Beautiful Baby G

I had so much fun doing this newborn shoot a couple weeks ago, I just had to share with you:

 At just 9 days, this precious girl was a super client!

I love this one with her eyes open!

Thank you to these wonderful parents who let me "play" with their baby.  It truly does give me my baby fix for awhile :)  Her sweet little face just captured our hearts!

How To Blur Any Background

One question a lot of beginners have, is this one.  How do I get that beautiful blurred background without using Photoshop?  Well it's actually very simple, and I am going to show you how. 

First, set your dial to A (Nikon) or AV (Cannon).  This is Aperture priority mode.  (This look can of course be obtained in Manual (M) mode, but this tutorial is really just for beginners.)

When you do this you control your aperture, and the camera automatically adjusts your other settings, like shutter speed, for you.  On your camera display screen you should see your camera settings.  One of them is an F number.  Turn your dial on the back of your camera  until your F number is as low as it goes.  If you have a standard lense, then it will probably be around 4 or 5.  If you have a smaller lense like I do, {50 mm} then you should be able to go as low as F1.8 or lower.

Make sure there is some distance between your subject and your background otherwise you will get this:

Notice how when my daughter is all the way up against her background, a.k.a my front door, the background is coming in pretty clear.  I can definitely tell she's standing against my door.  It doesn't matter that my F stop (Apreture) is down to 1.8.  So, make sure there is distance between your subject, and your background.

Second, get up close.   When you leave too much distance between you and your subject, it is also harder to get that creamy blurred background. Here is my daughter again, this time I moved her away from the door and got a close up shot.

F 1.8/ ISO 400

 Same exact camera settings, same exact background,  just moved her away from the door.

Setting your ISO is also important.  Here's the basics on ISO.

If you are outside in bright sun:     ISO 100

Shade or a well lit room:                ISO 400

Overcast or sun setting:                ISO: 800

Inside in low light:                       ISO 1600

Dimly lit room:                            ISO 6400

Remember, the higher the ISO is, the grainier your pictures will be. 

         

F 1.8/ISO 100 (Away from Background)                  F 1.8/ ISO 100 ( Close to Background)

While the second picture definitely has SOME blur to it, the difference is clear.  I achieved this difference simply by moving my son closer to me.  

 Those are the basic rules when you are starting out to get you that nice blurry background.

Play around with your camera.  Take the same shot with different F stops and see the difference.  That is really and truly a great way to get in tune with your camera. 

Maternity Shoot /Baby Brown

Maternity Shoot 

Baby Brown <3

This shoot was sooo much fun!  The mommy and daddy already had one little boy, so this shoot really turned out cute!

What do you think?  Can you tell I LOVE to use the Chocolate B&W Effect?  Thank you to this beautiful family that made this photo shoot so easy!



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No Composite Photoshop Newborn Edit

So here's the down-low.  I don't like doing composites.  I know, scandalous right?

I know they work well, but they are a pain in the butt.  Here's my solution.  When possible I don't do them!!!  Here's what you do:

First for this type of edit it's best if baby is wearing a hat, and the hand is placed either behind the head like this photo, or one finger on each side of the head. Open up your photo in Photoshop.  I use PSE12.  Next, duplicate your layer.  This is done by right clicking on the photo over in the right hand layers column. It should look like this:

Next, add a layer mask.  Click the layer mask button.  You can see it is the 3rd button above my "Background copy" image.  Now it should look like this:

Next make sure you click your "background Copy" again so it is highlighted and not your layer mask.

Then select your brush tool.  It should be a soft brush with about a 45% or less opacity.

Then "ALT+CLICK" on the color of your background, around the same area as your assistants hand.

When you do this, the color of your brush will change to that color.  Then start brushing.  Brush away your assistants hands or fingers on both sides.  Don't worry if you get a little color on the baby's hat.  You can fix this in the next step.

Then enlarge your brush size by hitting your bracket key: (]).  Lightly brush your background to blend in your patch. This will also help to smooth out any wrinkles in your baby blanket. After this it's time to touch up on the hat.  Click over onto your layer mask.  Then click your colors at the bottom right of your screen so they return to black and white.  If the black is on top it will erase the brushwork you previously did.  Set your brush at a low opacity (30-40%) and touch up around the baby's hat.  It's easier if you zoom in on your image by hitting (CTRL +).  You may need to toggle between black and white, and lower the opacity as needed.

It will look something like this:

 

Lastly, right click on your layer and hit flatten image.  Make sure the background looks how you want it before you flatten your image. 

 

To finish up my picture I watermarked it, and ran a Photoshop Action called Coffee Shop Baby Miracle, which you can get here.  She has a ton of cool actions for your photos, and some of them are even free!

So here was my end result:

There you have it.

BugsEarPhoto  

Newborn No-Sew Prop Hat

 

  Newborn No Sew Prop Hat!

This is by far the easiest prop hat you will ever make! No sewing and only 2 things to buy!

This hat is for a newborn.  I photograph my newborns between 4-7 days.

Also, this hat does end up pretty small.  If you end up with a larger newborn, it may not fit.

 This hat is only intended for the use of taking pictures.

Here's what you'll need:

 Yep that's right!  A pair of women's fuzzy socks, and some elastics.  I got both of these items

at Family Dollar.  The socks were $3 and the elastics were $1.

Starting at the toes, tie the elastics at 2 inch intervals up the sock, just like you are

putting them in your hair.

When you are about half way up the sock stop.  I think I used 6 elastics total.

Then fold up the opening so it makes a hat brim like this:

Next, tug on the hat really good to give it a good stretch.  You can also stretch it over something like an oatmeal can.  You can add a flower also if you'd like.

