It’s Senior Portrait Season!

As the end of school approaches, and your teen looks forward to their senior year, summer is the perfect time to schedule a Senior Portrait Session. 

Why Now?

• By creating your teen’s Senior Portraits before the school year starts, this senior milestone will already be accomplished.

• You can take advantage of our early summer cooler weather.

How Will We Use our Senior Portraits?

• If your school allows personalized images in the yearbook, these can be used in their portrait section, personality section, or for your Congratulation message at the end of the book.

• Milestone portraits to share with family.

• Many parents like to provide their teen with a Mini Book or other photo items, as a keepsake after graduation.

Special Offers

• We’ll go to a place with special meaning to your teen, or create a classic session in the studio.

• I also include another Cap & Gown Session at the end of their Senior Year, including a few end-of-high-school portraits.  This second session is at no cost.  It is my gift to you.

What a Parent Says

“My daughter requested her senior portraits be done with Donna. The session was at the beach with natural light, which is no easy feat, but they turned out beautifully. They are very high drama pictures. My daughter was in absolute heaven. Donna managed to capture her personality and essence in the portraits.

After the session, Isabela was so happy. She was charged with such good energy and was excited not just about the pictures but also about her future plans. I think having a formal session really helped kickstart the graduation transition. The portraits turned out beautifully. It was so hard to choose!

I would recommend Donna for senior portraits because she exudes calm and kindness. She puts everyone at ease very quickly and always maintains a professional demeanor. She knows what she’s doing, and she does it beautifully. Our final portraits exceeded our expectations.”

~Alida C

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!

It’s Nice to be Honored

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!

Capturing Personalities In Portraits ~ The Portrait Rodeo

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.

Can’t You Just Settle Down?

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.

I Capture Personalities in Portraits!

Let’s create a fun session for you and your family.

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!

Capturing Personalities In Portraits ~ Let Kids Be Kids

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.

I Capture Personalities in Portraits.

Let’s create a fun session for you and your family!

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!

Brighten Your Day ~ Colors and Shapes

Did You Know … Colors and Shapes Have Meaning?

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:  

Fine Art Services

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!

May Day is Here!

May Day is celebrated each year on May 1st.

Since the 1800s, in America the tradition is to leave a paper basket or cone with spring flowers and sweets on each other’s doorsteps.  This tradition is especially popular with children or sweethearts.  The custom is to knock on the door, yell “May Basket!” and then run.

Who can you bless with a May Basket?

A very special gift is a bouquet of flowers from your own garden.
For additional pretty basket ideas and other fun handmade gifts to share, check this out.

I invite you to gather a few flowers and sweets, and then place them in a paper basket or cone, or a woven basket, and share it with your neighbor.

What better way is there to show you care on this May Day!

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 capture the beauty of YOUR LIFE, One Image at a Time!

Why Create Senior Portraits & How to Prepare

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:

• What best represents you this year?
• What clothing and accessories say, “This is me!”
• What style represents you:  Casual, semi-formal, formal?
• What location is important to you?
• What items do you want to include with your portrait?
  • A sports item, jersey, jacket; a favorite book; your musical instrument; your artwork or art materials; your pet?

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!

Brighten Your Day ~ The Color Purple

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:

Fine Art Galleries

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!

Family Christmas Traditions in 2020

This year certainly has been an opportunity to focus on family togetherness. Here are ideas to review the year and embrace traditions, old or new.

First, set aside a time for everyone to sit down together and create a list of how you’ve grown as a family. It’s meaningful to chat and see these ideas in writing.

What did you do this year together that was new or special? Have you started a family tradition? Perhaps it’s eating meals together again at the table. Perhaps you began riding bikes or playing board games or creating crafts or learning an instrument. Have you simply been more “fully present” with your loved ones?

For our family, it has been a year of the unexpected and of blessings. Here are 10 of my favorite Family Traditions!

1. Give a tree ornament that represents your child’s interest each year, and then save them to present as a special gift when they leave home.
2. Make a Christmas Playlist of your favorite songs.
3. Make a pillow case with Christmas theme fabric, used only in December each year.
4. Create Christmas cards and wrapping paper.
5. Make cookies or candies from a family recipe (or create your own traditional recipe), only made in December.
6. Make a Family Bucket List for things to do by the end of the year.
7. Have a Christmas Movie Night to watch a favorite holiday movie only watched in December.
8. Drive to see Christmas lights.
9. Attend a Christmas Eve service or read the Christmas Story from the Bible and sing Carols.
10. Create a Family Portrait!

If you are looking for more Christmas Tradition ideas, Carly the “Mommy On Purpose” has a great blog. You can read her entire list here: 30 Memory Making Family Christmas Traditions To Start In 2020

This is been a year of uncertainty and yes, even a bit crazy. But… It has been a year of togetherness and a year to build traditions!

Wishing you and your family a holiday filled with love and traditions.

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, I’d be honored > Contact Me
or call me (714) 746-2418

Together, we can Capture YOUR Life, One Image at a Time!

 

“You Must Be a “Kid-Whisperer!”

This message made me laugh. A “Kid Whisperer.” Hahaha!

Here’s what Sondra sent to me:

“Donna,

I have followed your work for years. Though I haven’t had the pleasure of being photographed by you… yet; I hope to next year. 

I realized looking at some of your kid and family photos and reading what your clients have said about their sessions, you must be a “kid-whisperer!”  How you can get kids to do what you ask and end up with such fantastic photos is amazing.

Please continue to share your entertaining and beautiful work with us. I just wanted you to know that you are a true artist.

Sondra”

As most of you know, I simply love being with kids. I hold my early mom-years as a special blessing and still love being a mom to our adult children and, of course, now our grandchildren.

I think there really is something about that intuitive connection with kids. Just never heard it as being the “Kid Whisperer.”

If you have been thinking about creating Family Portraits, and are not sure how your kiddos will behave, now is the time!

Call me … “The Kid Whisperer.”

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, I’d be honored > Contact Me.

(714) 746-2418

Together, we can Capture YOUR Life, One Image at a Time!