by admin | Mar 23, 2023 | advice / tips, photography
Looking for fun Kid-Friendly ideas this Spring in Austin?
Looking for suggestions for fun things to do with kids in or around Austin this Spring?
Print out my checklist above and have a great time this season.
Need more ideas?
You can also check out this informative article on Redfin that I contributed ideas to.
“Austin, TX is a vibrant and diverse city with something to offer everyone. From its world-renowned music scene to its delicious food culture, Austin is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and exciting travel experience. Whether you’re looking to purchase a home in Austin or rent an apartment in the area, be sure to add these must-see attractions to your bucket list. From swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Barton Springs to exploring the colorful murals of East Austin, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do in this vibrant city. So come on down, experience the energy and excitement of Austin, and check out the Ultimate Austin bucket list.”
by admin | Jan 25, 2023 | advice / tips, photography
What to expect at your family photo session and how to prepare:
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Kids are unpredictable – and I like to go with the flow. Leave all the hard work up to me – just relax & enjoy spending time with your loved ones. I’ll give plenty of directions and have games for us to the play if the little ones want to run off and explore. I’m there to capture the moments that make you all the family you are.
You may be asked to play chase, twirl in a circle, toss your youngest into the air or participate in a hug attack. And if you have ideas of images you want, please let me know.
HOW TO PREPARE:
- Pick out what everyone is going to wear (and bring backups if little ones are involved) & book haircuts if needed
- If you enjoy getting manicures/pedicures – make time for yourself for a little pampering before your session
- Make sure everyone is fed before you arrive (and pack a few snacks/water just in case) – even if “we’ll be getting dinner after” – give the kids some food before you arrive
- Depending on the location – bring something that your family enjoys. If we’ll be shooting at a park, bring along a ball, a kite or a favorite toy (but if you can’t think of something you want to bring, it’s purely optional)
- Right before you get out the car – do a once-over for the kids – brush their hair, clean their face/put chapstick on their lips if needed
I’ll have my tool kit with me (mirror, combs, wet wipes, etc.) if you need to do some touch-ups before we begin. I’ll also bring a blanket so we can do some shots sitting down as well (just let me know what colors you’re wearing).
by admin | Jan 16, 2023 | advice / tips, photography
Tips:
Your three outfit categories are: On the Job, Professional Headshot and Brand Style (see chart above).
Most importantly – make sure you are comfortable and confident in what you are wearing.
-Bring extra clothing options to your session if you can’t decide what to wear (you can also bring layers to change up your look)
-If you want to use your photos throughout the year, have your clothes fit different seasons (Ex. Bring summer dresses AND winter sweaters)
-Do you have brand colors you want to incorporate and match for your photos as well?
Prepare your clothes
- Pick out your wardrobe at least three weeks before your session to make sure you don’t have to shop for anything new.
- Make sure everything is clean, pressed and fits.
- Try on your complete outfit – accessories, underwear and shoes – before your session.
Props
Equally important are any props you want to bring to your branding photo session
- Your computer and cellphone (where the work happens)
- Your favorite coffee mug
- Your planner, journal or any other office supplies you use daily
- Tools of your trade
- Something fun that showcases your personality (ex. what are your hobbies outside of work?)
- Something to celebrate with (ex. bottle of champagne, confetti, etc.)
- Any products that you sell
- Other ideas you have!
Ready to Book?
by admin | Jan 15, 2023 | advice / tips, photography
So you’ve booked your photo session and figured out your location. What’s left to do?
Figure out what the whole family is going to wear.
Here’s my advice:
1. Remember the Weather
There’s an old saying, “Texas has four seasons: drought, flood, blizzard, and twister.” Well – in Austin, we get hot and slightly less hot. So while I’d like to tell you to put on your cozy sweaters and layers for your Fall family photos – I don’t want you melting.
If you look at the average temperature chart for the year below:
If we have a morning Spring session booked, you may need another layer to your cute Spring dress, but by sunset, you can frolic in a field in bare sleeves and sandals and be fine.
And if we have a morning Fall session booked, those sweaters might be needed. But for a sunset session, you may want to bring in the Fall flavor with Autumn colors and textures rather than just layers. And you can always bring a scarf for a few shots, and then take it right back off if it’s too hot. So check the weather forecast and plan your outfits, accessories and layers accordingly.
2) Coordinate with your family
Pick out a color palette of 3-4 colors that each family member can wear some variation of. If you’d like more visuals, I have Pinterest boards:
SPRING/SUMMER
FALL/WINTER
You can all dress in neutrals or bright complimentary colors or earth tones – whatever you’re drawn to. Just avoid big logos, neon colors and distracting patterns.
If you want extra styling help, check out Austin’s Top 10 stylists (according to Yelp), or you can use online services such as Stitch Fix for the whole family or The Dopple just for Kids.
3) Make sure everything is clean and still fits
- Have your kids try on the whole outfit before your session to make sure it all still fits (including shoes) in case you need to buy the next size up.
- Wait to dress your kids until after they’ve eaten and brushed their teeth (I’ve photoshopped a lot of morning toothpaste off of kids shirts over the years)
- Moms – test to make sure you can play and sit on the ground easily in your outfit.
- Dads – make sure your phone and sunglasses are out of your pockets.
- Wear glasses? Make sure to clean them before your photo session.
4) Is everyone comfortable?
YES
5) Do you feel confident?
YES
Hooray! Then you’re ready to have your pictures taken.
Stores I like:
- Boden / Mini boden
- Tea collection (kids only)
- eShakti (women only)
- J. Crew
- Zara
- Anthropologie
- Old Navy
- Target
- Modcloth
- H&M
- Amazon
- Rent the Runway (online rentals)
by admin | Sep 1, 2022 | advice / tips, photography
Now that the seasons are changing in Austin, Texas – it’s time to embrace Fall and (slightly) cooler temperatures. I’ve made a list of our favorite activities for September, October and November.
Feel free to print out a copy for your fridge if you want kid-friendly ideas for Fall.
Happy Exploring and Pumpkin Picking! And contact me below if you want help on #4 from the list.
by admin | Dec 29, 2021 | advice / tips, photography
So you’ve received a full gallery of digital images after your session – what should you make with them?
All of my galleries are linked to the Collage.com print shop – you have the option to order these types of products directly through your ShootProof site.
If the holidays are approaching…
For any other gift giving time of the year – check out the gallery of examples below:
- Wall Art
- Socks
- Mugs
- Puzzles
- Travel bags
- Calendars
- Notebooks
- Phone cases
- Playing cards
- Coasters
- Tote Bags
- Wrapping Paper
- Pillows
- Photo Books
Tips:
