Wicken Family Winter Shoot!

*Calgary Family Photographer*

Stef is an old friend and I really appreciate the support she has given my business. Her family is adorable! From the fluffy dog to two of the cutest little men ever, it was a very fun experience to head out in a snowy park and take some pictures. It was funny to try and wrangle everyone inbetween throwing snowballs and running around. I look forward to watching these little boys grow :D

I'd love to hear from you, so feel free to comment!

Tuesday's Tip: How to get the Photos YOU want

Hi there!

Today I want to talk about how to get the kind of photos that you actually want. I have heard many people complain that they hired a photographer but then didn't like the pictures that they ended up bringing home.

There are 3 steps that I recommend when choosing a photographer that will help to make sure that you really get the pictures you were looking for.

1) Actually to talk/meet your photographer. While most photographers are friendly and easy to get along with, there are some who are very shy, super quiet or frankly kind of weird. If you can meet or talk over the phone you'll get a glimpse of how comfortable you are likely to feel with that person. You will remember having the pictures taken and if it was an awkward experience you will look at your photos differently. If it was a good experience the pictures are more likely to bring back those happy memories and make you feel good while you look good in them.

2) Look at other pictures they've taken. Some degree of stocking your potential photographer is ok :) Dig through their work. Look for both photos you like and photos that aren't your favorite. Do they all have a similar look to them? You'll want to find a photographer who has lots of their old work to look at, it helps you know that they've been around the block a few times and that they know what they are doing. It may not all be on their official website often time though photographers will have a blog or Facebook page with even more pictures to look through. You'll also want to image yourself in some of their photos. Every photographer comes to develop their own style by the way they take their pictures and the way they finish them. Some like very bold colors or strong black and whites, while others keep things more natural- pick what's the most appealing to you. A warning though photographers who have a little bit of everything on their websites can be "wild cards" and they may surprise you with a new way of doing things with your pictures.

3) Contact past clients. This suggestions can be hard to do if you don't already know someone who has used a specific photographer. Despite a certain level of awkward shyness it can be one of the best things do to. Listen to the persons opinion but most of all ask them WHY they feel that way and think to yourself, "would I feel the same way?". As I photographer I'm more than happy to give you the contact information of people I've worked with in the past. I tend to work with people year after year and I really enjoy those clients who have become like friends.

So to summarize getting the pictures that you want is as easy as: talk or meet your photographer; make sure you like their other work and can imagine yourself in it; and make sure past clients were happy too!

As a photographer I do my very best to understand what my clients want so that I can make them happy- it's a huge part of my job and I really enjoy that personal touch of getting to know people.

Comment and let me know what you think is the most important thing to look for in a photographer

Prima

Sorry for the delay folks, my family and I have been sick :S. I hung out with this lovely lady the first really nice day of the year we got heaps of pics but these are some of my favs!

TOP 15 Things that I LOVE about being a photographer

I thought I'd make a quick list...kinda late show style :)

15) When strangers can tell I'm a photographer by all the bags I'm carrying

14) Being snap happy- especially on outings like family walks

13) Being confident enough to be "in the way" for a second to get the perfect shot at an event, then ducking out. It's kinda fun when it's socially acceptable to follow brides up or down the aisle :P

12) Playing with equipment..."hello, awesome glass, where have you been all my life?"

11) Playing with props, I mean who doesn't need 10 rustic baskets that a newborn baby can fit inside? And hats! Lots of baby hats!!!

10) Playing with wardrobe... Yes I have a case full of clothes for models...doesn't everyone?

9) The odd workout I get during a shoot- I may need to do more yoga.

8) The fact that my husband let me take over half of his "man cave" to set up my studio.

7) That on a whim I can get really great pictures of my own kids ... which reminds me I should do that more often.

6) Holding newborn babies. I would have stolen every baby I have ever photographed if I thought I could get away with it...or if I thought I had a big enough house for that many children.

5) Meeting wonderful people. Clients, models, other artist.  I ♥ U!

