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Newborn Sessions

Tips for Your Newborn Session
If there is one thing I love, it's photographing newborns.  A newborn photography session is so challenging, but it's so amazing and special to be part of documenting your new family member!  There are so many factors that have to come to come together for the session for the session to go smoothly...and if its one thing a photographer must have, it's patience.  A session can go quick and be done in an hour, or it may take 3 hours or longer, but regardless it's importan t for everyone involved to stay patient - the end result is totally worth it. 

The is lots of preparation I go through to get ready for a newborn seesion.  Form looking for unique props to getting my equipment ready.  I prepare for each session individually and I hope it shows. 

In addition to doing everything I can in my power to make the parents and baby as comfortable as possible, there are some things that parents can do before the session to get things going on the right path.  

• Newborn portraits are unique in that they can't be scheduled months out, but you can line up a photographer months out who will build time into their calendar around your due date for your session.  If you are scheduling your birth, let your photographer know that as soon as possible.
• To capture your newborn, ideally call your photographer to schedule your session between 5-10 days after birth, and no longer than 2 weeks after.
• If you would like me to come to your home for your session - do not worry about the little things, such as the state of your house.  You just had a baby!  I do not care if the dishes are piled up in the sink or the clothes baskets runneth over.  I have a job to do and I am not there to care about how clean your house is.
• Loosen the baby's diaper about 30 minutes before the session.  This allows time for the diaper's imprint marks to disappear.
• If the session is in your house, please have your house warm.  Ideally, you will want the thermostat set around 80-85.  For the adults it will be hot, but the baby will be toasty and happy. 
• Collect any items you want used in the session beforehand - family heirlooms, toys, monogrammed blankets, etc.  I am more than happy to go through these with you to determine what will look best in the pictures.
• If you would like pictures taken of the baby in the nursery, be sure all the curtains and shades are open to let in lots of natural light.  No need to clean, but please try to make sure any clutter has found its way to a closet.
• Decide if you would like pictures taken with your baby, or if you want pictures of only the baby.
• Please make sure the baby has a full belly before I arrive.  I know I am much happier on a full tummy and I am sure your baby will be too!
• After the baby is full, make sure they are burped really good.  Gas can take a sleepy, happy baby to an uncomfortable and irritable one in seconds.
• A mother's smell is so recognizable (and sometime distracting) to a baby, that it may be necessary for the mom to leave the room for portions of the session.  This is not meant to hurt your feelings, but only to allow me to get the baby thinking sweet dreams, instead of hungry "where's my milk?" dreams.
• Be patient.  If the baby gets fussy or alert, don't stress out.  A baby can sense your anxiety and we want to keep the environment as mellow as possible.  We will try to get the baby comfortable again, but if that doesn't seem possible, we can take a break or we can even work with what he or she is giving us.  Sometimes the best pictures are the ones when the baby isn't doing what we want.
• Be assured that if there is a ever a point when you are uncomfortable with the poses, simply let me know.  I only want to do poses and shots that you are comfortable with. 
• Unless the baby sleeps very good through the nights, you may consider scheduling the shoot in the afternoon.  That will give you and your baby a chance to catch up on sleep during the morning nap.
• If you breastfeed, you may want to have one bottle pumped for the feeding.  Or please feel that you can nurse you baby at any time.  I am a mom of three - so I understand that the baby is still finding her feeding schedule. 

What to Wear for Your Family Portrait

What to Wear for Your Family Portrait

 Clothing, Color and Style...

What do you want your family portrait to say about you and your family?  When thinking about the style of portrait you would like, consider the personalities of your family members, what you enjoy doing together and where you are going to display it in your home.  If you are a casual family, a very formal traditional portrait may not be your style.  Remember, you want this to be  a memory of your family as it is today.

As the photographer, it is my goal to create a portrait that draws the viewer's attention to your family's faces and their expressions.  To do this effectively, it is helpful to contrast the skin tone with the other colors and tones in the image. 

Clothing for your family should be simple and in the same tonal ranges, but that doesn't mean you have to match exactly, just coordinate!

