Family Pictures: Tips & Ideas

It happens about this time every year.  The anxiety.  The stress.  The dread.  Yep – it’s time for  family pictures.  The pressure’s on for every woman to wrangle the kids and hubby together into trendy, coordinating (but not too matchy) outfits – in an attempt to capture (ever elusive) natural smiles for a “picture perfect” holiday card.  What’s a girl to do?

Well, never fear – because we are here!  And you are gonna LOVE us after this post! 

We’ve racked our brains and searched all over Pinterest and Blog Land, and gathered the best tips and ideas for this year’s family photos.  Yep, just for you, we’ve compiled…

“The Ultimate Family Picture Planning Guide”

From choosing your photographer, location, props, poses, and clothes… all the way to tips for looking good in front of the camera and getting your kids (and husband) to cooperate – we’ve got you covered!

And if that isn’t enough, to keep you super organized and ahead of the game, we’ve even hooked you up with a…

So say goodbye to all that stress.  This year’s pictures are gonna be a breeze.  We’ve done most of the work for you.  Just sit back, relax, and prepare for some serious photo inspiration…

The Photographer

Consider these tips when choosing and working with a photographer…

1.  Ask for recommendations! 

(You can just choose us ;)

2.  Look at their portfolio/ website.  Usually, what you see is what you get.

3.  Check their work to see if they are used to working with kids, a large group, etc. (we are...)

4.  You don’t have to pick the  most expensive photographer in town, but remember that this is an investment of your memories.  And I’ve never heard anyone say, “I wish I would have spent the least amount of money possible on our photos.”

5.  Schedule in advance!  Talented photographers usually fill up fast, especially on weekends.  And you may have to reschedule if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

6.  Know what you want and communicate it to your photographer ahead of time.  A discussion about the style, location, props, and poses you’re planning on can work wonders to get you on the same page.

7.  Rely on your photographer for suggestions, and value their opinion.  While you don’t want to be completely at their mercy- they are, after all, the professional.

The Location

You’re not restricted to a portrait studio these days!  Outdoor photography offers natural lighting for beautiful pictures and endless options.   Check out these tips to narrow them down…

8. Drive around and pay attention to different areas near you that would make beautiful and creative backgrounds.

9.  Pick a location that matches your family’s personality.  You’ll want these pictures to reflect this time in your lives.  So while railroad tracks can look cool, we recommends that you ask yourself, “Would our family really spend time here?”

10.  Before getting too attached to a location, run it by your photographer.  They should know if there are any issues with your choice (such as a required permit or difficult lighting) or if there are better choices available.

11.  Browse family pictures online for location inspiration. 

The Props

The difference between a good picture and a great picture is in the details.  So don’t forget to add in some fun props for that little something extra…

12.  We  suggest including items from the natural environment in family photos.  ”Keeping the props as minimal and realistic as possible helps keep the focus on the connection between the family.”  So try a bouquet of wild flowers or a picnic blanket.

13.  Incorporate items that have meaning to your family to really personalise the picture.  We recommend using props to highlight your family’s hobbies.  So if you love biking together- why not throw in a bike or two?

14.  Props such as a couch, chairs, stools, or a ladder can help add different posing options to the same location.

15.  Bringing along your child’s favorite toy or blanket will not only capture the special memory in the photograph, but will also help keep your child happy and cooperative.

16.  Props such as chalkboards, signs, wooden letters, or scrabble tiles can help you spell out and convey a specific message.

17.  Choose props that will help your family interact for natural, candid photos.  So bring along a book to read to the baby, a game to lay out and play with the kids, or a picnic to enjoy together.

18.  When choosing props, consider the colour of your clothing and location background as well.  You may want to choose neutral props that will go with anything, or props with a pop of colour for added interest.

Stay tuned to read our next post on family photo-day! We will be giving you tips and tricks on posing, clothing, how to look good and much more!

Digital Wedding Etiquette...

