A Gift to Say, “I Love You”

Everyone has a different and specific type of gift that rings their bell. Some are material, but other “gifts” can be intangible, like an idea or a feeling. Gary Chapman, in his book, The 5 Love Languages, broke down five ideals on how we give and receive love.

Below is a sampling of his work, but his book is an excellent read and can be found here: https://www.5lovelanguages.com/5-love-languages/

  Words of Affirmation

The old saying, actions speak louder than words, isn’t always true. Letting a loved one know you are thinking about them and appreciate them with words of affirmation means more than any physical gift. A simple statement of “I love you,” and hearing the reasons why they are special to you feeds their soul.

  Acts of Service

Easing the burden of responsibilities can be the greatest gift of all to some. Whether it’s cooking a meal, mowing the lawn or merely hanging a picture on the wall, there are those of us who think an act of service is better than the most fabulously wrapped present.

For this type of person, words of affirmation hold no meaning and actions speak loudly. Let’s say  you vacuumed the living room. There’s a treasure chest of gratitude for the recipient of this gift of service.

  Receiving Gifts

Most of us love to receive gifts. Many like the joy of discovery. The anticipation of opening a wrapped package is something that has been instilled in many of us since childhood. Birthdays, Christmas, weddings and anniversaries, receiving gifts has become an expected and exciting part of life.

When considering a gift to someone who has this love language, it’s not just the gift, it’s the thought you put into it. Last-minute flowers from the local 7-11 may not float their boat, but a hand-picked rose from your garden would be mightily cherished.

  Quality Time

We all know that time is in limited supply. There are only so many hours in the day, days in the week and weeks in the year. Setting aside time to spend with someone special can seem like a trivial thing but is often the hardest gift to give.

Is this your special someone’s love language? Then turn off the TV and the iPhone and give them your full attention. You’ll make them very happy.

  Physical Touch

Physical touch is a very up close and personal gift. If this is your love language, the perfect gift would be hugs, a pat on the back or simply thoughtful touches. These can communicate safety, love and warmth.

For those who prefer physical closeness, diamond rings and “Attaboys” won’t communicate love more than a touch.

. . . . .

Arranging a Portrait Session with your loved one is a gift of service.  During your creative session you will have quality time together to say “I Love You.”  Each time you see your portraits, you will remember the experience and it will be a treasured gift for a lifetime!

I would be honored to create loving portraits for you.

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!

 

A True Love Story

“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!

Special Moments for the Holidays

 

“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.”
-Ansel Adams

 

 

When Our Heads Forget, Our Hearts Remember

December is a wonderful time to reflect on the past year and reminisce. It’s a time to think about accomplishments, as well as look forward to the upcoming year.

As 2019 is coming to an end, take a deep breath and focus for just a few moments on remembering the highlights. Think about time spent with your loved ones; birthdays, costume parties,  new arrivals, and perhaps sad good-byes.

Are you suddenly an empty nester? If your answer is yes, sometimes that comes with mixed feelings. There’s now more room in the house, but your heart might just hurt a little each time you walk past that vacant bedroom.

Family Traditions Dictate the Conditions

So now let’s focus on families coming together for the holidays. How do you celebrate? Is it with a handful of guests at the dining room table or with 50 cousins and aunts and uncles gathered at Grandma’s house?

What about party styles, do you do things last minute or are you a planner? And how about traditions, is there something special everyone looks forward to doing together?

No matter the size of your family or your party style, gift giving most likely plays a big part in your celebration.

It’s a Wrap, so Let’s Tie that Bow on the Box

Given that humans are visual beings, it’s hard not to make snap judgments based on presentation, and gift giving is no exception. When a person makes the effort to artfully wrap a gift, it never goes unnoticed.

According to certain studies, we apparently attribute more worth to the exact same present if it was skillfully wrapped in beautiful paper with ribbons than if it was given unwrapped.

Here’s a fun fact: The idea of wrapping presents to get them to seem more valuable or make them stand out from the pack is not new. As far back as the Han dynasty in China, paper was used for wrapping, possibly even before being used for writing.

Koreans have practiced the art of gift wrapping presents in colorful and patterned bojagi, a cloth made from a variety of materials, such as silk or ramie, and the art has been traced back to at least the Three Kingdoms Period (220–280 AD).

Love is Capturing Special Moments

A family photograph fulfills many of love language’s ideals, from time spent together to closeness to acts of service. The idea that you went out of your way to gather the family and commit to a few hours outdoors or in the studio, shows your loved ones how much you care.

