Do-it-yourselfers can have all the independence and freedom to order that you want.  High res digital images are just that…  High resolution files that you, or I, would use to order small or large… canvases, mounted prints, paper prints, metals, acrylics, albums, books, birth announcements, Christmas cards, billboards (yes, that has actually happened!!!)

These digital files are for personal use only.   Using the images for commercial use requires permission from Robin Allen Photography.  Do not alter the images in any way.

Are they cropped?  Sometimes.

First let’s make sure you understand what cropping is.   Think of it like taking a pair of scissors to the original image, and cutting away the unwanted.

In this case I cropped this image because under no circumstances would anyone want my reflector in their image.

Are the images edited or retouched in some way?

YES. definitely yes. It’s unprofessional not to.  You may need to take a look at what retouching means… Read about retouching and editing here.

What is low res, what is high res?

Resolution is the amount of information that’s in the image.  You can think of it as detail.  Prints that you hold in your hand need more resolution than the same “size” image on a screen.  Screens need far fewer pixels per inch (ppi) or dots per inch (dpi) than prints.

800 pixels x 1000 pixels would look fine on a computer screen or phone screen, but if you try to print from it, you’ll notice quickly that the print looks pretty terrible.

YOUR CUSTOM COLLECTION now includes DIGITAL FILES!

How will I receive the image files?

I’ll upload your finished, retouched images to Dropbox.  It’s pretty simple.  I’ll email you a link and you’ll download them to your own device(s).  No need to make a trip out!

Now where to print from your high res digitals…

For regular printing, including small prints, large prints, canvases, and frankly a lot more,  I recommend mpix.com.

MPIX is a user-friendly lab, has GREAT quality, and is well priced for the consumer.

Honestly, I would strongly caution you against big box stores, or one-hour photo situations.  While I haven’t personally used them lately, I have had a few clients report back that they’re junk.  So heads up,  you do get what you pay for.

The post Digital Images from your Photography Session appeared first on Robin Allen Photography.

By the time you are reading this, I will have sent you a link on Dropbox where you can download and keep your digital files on your own devices.

If you need help downloading your digital images, look here for instructions.  You should definitely download all your images to a computer, ideally.  If you load them to your smart phone, the high res files may take up too much room in your phone.

Next you may like to know where to print your images!

I recommend  MPIX.COM 

MPIX is the fierce “little sister” of my pro lab, Millers.  It’s my understanding that Millers owns and operates MPIX.  They have common and unique products that are of professional quality and excellent customer service to boot!

I do not recommend quick and cheap.

So often when clients go to places with “Wal” in the name, as well as their counterparts, I hear reports time and time again that it’s a waste of money. Poor quality etc.

Confession time: I did use one of them once.  I can’t remember the exact circumstance, just that I needed a couple prints ASAP, and I didn’t even have time for next-day shipping.  I used one of those instant-print kiosk things inside the store. My user experience way terrible, but I overlooked it because I told myself its just not what I was used to.  Then came the prints.  UGH!  I was KICKING MYSELF for forgetting to order from my own lab!  The paper may as well have been tissue paper, and the image itself was oddly digital-looking and somehow not color-balanced anymore.  I concluded there could have been some preset the computer thought would “help” the images that I didn’t know how to turn off.  Well, lesson learned.  NEVER AGAIN.  The reports were fair. It was a waste of money.

I’m still happy to help.

Some clients still really like the experience and professional products that come when I still do the ordering.  Especially with large, wall prints, canvases, metals, and other specialty decor.  Clients are always welcome to still order those through me no matter if you have the digital copies or not. MPIX doesn’t offer every single product that my pro lab does, so feel free to shoot me an email or give me a call if you want to find the perfect thing for your home. I’m eager to help!

The post Your digital files are ready!  Now what?   appeared first on Robin Allen Photography.

Gorgeous photographs (with genuinely happy children) does not have to be so elusive!

Tip 1 Hire an actual professional.

That’s right, it cannot just be your neighbor who has a “bigger camera” than yours.   You’ll know a professional photographer by the consistency of quality images across their website. (Heads up! Facebook and instagram don’t count as a website).  A true pro will have many years in business.  And a bona fide professional will not do business ‘under the table’.  They will be insured and legal (so they do charge sales tax).  They’ll also be very focused on whether you are completely pleased, not just whether they got paid!

Tip 2 Find a photographer who understands how to light.

Believe it or not, stepping outside into a beautiful sunny day does not automatically mean you have “good light.”  This subjective term, “good light” really means light which is flattering on the subject.  A lot plays into flattering light: the direction it comes from, whether it is hard or diffused, and the color temperature top the list.  Seasoned professionals understand this, and years of experience has taught us how to “see light,” where to look for it, and how to modify it!  So even on a pretty day, the ambient light still needs to be modified to best flatter any portrait subject. Look for photographers who do this consistently, and without employing the low hanging fruit of an on-camera flash, which is terribly unflattering!

Tip 3 Consider their specialty.

