Mother-Daughter Portraits in the Park- Davis, CA

May 30, 2013 by Pamela | 2 Comments

It was a great pleasure taking Heidi and her daughter’s portraits! They had traveled down to California from Washington for a short visit with family and we met up in one of my favorite parks to take their photographs. This Mother-Daughter portrait session was a first for this totally funny dynamic duo.  :)

We laughed. A lot!

I know it can feel really awkward to be the focus of the camera, so I work hard to gently direct my clients into subtle poses where they are comfortable and relaxed and feel at ease, but also look like themselves on their best day in their finished portraits. I believe one’s level of comfort is then reflected in a genuine smile, when they aren’t rolling their eyes at my bad jokes, that is… ;)

 

 

woman's portrait in park

Heidi’s husband said that the photo above was likely the best photograph he’d ever seen of her. Hearing  about that brought me great joy!

mother-daughter portrait in park

mother-daughter portrait in park

This photograph caught a little bit of playfulness, which I love. :)

teen portrait in tree

We made good use of the beautiful oaks in the park with the light of early sunset adding it’s signature golden kiss.

mother-daughter portrait in park

 

I have a special place in my heart for multi-generational portraits such  Mother-Daughter and Father-Son. They are great memories to make and provide you with precious keepsakes as your family grows through the years.

The only gift I request on Mother’s day is an updated photo with my children. Flowers fade, but photos are forever.

- Pamela :)

Posted in Family Portraits, Mother-Daughter Portraits, Photography

Mother’s Day Photo Tips

May 12, 2013 by Pamela | 1 Comment

Happy Mother’s Day!

Have you taken a photo with your children (or mother) yet?

Below are a few suggestions:

1- Have the tallest person or two sit in a chair.
2- Use the bodies of your children to hide parts of you that you do not like. If the camera can’t see it, it doesn’t exist! Best trick ever. :)
3- For best focus- Determine who’s face is closest to the camera. Pretend there is a plate of glass right in front of their nose and try to have the other faces as close to that piece of ‘glass’ (or plane) as possible. Have those in back bend at the waist keeping their torso/spine straight.
4- Take the photo in full shade, not full sun and not dappled shade.
5- Positioning people on porches works great- have them face OUT to the light for best lighting. Bright back grounds distract the eye and if you shoot on automatic, the camera will underexpose the subjects.
6- Have everyone close their eyes and on the count of three- have them open eyes and give a smile. Take photo one second later- too soon and you will have half opened eyes. This cuts down on blinkers. (You know who you are!)
7-Do not have shoulders square to, and facing the camera. You won’t like it, trust me. Angle bodies for more flattering angles.
8- More mature faces or those with double chins benefit greatly from from the camera being slightly higher than their face.
9-Have fun, make memories, and get the best photo printed! What’s the point if it stays on your computer???

Here is a “getting my settings” test shot I took of my 8yo- the one who USUALLY has her hand in front of her face when she sees my camera – yeah, that one. :) It’s not posed at all- just one of her natural looks. LOL  When I took the shot, I had no idea it would wind up on a blog post. :) Our front door is just to camera right.

Notice the light quality? This photo has only very slight editing to boost contrast as RAW files tend to be flat straight out of the camera.

Lighting example photo

Posted in Photography tips

If the photographer can’t laugh at herself…what’s the point?

April 16, 2013 by Pamela | Leave a comment
soaked at the beach

Soaked!

 

I’m greatly enjoying life as a photographer being back in California’s photographically rich environment and connecting with fellow photographers. They are a great bunch of people! :)

 

I learned a few lessons on my first beach photo walk a few weeks back that might prove helpful should you find yourself with such an opportunity:

1- If you are trying for a shot with waves crashing around you as you are perched precariously straddling two separate rocks and the thought occurs that the resulting photo will be mediocre at best- go with your gut and get to dry land.

2- If you do not go with your gut and instead try ‘for just one more shot’ be warned- a larger then average wave is headed your way, one which you will not be able to outrun. Instead, it will bring you to your knees. Literally.

3- Boots are great to keep the sand out! And the water in. Trying to empty them will only result in trading water for sand. In equal portions.

4- Bring extra clothing if there is a possibility of getting wet.

5- If you are surrounded by photographers, have one of them take your photo, otherwise you might appear to be bald on top. ;)

6- Misery loves company… as Vincent had the unfortunate distinction of providing me when he got soaked much more thoroughly.

7- Bring lens cleaner and paper for your glasses and camera glass as the pounding, salty surf will make the world very blurry, indeed! Many thanks to Vincent for sharing some cleaner and a lens paper! :)

 

Oh, and don’t forget to bring your husband with you because he WILL laugh at you as he reminds you that “I told you so” (he did, indeed!) which will help you to then laugh at yourself.

