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!
The Portrait Rodeo
For some of you, especially those of you with young children, the thought of having family portraits created makes your hands clammy and fills you with more dread than a root canal. I understand.
Children have abundant stores of energy and usually choose to release bursts at the most unexpected times. These bursts often bring about fits of laughter in those of us who are friends and grandparents, but generally, parents feel that getting those kiddos to behave is like wresting a rodeo steer. You prepare to wrangle them and tire them out.
Capturing Personalities in Portraits
When the time comes for taking that trip to see me, here are a few tips for getting the best portraits of your children that you’ll cherish forever.
I know I’m not the only one who laughs at silly family portraits online. You know what I’m talking about; those awkward family photos. Everyone is trying to be so serious while one child is knuckle deep in his nasal cavity. Consider this: Staid and static is boring.
With me, playfulness is encouraged.
iRobot
Here’s my suggestion to parents of toddlers and young children before we start our photo session. Don’t expect your kids to suddenly become little robots, who will sit still until you give them the command to move.
The expressiveness and unabashed nature of a child is really what we want to capture. When your adorable rambunctious 4-year-old has grown up and suddenly breaks out the old photo album, laughter trumps cringing any day of the week.
During the time I spend behind the lens with the children, I want to not only see, but feel their energy and personality in the finished portraits. Believe me. You’ll thank me later.
Remember, our precious babes are small for such a short period of time. It’s so much more fun to capture that magic together and then enjoy your portraits for a lifetime.
What I encourage parents to understand is not to expect the tykes to settle down. How has that worked the rest of the time? I thought so. Let them have fun with the whole process. There will come a day when your kids will stand still and smile in front of the camera. That might not be today.
My motto is: If they want to run, let ‘em run… and jump… and twirl. Let them burn off the excess energy. If that expressiveness is stifled, you better believe it’ll show up in the pictures.
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 photos.
Do a little exercise for me now. Think about what brings you joy. I bet a screaming and crying child was not conjured.
So, in order to set you up for success for your next family portrait session, do these things I suggest. You will love your family’s portraits displayed on your wall!
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!
BLUE which represents peace, tranquility, calm, stability, harmony, unity, trust and confidence.
Let’s mix in a little
GREEN which represents nature, healthy, good luck, renewal, generosity and vigor
and a whole bunch of
OVALS which represent uniqueness and a zest for life.
Taking a look at this image again, what does it mean to you?
. . .
For more colorful Fine Art Images for your HOME or OFFICE, check out my galleries here:
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 book a session or commission a fine art photograph,
I’d be honored > Contact Me
or call me (714) 746-2418
Together, we can make YOUR LIFE beautiful, One Image at a Time!
Do you know that colors can evoke emotions?
Purple is half-blue, half-red, and our understanding of purple lies somewhere in between the serenity of blue and the passion of red. Purple both calms and stimulates our bodies, putting us in the right place for introspection and focused insight.
It fosters creativity by awakening our senses while promoting the quiet necessary to make intuitive, insightful observations. Purple creates a harmonious balance of awareness and peace.
How about that. Now ya know!
As we begin this new year, find some purple! Spend time in introspection. Be intentional to create an inward-outward balance. May you experience awareness and peace.
For more colorful Fine Art Images
for your living and working spaces,
check out my galleries here:
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 book a session or commission a fine art photograph,
I’d be honored > Contact Me
or call me (714) 746-2418
Together, we can make YOUR LIFE beautiful, One Image at a Time!
“In one lifetime you will love many times but one soul you will love forever.”
~ Julie
During their engagement session, Julie told me her and Mike’s heart warming love story.
“It was summer in the 1960’s, my grammar school days. The favorite annual trip was to our grandparent’s, Grandpa Herb and Mimi’s. This was always a fun visit. Life back then was not the typical way of life now. When youngsters got restless or rambunctious, they were sent outside to play and that’s what happened when my brother, Charles, became summertime buddies with the neighbor, Mike.
My brother and Mike would swim in the pool at Mimi’s and Grandpa’s during the day and play hide-n-seek after dinner (really it was ring and ditch, but you couldn’t tell the parents that). I often tagged along and eventually had a crush on Mike.
During one summer visit Mike stole a kiss from me, the first for each of us, that set off the spark of sparks. Each summer that spark was rekindled, but life happens. Mike and I were growing up. As my mom decided that I shouldn’t be distracted in my young years by romance she sent me to boarding school. Mike and I were not able to keep in touch and consequentially went our separate ways. We each married in the late 1970s and life went on except for one thing … that spark remained.
Some forty years later, with the help of social media, Mike and Charles reconnected on Facebook. Mike inquired as to my status and asked if Charles would let him know that he was interested in hearing from me. It took about 30 seconds for Mike and I to get back in touch. Since then, now both unattached, we haven’t looked anywhere but forward.
Mike and I have many common interests including horses and horseback riding, animal rescue and animals in general.