So, my holiday helpers, let’s tie a nice, big, fat, red bow on ideas for this season of gifting. As a person who captures images for a living, I get front-row seats to the most joyful moments with families.

My clients tell me that the beautifully framed photographs on the wall have become treasured keepsakes. Knowing how much people love seeing their families, but there are times when they can no longer travel and visit, a family photograph becomes the perfect gift.

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!

Plaid Is Not a Neutral ~ What to Wear at your Portrait Session

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!

A Special Way to Brighten Your Day ~ Green

What’s your favorite color?  Can you guess mine?

Color can affect our moods.  Did you know that?

For those of you, like me, who are drawn to green, here’s what researchers in the field of color psychology suggest:
Green has strong associations with nature, bringing to mind lush grass, trees and forests. It’s often described as a refreshing and tranquil color, having a calming affect reducing anxiety.

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, 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!

Street Photography ~ A Lovely Moment

 

I started a pleasant conversation with this lady as she stood smoking on the sidewalk in downtown Los Angeles. She saw my camera and asked if I’d like to see the lobby of her apartment building. She wanted to show me its beautiful Art Deco decor.

She then agreed for me to create a portrait of her. A lovely moment.

This image was recognized at the Top Image of the Week in an international contest, Street Photo Showoff.

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!

Why Do I Create Photo Images?

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!

 

 

Street Photography … It’s Kind of Scary

Usually, I am creating images for portrait and commercial clients.  When I take my camera out to play, I typically photograph nature, travel locations and architecture.

I’ve been experimenting with Street Photography, photographing strangers.  For me, the unpredictability is kind of scary and seems a bit voyeuristic.  Bottom line, it’s uncomfortable.

My son is doing absolutely awesome street photography and he is an encouragement for me to stretch beyond what’s comfortable.

When I was in China, I began photographing people on the sidewalks.  For some images, I asked permission. For others, the images were created from a distance.  Now I’m actively looking for photo opportunities, even though my tummy does a little flip.

There is an exhilaration and freedom in creating images “on the fly.”  No usual lighting setup or posing or lugging around gear.  Just me and my camera, walking around looking for people who catch my eye.

These images are recent award winners.  How about that!

“Next Move” Chinese chess played on the sidewalk in Chendu, China.

This image won Best of Photo Journalism at Professional Photographers of America, Orange County.

 

“Sorrow”  This is our granddaughter comforting our grandson.  As their mom held them both, I stepped away to capture their love for each other.
This image won Best Photo of the Day in an on-line international competition.

“Serious Bowling”  I grabbed the opportunity to capture this image while scouting out locations for a client session in Laguna Beach.  These guys were serious bowlers!
This image won Best B&W Photo of the Day in an on-line international competition.

I would love to hear your thoughts about these images, and what you think of Street Photography.  Leave me some comments!

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!

The Importance of a Professional Business Portrait

People Do Business with People.

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.

Make it Easy for the Media.

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.

Tell Your Story.

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

• Business Card
• Print Marketing: brochures, banners, signs, promotions, mailers, newsletters
• Digital Marketing: Profile image, website Home & About pages, email signature
• Promotions: Speaking engagements, conferences & art shows
• Bio descriptions and art catalogs
• Blogs and Magazine Articles
• Book Covers: Print and Digital

5 Steps to a Superior Image.

Whether you are ready for a full image session or a simple head-shot, consider these steps:

1. Hire a professional photographer, hair stylist and makeup artist.
2. If you need to tweak your style, hire a professional clothing stylist to go shopping with you to pick out a few outfits that would be flattering and represents your brand.
3. Select at least two looks to be photographed.  Color can be good if it doesn’t distract from your face.  Click here for tips on What to Wear.
4. Plan on spending at least $200 for a head-shot session and $500 for a full session.
5. Be sure to receive high and low resolution files so you can use them in print and online.

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!

Ready to invest in your professional business image?  Let’s talk!

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!

What to Wear for Your Photo Session

Getting ready for your photo session?  Here are some helpful ideas!

• Coordinate and Compliment.
• Accessorize.
• Layers & Textures.
• Subtle Props.
• On Your Feet.
• How Will the Images be Used?
• Don’t Date Yourself.
• Movement.
• Get Comfortable.
• Patterns are Good.
• Think About Location.
• A Few More Tips.

Coordinate and Compliment
… but no Mini-Me

 When styling a photo session, let’s start out with a basic color palette.  For group sessions no patterns are best.  If there is a “Center Stage” person who is to stand out, it helps to have just that one person in a pattern of which the rest in the group can pull from with complimentary colors and accessories, keeping their outfits more simple.  Another idea is to have all folks in your group wear different colors but all within the same tone.  This means for all colors to be bright, dull, or neutral.  For pants, jeans or dark colors are best.