Here's the end result:

I thought it turned out cute for only $4.  I could also make another one with the other sock and a few

more of the elastic hair bands. So really you get 2 hats for the price of 1!  

What do you think?

BugsEarPhoto

ADVICE FOR YOUR NEWBORN PHOTO SHOOT

ADVICE FOR YOUR NEWBORN PHOTO SHOOT

The best tips to guarantee the best pictures!

{From your photographer}

Everybody wants beautiful newborn pictures. On top of finding a good photographer, there are things you can do to ensure great pictures!

1.Schedule your appointments for the first 10 days of baby's life.

I cannot emphasize this enough!  In order to get those perfect shots, your baby must be at the right stage.  Within the first week, babies sleep more, and they are easier to mold into those perfect little poses.  Sometimes this requires scheduling months in advance with the photographer.  We know you are tired!  That's why most newborn specialist photographers will have a comfy place for mom to relax while baby is working. :)

2. Feed baby about 15 minutes prior to your shoot

This way, baby's belly is nice and full.  When they are happy they sleep, and that is just what we want!  If possible, you can even feed them once you arrive at the studio. 

3.  Try your hardest to keep baby awake prior to your shoot

Keeping baby awake for a little while beforehand can help baby sink onto that deep sleep during the photo session.  This can be a challenge, but it pays off.  If baby seems sleepy, try undressing him, or changing his diaper. 

4. Bring  your baby dressed (or Undressed) in only a diaper.

Bundle him/her up in a blankie instead of dressing her up.  All those cute clothes are just going to come off, at least at first.  So it's better to just have a diaper on.  This way we don't wake the little one before we even get started.

5.  Count on this taking awhile!

Newborns are a lot of work even for us. Count on your session taking at least 2 hours.  Keep your schedule pretty flexible that day.  Rushing is not something you want to do.

6. Babies Make Messes!

You know this point well!  Don't worry about the messes that the baby makes while in the photographers company.  I am used to getting peed, pood, and spit up on quite regularly while shooting newborns.  They cry too.  Don't worry about a little fussing.  If the photographer is any good, they will know when to signal you in to feed baby.

7. It's Getting Hot In Here!

If the session is taking place at your house rather than a studio, your photographer will probably tell you to keep the room you will be working in at a balming 80 degrees! This is super important! Baby needs to be nice and warm.  Remember that a majority of these shots will be done in the nude.  If it is too cold, it will just disturb baby's quiet slumber. :)  

   


I hope your newborn shoot goes well.  These first days are something you can never get back.  Treasure them!  Keepsake them!  
Happy Snapping!

   

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Beautiful Baby D

Beautiful Baby D Photo Shoot

This littlest darling captured our hearts!
 At Just 9 Days old our cameras were able to capture her beautiful little face. :)
This was my first "real" newborn shoot.  I say real meaning it was my first in my own studio, with my own name, ect.

 

Isn't she BEAUTIFUL?

 

Those LIPS....

 

 

 

I tell my clients that these babies are my "baby Fix" since I'm not having anymore of my own.  I loved shooting her.  Her beautiful skin tone looks so good against these bright backdrops!
What do you think? 
 

Dressing for your family Pictures

What Should I Wear?

Dressing for your family pictures

So you don't know what to wear for your family photos?  This is the number one question photographers get asked.  Here are some basic guidelines to get you started and make sure that your pictures dress to impress.

1. Skip The Uniform Look

I know it's hard to believe but seriously people!  Gone are the days of khaki pants and the same shirt all around.  This will take away from your personality.  Although neutral colors are important, keeping personality and pizzazz in your photos is too.

2. Dress For Your Settings

If you are taking pictures in an outdoor setting, you don't have to worry about colliding with a backdrop.  However, if you are going for a country theme or at a railway station, it might be cute for you all to wear boots.  Keep it simple, but make it count.

3. Patterns Are Accessories

Patterns are fun and cute, especially a plaid shirt on a little boy or a striped dress.  However, when you dress in patterns think of them as accessories like scarves or hats.  They look good in small doses.  If everyone is wearing a Pattern it may be overly distracting.

4. Work In Some Bold Colors

Some bold or bright colors can have a very good effect on your photos.  A woman or girl in a bright dress, or a nice polo shirt or bright tie on a man can truly compliment a photo.  Even a bright scarf the same color as your son's shirt, or a pair of heels the same color as your hubby's tie can do wonders for a picture.

5. Stay Comfortable

Especially when you have kids, comfort is important!  You are more likely to get your kids happy and smiling when they are wearing something they can stretch and run around in, rather than if they're uncomfortable and itchy.    Also making sure it's something that they can roll around on the grass in and pose for a classic shot is also something to keep in mind.

Hope these tips helped!

Getting Creative With Your Photos

Get CREATIVE With Your Photos!

Part 1

Hey there!  Today I want to talk all about being creative with your photography! All those same poses you've been using over and over again need some life!  So here's some suggestions...

#1.  Shoot From The Back

It sounds odd, but the photos shot from the back of the subject tend to turn out super cute.  This one was taken with her favorite little stuffed friend.  It was one of the clients favorite pictures too.  I turned it chocolate b&w to give it that extra appeal!

#2.  Just Shoot "Parts" of people

  

 Sometimes just shooting part of the client is a great  way to showcase talent.  Zooming in on those beautiful little baby parts, getting a families feet together, or a mom and daughters hands clasped together, can make some of your best shots.  

#3. Go For The Close-Up!

 

 Not much to it, just get close!  A baby with their eyes open or a child close-up is usually always a flattering way to show them off, especially since they don't have all those imperfections like we do.  The ones they do have, are usually just thought of as character!  Oh to be young...

 

Stay tuned for more creative photography tips!

 

BugsEarPhoto