Since you are reading a blog right now one thing is for sure – you are up on technology and the latest form of receiving fresh information. In this digital age… times and traditions are quickly changing and it’s affecting the way we plan our weddings. There are a few pros and cons to being digitally connected with your guests; pros like being able to see their images from your wedding on Instagram and allowing your guests to rsvp via digital devices – and cons being a Facebook friend finding out they weren’t invited to your wedding or a bridesmaid posting a picture of you in your wedding dress before the ceremony for all your FB friends to see! Wedding Paper Divas noticed this new trend and is sharing a few statistics that they have found on how mobile devices are transforming our celebrations…

PHOTOGRAPHING WITH BACKLIGHT + SUN FLARE

Who doesn't love a glowing background? There's something so gorgeous about an abundance of light taking over a photo- casting the perfect light on your subject. To do this, place your subject in front of a light source (in this case, we used the sun) and don't be afraid to experiment. There's no right or wrong it's all about placing your subject in the right place and once you have your settings in place- have your subject experiment with different poses, which allows the sun to peek through various body movements. The outcome really is beautiful and has a tendency to have a vintage and classic look.

Place the model directly in front of the sun and then let her pose so that the light leaked through it different ways. (The best time of day to experiment with glowing light is during the magic hour or anytime when the sun is lower in the sky. This makes it easier to pose your model in front of it! )

Sun flare is a natural occurance that can be unpredictible. You can find this light when posing your model in front of the sun. You'll be able to see it through your camera's viewfinder as you move around and find the perfect position! Try these simple techniques next time you are out shooting photos and we think you'll be pleased with the results!

Nautical love ❤

Summer in Durban (and even some days in winter) are blistering hot, making it the kind of day where dipping our toes in the ocean sounds positively divine. If only we didn’t have to worry about those our cameras and laptops getting wet. Cue in a Nautical Inspired Wedding shoot! Not just the typical beach shoot - with a nautical theme you can really have some fun! And the shots are always great!

Contact us on kayleigh_zettler@hotmail.com OR tlzettler@telkomsa.net to book your wedding!

We have amazing packages at reasonable prices! 

We even include a test shoot with you and your partner so we can get to know you better before you big day!

Our Photo of the day... Happy Birthday Madiba!

Happy Birthday Madiba! You are truly and inspiration to the whole world.

We wish you well on your 95th birthday and hope for more to come!

Louise 21st Birthday!

Just a short & sweet collage of all the fun they (and we!) had on Saturday night at Louise's 21st Birthday Party! We just wish we could she you all the photo's

If you would like to see all our Fancy Photobooth pictures please Click here...

If you would like us to do your next function please contact us on:

kayleigh_zettler@hotmail.com OR tlzettler@telkomsa.net

7 Tips for Photographing Newborns...

Newborn babies are the coveted prize in photography. An adorable sleeping creature that would look cute no matter what? Sign us up! Let’s put that baby in a stockpot! In a basket! Wait! –A headband that looks like a flower! In a field of flowers! With butterflies! And maybe a big gift box bow!

Then I realized that Anne Geddes is the landlord of that entire market. And that it’s rare for a portrait client to actually want a picture of their baby in a stockpot. What people do want is a picture of their baby, that looks like their baby. Because in about 5 minutes their baby isn’t going to look like this anymore.

Set the Scene

In an ideal situation, you are photographing a newborn that is less than two weeks old (when they tend to be more “mold-able”), in the morning (when they tend to be a more willing participant), just after being fed (when they tend to be a little more tolerant), and in a warm room (where they tend to be a little more comfortable).

Having everything ready to go before shooting a single shot is taken will serve you well: various blankets for background and warmth, cloth diapers for when someone pees on you (let’s hope it’s the baby), any clothing you plan to use and back-ups of every possible thing. We prefer minimal clothing on newborns, but this is just personal preference. Amble natural light is important because even if you do usually shoot flash, it’s often disruptive enough to wake a newborn and rule number one in photography, parenting, and life is: Never wake a sleeping baby. If there is anything I’ve learned, it’s that.

Be prepared to work fast because babies can be ticking time bombs, but slowly because they are delicate ticking time bombs. You are methodical. You are confident. You are patient. You are the baby whisperer. Because we are speaking in ideals. And if you’re us and we are still speaking in ideals, you also have on your cute jeans and are having a great hair day. Because, why not?

