Maternity Session: Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer

This has been one whirlwind weekend; Beach Mini Sessions on Saturday, Maternity Session on Sunday, and in between on Friday, Saturday and Sunday I was taking photos around town for Destination Plymouth.  Today is time for one deep breath and then tomorrow is family photos in the morning and another night of Cameras and Cocktails in the evening!  Whew!!! My maternity photos were a highlight.  It was for a wonderful family that I have done sessions for multiple times in the last couple years.  I love so much seeing them and working with them.  Also seeing little miss "S" growing into such a beautiful little girl!

This was one of my favorite photos from the weekend!

Throwback Thursday: The first day of the rest of my life

So last Thursday was my 4 year anniversary with Dave.  So technically this post should have happened last week, but my dad took precedence :)  This is the first picture Dave and I ever had taken of the two of us by my very good friend Laurence when we were with her in Metz, France.  The funny thing is that I knew then that we were meant to be together.  So did Dave.  He went back to Colorado and told everyone that he was moving to Boston.. her didn't know when but he was.  This was the beginning of many of the great things that have come my way..Dave and Lucy..the two best things that ever happened to me!

Professional Photographer Plymouth South Shore:Beach Sessions June 21, 2014

So just a couple weeks away now and I have our first beach mini sessions for the summer! I am so excited to be out on the beach with some people I know and some I will get to know.  That is one of the beautiful things about this business!  I get to meet new people all the time!  Here is how a mini session works.  You book a 30 minute session on June 21, 2014 with me (there are a few slots still available) in return you receive 8-10 digital images and one 8x10 print.  You may order more prints but they will be priced separately. Just take a look at the last mini session I had!

Professional Photographer Plymouth South Shore: Family Photos at Castle Island #Family

This has been a whirlwind couple weeks with photo shoots and family visits and taking care of a two year old to boot!  But I wouldn't change it for the world.  I am baking a cake, posting a blog entry and ordering an album all at the same time while Lucy naps! That has been the whole last month really with no end in site.  But, when you love what you do, you make it work and I love what I do.  Taking these family photos allowed me to connect with an old friend that I have not seen in 5 years. I loved being able to reconnect and to take her family pictures with her mom and brother.  Take a look:

Professional Photographer Plymouth South Shore: TBT: My Dad #ThrowbackThursday

So anyone who knows me knows that I have a very tight family.  My father is one of the closest people to me.  I could always count on him to be there for me to help in any way and he was always present.  One of my favorite memories growing up was sitting with my father at night and having him read to us.  Not only did that help to instill a love of reading that is strong to this day but it also gave me something special to remember when he spent much of his time commuting to and from Boston each day. Tomorrow my father will be retiring and moving on to another chapter in his life.  It's amazing how quickly time passes.  So today I want to wish my father well and celebrate the man that he is and how lucky I am to have him for my Dad!

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: Photo Tip of the week: Taking better family photos!

So now that it is getting nicer out and summer is coming more of us are thinking about taking vacations and getting out and about.  In addition to wanting to have loads of fun on your trip, you probably want to capture some moments that remind you of the great time that you had. Here are some things that I find helpful.

1. If you are driving bring a tripod.  You want a picture of the WHOLE family.

2. When you set people up look for a location with a bench or some rocks, something that will make it easier to stagger people.  Photos are so much more interesting that way.

3. Stay away from bold prints.  If one person is wearing a brig floral caftan, that will certainly be the focus of the picture!

4.  If you have kids, take pictures in the morning.  That is usually their best time and the time they are most willing to listen to direction.  Also I am not above bribery (carry a little treat with you, a couple M&M's go a long way!

5. Mid afternoon is the best time to capture great lighting.  It's called the golden hour and you have great light if you think you can get you family to pose then.

6. Save noontime for lunch not pictures!  There is usually a hazy film on your images when the sun is right over head.  I try to avoid taking pictures at this time if I can help it!

If all of this seems like a lot, consider calling a photographer located where you are staying and having them meet you for an afternoon.  Family Photo Shoots are affordable and you won't regret having some great images to cherish!  Happy Shooting!

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: Family Photos and Party all Rolled into one

So here is another great idea that people don't always think of.  How about inviting a photographer to a couple hours of your next family gathering and having some professional family photos done?  I have booked some events like these in the near future and more coming.  It is becoming a more popular idea.  For a little more than what you would pay to get your own family photos done you have captured a moment to remember and you have your family on film as well.  Here are some of my favorites from the most recent event.  

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: Shout out to Local Business: Second Nature Social Skills

FYI, I like this business so much we are doing a Cameras and Cocktails Fundraiser with them on June 19, 2014 at 7pm.  Ask me for more details on that too! I went to Notre Dame Academy in Hingham. I love the fact that so many of the women I went to school with are doing great things with their lives and in their communities. Amy Gordon is a great example of that. She started Second Nature Social Skills on a shoestring budget with no office to speak of. She had an idea that would make a difference in the lives of those around her. I am so happy to say that it has taken off and she is making great things happen along with her team.

I love the way Amy talks about her own business on her website so I am going to put her words here to explain exactly what she does:

Imagine how much easier life would be for people if they had specifically designed navigational tools showing them how to get to through the next social challenge: at school, at work, in life, with their peers.

If they had someone that could just tell them what the answers were in social situations as they learn in school?

