This Little Honey was a Doll to Work With

As I've always said, and sorry to harp on about it, variety is what I like. So I've really been enjoying working with awake babies as its made a nice change for me. They still aren't of an age where they can take direction but they aren't terribly mobile yet either so its not too difficult to get them and keep them in a position that works.

I'm quite a stickler for getting the lighting in my portraits just so, which means having my subjects in the right position is important. If they turn their head it could mean they are no longer in the right light. I generally start by sitting them where I need them and then either myself or with the help of parents we'll work at getting them looking in the right direction.

Here I had Mum's help to get her to look to the side and at Mum's face which was the right eye level for the light here and a pleasing position for the portrait.

When I want them to look into the camera I usually find that if I'm quiet throughout but call there name or squeak a toy occasionally they will look in my direction. If I do this too often they can end up ignoring me. So I save those moments for when it counts.

This little girl was a sweetheart. Her big blue eyes are just gorgeous and she smiled so often. The only difficult part with her was getting the pearls out of her mouth. But given that she is teething I could understand why.

The tutu in these portraits is one I made myself. I'm terrible at sewing but when I saw this and realised it requires no sewing (well just a little) I decided to give it a go. I love all the lace and had great fun collecting it from various places. This is just one more thing I'm now on the lookout for whenever I'm out. I plan on building my collection as a sort of hobby. It makes for something nice to do while watching tv at night.

So once again, if you've got a little one at home you wish to have portraits of please get in touch so we can discuss your interests. The number is 01455 611069 or email me at christina@christinalauderportraits.com. I always look forward to the next challenge.

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Teen Portraits - Prom Season is Just Around the Corner

If your child is heading to prom in the next couple of months I'd say there is probably no better time than now to have portraits created of your growing teen. With the purchase of a new (and probably expensive) outfit wouldn't it be nice to capture this milestone with a portrait created by a professional.

Across the pond this is a hugely popular time to create portraits, and although I am not American (I'm Canadian) I wholeheartedly agree that this is a special moment to record. My prom was a key memory in my teen years and in fact I myself had professional portraits created also. I think I'll go dig them up if I can, though admittedly I think my mother has them back in Canada. I wonder if I can get her to scan one for me.

My daughter is currently making plans for college and in the running is one that will move her away from home, as many others are probably experiencing for themselves, particularly those who are 18. This makes it all the more important to create so…

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(Photo Credit: Mike McNamee - Sitting on a panel)
(Photo Credit: Mike McNamee - The entire judging team including print handlers)
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My name is Sophie Clarke and I am from Redmoor Academy. I spent the week doing work experience with my friend Isabelle at Christina Lauder Portraits. I chose to do my work experience with Christina as I have a very keen interest in photography and I wanted to know more about being a photographer as a career. From spending the week with Christina, I have now learnt that being a photographer isn’t just about taking photos; there is so much more behind it.
Isabelle and I testing the lighting and set up for prom

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Christina Lauder Portraits

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