Find the Purpose

Photographing newborns is one of the few times we make a point of asking clients what they are planning on doing with the end result. Often it’s for use in a baby announcement or just as “baby pictures” documenting this time. But if it’s going to end-up as a 24″x36″ canvas above a fireplace, I want to know beforehand. Or if I’m going to need negative space to create an announcement card, I’d rather shoot with that in mind then trying to backtrack later in post.

Another thing to think about is the ratio of images of the baby alone and the baby with parents or siblings; there is no right or wrong answer here but knowing what you or your client is wanting in advance is key. Newborn shoots are not (usually) guided by a free-spirited toddler and therefore require more of a plan from you than shoots with older children. And you never know when a baby will decide that pictures are just not what he wants to do today and let’s you know this in a very unsubtle and loud way.

It's in the Details

And why shouldn’t it be? Baby details are sorta amazing. I mean have you seen a baby toe recently? Talk about something I’d like to dip in butter and call a snack. We have all seen baby parts photographed in the same boring ways: wedding rings on toes, close-ups of belly buttons and umbilical cords (ew), tops of bald heads in big grown-up hands. We are guilty of doing every one of these, multiple times over. We now see that the shots that will stand the test of time will be very simple close-ups that highlight just how small newborns are: tiny hands holding a parent’s finger, brand new feet that have yet to see wear, yawns and other adorable expressions that only look adorable on a baby.

As Cute as they are Awkward

Oh sure, we all know they are adorable, but what are you supposed to do with them? They are flimsy and tiny and often naked. This is where I think we get into trouble and put them in baskets and stockpots. Because we can. Instead of creating scenes, it’s better to just think of “positions”. Babies can only do about two positions unassisted—laying down this way or that way. Work with that.

They may just lay there, but the beauty in this is that they often let you adjust them however you want. Tuck legs up under bodies, pull flailing arms into blankets, curl them up into someone’s hands. The baby is the star of this show and is plenty cute to pull off this role without a big supporting cast of props. A key to getting the position you want and having it stay that way long enough to get the shot you want is to keep your hands on the baby longer than needed after positioning them.

Think of it as long hug—you don’t need that extra ten seconds at the end, but it feels nice. Get the baby settled and then stay there for a bit longer. The warmth of your hands and the consistency and reassurance is often exactly what the baby needs to “hold” the position you are seeking.

Got extra arms? Use them!

We like to include siblings as often as I can, no matter the age. This gets tricky because the very definition of tricky is a two year old holding a newborn while exhausted parents watch the situation go down. Enough pillows and promises of lollipops though will get you a shot or two and a little variation in the final images. Interaction is the name of the game here—look for whatever the emotion is that’s happening and play on it. If it’s pride, comment on it to instill confidence and document a sweet moment in sibling history. If it’s indifference, engage the older child so they forget there is even a new addition in the photograph and are happy to be your star for a moment.

Stop Worrying

We all love a good worry and consider ourselves to be quite good at it. But as jobs go, photographing newborns is about as close to shooting fish in a barrel as you are likely to get. It’s easy to feel the pressure given that babies are so fragile and grow every single second. The truth is any picture you take of a newborn is a gift. Just as any time spent getting to photograph a newborn. We don’t get sappy often, but newborn babies are pretty special. Enjoy it.

Especially if the newborn belongs to someone else and you get to walk out of there without a crying baby and go home to a bed where you’re permitted to sleep through the night.

Louise 21st Birthday!

We had such a blast at Louise's 21st Brithday this past weekend! And we cant wait to do your next birthday party or function!

What are we up to?

DIY Photography Backdrop

Today we are excited to share one of our photography DIY projects. It's a simple backdrop that just about anyone can create themselves. If you're looking to use it as a party backdrop or just simply setting up a casual setting and using it with your iPhone, any of these options would make for a perfect picture! We had to buy my own fabric, but if you've got leftover scraps around the house, or want to use vintage fabric, that will lower the cost even more!

