Why I'm excited Christmas Season is in full swing

Did you see this post filter its way through Facebook on or around Halloween day?

I saw it many times, that is why I was surprised by how many people were upset and surprised the first week of November when they already began to hear Christmas music and see christmas decor. It seems to be appropriate to wait until the day after Thanksgiving to begin Christmas season. Aw, the day after  Thanksgiving... The day after we take time to say what we're thankful for, then trample anyone who gets in our way for the things that we want. That seems to fit with the complaints I saw on facebook about the "Give-me give-me attitude." For many, Christmas Season seems to cause a negative reaction. I blame it on the way I was raised, that when I think of Christmas, I only think of positive. Maybe I have been able to keep this optimism because I do not have children yet.

I have surprised many in casual conversation when they found out in September, that I was done with ALL of my Christmas shopping. Yes, I tend to have Christmas on my mind all year long, and when a good deal comes around, it's never to early for Christmas! It's natural for me, like many, to procrastinate. So I go out of my way to compensate. Like guaranteeing to my clients that their photos will be delivered to them within 1 week of their session or Wedding, always answering e-mails the moment I receive them, or buying Christmas presents in the Summer. But I'm sure that with all my Christmas shopping done so early, this is what contributes to my positive Holiday season. While I'm excited to give the Christmas gifts that I've held onto for months to their recipients, I'm not thinking about gifts or shopping in December or even November! I'm thinking of Jesus Christ and his wonderful life. I'm taking the time I would spend on shopping, and spending it on Christmas activities like festivals, Live Nativities, or light displays and parades. I also get to spend this time watching Christmas movies, Listening to Christmas music, and making Christmas time treats! I just don't think 2 months is long enough for all that Christmas time has to offer! My favorite decor piece in my home, is my Lighted Christmas tree, and I am genuinely sad to take it down in January.

I think that living 2.2 miles from Walt Disney World is also a big help to my early Holiday happiness as Disney World is already in full swing Christmas! I am so lucky to be able to have my spirits lifted so high just by making the 5 minute drive to Magic Kingdom! Other than the 80 degree weather, it doesn't just feel like its getting closer to Christmas time, it is Christmas time at Magic Kingdom! And I can't wait to go see the Candle light processional again and again at Epcot. If you haven't done that yet, DO IT! Every night (3 times per night) between November 29th and December 30th, Disney brings in a Star Guest Speaker to Narrate the Christmas Story from the bible mingled with beautiful Christmas Stories, all done with a large, live Orchestra and Choir with stunning music. I have reservations already to see Neil Patrick Harris on December 2nd!

As a child, I counted down to Christmas as the best day ever! But now It's the entire Christmas season I can't wait for, and Christmas Day tends to be a bit sad, because I don't want the season to end. There just isn't enough minutes between now and Christmas to listen to all of my favorite Christmas music. What a happy time this is!

Chicken Pot Pie

Today I made Chicken Pot-pie for lunch, even though all I wanted was the leftover cookie dough in the fridge. I didn't want to wait 45 minutes to cook my pot-pie in the Oven, but I wanted the flakey crust you only get from the oven and I remembered back to a childhood moment that typically comes to mind whenever I see or think about a pot pie.

My Dad had just hung up with my mom on the phone, and she was on her way home from an errand. He decided and said out loud to me "Let's make mom a Chicken Pot pie for her to have when she gets home!" I was so excited to be in on this surprise for mom. My Dad was not the normal cook in the house at the time, and was sad when he saw that it took 45 minutes to cook it in the oven. There was no time to spare, so Dad came up with plan B and cooked it to almost done in the microwave, then threw it in the toaster oven. It was hot and ready when Mom got home.

I apply this lesson with a lot of my pre-packed frozen dinners. But the stronger lesson I learned from the experience was my Dad's relationship and kindness towards my mom. Did I mention this story took place during the middle of a BYU football game? He took time out of game watching to make my mom a pot-pie she didn't even ask for or hint at. It didn't matter if she was hungry. It was the thoughtfulness. It told her that he thought of her, he was willing to take time out of his favorite football game, and that he remember's one of her favorite meals and knows her well.

I've been able to take this lesson to heart with my relationship with my husband. It's the little things, the time taken out of your day to let the other know you think of them, that really shows you love them. Love really is a verb, and this lesson will be what keeps our love growing through eternity.