Colors that are good to choose are dark solid colors.  Choosing colors  you see in nature also helps to bring out the color in your images.  For example, wearing blue and green in summer will look good, while browns, oranges and reds will look good in the fall.  Denim is also great for standing out in your pictures. 

Keep in mind, that you do not need to be matching, just choose colors that compliment each other.   Husbands try to use colors that compliment your wife's outfit.  Layers are great - especially on the skinny girls.  Examples of good layering are wearing colors that would not necessarily look good alone (ex.  red, yellow, orange) but using them as a layer in your outfit as a sweater, top, jacket or undershirt, can really make your outfit POP!  Curvy girls often look good in a longer top or nice dress.   Try to avoid wearing stripes, polka dots or baggy clothing.  This can make you appear larger in images.

Don't be afraid to ask for my assistance if you would like some help.  I am always happy to help!

Adding accessories like necklaces, belts, scarves, hats and sunglasses are fun and look really good.   And if you would like your family portrait to have a theme, try to choose outfits that go along with the theme.  Adding props of things that are important to your family makes your portrait more personalized. 

Don't forget your hands and feet.  Your hands will show in the portrait, so keep mindful of keeping nails neat and trimmed.  If your portrait session is more casual, you may want to consider some barefoot shots, so its important to not forget about keep those toenails neat and trimmed as well. 

De-Stress Your Day!

A family portrait can be stressful for every member of your family.  Just take a deep breath and relax.  My favorite saying is, "Have faith, it will all come together!"

To lower your own stress level, set aside your family's portrait clothing ahead of time.  This will make the moments before departing to meet me much more pleasant. 

Think about getting all haircuts a week prior to your photo session.  Ladies, if you color your hair, the same recommendation applies.

Its simple and seems silly, but this works - listen to music that will calm your stress and improve your mood.  Listening to music can help alleviate any last minute tension. 

To help ease the kids tension, make a concerted effort to maintain your composure.  Kids pick up on stress far more easily than adults, and a child's reaction to stress can completely derail even perfect preparations.  But don't worry, I have 3 kids of my own and I understand that patience is key! 

For Maternity Photo Sessions:  Nice snug around the belly clothes look great.   Embrace your beautiful belly because it holds such a blessing inside!  And even consider wearing your regular jeans and unbuttoning the top button, it looks good for some close up belly shots.

For Newborn Photo Sessions:  Relax and keep it simple!  Birthday suits are a great simple look.  Keep in mind that these sessions often take much longer, but no worries, I am a mom of 3, so I completely understand and want you to be relaxed.  For further information on preparing for your Newborn Photo Session, please check out the article listed on my blog. 

Preparation Tips for Senior Photo Sessions

Preparation Tips for Senior Photo Sessions

Being well prepared for your senior photo session can make the difference between average and fabulous photos.  Follow these easy tips and you will be well on your way to looking your absolute best!  If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact me.

Mindset

Have fun!  The most important thing  is to have a great time!  That's why you chose {mk} designs.

Relax.  I like to think {mk} designs is rather cool and I am easy to get along with.  Plus, I help you with posing, so there's no pressure on you.

Arrival

Arrive early or on time to your appointment.  Showing up  late means you lose camera time, and we don't want that.

If you are coming from out of town, give yourself plenty of time to find your way around.  The streets in Wichita aren't always the easiest to navigate and having a buffer in case you get lost will save you some stress.

Style

You are unique and beautiful.  Be yourself in how you dress, but here are a few recommendations to help prepare for your day.

Be fashionable.  Wear clothing that's stylish and put a lot of thought into your choices.  This is a unique opportunity and I want you to look amazing!

Clothing

I allow for unlimited wardrobe changes, so bring A LOT of options.  The more outfits you have to choose from, the better.  This will give us flexibility in matching your clothing to backgrounds and the surroundings.

Group your outfits together on hangers.  Make sure items are ironed and ready to go.

Plan on changing quickly.  The faster you change, the more time I have to photograph and the more photo choices you will have later.

Make sure you are comfortable in your clothing and it flatters you.  This will ensure that you like how you look when viewing your photos.

