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!
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!
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!
I found these fabulously fun Valentine craft ideas at “Sign Up Genius” and want to share them with you!
A simple heart shape can be created out of almost any material and says love in any size and color you desire for your card.
Gather the kiddos around the table and have some memory building fun!
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 Family Portrait or Couples Session
I’d be honored > Contact Me
or call me (714) 746-2418
Together, we can capture YOUR LIFE, One Image at a Time!
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!
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!
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!
1. Don’t tell me to say, “Cheese.”
Unless you want pictures of me with all teeth and squinty eyes.
2. Don’t make me sit still.
OK, I’ll sit still for maybe one or two pictures. Let me run, jump, twirl and be silly.
3. Let me play.
Let’s play tickle, let’s play peek-a-boo, let’s play tag, let’s race, tell me a silly secret. I’ll play along and you’re going to get some genuine smiles.
4. Don’t bribe me with food.
I know what you’re doing. If I need a break, give me a break. Let me explore on my own a bit and you just might get some pictures of me enjoying being me.
5. Don’t feed me crumbly, gooey foods.
You know they are just going to land on my shirt and stick to my face and my teeth. Do you really want pictures of that?
6. Give me something to do.
I like fiddling with my favorite toy, I like chasing bubbles, I like dancing, I like giggling at funny things you say and do. Let me do things I like and you’ll see my eyes light up in the pictures.
7. Don’t Stress.
Hey … I’m a kid. Let me be me for an hour. Don’t get upset, don’t raise your voice, just relax. When you’re relaxed, we’ll have fun together.
Parents,
Are you putting off creating Family Portraits because you think your kiddo won’t behave? Are you afraid to invest your time and budget for a Family Portrait session when your kids will not sit still?
There is a time for portraits when everyone sits still and smiles at the camera. Imagine those traditional wedding photos. Perhaps now is the time in your family’s life for casual, lifestyle portraits that allow your kids to be … kids!
When you look back at these treasured portraits you have created now, you’ll smile when you see the true personality of your family. What’s most valuable are the portraits that show your family during all the important stages of life, and yes, that includes when they are little run-about bug-a-boos.
Call me. Let’s come up with a session idea where all of you will have fun, and special portraits to remember the time together.
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.
Together, we can Capture YOUR Life, One Image at a Time!
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!
Donna Edman Photography 
