While it's true that some of the best portraits are the ones we didn't plan for or expect to capture, that's not an excuse to shoot without a plan. Seize a fleeting moment without thinking.  I didn't plan for this shot - I couldn't have!

Notice that the colors are off; the focus is out and it's crooked.  If I had taken the time to get everything "right," I would have missed the guilty moment:)  I simply picked up the camera to record my mischievous son!  Those types of pictures are taken without vision or a plan - and that's OK.  We aren't talking about those pictures today.  Today we are talking about the times you or I purposefully pick up the camera to shoot.  Sometimes you are coming to me for portraits.  Before our session begins, we have a purpose and I need a plan.  I always have a direction to go in and a priority order of shots to take.  But, it's important for you to have a plan as well. 

When the S family called for portraits, mom said they hadn't had a family picture taken in a few years, and a new baby had been added to the family since then!  She KNEW the 1 shot she wanted was of the family walking away from me.  She had a VISION for the portrait she wanted on her wall.  As a result, I knew that I needed to spend time at the beginning of our session (before anyone got cranky) setting up that shot!  I'm happy to say we achieved her vision and got several great results:

(Early morning sunlight makes me giddy:)

And this one that mom called "the money shot" and now hangs as a big canvas on her wall:

Hi chubby baby cheeks:) 

Good vision should also be used when you are taking pictures at home.  Are you taking pictures for a special occasion?  Are they for grandparents far away?  Is it a family tradition you are documenting for a scrapbook?  Know your purpose and then have a plan to achieve it.  Easter egg dying and you want to take pictures while they do it themselves for the first time?  You should probably clear space at the kitchen table so you can move around them, instead of setting them up at the kitchen counter where you'll be taking pictures of their backs!

Not a great pic. because I couldn't get in front of him.  So, The next year I was smart and put them at the table:

Do you take the kids strawberry picking every year?  Do you want a picture you can put on your mantle, or send to the grandparents? Are you frustrated by your attempts when the kids squint into the sun and the red, ripe strawberries clash with the purple in your child's shirt?  Have a VISION for the strawberry patch.  PLAN primary-color clothing and arriving first thing in the morning, before the sun is too bright (if you can arrange for a cloudy day, that would be GREAT!)

Good vision means good photographs, whether you are a professional photographer or a proud mom!  So, go ahead and plan:)

Mommas, we give up a lot for our kids.  We give a lot of ourselves for them.  But, we can all agree that we gain so much from them too - around our middles, on our hips, across our rears, extra chins. . . (grin).  And, as forgiving as we are with our babies, we are equally unforgiving with our looks. So (and I am speaking to myself) we take the pictures and don't offer the camera up to someone else.  We cringe when we see ourselves straight-on, or in profile (or, heaven forbid, from behind). 

I'm late to the blog party on this one, because in recent days so many have said it more eloquently, but we need to get in there with our kids and let it be recorded (for all of eternity for them to remember).  It's going to be scary.  We will have to do it NOW, not after we lose 15 pounds, or color our hair, or change out of our stained shirts.  We will have to look at ourselves without our own critical eyes, and with the loving eyes of our babies.

After spending so much time photographing families, and the relationships between moms and kids, I can say with absolute certainty that the kids don't care!  They think squishy bellies are a soft place to rest, 2nd chins make it easier to grab mommy's face, and wider hips can carry them better. Still don't believe me?  Take a look at these mommas being loved by their children:

He stole my heart when he raised his hand and asked me if he could give mommy a big kiss!  

Right before I took this picture, the oldest daughter slipped her hand into mom's.  I hope my girl does that when she's a teenager!

Isn't this how every mom in the word feels?  I think we would all do well to embrace the hugs that hold our legs in place!

They love us, no matter what we look like, and often in spite of how we act, and we need to document it - for them, and for us.

Get out your camera, your phone, or give me a call!  But, make sure to take pictures of your kids WITH you!

There are many, MANY beautiful portraits on my computer, just waiting to be bragged blogged!  But, first I need to show you my new studio space!  You'll have to use your imagination on the "before" pictures because I forgot to take them (bad photographer!).  Picture a kids' playroom that is upstairs and away from mommy's view.  Then, picture 2 kids playing in that room without much oversight.  That's the "before." 

About 8 months ago, in the throes of winter, when no one wanted to venture outside for portraits, I started to dream about an indoor portrait space.  Let's face it, as much as I would love to only shoot outdoors in natural light, until my husband agrees to move to San Diego, I will have to deal with northeastern winters.  So, an indoor space is necessary from December-March.  And, the yummy window light in the kids' playroom was perfect for that need!  (Please don't feel bad for my children; we moved all of their toys across the hall to a room that is 2x the size).

With a vision and a purpose I approached my husband (because, let's be honest, he was going to be doing the bulk of the work).  He agreed to help me, but is so busy that we had to wait until he had a break.  This past month he was able to get to work.  And, he worked hard!  Spackling, sanding, painting, scraping!  And, I could not be happier with the results!!!  It's light, bright and matches my new logo!

There is still some work to do - more portraits to hang, a better table/chairs set-up for client viewing sessions, etc.  But, I love it!  So, come on in:

The Front Porch Photography Studio:

These are prop/supply storage dressers (and great places to show off portraits!), and the window where natural light sessions take place.

Another view of the same space!   I love the little bits of yellow:)

Some props and the open space for shooting.

The chalkboard is leftover from my kids' playroom, but I also have some fun ideas for incorporating it into portrait sessions! (I should have closed that door - it goes to the spare bedroom.)

This is the space I need to work on.  It needs to be more cheery for client viewing/ordering sessions.  But, please notice the print above the table.  That's my first ever portrait published in a magazine!!!

Thank you for coming in and taking a tour!  I hope to see you there soon!  And, if you see my wonderful husband, please thank him all of his hard work!  :)