Create Better Photos: Leading Lines

Have you ever wondered why some photos look mysteriously better than others?  Anyone can create a better picture.  All it takes is insider information and practice.  Here is the second installment of my series called “7 Elements of Composition.”  In this series, I’ll show you how to start taking better pictures right away.

To enhance the engagement of the viewer, the second most important tool in composition is the capturing and placement of lines. Actual or implied lines will lead the eyes of the viewer throughout the image.

Take a look at this picture of a mountain road.  Do your eyes begin at the bottom, and then travel up the road?  Do you wonder what’s around that curve?  By using these familiar converging lines, you as the viewer are now engaged with the image by moving your eyes.

As you look below at the variety of lines, notice how your eyes move throughout each image.

• Where does your attention begin and end?
• Do your eyes move in a straight line, circle or curve?
• Is your attention drawn
  from outside the frame into it, or
  from one area into another, or
  from inside the image to outside its frame?

Wasn’t that fun?  Now it’s time to think about your pictures.

Lines to guide the viewer into the frame are often convergent lines of sidewalks, hall ways, rows of street lights or trees, edges of buildings, trails, rail road tracks or even edges of shadows. Others can be patterns in nature or architecture.

Lines to keep the viewer inside your picture can be circles, spirals, or a light area into a dark area. Strong straight or diagonal lines can also be used when they end at a smaller, interesting subject.

Lines can take the viewer from inside your picture to outside the frame when the line starts at a bold, interesting subject and then extends to the edge.

Let’s build on what you’ve learned about the Rule of Thirds.  When using a subject place it in the center of your image if the entire work is symmetrical, or using the Rule of Thirds place it on the intersection of two lines once you’d divide your image into 9 imaginary sections.  Look at the images above again. In which images do you see symmetry and the Rule of Thirds applied?

OK, it’s now time to grab your camera and head out the door!  You are more aware of leading lines, so begin to use them in your composition.

The element of Leading Lines does not stand alone.  How to best use it depends on the other six composition elements.  Are you ready to learn more?  

Check back for my next blog!

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!

Inspiration Guide: Secrets to Showcase the Story of Your Life

In this Inspiration Guide, I’d like to show you how you can use professional portraits as décor in your home to showcase the story of your life. The secrets… Create physical prints. Your favorite digital images will eventually be lost in the hundreds (dare I say thousands) of files on your computer, or that flash drive will end up in the back of the kitchen drawer.

Your precious portraits can be presented as wall décor in so many ways.  You can display one featured image or create a collage.  With a collage, you can mix and match images over time which is ideal for a family portrait wall.

Click to Take a look at these Wall Décor Ideas

Portraits can also be displayed on tables or shelves.

However you display your portraits know that every time you pass you’ll be delighted with fond memories. Showcase yourself, you and your partner, your kiddos, your pets or your entire family.  Make your home a showcase.

Come on over and check out my website for a variety of portrait samples.  https://www.donnaedmanphotography.com/Portrait-Services

I’d be honored to create fabulous, custom portraits for you. Then let me help design home décor that is just right for you.  Let’s get inspired!

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!

What’s Your Favorite Color?

As a child, I was so excited to receive a new box of crayons.  Their perfect points, complete paper wrappers and oh, so many inviting colors.  Over time, my boxes went from 8 colors to finally a huge box of 64 colors … with a built-in sharpener! 

Did you know that today crayons come in 152 colors?  Wow. What we can do with that many colors!

With so many colors to choose from, what is your favorite color?  If you want to know its Crayon name, check this out:  Crayon Names 

March 31 is National Crayon Day.  Pick your favorite color.  Perhaps even draw with it. I’d love to see your creation!

For 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 color YOUR LIFE beautiful, 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!

Craft Your Heart Out

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. 

1. Sweethearts – Use candy to create and paste heart shapes on your cards and packages. Conversation and cinnamon hearts work well for these.
2. Blended Hearts – Using markers or colored pencils, create areas of bright, blended colors across a page of white or colored cardstock. Then cut hearts from the best parts of the paper to attach to handmade cards and to use as gift tags.
3. Magazine Hearts – Find your favorite colors and interesting patterns from pages of old magazines and start cutting all sorts of shapes and sizes.
4. Mosaic Hearts – Your local craft store has colorful stones and glass pieces made specifically for creating a mosaic. Want a full nature experience? Paint hearts on stones you find while adventuring outside.
5. Tissue Paper Hearts – You probably have leftover tissue paper in different colors and patterns stashed away. Cut out a variety of shapes and sizes to embellish cards and notes. These are great for paper mosaic cards as well.
6. Stringing Them Along Hearts – Use string, ribbon, or yarn to create hearts as well as cupid and arrow designs.
7. Bubble Wrap Hearts – Cut whimsical hearts from the squishy packing material to paste on cards or artwork.
8. Torn Hearts – Try a variety of papers and colors and start tearing for very natural and interesting heart shapes.
9. Heart Stamps – They’re always available at the craft store, along with ink pads in favorite Valentine’s colors.
10. Heart Art – Use watercolors to paint beautiful hearts on paper or card stock. Then get creative with materials like glitter, stickers, puff paint or markers. Gift your masterpiece to a special someone!

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!

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!

Grandma Iva’s Christmas Candy

In my precious blog, “Family Christmas Traditions in 2020” I listed one of my favorite traditions is making cookies and candy. My Grandma Iva was an avid baker and candy maker. I’d like to share with you one of her most unusual, and deliciously sweet, candies.

I have many fond memories of making these with my mother, standing side by side at the kitchen counter, chatting, assembling ingredients, feeling the closeness of my mother’s love.

Grandma Iva’s Old Fashion Potato Loaf Candy

1 small boiled potato, mashed
1 -2 one-pound box powdered sugar (depends on potato size)
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup nuts (I like pecans!)
1 cup chopped or split dates

Mix potato and enough sugar until consistency of pie crust.  Cover bread board with wax paper.  Roll out into a rectangle on wax paper.  Spread with one layer each of peanut butter, then dates, then nuts. Roll as a jelly roll, removing wax paper as it is rolled.  Wrap tightly in wax paper and refrigerate until firm.   Slice.

Wishing you and your family a holiday filled with love and yummy treats.

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!

Making Holiday Memories

In my previous blog, “Family Christmas Traditions in 2020” I listed one of my favorite traditions is making cookies and candy. My Grandma Iva was an avid baker and candy maker. I’d like to share with you one of her most unusual, and deliciously sweet, candies.

I have many fond memories of making these with my mother, standing side by side at the kitchen counter, chatting about her making these with her mother, assembling ingredients, feeling the closeness of her love.

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Grandma Iva’s Old Fashion Potato Loaf Candy

1 small boiled potato, mashed
1 -2 one-pound box powdered sugar (depends on potato size)
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup nuts (I like pecans!)
1 cup chopped or split dates

Mix potato and enough sugar until consistency of pie crust.  Cover bread board with wax paper.  Roll out into a rectangle on wax paper.  Spread with one layer each of peanut butter, then dates, then nuts. Roll as a jelly roll, removing wax paper as it is rolled.  Wrap tightly in wax paper and refrigerate until firm.   Slice.

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Wishing you and your family a holiday season filled with love and yummy treats.

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!

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!