Wedding Session Options

I just love being a photographer while there are so many fun trends! Today, there are so many photography options than just The Ceremony that help tell your story and capture those super special moments! You probably already plan to hire a photographer for your Wedding Day Ceremony and reception and probably an Engagement Session too. Here is a list of additional Wedding Photography options that have sure come into trend!

Engagement Session

This one is probably super obvious, but I want to point out some important choices that you need to keep in mind when scheduling your Engagement Session! These photos will be shown to all the people you know and love! It is a representation of your love and can set the tone for your upcoming wedding! Most importantly, pick a location or theme that says something about you as a couple! This can be a place that has meaning to you, like the location of the proposal or your first kiss, or a place or theme that reflects a hobby or passion you share! Make this unique and make it you! Here is a great article from theknot.com

First Look

I'm so excited that a First Look Session is so popular! A First look is a pre-ceremony wedding day session where the groom and the bride see each other for the first time. This is done in a non-cheesy way and is done in an intimate setting away from the wedding craziness. The session can also be done the day before if the time cannot be made on the wedding day. The tradition of the groom not seeing the bride until she walks down the isle and unveils her face was formed during pre-arranged marriages so the groom had to say "I do" before seeing his new bride and changing his mind. We live in a different world, and I'm assuming you've seen your future spouse already. My husband and I saw each other before our ceremony and it was such a special moment shared between only us, away from my parents and his parents and everyone we know. It was our moment and the fondest memory from my wedding day. Here is a great article on First Looks from SnapKnot.com

Like the idea of First Look but want to keep tradition? Thats can be done! A new trend for those unwilling to see each other before the ceremony is a first look where you don't actually see each other. This is done with a wall or door in between you and your fiancé where the photographer can still see you both. A popular idea with this session is to write letters to each other and to hold hands around the door or wall. 

Most Photographers include a same day "First Look" session in their wedding day price, but be sure to ask your photographer if it will cost extra.

Bridal Session

This is a pre-wedding session of the bride in her gorgeous wedding dress! Groom optional. These photos are primarily taken to display at the Wedding Reception. Plus, I have yet to meet a married woman who has said "I wore my dress way to much!" The fact is this is a one time deal and after all the honeymoon, and all the wedding photography sessions are over, the dress will be put away never to be worn by you again, and while that doesn't sound sad to you in the mess of wedding planning, it may become sad later on. Bridal Session can be done anywhere, unlike the first look which is done at the wedding location. I love beach and outdoorsy bridal sessions, but this may have to be reserved for either a Post Wedding "Trash the Dress" session or Post wedding Bridal Session. 

Post Wedding Bridal Session

The post wedding Bridal Session is done with the Groom and the Bride dressed back up and taking pictures wherever they please with the perfect lighting they may have not been able to get on the wedding day. This session is after the wedding so you don't have to be worried about the dress getting dirty! Just send it out to dry cleaning to preserve it! If you don't care about preserving your dress or keeping it clean, you may want to consider a...

Trash the Dress Session

To those unfamiliar with this new and big trend, this is not a divorce session. You are both even more in love and this is purely a Bridal Session after the Wedding where you can take any pictures you want and don't have to worry about what happens to the dress. This can be as extreme as you want. My Trash the dress session was done in grass, and dirt and other outdoor messy locations. My dress got a bit dirty as a consequence, but I was able to clean it. Many brides are going to the extremes involving going into the water, or even paint! This is not meant to be destroying the meaning of the dress, but rather a statement of, "This was my wedding dress, no one else will wear it, and I will never need it again." The dress did it's purpose and it can retire as you settle in with your new hubby for the rest of your happy lives.

Groomal Session

If the Bride decides to exclude the Groom from the Pre-Wedding Bridal Session to keep tradition, the groom can opt for his own "Groomal" session! Don't you want some sexy pictures of your new groom anyways? These photos are also great to be displayed at the wedding reception!

HoneyMoon Session

This is a less popular trend among Wedding Photographers since The Bride and Groom don't typically Honeymoon in the same location that they get married. But living so close to Disney World, I've come very familiar with this fun option! Find a local photographer or a resort photographer where you are honeymooning and capture the love to finish up your wedding album! If you're honeymooning near the wedding (often the case for Destination Weddings), have your wedding photographer take these pictures to keep a uniform look.