 

~Pamela :)

P.S- Some photographs from this photowalk will appear on my other site found here.

Posted in humor, Photography, Photography tips

I am a huge fan of gooey cheese…but not in my photography!

March 28, 2013 by Pamela | Leave a comment

We have the camera poised, a child (or several) on the other side of the lens and we find ourselves uttering those two well-worn words that have become synonymous with photography: “Say cheese!!”

We’ve all done it.

Repeatedly.

~sigh~

Often the results of the “Say cheese ploy” are huge, fake smiles that often show an unnatural amount of teeth. Personally, I’m not attracted to fake smiles. We humans have an innate ability to judge when a smile is fake vs. genuine. Fake-ness repels, genuineness, on the other hand, is warm, relational and inviting.

There is certainly  a place for the “Hi, Mom!” shots as Bambi Cantrell calls them, those shots when everyone is facing the camera and giving a nice, natural smile. Such photos are representational and are important  for recording how people look at a certain point in time and in relation to others in the photo. These shots provide the family history which we crave. As a parent I like to look back on photos of my children and compare them to photos of me or my husband when we were about that age. It can be great fun!

What I find more appealing in a photo as both a photographer and a mother are those photos that go beyond the simple act of a historical record, I treasure the photos where people come alive! There are so many emotions that can be captured by the camera beyond the simple face-to-camera smile. We can capture the look of concentration, one of joy or of happiness or even preoccupation. You get the idea. :)

I would like the challenge you. The next time you are taking photos of your children, don’t just sit them in a row stiffly and have them say “cheese!” Watch your child(ren) as they go about their day or are involved in an activity. Try to capture the moments that show their true nature, the essence of their personalities which you know so well. Sure- take the photos for history, but experiment! Catch them while they are blissfully unaware of the camera. You won’t regret it. I promise. :)

Below is a photo of my seven year old. I took it this past weekend and I love it! You have to understand, this child does not enjoy her photo being taken. More times than not I have a hand in the frame where her face should be. This child is exuberant, with a pleasant disposition and is just generally delightful. This photograph captures ALL of those aspects of her personality in one non-traditional shot.

I never would have gotten this photo if the words “say cheese!” were anywhere near the top of my mind. Being sprawled on the sidewalk on my stomach was also helpful. :)

Child in action photograph

Joy!

~Pamela :)

Posted in Child Photography, Photography, Photography tips

Professional Photography- What’s in an Image?

February 25, 2013 by Pamela | Leave a comment

When one first approaches professional photography, often, one of the first questions that comes to mind is “How much does it cost?”

One of the most beneficial questions to ask is not the cost in dollars, but rather to ask what benefits you will receive. (Like actually being IN the photo with your family!)

Just about everyone owns a camera these days and it can be difficult to identify who is a photographer. Professional photographers devote many hours and a good deal of financial investment in providing our clients with unique custom photographs. There is a vast difference between what we provide versus the little photo shops in the mall or your local mega store designed for drop in photos showing little to no personality.

The local Professional Photographer has many expenses without the benefit of the financial backing or safety net of a large megastore or corporation.

Expenses include:

Licensing fees (yearly)

Taxes (paid several times a year)

Insurance on our equipment

Equipment: repairs, lens’, lights, light modifiers and stands, wireless triggers, tripods and professional camera bodies that must be replaced regularly (generally annually)for reliability.

Computers: we must upgrade regularly (often annually) in order to maintain the computing power required to process and edit the numerous (and very large!) files we deal with on a regular basis.

Software: the average professional spends about $1,500 on editing software which must be learned and maintained with constant upgrades. The average photographer uses several programs to achieve the high quality product we present to our clients.

Education: For the professional photographer education never comes to an end! It is ever ongoing through various sources such as workshops. New software is developed with features we must learn, cameras constantly evolve with new features, and every shoot provides us with obstacles that we are able to overcome with the knowledge gleaned through both learning and experience-  all for your benefit!

Samples and upgrades

Assistants

Hours away from our families as we research unique products to offer our clients, learn the ordering procedures of various vendors (framing to printing to boutique items) and keeping up on industry standards.

Professional services: such as forms and accounting

Advertising

Aside from expenses there is the subject of time invested per session.

It’s common for the client to assume that half the time invested by the photographer is the actual photo session, and perhaps an equal amount of time invested in editing the images, but in reality so much more time is invested.

An approximate breakdown of time invested per session is below:

Communication with client: 30 min to 1 hour

Planning the session, cleaning and testing equipment, scouting the location, posing ideas: 1.5 hr

Photo Session: 1 hour (or longer)

Image Selection: 1-2 hours

Professionally editing images: 4-8 hours, dependent upon many variables and # of images

Placing orders for your prints, canvas’ and products: 1-2 hours

Photo book/album design and ordering: 1.5 hour

Uploading images to galleries and/or creating a custom CD: 1 hour

Total: 11.5 to 18 hours invested by the photographer per session

 

Not included above are the behind the scenes day-to-day tasks of running a small business such as web page and social media maintenance, keeping books and records, keeping up with industry standards and practices.