If you are self-conscious about your arms, avoid sleeveless or cap-sleeve shirts and tank tops, as they tend to make arms look fuller.

Avoid stripes and plaid.  Solid colors photograph much better than busy patterns.

Bring a variety of colors and mix the level of styles.  Some should be dressy, some dressy-casual, and some casual.

If you are comfortable in dresses, bring them!  They photograph really well and offer a nice variety from your other casual clothing choices.  We can mix dressy and casual dresses for some good looks.

Shoes

I cannot say it loudly enough.  Wear heels!  Whether pumps, or boots, dressy or casual, plain or sassy, heels really make you stand out and look glamorous. 

Flats can also work well if you mix them with the right outfits.

I will photograph you in flip-flops, but they do not photograph well.

Hair

Although I try to help with hair, it is hard to know what your hair "is supposed to look like."  Make sure you are comfortable with your look.  You can even bring your best friend with you for the session and he/she can help.   Hair style is ultimately your responsibility.  Any hair changes during the session should be quick and simple so you have as much camera time as possible. 

Bring hair spray, clips, pins and whatever else is needed to keep your hair out of your eyes, especially if it windy.  Also bring a brush and mirror for quick hair touch ups.

Do not make any drastic changes to your hairstyle right before you photo session.  This could add unneeded drama to your life.  If you do color your hair on a regular basis, you may want to consider coloring it 7 days before your photo session, when color is at its prime.

Makeup

Makeup that is well done is one of the best preparations you can make for your session.  It will even out skin tones and help give your photos that extra pop for a model-like look.    Even if you don't normally wear makeup or wear very little, take the time to do it well and your photos will look their best.

Makeup should only be slightly heavier than normal.  Mascara should be clean and not clumpy.  Avoid makeup with SPF because it tends to create a shine.  Summer shine can be controlled by using translucent powder that knocks out shine without adding additional color.

Jewelry

Keep it simple.  Big, shiny jewelry can distract for the important subject, YOU!  If you have different jewelry for different outfits, you might put each set of jewelry in a plastic baggie and hang it on the hanger with that outfit. 

All that being said, the proper jewelry can really complement your outfit.  It's nice to have a variety to choose from and it doesn't hurt to bring numerous options with you.

Props

They are great!  Bring props that help show who you are.  Some popular choices are:

• Sports equipment (soccer ball, basketball, softball bat, etc.)
• Sports uniforms
• Musical instruments
• Activity related items (dance, art, school clubs, etc.)

Glasses

Most lenses have a glare.  The safest option is to check with your eye doctor and ask if they will loan you a similar pair without lenses.

Tanning

Tan lines are a distraction and take away from your photos.   If you want to be tan, a tanning bed and/or utilizing varied swimsuit tops will help minimize any existing tan lines.  Just don't overdo it!  We don't want you looking orange and leathery.

Complexion

Makeup helps a lot here, but I do retouch photos, so please do not be concerned about minor breakouts.   If you acne is more severe, you are still OK! I am always happy to help you out with some extra retouching.

Friends & Parents
Friends or parents are welcome and often can be a help.  However, if they distract you, it may be best to meet them when  the session is over.  You are welcome to have a couple of shots with a girlfriend or boyfriend, best friend, sibling or parent at no extra charge.

Weather
Don't worry about clouds because they actually even out the light and make for ideal shooting conditions.  But falling rain is an issue and we will have to reschedule.  I will try to contact you firts, but please call me @ 316.371.7685 if you have any doubts or concerns.

Braces
Do not worry about them!  Give a natural smile and enjoy yourself.  A good smile with braces is far better than an awkard smile that come when you try to hide them.

Undergarments
Please make sure the colors of your undergarment coordiante well with your outfits and don't show through your clothing.  If you need a stapless, please bring one to your session.   Tucking or moving straps will not always work or give the most pleasing look.  Check ahead of time to ensure undergarments don't leave unpleasing lines underneath your clothing.

Finger & Toe Nails
If you paint your nails, make sure they are done well for your session.  Chipped nail paint will show and distract from you.  Avoid bright colors that will distract form you and may not work with all your outfits.   Instead, opt for basic or natural toes.