Boudoir Session
This session is typically done with just the bride, but there are options of including your groom or your Bridesmaids. This is a session done in lingerie. This is sexy but classy, sophisticated, and tasteful. These images are meant to be a gift to your new hubby. It is a great way to keep the romance alive for a long time!

Proud "Over Shoot"er

I'm often asked by clients;

"Why do you take so many pictures?"

and occasionally criticized with;

"You over shoot"

Well this is why. So I get the shot. Can I get the shot with one click? Yep. Do I have more than multiple of the exact same picture when I go to edit. Sure do. But then when I look closer, I find this on one of them...

If you're on a small device like a cell phone, you may not catch the fault right away. I didn't see anything wrong with this picture in the back of my camera. It wasn't until I imported the photos into my computer that I noticed that the Grooms tie is right in the Brides face almost as if to give her a mustache. None of us even realized it had happened in the moment! If we can't even notice a tie in the brides face, are we going to notice a blurry face or half closed eyes. I have many embarrassing photos of my clients that I could post...

I always get the shot. Not because of luck like some may accuse, but because I over shoot, and I'm proud of it. You will always feel at peace knowing I will get that moment, because my camera is always at the ready and shooting constantly. I'll take on the extra editing workload for that perfect shot!

Taking better pictures of your kids: Get low

This is my number 1 tip for taking better pictures of your kids: Get down to their level, and sometimes even lower. 

Not only do you show their perspective, but you gain just a little bit more of their trust when you are at their level and this translates directly into the picture.

Photos at the Boardwalk

I spent several hours with this family on Saturday, and we had so much fun! These girls sure know how to model!!! They are pro and experienced with photo shoots. We all really enjoyed the boardwalk and the girls loved playing the Midway games! 

Self Portraits

As mentioned recently, I decided that it was time to suck it up and tackle my self portraits. Ben and I went out into the neighborhood and worked together to get these photos. At first, I would set everything up, jump into the shot, and he would take the pictures as I worked some angles. But slowly, he started to put in some of his own creativity. I think he did a fantastic job!

We took the photos right in our neighborhood. We live right on a lake and surrounding Orange Groves.

I used a giant Car Shade as my reflector. The car shade worked only because it was so cloudy that day.

We didn't do any studio pictures. This was done right in front of our garage causing the background to turn black.

Caitlin

Caitlin is my kind neighbor. I often see her when she is out walking her dog, when I'm stoping by to see her mom, or when I'm picking her up from school. She is always so thoughtful. She remembers the important things and the little things. When I see her, she usually asks how something recently went "Did you book that wedding?" It's obvious that she listens and genuinely cares for other people. Thats impressive for a 13 year old.

Today is Caitlin's Birthday! Whenever I talked about photo shoots with Caitlin, she told me how much she loves photo shoots, so I treated her to her own photo shoot today. It was short and we had limited time while the sun was setting, so we stuck to the neighborhood. Caitlin is a natural model and has a contagious smile. Here are some of the pictures from our shoot:

You want to see ME?

I'm constantly taking photography courses, and I have found instructors and sources whose information and education I trust completely. But one thing these sources keep telling me is that I need to put pictures of ME on my website and blog. Seriously? You don't want to see me. You want to see who I am taking pictures of.

Even though I decided I would listen to this advice about a year ago, I just didn't do anything about it. I didn't have any professional pictures of me since I got married. I had plenty of excuses like "I want my best friend and talented photographer Alexandra to take my pictures, so I'll wait until the next time I travel to Las Vegas to see her." and "I'll loose some weight first..." (sound familiar?).

Well it's time! No more excuses. I'll set my camera up and hand it over to my super helpful hubby to push the button. It will be tedious. It will take me forever to set up each shot. I will criticize every body part. But I'm going to do it! And I'm not going to use photoshop to make me unrealistically beautiful and skinny!

So stayed tuned to see photos of me, because apparently, you want to.

Tips for shooting NewBorns

I was so excited do shoot Bear Brown! I haven't always done photos of New Borns because they scared me a little bit. And not just because they're so tiny and fragile. It was mostly because I was expected to take pictures of this tiny person asleep. I focus so much of my photography on life, interaction, and real moments, and I always focus on the eyes. What do I do with a sleeping baby?