Accessorize
… add color & interest

Think outside the box.  Scarves, hats, jewelry, sweaters, vests, jackets, flowers in the hair for girls – All of these things can make an image look interesting and feel complete.  However, don’t overwhelm the subject, as the viewer’s attention should remain on the subject’s face.  See how in this photo, her blue headband is accessorizing his blue shirt, and his tie is accessorizing her nail polish? The location colors also compliment the subjects!

Layers and Texture
… add detail and depth

Tweed, crochet and embroidery details, lace, hand knit items, smocking, ribbons and ruffles can add interest to a photo creating layers and textures.  Also adding different layers of clothing and accessories can add another dimension to the overall texture of the image.  These are especially important in black and white images.

Subtle Props
… add meaning

The absolute best prop is something that is meaningful to you.  This can be grandpa’s vintage camera, a child’s favorite stuffed animal, a vintage magazine, mom’s handmade quilt or the family’s pet.   Without distraction, props add meaning to, and compliment  your image.

On Your Feet
… shoes matter

The choice of shoes can make or break an outfit.  Slipping on a pair of hip distressed boots, colorful stylish flats or funky colorful Converse can tie everything together. Pick a color or texture to accent your clothing. Sometimes wearing no shoes at all look best, especially if you’ll be posing where the bottoms of shoes can be seen.  And don’t forget to add another splash of color with some funky socks if your overall look is fun and bright.

How Will They be Used?
… where will they be displayed?

Think about the primary reason you are doing the session and dress accordingly.  For a business or actor’s head shot, consider your industry standard.  Then decide to match or deviate from it.  What message do you want to portray – conservative, artistic, trustworthy?  Will the image be displayed on a business card, website, brochures? Will the family or children’s image be displayed in the drawing room, family room, bedroom?  Is the image to say, “conservative”, “fun”, “funky”?

Don’t Date Yourself
… A timeless look extends the life of photos

Considering Who You Are Today, choose clothing that is timeless, perhaps a little vintage in style. Use soft neutral tones with a pop of color then add interesting accessories, layers and textures.  I do love color so consider bright and funky as long as it’s not distracting from your face or personality.  Of course, this is a personal choice and many folks will go all out in the latest trends, thinking of their clothing choice as a time stamp.

Movement
… clothing that flows and moves

In both the studio and in wide open locations, I love movement and flow.  Nothing better than a twirly, whirly dress or scarf or hat that moves when dancing, spinning, jumping.

Get Comfortable
… to be You

Make sure clothing and accessories are comfortable, without the pull or scratch of some new items, especially with children.  Allowing children help to pick out their outfit can make them much happier during the session and  allows their beautiful personality shine through in images.  Think of layers instead of changing outfits.  For both children and adults, make sure you select an outfit that makes you feel stunning and relaxed.

Patterns are Good
… in moderation

Patterns can add visual interest and texture as well as a good does of personality.  Just make sure that either just one person is in a pattern with the rest of the folks in simple, more solid color pieces or the patterns are subtle and complementary.  A patterned dress can actually be the secondary focus  and part of the story as long as it doesn’t distract from the face.

Think About Location
… dress to compliment

Make sure your wardrobe complements the surroundings.  In a park, a little girl can be dressed in a simple, vintage style dress with boots.  That same look might be out of place in an urban setting in front of a harsh graffiti wall.

A Few More Tips
… things to do & not to do

• Avoid anything with logos, graphics characters, labels, etc. They distract from the face and take the professional portrait down a few notches.
• Wait two weeks after a hair cut for the most natural look.
• Don’t make everyone wear the same color. Matching is boring and dated.  Let everyone have a their own spin on the same color palette.
• While staying current, avoid obvious fashion trends that will be dated soon.
• No bright white socks and no sneakers unless we’re talking about something fashionable like funky Converse. Remove watches or jewelry not complementary to the session’s look.
• Clothing should cover your arms to at least the elbows. All that extra skin can distract from your face.  With that said this depends on the purpose of the portrait.
• Nails should be trimmed and clean. Gals, newly applied nail polish or none at all.
• Guys, make sure your neck and any facial hair is trimmed of those pesky little hairs.

Check out Pinterest for some great examples at “Paint the Moon” and other fashion pages.

These ideas were gathered from Annie at Paint the Moon.  The best  collection of What to Wear tips I’ve found.

Images are selected from my work, Annie’s and a few others. 

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!