 

Why is professional photography a worthwhile investment?

…because life is remembered in pictures…

Your photos are your precious memories to be treasured for a lifetime and a heritage to be passed on to your loved ones. They are worth so much more than just a snapshot here and there printed at the local drug store …and they should include the family picture-taker who is often absent.

 

Like many wives of professors I have been called upon by my husband to take head shots over the years, as needed, for professional use. Below are two such examples. The one on the top was taken several years back with a standard point and shoot digital camera, when I had little understanding of the art of portraiture. I was pleased with it as it was one of the better shots; I remember enjoying a few compliments. The photo on the bottom is a recent head shot taken with my DSLR after some extensive education in the art of photography as well as photo editing. I’ll stick with the new one. ;)

 

Professional Headshot, Fairfield, CA

Posted in Photography

Giving Back Through Photography: Help-Portrait

February 4, 2013 by Pamela | 4 Comments

In December, I had the privilege of participating in a local outreach giving portraits, free of charge to those who desired them in Berkeley, CA. The participants were given the option of having both hair and make-up done by professional stylists before their photograph was taken. I had heard about Help-Portrait a year prior when I lived in another state, and really wanted to participate, however there were no locations in my area, so I was quite excited to connect with other like-minded photographers in my new location.

Help-Portrait was began by photographer Jeremy Cowart as an avenue for photographers to use our skills by giving back to the community. The goal is to provide portraits to those who might not be able to otherwise afford professional portraiture, such as single parents, homeless individuals and low-income families. The motto of Help-Portrait is simple: “A portrait is worth”.

It was awesome to see the clients come alive in front of the camera after they had been pampered in hair and make-up. :) I heard comments about how some have never had their portrait taken and I saw the joy in their faces when they picked up their framed photographs- seeing themselves not in just another snapshot, but as a person worthy of a professional portrait.

 

I didn’t take many behind the scenes photographs, but this was my favorite shot. :)

Here are a few other behind the scenes shots courtesy of Lilly Dong Photography :

My back :) :

Helping Brian MacStay set up a strip light:

We were thrilled to have our food needs well taken care of by Murray Cruickshank Catering and Consulting  based in San Francisco. Look them up on Facebook!

Aren’t the cookies awesome?!

The group shot below is courtesy of Joachim Krueger:

**All photos used with express permission of the photographer**

Posted in Charity, community, Giving Back Tagged |

Engagement Photo Session- Exploring a Small Park

December 19, 2012 by Pamela | Leave a comment

My family and I just moved back to our home state of California after several years away. It is nice to be back near family. :) One perk of our move was that the timing allowed me to be nearby when my oldest niece, Janna, became engaged and I was privileged to shoot her engagement session.

Janna and Dillon chose a small park near Los Molinos, CA. I had never been to this park so the setting was all new to me which is pretty common in location based photography. I enjoy seeing new places just as I enjoy the process of quickly analyzing the location and assessing what it has to offer to my clients for their custom photographs.  This small park was mostly open space with a small and very old jail building, some play equipment and trees.

We began at the jail building as it was closest to the entrance of the park. I’ll admit it- I am always drawn to the character of brick- the older the better!

engagement photo

 

engagement photo

 

I love the mood and interest that the old brick and heavily rusted metal doors lend to the photos!

engagement photo, playful

 

I asked Janna and Dillon what words they would use to characterize their relationship and one of the words they came up with was ‘fun!’ as they enjoy a good amount of playfulness in their relationship. This is one of my favorite photos that I took of them while Janna is spinning Dillon around and around (and around!) on the merry-go-round.

contemporary engagement photo

The above photo is an all around favorite. Immediately upon snapping it I knew I loved it! When I showed it to them quickly on the back of my camera I was thrilled that they shared my enthusiasm. :)

Just outside of the playground were railroad tracks that I had been considering using while we were in the park. I wasn’t sure if I was going to use them or not, initially. I decided that we’d try a few photos on them after I spotted the trestle. I adore structures and the elements of design they bring to photos when they are incorporated! For the below photo we had to wait for a train to pass and then we hiked a bit down the tracks in order to get closer to the trestle.

contemporary engagement photo

I had a great time photographing this engagement session and am thrilled beyond words that I was able to provide my niece with photographs that she and her fiancee will treasure for years to come!

 

~Pamela :)

Posted in Engagement Tagged , |

Heather’s Custom Portraits

October 11, 2012 by Pamela | Leave a comment

I totally enjoyed shooting Heather’s custom portraits!