My fears were silly. I conquered the New Born photography with lots of practice and when Anne Brown asked me to take photos of her new baby, I had no hesitations!

So here are a few tips for shooting New Borns:

Go to their home
Both mother and baby were so comfortable during the shoot because I was at their home. No new surroundings to worry baby and Anne never had to feel like a guest or be nervous feeding her baby.

Turn up the heat
Keep the home warm to keep baby comfortable and happy. I also suggest a space heater to keep near baby. This causes the most peaceful sleep for the best pictures. Peaceful sleep is what is needed for the posed pictures.

Don't mess with Mama bear
Remember that this is a brand new baby and his mom is going to be protective. I like for the mom to do any moving or placement with the baby, and Mom's don't seem to mind that. Obviously, don't do anything that might be dangerous or even uncomfortable for baby. Please know that those new born photos you see with baby hanging in a wrap of sorts, is photoshop'd and there is something holding baby up safe (like mommy's hands).

Study
Just like an field or talent, study and learning is required. Spend time looking at photos of newborns and try to figure out how the photo was taken. Copying photos exactly is tacky, but looking at photos for inspiration is required for great photography. It would also be beneficial to see what Mom prefers in her photos. Send her some examples and ask for her imput. Often, they already have a favorite shoot in mind.

Bring the Macro Lens
To capture those precious moments and photos that remain special. Baby's are small and their precious body parts are even smaller. Bring the Macro to capture their hair, ears, and toes. Mom will appreciate it.

Schedule a lot of time
Even though I am often asked to just shoot for an hour, I schedule about half of my working day (4-5 hours) for the shoot. I like to arrive an hour early to set up and talk with mom about the shoot. I talk about what will happen, my shooting order, safety and comfort is first, and then I show her photos and ask if she wants to do something similar. When I am offering a shoot for 1 hour with new borns, I do not include the time used for feeding or posing baby. That takes up a lot of time. Be prepared for that and ALWAYS remain patient. If your stressed or anything but happy, mommy will notice and she will reflect that in her photos.

Bring a New Born "look book"
I keep a folder on my iPad for each photo shoot of photos I found on the internet that reflect the style that the Mom wants and what I think she wants. I always include photos that she liked or showed me in advance. I will show this to Mom at the shoot and get her opinion on many photos. This keeps me focused and calm during the shoot and keeps Mom's trust in me.

Behind the Scenes with Bear Brown

This is a behind the scenes look of my photo shoot with brand new baby, Bear Brown. See his photos Here.

We took the photos at her house, which is my preference. She turned up the heat and was able to keep her new baby boy happy and comfortable. Those intimate moments with mother and son would have been lost in my home studio, and sister would not have been ready to join at a moments notice. I was also able to capture special memories of home.

All I brought with me was a basket with wrapping paper (Black and white), a soft blanket, and a fuzzy rug (well cleaned before the shoot).

We set up a “Wrapping Paper” studio in her living room using her large glass sliding doors as our Window light. Because no direct light was hitting our studio area, there was no need for a sheer curtain or diffuser. We put the fuzzy rug on her ottoman with the wrapping paper hanging from her kitchen chairs behind for all of the pictures except the basket pictures. We ended up using the soft white blanket for the backdrop with the basket since it was an off white that worked better with the off white fuzzy rug and it turned out perfect.

Most of the shoot, however, was done in Anne’s bedroom which will make for pictures with more meaning and more memories later on. Anne had 2 big windows on each side of her bed and we used a white reflector to get the light onto Bear. With just the windows and reflector alone we were able to get back lighting, subject main lighting, and fill light and it was perfect. No artificial light or light shinning down on baby. Everyone stayed happy.

All the other props used in the shoot belonged to the Brown Family, which made them that much more special. Bear was snuggling his own stuffed animal, he wore his big brother’s tie, he rested on his blanket from Grandma, and he slept on a book written by his grandfather (whose last name was Bear). 

We allowed Bear to stay awake during the exciting shoot in the living room, then after being fed again, he slept peacefully during the remaining of the shoot in Mommy's bed with the space heater. Because he was more tired then usual, his deep sleep allowed up to pose him for his pictures. Although some of our favorite pictures came from him posing himself. He was a happy sleeping baby.

Ben worked with me and made my day so much easier. He held the reflector, unloaded and loaded the equipment, help set up, and answered my every request. So grateful for this man!