After forty years of foraging separate trails, Mike and I found that the spark never went out. Today we are here not with a spark but with a flame, one that burns for each other fully. Mike and I are alive as soul mates … forever.”
Julie and Mike, wishing you happiness together for the rest of your lives.
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!
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!
As we explored New Zealand we flew above Franz Josef Glacier, viewing the huge crevasses of blue ice. The resulting streams and lakes were a color of grey-blue I’d never seen.
Have you ever wondered what make the color “Glacier Blue?”
The silt is created when rocks underneath the surface of the ice are grinding from the movement of the glacier. The rock flour is very light and stays suspended in the river and lake water for a long time. The sunlight that reflects off this rock flour is what gives the water its spectacular grey-blue color.
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For more colorful fine Art Images for your HOME or OFFICE walls, come on over and check out my galleries here: Fine Art Services
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 consultation, I’d be honored > Contact Me.
Together, we can create an environment with wall images that says,
“This is Me!“
“The journey not the arrival matters.”
–T.S. Eliot
“Actually, the best gift you could have given her was a lifetime of adventures.”
–Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
Do you know where you’re going?
For a lot of us, the unknown may virtually be just around the corner. There are places in our own city or town we may stumble upon during an afternoon stroll. But sometimes, we don’t allow ourselves to carve out those minutes from our busy days. It seems our everyday life gets in the way of our “living.”
However, when we’ve planned well and scheduled in the vacation, there are those feelings of excitement and anticipation when packing the bags. There’s something satisfying about traveling for pleasure.
Freed from the rigors of everyday life, it feels good to take a deep breath, sit back, and revel in the adventure. Like seafarers of centuries past, you lift the anchor and hoist the sails, unaware of what direction the wind might take you or what people or places you might discover on your journey.
Always be ready to capture the moment.
Of course, like most photographers, I always have my camera handy in case something interesting presents itself. Occasionally, I’m simply capturing images out of the car window as they whiz by. Other times, I’m much more intentional. Setting up the perfect photo can take time but can yield amazing results. Either way, it’s a moment frozen in time that I can share and enjoy for years to come.
Are you ready for a road trip?
With the Great White North (that’s Canada, eh?) our intended destination, my photo friend suggested a stop in Palouse, Washington, to photograph the farmlands on our way home. I had seen beautiful images of the hills of Palouse before and jumped at the chance to add my name to the list of photographers who have photographically captured this magical place.
The coolest place you don’t know.
In case you’re unfamiliar with this little gem of a locale, the picturesque, rolling hills of Palouse are a sightseer’s and photographer’s dream. Referred to as an agricultural wonderland and one of the seven wonders of Washington State, Palouse is blanketed in acre upon acre of wheat, barley, lentils and chickpeas; the richest crop in the nation.
Due to a geological tweak that produced super-soil in this pastoral “Eden,” the wheat alone can yield up to 100 bushels an acre. This is nearly twice the national average, and for Washington State is a billion-dollar industry. You can bet your lentils that’s a lot of bread – pun so intended.
Are you sure it’s morning?
After spending the night in Spokane, we were determined to reach Steptoe Butte by sunrise. Wanting to get an early start, we crawled out of bed at 4:30 a.m., before the roosters even considered crowing. The undulating hills bathed in the early morning shadows were breathtaking and I was determined to capture the sights in all their natural glory.
Get your camera ready.
We reached Palouse just before the sun painted the sky a rosy hue. This was the moment I was waiting for. I was soon snapping away like a tourist in Rome. The window of opportunity for the kind of images I wanted was small, and I wanted to capture as much as I could. Now I could relax and compose not only myself, but my images.
Every picture has a story.
The pictures I’ve included are just a few of the dozens I took. The beauty of this place still gives me chills when I look at the images. I can now check this off my bucket list and return visually any time I want.
Capture the present before it’s past.
During this road trip I also had a lot of time for pondering, and in my musings thought life has a way of hitting warp speed. Memories flooded back to when the kids were born. From infants to toddlers, walking and then talking, and then suddenly they’re off to college before we even realized it.
As a person who essentially freezes time for my clients, I realized that family photos were the best way to relive special moments, or simply capture the joys of everyday life.
Oh, I hear the groans from your children thinking they have to sit still, pose, and paste on a cheesy smile for another photograph. Though your children may not appreciate it now, as they grow older, they’ll cherish the small slices of their lives you saved. Once they start having their own children, they’ll look back with joy and happily keep the family tree growing, continuing to share their memories for years to come.
Gratitude is an attitude and thankfulness a virtue.
So, to tie in my summer memories of our road trip into this nostalgic November, I can’t help but look back at this year with an attitude of gratitude. I have a family that I love, my health, a business I’m passionate about.
I’m thankful for all the opportunities that have come my way this year, the health of my children and grandchildren, and for the ability to look forward to next year with hope and excitement.
I’m sure there are things you are thankful for as well. If it’s family, call me. We’ll schedule time to create images which will be a part of your memories for years. You’ll be grateful you did!
Here’s wishing you a November to Remember.
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!
Donna Edman Photography 