Heather is a blast to hang around: she is lively and fun as well as passionate.

You may notice Heather’s tattoo. The puzzle piece has become the symbol for Autism, first implemented around 1963.  One of the things she is most passionate about is advocating for those affected by Autism and has begun speaking publicly on the topic. Heather has lived with others with Autism her whole life, before Autism was a ‘household word’ or diagnosis. Having many more answers available today regarding how to better help those with Autism is such a gift, and having people such as Heather who are passionate and articulate with a steadfast commitment to advocacy is a gift to society as a whole. One of Heather’s favorite website’s on the topic is Temple Grandin’s. Temple, herself, is autistic and offers input that has helped thousands as they and/or their loved ones deal with life with Autism.

Heather had never had custom portraits taken before and was super excited- her bubbly personality showed just how much she was enjoying the process. I enjoyed that and it made me all the more excited to be able to provide her with portraits that showed her true beauty, beauty that is certainly more than skin deep. Hearing Heather giggle with pleasure while viewing her photos for the first time made my day. :) I love my job!

The location we chose was fantastic for all the potential it offers, foliage, water… SHADE. Boy, was it a warm day. :) Heather fared a bit better than I as she had remembered to bring her water. I had left mine in the car… I often forget other things when I begin to think photographically. Just ask my husband. Or my children.

On second thought…please don’t.  ;)

 

professional portrait

This is Heather’s top pick. I think the fact it shows her tattoo and gives insight to her passions and values makes it a great choice.

 

professional portrait

This is my top choice. On a whim I decided to see what it would look like in black and white. It quickly became my favorite!

professional portrait with sunflare

 A little sun flare is always fun. :)

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The photo below is just for fun….and proof…that we may have stayed a little longer than we had planned, just playing around. We both found the background…captivating. ;)

night time portrait

~Pamela :)

Posted in Individual Session

Reynoso Family Reunion Photographs

October 2, 2012 by Pamela | 4 Comments

It was quite unexpected, photographing this Family Reunion as we were moving to CA…

When my family and I began the 1,700 mile  trek towards the reunion destination we figured we were just going as attendees since it was the reunion for my husband’s side of the family. We always enjoy attending them as they allow us to get to know my father-in-law’s family better. My Father-in-law is one of eleven children and the reunions are quite an undertaking!

As I stated in my last blog post we arrived at the reunion with our entire life stuffed into a 26′ U-haul and two 12′ trailers and a minivan …with 400 more miles still to go. Two adults, five children (3yo to 19yo), the dog …and the turtle. Yeah- it was a bit of an adventure. Yes, that is an understatement. :)

The morning of the reunion as I was trying to get my crew (and the dog!)  together to drive to the park the reunion was to be held in, I received a call asking me if I had my camera gear handy. It so happens that I’m a bit possessive of my gear.  ;) I didn’t want it bouncing around haphazardly in the van/trailers so it was within easy reach. I was asked with about an hour’s notice. This left me scrambling to make sure my batteries were charged, my memory cards emptied, and lenses were smudge free. I’ve never been so glad to be travelling with two 16GB memory cards! I had anticipated taking a number of photos. I had no idea I’d walk away with hundreds.

As you can imagine the main focus for the first two hours of shooting a reunion with about 200 attendees were the “Hi Mom” shots- everyone facing the camera with smiles all around, mostly.  After the group shots I combined walking around and chatting with capturing candid photos.

Below  are some of my favorites.

Nine of the original eleven children.

She was far too cute to ignore. :)

One of the…many… family groups.

Too adorable!

Striking a pose. :)

Aunt Mary cracks me up!

Some of the grandchildren….

This might well be my favorite photo of them all…

With this being a very close second.

A manicure to match. :)

Sisters…

Posted in Family Reunion Tagged , |

Moving along…

August 18, 2012 by Pamela | Leave a comment

The Captivated Frame has relocated to the beautiful Fairfield, CA area. Fairfield is considered to be in the North Bay area of San Francisco and we are excited to be here! I actually grew up in Fairfield and still find it humorous that I am back. :) I also realized that I failed to fully appreciate it’s location as a child.

Below is a straight out of the iPhone photo taken somewhere in Texas of the vehicles our family of 7 (and the dog and turtle!) lived out of for about two weeks as we transitioned from the deep south and back ‘home’ to northern California.

It was a trip filled with much adventure…and exhaustion. :)  We stopped by the family reunion for my husband’s side of the family in the Los Angeles area on the way north. The morning of the reunion I was asked if I had my camera gear handy (of course!) and was suddenly tasked with taking photos of the family groups that descended from eleven siblings. Though sudden and unexpected, it was a lot of fun and will be the subject of my next post. :)

Posted in Uncategorized