Get in the Picture!

I have mentioned several times that moms need to make sure that they are in the pictures as well as the rest of the family. Many times, we are so concerned with our weight, double chin, hair or wardrobe that we miss out on things that will remind generations to come who we are. It may even be for reasons as simple as the fact that we are always the ones taking the pictures.

After hearing a conversation about the reasons why several young women did not want to do a fabric shoot, I challenged several of them to “get in the picture”. Most reasons had to do with body image and it just crushed me. The husband response to these images was an astounding “hell yea!” And I hope that the moms will show these images to their daughters and others and explain why they were so important. The feed back I received afterward was that the images made them feel beautiful, sexy and empowered. They said that during the shoot they were so much more comfortable that they thought they would be.

When our children and grandchildren look at images of us, they don’t see our weight or messy hair or the top we didn’t like. They see people that they love and admire and will always cherish.

Below are several reasons to get in the picture. If you have been avoiding it, I hope you make the decision to create these memories.

Why you should get in the picture:

1. Future generations need to know who you were. They need to look at images and know where they come from.

2. When we are gone, this is what your children and grandchildren will have to remember you. There is something so special about looking a picture of a loved one and seeing a smile that just calms a heart.

3. You are teaching younger generations to move past the idea that we have to worry about all of the reasons that might keep them from getting in the picture. Parents are the strength and guiding force for children. If they see you in the picture being your best self, they are more likely to follow suit.

What legacy will you leave? What will the world know about you in years to come?

HMU: Dina Tapia and Lizette Martinez Perez

#getinthepicture #legacy #whatlegacywillyouleave #familypictures #mom #mompictures

Selecting the Right Photographer

I think we can all agree that sometimes the task of coordinating family pictures can be daunting. You have to figure out what everyone will wear, what works for all schedules, where you want to do them, theme or no theme, and the list goes on. But, perhaps one of the hardest decisions to make is who will take them. The industry is filled with so many talented artists that the options are endless.

What should you consider when searching for your photographer?

Style! You thought I was going to say price first, huh? While cost is important, start by searching for the style you want. After all, price won’t matter much if you don’t really care for the photographer’s style. Different styles will catch your eye, but keep in mind this is art that will hang in your home for some time. Loving all of the current trends is natural, but do they match your style? Do they match your décor? Does the style reflect the way that you want your memories preserved? Is it what you want guests to see when they visit? Ask yourself some of these questions and make sure the style is a good fit.

The Photographer! Make sure the photographer is a good fit. What is their availability? Are they open to the kind of session you want? Are they great with kids? Pets? Whatever your needs are, make sure that your photographer can accommodate. It is unrealistic to select a photographer this is not a good fit, and expect the results that you want. It can happen, sure, but I’ve seen it too many times…clients want to direct the entire session and guide the photographer. That’s fine if that is the way that your photographer works, but if it isn’t, it can create a tense situation. Find a photographer that is a good fit and trust them to conduct a great session and you will likely be happy with the results.

Budget! Once you have determined the style you want and a few photographers with that style, determine if they are within your budget. Keep in mind that photography is a business just like any other. There are overhead costs and the photographer has to make a living. If the photographer is out of your price range, watch their pages and websites and try to catch a sale, if they have them. It’s best to check with more than one photographer that matches the style you want. If one doesn’t fit your budget, another might. It is important to understand the value of the photography though. The prices are what they are and if they offer sales, they are offering an opportunity to get a session that you might not otherwise purchase. Grab the great deals and don’t ask or expect your photographer to negotiate their regular prices. It is a luxury service and your nail tech, hair stylist, coffee shop and make up consultants all charge what they charge without negotiation….so should your photographer. If you love their work, value it and watch for a sale if you need to.

Turnaround Time! This is a bigger issue than most might realize. If you are having family pictures taken and need them by a specific date, you’ll want to know what the turnaround time is. Don’t wait until the day of the session to ask or you might be disappointed. It’s best to ask about turnaround times before booking. Some photographers book so far out in advance that turnaround times may be long.

Ask! Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your photographer would rather have clear and concise communication about your needs, so don’t feel like there are any silly questions or that you are being a bother by asking. It is important that you understand the process prior to selecting the right match.

At the end of the day, doing your research will help you make the most informed decisions. I am always delighted when a client tells me that they researched and are familiar with my work. Having a regular photographer that takes care of all of your photo needs is important so that your needs are understood and met.

#photographer #therightphotographer #selectingaphotographer #familyphotography #kidsphotographer #kellylynnphotography #turanaroundtime #budget #style #pictureday #familypictures