Supplies:
3-4 different patterned fabrics (about 2 -2,5m in length)
Twine... or even regular string will do!
Scissors

Directions:
Once you've chosen your fabric, simply cut a 1 inch slit about 2 inches from the edge of the fabric. This cut will allow you to rip the remaining fabric, giving you a 7.5ft long, 2inch wide fabric strip. Continue this cut and rip technique until you have torn all of your fabric strips. Once you have your pile of fabric strips, you will now begin stringing them onto your jute string. Take one strip at a time and tie a knot around the jute string. Continue this until all fabric strips are tied onto the jute string. Sit back, and enjoy!

If you choose to use this backdrop for many different photography sessions, chose a gender neutral color scheme. The fun part about this project is you can always go back and add different patterns and colors to the same backdrop. All you have to do is add more fabric, or un-tie a few knots and take away the fabric you don't want. Super easy and versatile!

Top Tips for Better Maternity Photo Shoots

Maternity photography has really gained in popularity through the last few years. Photographers are getting more and more creative with women and their baby bumps. It’s fantastic to see so much brightness and life in this new wave of photography. However, with any specialty there are always a few things to keep in mind when starting out.

1. The Time is Right

It’s hard to say when the exact right time to photograph a pregnant woman would be, but in most cases 7 months is the ideal month. This is usually when the baby has dropped a bit in the tummy and when moms are still relatively comfortable in moving their bodies. If you wait until after the 7 months, sometimes it can be uncomfortable  for the mothers, plus they have a lot on their plate the closer they get to their due date.  As a photographer, you’ll also want enough time to edit and print these images before the baby arrives. This should be plenty of time for your client to order images and share them before the wee one enters the world.

2. Preparation is Key

Maternity photography should be treated just like modeling or head shot photography. Have your client come prepared. Moms should make sure their nails are groomed and you might even suggest having the moms have their hair and makeup professionally done.  It’s a little bit of pampering but it goes a long way in making the clients feel great about themselves. Have a candid discussion with your client regarding what to bring and make sure they bring water, snacks and a robe (for in between shoots) so they can feel as comfortable as possible. Also, remind them  not  to wear anything too confining around the belly before the session (like elastic pants). This can often leave marks on the tummy in which you’ll have to photoshop out later. So save yourself some time with this little tip.

3. Try New Angles

Ok, so you’ve done the traditional photo of mom standing up with her hands on her belly, now what? With maternity photography, it’s important to get the best angles and lighting as possible for the expecting moms. Try shooting from above. This is a great angle as it is almost always flattering . At this position, you can focus on her bright eyes or her hands on her belly. She can be looking straight at you or down at her bump. Any of these combinations will work as this angle is flattering and slimming to the face.

4. Get Creative

Think outside the box and get creative. What I love most about today’s maternity photography is the abstracts. I love the focus on the belly and flowers. Or maybe the feet are in focus and the tummy is out of focus. Or you can be clever in announcing the sex of the child by including elements to give clues. Try a pair of boy’s baby shoes in the photo or maybe fill the room with pink balloons. It’s fun to get creative and your client will have fun as well.

5. Get Loved Ones Involved

It’s not just mom who is excited about the arrival of the baby, it’s the dad, the partner, the pets, the siblings, the grandparents, the aunts, the uncles, you name it, everyone is anxiously waiting. So now is the time to capture their excitement too and include them in the maternity photo shoot.  Dads and partners can come in and wrap their arms around the mom. Siblings can come in get up and close to mom’s belly. Finally, let Fido in on the action too, he’s a part of the family too and his life is about to get a whole lot better with more table scraps coming his way in a few years.

The important key to remember with any of this is to always make sure your client is comfortable. Keep relaxed but take this seriously. Your clients will love the extra attention and details you give them. Photographers are family historians and this is one of the most important jobs in the world.

Gift Vouchers!

Who doesn't love a gift voucher? We sure do, so here's what we're thinking...

If you purchase a gift voucher with us in the month of July, we'll give you 10% OFF!!!!!

Capturing Emotion...

Capturing emotion in photos is no easy task! It can be especially tricky when people know they are being photographed. You know how children have the "cheese!" face, well adults have it too. There are times when we all want something more from a photo... genuine emotion. As the photographer, it's our job to help people feel relaxed and comfortable! These five tips will help you get started...

