Posts tagged photography compound

My first memory of Miri was seeing her push her single buggy past my home on her regular strolls with her husband. Little did I know soon she’d have a double-stroller, and they’d one day make my home/studio the destination to capture her beautiful family.

She began talking to me about a session soon after the birth of her second. She came to the studio to check out the artwork in person, and talk through all our options. As he neared his first birthday, she was ready, and so were her kiddos, with their beaming smiles.

I know it can be intimidating, bringing littles, hoping it works out. This was the day after the time change, so they were already in their “witching hour,” and naps hadn’t been successful. But when our goal is focused, rather than our goal just being to make them perform for an hour, then we can put our energy into nailing what we need, and stop shooting at the first signs of angst.

We shot the first images on the trails in the woods behind the studio, and then ran to the front of the house to chase the sun for individuals of the kids.

Miri had the perfect space for her collection. We had a great time exploring the different sizing and configuration options.

She loved the funky vibe of the square prints, but wanted a touch more room and emphasis on the whole family. These will be matte floating metals.

Next? I send to print, and then head over there to install them! I can’t wait to see them up. A journey worth every step.

Stacey Davis

Stacey is dedicated.

She’s given herself wholly to her family, including her son who needs extra love and time, for years.

She’s finally at a juncture where she’s able to launch herself. Into a new career in real estate, into building new relationships, into exploring her next phase. So I was delighted when she decided to do headshots, that she chose to also do a branding image, and hair and makeup as well. This day was hers. It was about her: reinventing herself.

I gave her two versions of her branding image. The second is sized as a Facebook banner and fades to white, so she can easily add text and use it on her website and social media.

I wish Stacey so much ease and support. She’s offered it for years, and I hope she receives it for years to come.

Test drive

A couple of nights ago, we tiptoed down to the almost completed studio. I wanted to test lens length in the space, so asked kids to stand in. Didn't have a single light set up, no backdrop: just my new space, natural light in the evening in the rain. This is the result. Back of camera, as unedited as it comes.

Her Moment

In the tumbling chaos, the confusion, the isolation, the anger…

A moment by stillness. Toes muddy and cool. Tranquility and exhalation.

I watch her grow into her gracefulness. She seems to have a wisdom about all of this that I desire. She beams still over inconsequential moments. She radiates contentment while I struggle.

Have you heard of the syndrome, “Photographer’s Child?” It’s murmured frequently in my profession. Because we love our built in test-subjects, and they too soon are “over it.” So I make a point to insist that they permit me to take our family portrait once a year, and try otherwise to leave them alone.

Ah-ha! Reverse psychology! Now, every time I have a client come, they beg me to take their picture, too.

So we tromped into the backyard. I had to coax her into the mud by the creek. Her dress originally was purple. Her shirt was a vibrant turquoise. My daughter asked if we could print it for her room. My son also wants a print of himself for his room, though he was satisfied with our last studio session:

Last of the strands

I have such a soft spot for pre/post upshern sessions. It’s such a sweet, sentimental session: the last moment of your baby truly being a baby! That soft, feathery, uncut hair. And then the dramatic transformation after the ceremony.

(You definitely want to click each image to expand)

And here’s our plan for their living room!:

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Even more exciting? We have our follow-up session to come! You’ll have to hold tight a few months to see this sweet big boy with his new do’.

This family was a referral from Melissa, and there’s nothing like working with someone who is there because they trust someone that loved their experience and art, and are ready to embrace the same. Thank you to everyone who shares my name and work.

Powerhouse Couple, Indoors and Out

Did you see that video where I was losing my mind about shooting in the new Shayna Image Studio/Compound?

“How’d that go?,” you wanted to know.

Laura and Craig Lerman, a realtor and lawyer respectively, each needed new headshots but desired different looks. So we captured Craig in the studio…

…and for Laura we stepped outside…

It was incredible to be able to get two very different looks in the same space in the matter of minutes.

My big takeaway from this shoot, was that although my chic french doors and ring doorbell haven’t yet been installed, I should still guide clients to the private side entrance to the studio. Otherwise, coming in the front door, they might be busted by my little ones, and then we get a “helper” for the session, who should be in bed.

Lesson learned. Fortunately for me, Laura and Craig are seasoned parents of six who totally embraced it. Laura kept calling MS her “fashion consultant,” and my daughter ate it up.

Laura is loving Real Estate, and you should learn more about her at www.lermanteam.com and on Facebook.

Craig is a Law powerhouse, working with businesses, corporations, and estates. Please visit www.lermanlawpc.com and follow him on Facebook as well.