That’s just what James McGrath did for this shoot . . .

This was my first attempt at using an off-the-camera fill light and boy was it needed.

James chose a great location in Pasadena, BUT we couldn’t shoot until very late in the afternoon and even though the architecture was great, with white walls for natural reflectors, there was not a lot of big sky – so what seemed like a lot of light from the setting sun – was not.

James was very patient with me (not evident in the below facial expression haha) as I played with all kinds of settings and positions of the flash.  I had the settings I wanted on the camera – I HAD to make the light fit those settings.  I did increase ISO, but did not want to mess with the aperture or shutter speed too much.  It was really a challenge for this natural light – no reflector shooter, but I think  we pulled it off pretty well.  I asked James for a “Dexter” look . . . nailed it.  I’m scared.

I am often asked – “Can you just do a quick shoot for me?  I need a headshot for my business.”  I actually love these types of shoots – especially when they turn out right!  The one on the left was a senior shoot I did during my lunch hour – with three wardrobe changes!!!

However . . . photographers and clients BE AWARE . . . do not minimalize what is really involved in these “quick shoots.”

Photographers:  Don’t sell yourself short on these “quick shoots.”  You and I both know that there is a lot more to these sessions than just grabbing your camera and snapping a few pics.

Clients:  First there is visualization.  If the photographer already knows you, it’s a little easier.  However, there is still a lot of visualization going on ahead of time about the right place, poses and lighting for that particular person.  Should I bring a reflector?  Other additional light sources?  There isn’t a hard and fast rule about what works for everyone.  The visualization also involves what the photo is actually for – you need to capture the right look, surroundings, and lighting for the specific needs of the client.  A realtor will not necessarily want the same look as a yoga instructor for example.

Second is the actual shoot.  All the expertise that supports the ability to have a quick session and actually produce great results – the right lighting, the right settings, the right lens, the right EVERYTHING.  The Average Joe with a digital camera will not produce the results that the seasoned professional will.  And we must do all this in a very short period of time – while making our client feel at ease and capture their true essence with the camera.  Easy smiles – nothing forced, etc.  In my experience, it takes a subject a few shots, at a minimum, to ease into it and not feel stiff.

Third is the post production.  Your photos don’t just magically look fantastic without a little bump in contrast, saturation, etc.  Here again – there is education, long hours of trial and error and experience that has gone into your end result.

So photographers and clients – honor those mini-sessions!  There is a lot that has gone into the half an hour spent actually photographing.

Below:  This is from a half an hour session I did during lunch at my “paper job.”

I had the privilege of meeting several young up-and-comers in the adult world getting ready for their winter formal.

Everytime I photograph teens/college “kids” (as I am their moms’ age) it solidifies how much I love working with our future!!!!

I was very impressed with the level of class our future exhibited in their clothing and behavior.  We had a great time.

I am very excited that my first senior portrait program is now in works and I have my 2013 models!!!

Thank you for all your inspiration, for the beautiful studios you provide and for families that love to play!  Keep ‘em coming!

I’ve been busy, but not busy posting.  I had a family shoot with several members!  This is one of the kids very exited to be done!

My lovely couple and I had a wonderful time taking engagement photos at the freezing cold (well not for me) and windy beach on a beautiful November day.  And then the same day a family mini session. 

Next up – family session.  My client found this spot!  I love it and will never give it away because as it was, there were at least three to four photographers in the same spot at the same time!!!  It was like one big photo studio!  We all got on great and considered each other while shooting.

One of the biggest challeges for a photographer is convincing a 2-3 year old that sitting and taking pictures is fun – especially when they’re sleepy – and then hoping everyone will be perfect while trying to get the baby’s attention!  This family was so much fun and very photogenic!  Can’t wait to work with them more in the future!

Next sibling session – These two are characters!  Seriously need to be in acting – had a blast with them – same super cool (but seriously muddy) spot!

COULD THAT REALLY BE IT?!  NOPE!  I ended the year with a mini-Christmas session.

Thank you everyone that made this year so fun and increased my abilities!

Blessings to you all!

I took pictures of a great family this past weekend and they were all wonderful sports about everything!

I had a great time!  Thank you Justin, Jill, Logan and baby girl!