Baby Boy and Big Sister Portraits

I have to admit that this was one of the easiest newborn clients I've had. They knew exactly what they wanted, which happened to be exactly the sort of portraits I like to create. They wanted brand new baby boy to be photographed in the baby weighing scales, a portrait of their daughter in her riding gear and then one of the two together.

Knowing what they wanted enabled me to concentrate on getting the best for them in each of those 3 portraits. In the past I've found that I can spread myself too thinly trying to produce a multitude of variations in order that the clients have lots to choose from. And although I still want my clients to have variety, I am increasingly aware that if I try to do too much I risk reducing the overall quality from that session. It is better to reduce the variety and maintain the quality in my opinion since quality is a very high priority of mine.

Not to mention, there is no point in causing a baby, or even a child, stress and aggravation of having to work to get a multitude of portraits when we can focus on what is actually wanted.

Amazingly we had an easy go of photographing this lovely little boy, particularly considering he was just over a month old, rather than the 2 weeks or under I prefer for newborns, and much to the surprise of Mum and Dad who didn't often get to enjoy such a lengthy amount of peace and quiet. Once we got him off the weighing scales where he wanted to continually stretch his legs out he lied peacefully and in quite a deep sleep on the beanbag leaving me to photograph him endlessly.

I love a sleeping baby and I could shoot for ages, forever finding different angles or a slightly better way to prop babies head up. I actually have to consciously tell myself to stop before I shoot far more than we could possibly need, making more work for me during the selection stage.

And I'm finding that I really love being able to incorporate something about a child in their portrait, like in the one below, making it a more valuable keepsake for the future. The portraits mean much more to me so I can only imagine what they are going to mean to the family in years to come.

So as always, if this is something of interest to you please get in touch. I offer no cost, no obligation consultations so you can meet me and see our studio along with everything we have to offer. Its a great chance to discuss your ideas. I don't ask you to book your session during these meetings so there is no need to feel obligated. Pre-shoot consultations are also a great way to get to know each other before the session making it more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.

To book call us on 01455 611069 or follow this link to send us an email.

Comments

My Associate Panel

As I mentioned in my last blog, I achieved my Associateship in Portraiture with the SWPP (Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers). I just thought I would share with you the panel I submitted. Having sat through the assessment I see that there are a couple of images that I wish I hadn't chosen, more so due to not having enough variety rather than the lack of quality. but overall I am pleased with my submission. I always thought that once I achieved my Associateship I would be done with qualifications. Working towards a Fellowship just seems so unattainable. I don't think I can just sit here not striving towards a goal though. Besides, my husband has already set 5 year plan. So I guess I've not seen the end of qualifications just yet. But don't be expecting any news on this front for quite some time though. A fellowship is on an entirely new level and its going to take a lot of work.

5 Reasons you Should Consider Getting a Professional Headshot

Headshots, or profile pictures are becoming a requirement of so many tools we regularly use or reference today. From Facebook to Linked In, Instagram to Twitter and often any website that represents a company for which you work or own will have a place to include a photograph that is meant to show your audience who you are. And how you present yourself there will tell your audience so much about you. 1. A profile picture is your first opportunity for your audience to see you. Its often the first impression you make and we all know you only have one chance at a first impression. A professional photographer has the skills to show you in the best, most suitable way to give a great first impression. (These headshots were created for recruitment firm Optima UK who asked to have their logo placed behind them. I think it makes these headshots quite eye catching and they should do their job well.) 2. Using a professional to create your headshot will convey yo

I am Still Me: A Story about a Transgender Boy

Meet Leo. Leo is 15 and currently going through an epic transformation that has momentarily turned the lives of himself and those around him upside down. A mum who once had the daughter she always longed for is now coping with the realisation that she will be living the rest of her life with a son instead. When your child is born you have certain expectations of the typical life they will lead but most of us know and accept that it won't necessarily end up the way we imagine. Not every person wants to marry, have kids or be involved with the opposite sex. Most of us have come to accept this and can adjust to whatever comes our way relatively easily. But few of us have expected to have to deal with a change in sex. Its not that we've hoped it won't happen, but just that it never occurred to us that it might. This is a new adjustment that we as a society are being presented with today, just like so many others that have come before. When I first heard that Phoebe

Portraits of a Beautiful Young Woman and Her Guitar

You may remember a while back when I did a casting call looking for teenage boys and girls. Well this is the girl I chose. I had quite a specific look in mind, one which included really long hair. I have always had a thing for long hair. The choice also became quite simple when this young lady put herself forward as she is someone I've been photographing through school for several years and she is a past member of the Hinckley Athletics Club where she has been coached by my husband for nearly as many years. He's always had a soft spot for her, being one of his first members which helped my decision. When I have projects where I want to work with a model rather than a paying client I like to use friends or past clients whenever possible as it enables me to give something to those who have been loyal to me. Wallis has been a pleasure to work with. She is a stunning, confident young woman. In addition, she could bring props with her that I love. I've been wanting to ph

Its a Dog's Life

When life gets tough I always look at dogs or my cats and think how lucky they are. I know not all are treated well but those lucky enough to be in a good home, like the ones who come into my studio, have a really great life. They look so happy and its a wonderful thing to see. I honestly love photographing dogs. They are a joy to work with and its almost impossible to produce a bad portrait of a dog which does of course make my life a little easier. I am someone who really needs to love the work I create. I can't help but love the portraits I've created of all the dogs I've photographed over the years. And this shoot was certainly no exception. I found it a real pleasure using a lighter background this time too. I do often gravitate towards darker looks but seeing as this dog had a light coloured coat I thought I'd produce lighter images. This gave me the chance to use a canvas I painted a couple of years ago but never really used and I absolutely love it

Christina Lauder Portraits

Search This Blog