your wardrobe. However, it is important to keep comfort first. If you are dressed comfortably, you will act more naturally during the photo session. By focusing on colors and styles that look best, you will confidently enjoy the process and the portraits will shine…like a diamond.
I am a Southern California based Portrait, Commercial and Fine Art Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.
You can view more of my work here > Donna Edman Photography.
If you’d like to book a session, I’d be honored > Contact Me.
Together, we can Capture YOUR Life, One Image at a Time!
Never wear anything that panics the cat.
-PJ O’Rourke
So you’ve made the decision to pull together the whole family for one big photo session. You’ve wrangled the hubby and your teens, tweens and toddlers, and now Grandma and Grandpa have asked to join in. You thought setting the date was challenging with syncing everybody’s schedules, but now you’ve got to figure out what to wear.
You’d like to create a beautiful and timeless family portrait and you know that finding the right colors and clothing that will flatter all ages and shapes is important. In order to help ease you into what should be a fun and engaging family time, I’ve listed a few hints on what to wear (and what not to wear) that will tell your loving story.
Roses are Red, Denim is Blue
For years, white tops and blue jeans were all the rage, but not any longer. Now, pairing blue jeans and simple solid-colored tops are popular for that casual, “We dress like this all the time” look. Denim comes in a variety of shades and styles, so make sure to mix it up with pants, dresses, and jackets that play to each person’s body shape.
Color photos featuring jeans and tees work well, but if you choose the blues, pay attention to the hues. In black and white, everything will be a shade of black and grey, and these types of photos display denim particularly well.
Though your teen may like neon colors, tell Junior to leave the fluorescent yellow tee in his drawer. Neutrals and coordinating colors are best when working with more than one person in a portrait.
White is Outta Sight
While all-white outfits may seem like a good idea and are very popular (thank you Claire from Modern Family) the color white is not always the best to capture in a photograph. Very pale pastels and whites can make you appear washed out, unless you’re rocking a Southern California spray tan. When wearing a white top, because our eyes notice white first, you’ll see your blouse and then think, ”Oh that blouse has a face.” We want you to see your face first. If you want to wear that extra special white outfit, I can compensate by using different backgrounds and lighting techniques.
Polka Dots, Paisleys and Prints. Oh My!
Colorful prints are so much fun to wear. The selection is mind-blowingly endless, and the blaze of colors help you stand out in a crowd. My suggestion, though, is to keep busy patterns to a minimum. Wild prints tend to draw the eye. One print may create visual interest, but two is a crazy party. The focus should be on your faces and not on summer combo prints.
A Family of Triplets
Matchy-matchy is now a no-no in the photography world. A very good rule of thumb to follow is: No mini-me’s. Matching outfits are not only totally ’70s but are sure to land you on the awkwardly family photo website.
Allow your kids to be kids and let them rock what they’re comfortable wearing (of course, within reason). When they wear clothes they like, rather than a suit and tie with a starched white shirt, their enthusiasm will shine right through the lens and you’ll capture happy-happy kiddos. A proper suit may be appropriate for office wear, but not for a family-fun photo.
To reiterate, color coordination is your aim. Solids are the best. Basic black, grays, deep purple, and navy all work well with jeans and slacks alike.
The Long Sleeves Rule
When dressing for your studio session, avoid no-sleeve and short-sleeved clothing, and short pants. My mantra is, with long, you can’t go wrong. Three-quarter length sleeves work well, too. Even in casual portraits long pants trump shorts. Every. Single. Time.
Exposed arms and legs are a major fleshy distraction to the visual storytelling we do with portraits. Do you want friends and family commenting on your large biceps (girls, please) skinny white legs (got you, mister) or your beautiful face? I thought so. Leave certain things to the imagination, and remember, pictures are a forever thang.
Accessories: Dress for Success, Not Excess
Jewelry, hats, scarfs and the like should be strategically used to compliment and not overwhelm. Less is more, if you get my drift.
Keep comfort first. If your family is dressed comfortably, they will act more naturally during the photo session. By focusing on styles that look best on each family member, everyone will confidently enjoy the process and the portraits will shine.
See you in the studio!
“I capture personalities in Portraits.” ~ Donna Edman
I am a Southern California based Portrait, Commercial and Fine Art Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.
You can view more of my work here > Donna Edman Photography.
If you’d like to book a session, I’d be honored > Contact Me.
Together, we can Capture YOUR Life, One Image at a Time!
I am a Southern California based Portrait, Commercial and Fine Art Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.
You can view more of my work here > Donna Edman Photography.
If you’d like to book a session, I’d be honored > Contact Me.
Together, we can Capture YOUR Life, One Image at a Time!
When I was asked to describe my “Why,” I did some soul searching.
Encouraging people, and blessing others, is my whole life passion. In my role as a professional photographer, encouraging an individual during their portrait session and blessing the work of worthy organizations, is the answer to my “Why.”
During a portrait session, when a client is nervous, self conscious about how they look, or thinks everything has to be perfect, genuine compliments with eye contact can help them relax and begin to see themselves as others do. It’s wonderful to see their body posture and expressions change as they begin to enjoy our time together.
During a family portrait session, when the kids run a muck, the parents can feel embarrassed. With a love and life-long experience with kiddos, I encourage the parents to let me take care of the session. They can sit back and relax. Their kids “enthusiasm” is common and can be incorporated into the final images. I see the parents’ “Awww, thanks” moment.
It can be when be when a charitable organization asks me to capture images for their event, or make a donation to their silent auction.
Creating photo images is what I do for a living. It is also what I do to bless those around me.
I am a Southern California based Portrait, Commercial and Fine Art Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.
You can view more of my work here > Donna Edman Photography.
If you’d like to book a session, I’d be honored > Contact Me.
Together, we can Capture YOUR Life, One Image at a Time!
You are the face of your business. That’s why having a professional business portrait is essential. To a prospective client, a high quality image means a high quality experience.
Most professionals schedule a business portrait session once a year. They want to ensure their image is consistent with their current brand.
Consider hiring a clothing & hair stylist and and makeup artist. They can help you create the right look to match your brand. The clothing stylist can put together your professional look from items in your closet or accompany you on a shopping trip. The hair stylist and makeup artist will tidy up an existing style or suggest one that more closely matches your industry and brand.
In addition to getting that perfect headshot, also consider full body shots and family pictures that can be use for media interviews. Often times when magazines do feature articles, they request at least 4 photos other than a headshot. This may include a spouse, children or pet; in the studio or on location.
You may also want 3/4 or full body images for banners and signs. All of these images should capture who you are and what you do.
Think outside the box. What clients do you want to reach? What story do you want to tell? How will you use images to accomplish your goals?
Consider using your images on
Whether you are ready for a full image session or a simple head-shot, consider these steps:
It’s important to have a visual brand that presents you at your best with expert lighting, artful editing and re-touching, with an up-to-date look. It will do wonders for your business!
Some of these ideas were found in a Huffington Post article by Melinda Emerson.
I am a Southern California based Portrait, Fine Art and Commercial Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.
You can view more of my work here > Donna Edman Photography.
If you’d like to book a session, I’d be honored > Contact Me.
Together, we can Capture YOUR Life, One Image at a Time!
Donna Edman Photography 