It’s kind of a jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none situation.  If you have a young family, your best bet is to choose a photographer whose main gig is child photography.  Just like I don’t shoot weddings, many wedding specialists don’t jive well with small children.  Much of the ‘professionalism’ in our industry has to do with how we are with people, not just the gear we own or the education we have.

Tip 4 Sync your styles.

I think all of us would agree Claud Monet was a brilliant painter, however not everyone would select his art, or any impressionist painting to showcase in our home.  It is simply a matter of preference.  Even when the subject is your family, styles between different professional photographers vary quite dramatically.  Even if your best friend had a wonderful experience with her very talented photographer, you might have a different style.  So vet their website, and communicate your preferences with whomever you choose.

Tip 5 Don’t break your back trying to select outfits that match.

Some of the nicest images I’ve made have been quite rebellious against the idea of perfectly matching.  If you insist on some coordination across wardrobes, (I’m looking at you, Type A moms), try choosing analogous colors as your theme, or a variety of muted colors. You’ll find that when you don’t pigeon-hole yourself into an exact color, your options open up.  If you’ve already booked your photographer, bounce the question of what-to-wear off him or her.  I know that I recommend slightly different color schemes depending on where we have chosen to shoot.  And you can look around at wardrobe color schemes online for hints too, like here!

Tip 6 Breathe a bit.

If you’ve done tips 1-5, then now you get to relax a bit and trust whom you hired!  Professional photographers do not expect their clients to know the best places to shoot, or times of day to pick. Nor do we expect you to be the one to produce genuinely happy expressions on your children’s faces.  That’s our job!  Your photographer probably will actually enjoy listening to your preferences, and making recommendations.  So hire your favorite and open up to him or her about what will make this year’s family pictures a dream!

Look at that!  Once you hire an experienced, legal professional, who knows lighting, who specializes in exactly what you need, and whose artistic style fits your own, all you need to do is breathe a bit and pick some colors!

The post Are really gorgeous family photos as elusive as you think? appeared first on Robin Allen Photography.

Babies and children are precarious little things, aren’t they?  Newborns are completely baffling at times, babies can have unpredictable moods, and toddlers… oh dear. Looking ahead to children, tweens, teens, young adults… when do the temperatures actually level out?

Shoot day is not exempt from unpredictability.  If anything, it seems to be magnetic to Murphy.  “Anything that can happen – will,” or something like that.

I’m writing this on the heals of a few sessions that did not go how my clients planned.  Babies were oddly cranky, and toddlers flipped their lids.  The mommas were obviously very disappointed.  And what was particularly frustrating to them was that they did not know what caused this freak-out.  All of us involved honestly tried, but today was just not our day!   …This. Happens.  It just does. It’s no one’s fault.  But the important thing is we don’t just wallow in our bad day.  Nope, we start over!

I do not want that possibility that your kid could have a bad day to be a reason you mommas don’t photograph your babies!

Let me be clear… I don’t want the unknowns of “how will my kid do?” at any age be a reason you don’t have your children photographed.

So the pressure is OFF!

If you come to my studio and your baby is “just not herself” or your son “has never done this before,”  you can trust me that I will gladly reshoot your session on a new day and we’ll give it another shot.  ➡ No extra charge.  No stink-eye.

With 11+ years photographing children, I do have plenty of tips for you as to how we accomplish success, and I do hope you’ll take them to heart out of respect for my time, but even when you do, I completely understand kids are kids and life happens.  So grace all around!

Fine print (because to be clear is to be kind)

If on *the day of the session* you think your tot was just not himself, say the word and we’ll schedule another session to be shot within three weeks.  I know this is subjective, and I’d never really know if you’re pulling a fast one, but that’s the thing about my clients – you wouldn’t.  I have the best clients in Central Kentucky.

If your child has been up all night, is sick, had shots yesterday, or has some other reason that would cause a difficult session, please reschedule.  I will not be upset at all for rescheduling!  When possible, I would appreciate it if you would give me as much notice as you can if you’re rescheduling.  The quickest way to reach my is by calling… (859)685-8516 

Session fee is still due at the first session.  (First half of session fee is due at booking, second half at session time.)

Newborn sessions are not sessions that are reliant on the good mood of a newborn baby, since she’s asleep 95% of the time.  Baby’s siblings, however are the tricky ones.  I am happy to reshoot the part of the session that involves baby’s siblings if those children have a freak-out!

Please read my post about tips for a successful session.  Some are completely crazy, I know, but still.  In 11 years, there have been crazy things.  People differ on the best methods to coax children to the perfect smile.  The post is just a collection of my observations.

Breathe Easy

I want my moms and dads to breathe easy while you’re at my studio.  I want this ‘guarantee’ to be a safety net for you that just helps you to walk in a little less stressed.  I’m a mom too.  I know the pressure of needing perfect children, perfect hair, perfect attitudes can be crippling.  So the PRESSURE IS OFF.  😎

The post Pressure is OFF | Session Guarantee appeared first on Robin Allen Photography.

14 Tips for a successful photo shoot:

For Kids

ONE | Avoid giving kids sugar of any kind prior to the session.