1. Take Plenty Of Warm Up Shots

There are times when a person needs a little time to warm up in front of the camera. In these situations, we are thankful for taking that extra few minutes to get a great shot. Don't be afraid to take an assortment of photos as you get to know your subject. Everyone has a few extra flattering poses and as a photographer its our job to find them! Who wants an unflattering photo?! Not cool. So, take the time to find the beauty in your subject. This will give them the extra time to get comforatble in front of the camera. It's a win-win situation! 

2. Ask Lots Of Questions

When we began to get to know our subjects, our photographs got better. We have always been moved by emotion and that is one thing that really connected us to photography. Having a conversation while taking photos is a great way to capture little moments and get photos that reflect the person's personality! 

3. Experiment With A Full Range Of Emotion

Depending on the focus of the photoshoot, we like to experiment with a full range of emotion. We do this for various reasons, but most importantly it helps break the ice. Spending a few minutes being fun, silly, flirty, serious and sad....can loosen up your subject, while at the same time getting to know the comfort level of your subject. Everything we do and the way we interact with a subject goes back to "getting to know" our subject- spending this extra time to find the beauty rather than shoot and hope for the best- will really pay off. We promise. 

4. Watch For The In-Between Moments

From the start of a photosession to the time it comes to an end...We are always ready. Our cameras are in hand and we are aware at all times, anticipating the unexpected and unplanned moments. Some of our favorite shots are the ones right after the shot that my subject was expecting. This is when they breathe out the breath they were holding in, relax the smile that could have been forced and the moment when their body falls into a more relaxed position. We can give our subjects direction all day long, but there's something wonderful about a natural pose...and sometimes you can find that in the "in between." So, our advice is to always anticipate the next move, before your subject gets there. Keep your camera to your eye and continue to look for the natural beauty. Everyone has it. It's there. Anticipate it!

5. Do The Research & Get To Know Your Subject

Tracey: When I take photos of my dear friends and family I always try to capture one of the qualities that I love most about them! In this photo of my sister and her son, Jennifer & Oliver, I was trying to capture his adorable smile, one of his cutest qualities. I pulled funny faces and played "peeka-boo" from behind my camera and instead I got this cute little face... nothing better than a little surprised face to make a photo a little more fun! 

Kayleigh: My subjects can always expect to receive a Q&A from me, prior to a photoshoot. It's super important to me to capture who they are. What works for me is coming up with questions that will allow a peek into my subjects life, which helps me get to know them. If I am photographing a married couple I love getting to know what the husband adores about his wife....and what the wife appreciates about her husband. Whether it's the dimple on her left cheek or the way he holds her hand when they cross a busy street....I want to capture just that!

We hope you've picked up some tips for capturing emotion. Whether you are photographing your own family or someone you've never met you'll be able to create a comfotable, fun photo session! Have a great day! 

T & K

Natural Light... ❤

There are several components that make up a beautiful, luminous portrait, including how you interact with you subject, composition and balance. Finding the perfect moment and location and of course the LIGHT!  When we create a photograph, we seek to capture that sweet space where are and life merge into a moment bathed in natural light...

WE LOVE A DISCOUNT!

Guess what! 

We are running a discount offer! Print out this "coupon" and recieve these discounted rates on your next photoshoot! Woohoo!

Contact us on: tlzettler@telkomsa.net / 084 818 2223

The Meeting Tree

Amazing crafts, beautiful people and good food is always a fantastic combo for the weekend!

The Meeting Tree in Shongweni is the essence of all things good for your soul!

We are taking a drive up this weekend to check it out and see if our Fancy Photobooth will fit in for next month! We are so excited and hope to see you there this Sunday!

Woohoo! Fancy Photobooth @ Bulwer Market!

We had so much fun at the Market this weekend and we cant wait to go back!
Thank you to all those special people who came down to support us and took some fun photo's!

Also, a BIG congratulations goes out to Holly Pittam in WINNING OUR RAFFLE! we cant wait to book her free shoot with her!

Here are some of our favourites...