Second Nature Social Skills aims to make this possible by using a highly visual, direct and explicit teaching approach in making the abstract and "hidden" rules concrete. This makes way to increase social mindfulness for you and your family.

Our approach is always customized to you and family. Everyone is unique and our teaching is individualized for you and your family learning needs. Second Nature Social Skills embraces this because we understand how you need to learn. We provide individualized social life maps so you and your family can confidently navigate your own journey.

Amy specializes in Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Nonverbal Learning Disorders and Anxiety. She is highly skilled and involved in her community. I cannot think of a better person to talk about for this week. Keep up the good work Amy! I love what you are doing!

You can check out her business at http://www.secondnaturesocialskills.com or contact her and her team at 508.747.2663 or info@secondnaturesocialskills.com.

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: A little Jazz..A little Photography...a little talk about taking candid photos!

So as the daughter of a jazz musician, I occasionally get to have fun taking photos of my mother and her fellow musicians out at their gigs.  I thought it might be fun to use some of their pictures to talk about how to take better candid shots.  So obviously when you are photographing a band, or a group of kids on stage (the list goes on...)  You can't change what they are doing and you can't change the limited number of angles that you have.  I have a couple tips on doing the best you can with a difficult shooting situation.

The first tip, when I go on any photo shoot, I set my camera settings ahead of time.  The benefit to this is that I am relatively confident that I am not going to miss any of the action.  If you are in the same room for the whole time (barring being closer and farther from changing light sources like windows) you can usually make sure you are happy ahead of time and just focus on composition.

The second tip is don't be afraid to move around the room.  Get as close as you can without disturbing others around you.  Not a lot of good pictures are had by just sitting in your seat and watching the show.

Change your perspective if you can.  Stand on a chair. Lay on the ground. If you are taking pictures of a dance group, try taking pictures of just their cute little feet all in a row.  Don't be scared to play around.  

Make one subject your focal point, take a picture of the singer and blur the band.  Take a picture of the guitarist when he or she is playing their solo.  Try to catch each person in their element.

Happy Shooting!

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: Small Business Highlight of the week: Tiny Boxes Boutique

One of my favorite places to frequent in Downtown Plymouth is Tiny Boxes Boutique.  Their jewelry and accessories are so stylish and fun.  You can always find something unique in any price range.  Also, Karen and her staff are super helpful and great to talk to. Many times I go in with no idea of what I want to get for someone.  I ask for suggestions, give a price point and I leave with something that my friends and family think is fabulous.  If you haven't been in here you need to drop everything and go shop immediately.

Since we are nearing mother's day rapidly and I know there is a lot of shopping left to do, it is a really timely suggestion!

Selection  includes silver jewelry, semi precious stones, fresh-water pearls, shells, beautiful real butterfly wing jewelry, recycled water and wine bottle pieces, hand blown crushed recycled glass, handmade fair trade items, crystals, mood beads, drusy jewelry,... Everything you could want.

Tiny Boxes is located at 31 Main St, Plymouth, Massachusetts 02360. Find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tiny-Boxes-Boutique/101048299939784 or on the web at http://www.tinyboxesboutique.com.

Just a glimpse inside from one of Karen's own pictures!

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: Photo Tip of the Day: Most Flattering Portrait Angle

So I would say that pretty much all of us, me included, have something that they don't love about their appearance.  As a photographer, you are trying to not only take a technically good photo, but also capture people in their best light so that the results show the best of who they really are.  This doesn't mean that your photographer needs to know how to make you loose 25 pounds in photoshop or how to erase age lines to make you look 10 years younger.  You just need to know something about light and positioning.  The best angle I have found for almost every body type is to sit your subject sideways looking at you slightly over their shoulder with you taking the photo at eye level or slightly about.  Also when it comes to lighting avoid harsh sunlight or shadows.  Stand you subjects in the shade or wait for a partly cloudy day.  If you can't avoid the shadows, use your flash outside and in bright sunlight.  The flash will help to fill in the shadows that are cast at weird angles so that people are more evenly lit. Here is an example:

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: Introduction to Digital Photography Class

I don’t know about you, but I am so tired of the cold wet dreary weather and so ready for the warm sun! It has been one hell of a winter.  Too many snowstorms and to much yuckiness! I know that’s my own word.  I am so happy to be looking forward to the nice weather.  In anticipation of that I scheduled my first “Introduction to Digital Photography” Class.  I am hoping it will be a nice day and we can walk around Brewster Gardens for part of the class and put our skills to use!

We will start out at Middle Street School of Music, located at 12 Middle Street in Plymouth for a lecture on basics in their big room and then move outdoors to test some skills and then back inside for follow up.  If you are interested the class is only $35.00 a person.  You can either pay here by card:  https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=L3VMXCX735KLL or pay at the door by cash, check, or card.  Looking forward to celebrating spring with all of you!

Plymouth South Shore Professional Photographer: The Mirrored Image Photography introduces Photo Workshops for 2014!

Happy 2014 Everyone!  I hope you are having a fantastic year so far! We are starting off 2014 with some new exciting projects!  This year we are introducing Workshops!  We are excited about the kickoff one during Mardi Gras week with Alden Park Restaurant.  Alden Park is located in Colony Place located in Plymouth, MA.  This is not your typical Photography 101 type class; Learn some tips and tricks, have some drinks and fun! Come have fun and join us!  If you are interested in some more technical type classes we will be posting some of those coming up in the spring!

Click the link below to sign up! 

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=L3VMXCX735KLL