A while back you learned one way to create better photos is to use the Rule of Thirds. This rule suggests placing a subject to one side of the image instead of right smack dab in the middle. So, where do you place the person?
The rule is to give the person “room to breathe.” If they are facing toward the right, place them on the left side of the photo. If they are facing toward the left, then place them on the right side.
Take a look at these two placements of RJ. In the first photo, there is a sense of relaxed space within the frame for him to breathe and an area in which to look. In the second photo he seems pressed up against the frame and there is sense of tension.
Of course rules can be broken. Try out various placements with your photos. See which you like better!
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.
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.
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.
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
Cool colors will include bright to royal and sapphire blues, emerald greens, and moderate to deep purples, like amethyst or shades of lavender.
Warm colors might include ruddy hues, such as rose and reddish pinks to tomato.
For neutrals, your best bet is pure white, navy and grays.
Don’t you dare do oranges or yellows.
Neutral Undertone
You look fabulous in peachy hues, and jade green to muted turquoise.
Pinks, such as soft rose and blush-toned pinks are your BFFs.
Icy blues should also be included in your fashion choices.
Burgundy and fire engine red (don’t be shy) will look amazing on you.
Taupe, grey, and off white, like eggshell and ivory, are super when you want to go neutral.
Bright (red is the exception) and vibrant colors can overwhelm neutrals.
Warm Undertone
Your best warm colors are oranges, reds, golden yellow, amber, and honey gold.
Cool colors that work equally well on warm skin tones are greens and blues.
Olives, deeper turquoise, green moss, fern, pesto, red purples like magenta and orchid are also good choices.
If your chosen portrait scheme is more neutral, stick with taupe, light chocolates, off whites and wheat.
Colors to avoid are light blues and jeweled tones.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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 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?
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:
Hire a professional photographer, hair stylist and makeup artist.
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.
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.
Plan on spending at least $200 for a head-shot session and $500 for a full session.
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.
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.
I am a Southern California based Portrait, Fine Art and Commercial Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.
When I was asked to describe my “Why,” I did some soul searching.
Donna Edman Photography 