4) Developing a craft that requires both technical knowledge and an artist eye. Its a cool art meets science thing and anyone who knows me knows how much that appeals to me.

3) Photoshop!!! Oh how I love messing around in Photoshop. I love to enhance the beauty that is there, I have no ambitions of doing "digital plastic surgery" but man can the correct application of Photoshop make an ordinary good image look stunning.

2) I am self employed! "Sorry, I'm busy with my family that Saturday but I can book that other time you are free." I can work as much or as little as the rest of life affords- which means if I'm out working I'm excited to be there!

What's the number 1 thing that I love about being a photographer?

Hmmmm

1) Capturing forever the deepest depths of love. No amount of Photoshop can alter the loving looks exchanged during shoots- I get invited into people's lives to immortalize those really great moments. It has been a true privilege in my life. I'm really very grateful to all of my clients for trusting me, I look forward to seeing you all again soon. And if you don't know me yet- let's hang out and take some awesome pictures!

Ok so here's the drill, if you are reading this MAKE A COMMENT!!! & SUBSCRIBE!!!  Oh and follow me on twitter or like my facebook page

Niloufar

Gallery coming soon!
Seek peak below

Ways to feel more comfortable in front of a camera...

Often clients express some "camera shy" feeling at the beginning of the shoot, while I understand that this is rather natural I thought I'd list some things that might make busting out a pose feel more enjoyable.

#1- Hire a Good Photographer :P

No really! Hire a good photographer who has lots of experience working with people. Those of us who have been at this for a while will know that putting someone at ease is the first step to getting great photos.

#2- Make Jokes!

Laughing can really help calm nerves and get you feeling good about life in general, so giggle a little.

#3- Try to be Prepared

If you rushed your hair and make-up that will likley be on your mind. Try to clear your mind of anything other than what is currently going on. Although it is always best to be 100% prepared for the photo session, if you are running a bit behind, ask for another 10 minutes.

#4- Don't look in Mirrors While the pictures are Being Taken

Some people seem to think that they have prefected the look they want in the mirror and so they will try to catch their own reflection while the camera is on them. In my expereince it just doesn't work out. The photos end up looking more awkward. Instead I find imagining in your mind how wonderful you look is much better.

#5- Show some Teeth!

I can't even count the number of times I've heard, "but I don't like my smile". Here is a tip: Anyone who cares about you loves to see you smile. So unless you have big plans of getting photos taken and then promptly hiding them from the whole world, take at least a few shoots smiling.

#6- Trust Your Photographer

I know, I know, I'm harping! But who is on the other side of the lens really matters. While trust might not develop in an instant, try their suggestions for poses and corrections to positions you are in. A good photographer should have some ideas of positions and places that would look good. You should trust your photographer that really bad pictures won't show up in the final showing so there should be no risk to talking or making silly faces as a joke once in a while. Make sure you check out your photographers portfolio- having too many pictures that aren't the best can show one of two things either A) the photographer isn't very experienced or B) they have a hard time rejecting photos that just aren't the best.

#7- Don't Get Down on Yourself

I alway feel bad when people get down on themsleves because they blinked or sneezed or whatever. We're all human and especial with digital photography I could take 1000s of pictures if I had to to get that perfect 1- so no pressure. Be yourself and stay positive!

#8- YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!
I have yet to find a person who isn't unique, interesting and beautiful in their own right- seriously. Sure we all have our imperfections but often they make us more interesting. I really only get a "photographer rush" (the lesser know cousin of the runners high) when I photograph people. I love the way you look, I love all your stories and I don't even know you :) It is my hope that through my photography people will see new sides of themselves, beautiful new sides of themselves.






Hey YOU!
If you read this make a comment! Follow me on twitter @glowingphotos or like my facebook page. I'd love to hear from you!

Recent Shoot

Jesse
It was a pleasure to have Jesse, a local actor and generally good guy, back in front of my lens. He's a joy to have in studio and often after he leaves my cheeks hurt from laughing. For this shoot I was aiming for some dramatic lighting and some more interesting portraiture than I have done in the past. I think it was pretty successful. 

