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Here you will find all sorts of things: tips and tricks, book reviews, stories of my adventures, client features, and so much more!
Dorinda’s Maternity Portraits- Los Lunas, New Mexico
I honestly can’t recall how many years Dorinda and I have been friends now, but it’s been a long time. I watched as her and her husband Nick (also a good friend) became parents half way around the world (Nick was stationed in Japan with the Navy), and again after they’d been reassigned to Chicago. After they finally moved home a few years ago, I finally got to meet and cuddle their sweet kiddos. So when Nick and Dorinda announced they were expecting baby #3, I jumped at the chance to capture her pregnancy this time around!
What You Need to Know About Photography Business Models
I was recently watching a masterclass for photographers, and the speaker- another photographer by the name of Matt Kennedy- was teaching about pricing and business models for photographers. I realized right off that there is A LOT of confusion about business models for photographers, not only among photographers, but for our clients as well! If we can't event figure out what business model we follow, how can we explain it to y'all?! Well, I'm going to try to clear up some of the confusion for you.
How To: Picking a Location for Your Family Portrait Session
One of the current trends that I love in photography is taking family portrait sessions out of the studio and into the community. So much more can be created when you’re outside- especially during the Golden Hour. But, you also need to be mindful of the safety of your location- especially with young kids are around.
How To: Prepping Your Kids for Family Photos
One of the many reasons that I've heard for not getting annual portraits taken of your family is that it's too hard to accomplish with young children. Well, it may seem that way, but it's actually not that hard- you just have to work with your kids instead of against them. Here are my tips for working with your kids and preparing them for family photos:
How To: Planning a Family Portrait Session
Annual family portraits can be a daunting task for many people, especially with young children, but it can be done! Here are my tips for planning your session so that it is an awesome experience for everyone involved.
The Mendez Family- River park, Los Lunas, New Mexico
I met this spunky family last September on a beautiful Fall evening. This sweet family was simply hoping to update their annual portraits, so we chose the lovely Los Lunas River Park for their session.
Jennica and C.J.- An In-Home Family Portrait Session in Los Lunas, New Mexico
I have known Jennica for many years- we were on Swim Team together in High School- so, when her sister, Cara, asked if I had time to do a portrait session for her as a Christmas present, I jumped at the chance to see my old team mate and friend!
Underwood Family Portrait Session- Elena Gallegos Open Space Area, Albuquerque, NM
I first met Nicole when she reached out to me a few months ago, looking for a photographer who could do a family portrait session while the whole family was together over Christmas as a gift to her Mother-in-Law. Luckily, I had availability that met her needs, because this sweet family was coming together from all across the country for the first time in two years!
Have You Considered a First Look Session?
It used to be a tradition that brides would participate in a Bridal Session before the wedding. Many would use it as a trial run for their hair and make-up, and to make sure that their dress fit and generally, to see their whole look put together for the first time. Brides would then meet with their photographer to have their bridal portraits taken before the day, so that it was less hectic on the day of the wedding, and to have some special portraits of just her. But, this tradition seems to have fallen off. Today's brides just aren't interested in doing these sessions because they're so crunched for time, or because it just seems like a waste.
Xavier's Newborn Session- Rio Rancho, New Mexico
I have known Hali and her family for a number of years- her daughters were actually in my Girl Scout troop- so when sweet Xavier arrived, I was excited to take portraits of him! Xavier arrived on July 9th, 2017, and weighed in at 7 lbs. 15 oz. and was 20 inches long. He was greeted by Dad, older sisters Maddie and Lyiddia, and older brothers Sebastian, Alex, and Bryant, and our mutual friend Amber.
What Serving YOU Means to Me
I recently had a conversation with another wedding friendor (a wedding vendor turned friend) about my commitment to customer service- or rather my over-commitment to it. It made me realize that I haven’t publicly shared something about myself and my business that I’ve been hoping y’all would just figure out (and some of you have!!!). What I need to share about myself and my business with y’all is that my commitment to service is not superficial or something that I know I should have because I’m providing a service to you guys. It is an ingrained part of my core being, and something I do, no matter what.
Rebecca’s Maternity Portraits- UNM Duck Pond, Albuquerque, NM
I met Rebecca several years ago in what probably appeared to be a very shady parking lot exchange of Girl Scout cookies. My troop had extra cookies, and her troop needed a few more for the end of the season. Since then, I’ve gotten to know Rebecca even better through Facebook, and I can honestly say she is incredibly smart, very witty, immensely talented, and more loving to her partner Kyle and daughter Adoli than I can describe.
MaKayla’s Newborn Session- Los Lunas, New Mexico
In full disclosure, I’ve known Ms. MaKayla’s mamma, Monique since we were babies ourselves. My mom and grandma used to babysit her while her mom worked, so we were together until I started school. Our age difference was just enough to mean that I was a year ahead in school. The stories that we could share about one another!
Preparing Your Partner for Your Engagement Portraits
Many men avoid having their picture taken for various reasons. My husband is an expert at dodging my camera. But, most acknowledge and accept that having engagement photos done is necessary, so they begrudgingly agree. There are some things that you can do to help them prepare for your portrait session, though.
Simpson-Parrott Family- Albuquerque, New Mexico
I have had the pleasure of knowing Meg for a number of years now. We first met through Girl Scouts, and if it weren't for her, I'm pretty sure I would have given up on graduating from college. I've taken her family's portraits since I began my business nearly four years ago, and in that time it has been an honor and a pleasure to watch her family grow.
What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos
Your engagement photos are the first formal photos that you and your fiancé take as a couple. They say a lot about you as a couple- from the type of setting they're in to what you wear, they help people understand who you are and what you enjoy doing together. That being said, what to wear is a HUGE question, and to help you figure it out there are a few smaller questions to answer first.
The Gray Family- Belen, New Mexico
I had the pleasure of working with Patty, her daughter Jamie, Jamie's husband Ryan, and their daughter Leah this past Saturday to capture their very first family portraits in many, many years. While Jamie, Ryan, and Leah actually live in Portland, Oregon, Patty and her husband (who was still traveling home) have spent the last two years working in Poland. Before that they traveled the country working for various contractors in scientific research, design, and develop capacities.
10 Things Your Wedding Photographer Wishes You Knew
There are things we wish we could all tell others about our jobs. But, when you work in a service-based industry, where you work with people who've hired you to do something for them that they can't do for themselves, it's even more prevalent. Following- and in no particular order- are the things I wish I could tell all of my clients, so that they can understand that they're not alone.
Jane and Jake’s Maternity Portraits- Los Lunas, New Mexico
Jane and Jake Larson are some of the sweetest people that I’ve ever met. This past September, they welcomed their first child- a little girl named Payton. I was blessed to capture this special time in their lives- the last few weeks before they became parents and went from a family of two to a family of three.
The Romero Family- Bosque Farms, New Mexico
I had the absolute honor of working with the Romero family a few weeks ago. This amazing family is behind Bosque Farm's Farmhouse Style- a small local business featuring reclaimed antique furniture and other goodies that come from Chip and Joanna Gaines' retail line. And, I'm lucky enough to have several of their pieces residing in my own home!