  
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Preping Baby for a Photo shoot

Days before:

Discuss Babies Schedule

Try and pick a time when baby is typically awake and calm. A photographer should be willing to be flexible and understand the needs of your little one- speaking from experience I don’t really want to show up in the middle of your baby’s fussiest time if that time could have been predicted. If baby has no predictable schedule pick a time when you as the parents will feel well rested and as relaxed as possible. The photo shoot should be a really fun experience, if you are not a morning person book an afternoon.

Discuss wardrobe with your photographer

Some people like baby bums and some like tutus. For really young and tiny babies the buff look will really capture they're features. But if you are not comfortable with that make sure that clothes fit as well as possible so that baby doesn’t get lost in all the fabric. Many photographers (me included) have a "tickle trunk" of baby props, hats and accessories. If your baby has any… umm… let call them head shape issues… hats can really be helpful to soften that appearance and focus the attention on her adorable little face.

Determine the optimal number of people to be present.
Often, while an extra set of hands can be great, too many cooks in the kitchen could be frazzling. Younger children and pets may need arrangements for baby-sitting or a plan for being amused if included in the shoot.
  
24 hours before:

Confirm everything with your photographer

Date, time, location. It’s great to make sure that everyone is on the same page and to make sure everyone is healthy and ready to go!
Try to maintain any schedule your baby may have. Sleep disturbances could spill over to the next day so try and keep things as normal as you can.

Minutes before:

Create a Happy and Calm Environment

• Come prepared. Remember the clothes for the shoot and an addition outfit for after, a few extra diapers, feeding items, comforting items (binky? Teddy?) and toys. 

• Feed your little munchkin! Well rested and well fed babies are typically calmer, happier, little creatures. 
• Apply some lotion to babies skin. Most babies in Calgary have dry skin so apply either some oil (olive oil can work well) or some lotion that you have previously used.
• Take a moment for yourself so that you feel good as well; whether that means eating breakfast, doing your hair and make-up or just being ready 5 minutes early so you can breathe.

Don’t sweat it! 

A professional newborn photographer knows how to handle and pose babies. A professional with experience should have a patient, calm and happy presence either in their studio or in your home.

I can see you! If you've read this post please subscribe and leave a comment. I would love to hear from you.

How to look your best 34+ weeks pregnant

I have had the pleasure of interacting with women as they prepare to become mothers. Despite the profound natural beauty that women emanate at this time in life they can often feel less than gorgeous. Whether it is the baby weight, stretch marks, karate kids, high emotions or just a good old fashion case of the "blahs" it can be hard to feel like leaving the house let alone posing in front of the camera. Here are some suggestions to feel as “Glowing” as you can in the weeks before meeting baby:

Take Care of Yourself

Seems obvious, I know, but it can be the answer to many bad moments. For example: If you are hungry, don’t wait, have a small snack; if you get sleepy take a cat nap! Growing a new human being takes a lot of energy so make sure you have all the rest and fuel that it will require. Keep in mind also that moderate activity is a good idea and fresh air can feel great! So maybe after that nap take a nice paced walk (who cares if you waddle a bit!)

Buy New Clothes

I can’t even count the number of moms-to-be I’ve heard talk about waiting too long to buy new clothes that fit. I have found for myself that nothing makes you feel crankier than being all bunched up in clothes that don’t fit. Also try some stretchy fabrics that will move with you. Clothes don’t have to be super expensive to look nice and many baby consignment stores have a maternity consignment area too. Flowing dresses are great and won’t put as much pressure around your waist and pelvis which can mean less red pressure lines.  

Pamper Yourself Once in a While

Before each of my children were born I went and got a pedicure. Nothing like sparkly toes to distract you from swollen ankles! Get a hair cut, get your make-up done… have a photo shoot!! Do something that reminds you that you are special and beautiful. There is nothing as beautifully feminine than a woman about to have a baby and don’t let yourself forget it!

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