TWO |If you can help it, opt for not shooting right after school or day care.  Their busy day has a way of siphoning every last drop of cooperative attitude they have.

THREE | During the session avoid using food, candy, or a cell phone as a way of baiting our model into cooperation.  I want to save those as a last resort.  Reason being, if we reach for those tools first, we may never pry them out of their hands.

FOUR | In my own home, I find it very beneficial to give my daughter a detailed heads up as to what is getting ready to happen.  For example, “We’re going to have fun at Robin’s studio for an hour or so. We’re going to change our outfits a couple times, and when we’re done we’ll have a snack, and play outside on the swings for a few minutes.  Let’s make sure to cooperate the whole time and look forward to our treats after we’ve had a great session!”  …Something like that.  It seems small, and even over their head a bit, but personally, I regret every time I take my girls someplace and forget to go over what I expect of them!

FIVE | Don’t practice smiling.  Anyone knows FAKE from a mile away.  Especially you with your own children.  It would be unprofessional of me to rely on a kid’s ability to ‘say cheese’.  Instead we take our time and act goofy together.  Kids react genuinely to mom, dad, nana, and me acting like idiots!  😆

SIX | Think about what your kid likes… favorite songs, a silly teacher at school, a favorite friend, a silly song daddy sings, a weird dance mommy dances, being tickled, favorite books… and so on.  Talking about these are great ways to light your kid’s face up!  I say think about this NOW, because sometimes I ask mom in the moment what kiddo’s favorite song is, and she freezes! (I would too.)

For the record, this mom and dad (some of the coolest people on earth) did not fill their kid with sugar, this is just a hilarious shot that illustrates the topic

For Babis and Kids

SEVEN | If your kiddo is sick, reschedule for when they’re healthy.  Even if they’re not contagious, sick kids don’t have the endurance to get through a fun session.

EIGHT | Generally speaking, it’s helpful to bring the children already dressed in their first outfit.  This way we’re not spending the good mood window on changing clothes any more than we have to.  There are obvious exceptions of course.

NINE | Bring some favorite snacks for break time, which is usually clothing change time. This serves as a mental break for them and us, so don’t rush it.  If you’re stressed, don’t be, or certainly don’t show it to your kiddo.

TEN | Bring some of their favorite books, lovies, toys… whether they’re props or not.  Pack them in a concealed bag so kiddo isn’t aware they’re even in the building. IF we choose to get something out, we can do so right when our model is in position, and I’m ready to shoot!

For Baby

ELEVEN | Schedule the session for when your baby is well rested and well fed.  Right after morning nap is usually a successful time for most babies.  Feel free to feed (or at least top off) your baby when you arrive at the studio if you have much a drive to get here.  And keep in mind that when you choose a time to schedule, babies expend lots of energy in photography sessions, so nap time is usually moved up to right after the session.

TWELVE | During the session we all will need to avoid ‘going crazy’ as a way of capturing baby’s attention.  When we are constantly shouting, ratting toys, calling kid’s name, and otherwise being loud, it is inevitable that they’ll reach their mental capacity and melt down or tune us out.  I find it very helpful to keep the session pretty low key, and strategically change up entertainment as needed.

THIRTEEN | If your baby just loves nana, by all means, bring her!  At the same time if baby is so clingy to nana that she won’t leave nana’s lap for one second, then think twice!   If you are the person on whom your kiddo has a very tight grip, then by all means, have Daddy bring the kiddo to the session, or when you get here, you go make yourself scarce.

For Adults

FOURTEEN | Spray tanning, while it is a healthier alternative to UV beds, can lead to orangy skin, particularly noticeable around the hands. If it’s important to you to have a bronze tone to your skin, use only the best professionals. (Baby Belly Spa, located in Hamburg Pavilion, offers this organic service for preggo mommas!)

You DON’T necessarily need to reschedule for these reasons:

Bruises, cuts, and scrapes.  They’re all case-by-case, but in many cases I can very easily retouch these blemishes.  Please shoot me a picture of your little soldier’s battle wound and I’ll let you know if you should wait for it to heal, or if it’s in a spot that can be easily fixed.  robin@lexphotographer.com

Your newborn’s umbilical cord hasn’t fallen off.   Not to worry.  Most haven’t within 2 weeks.  Posing covers that up!

The post PARENTS: 14 tips for Baby and Child sessions appeared first on Robin Allen Photography.

Six years! WHAT? 😯 I was very surprised to see I’ve photographed the covers for Lexington Family Magazine for that long!  It really has been a privilege.

Katie Saltz, (Deputy Editor, Marketing and Events) and John Lynch, (Editor), do a fantastic job and I’m happy to help make LFM shine!

And just recently, I was photographer, as usual, but also PARENT TO THE COVER MODEL!!

A bit about the cover model experience

At LFM’s yearly Camp Fair, one of the cool things they do is have a photography booth where ANY child can be photographed to be a candidate for a cover model.  A bunch of models are chosen from that fair, and the rest are chosen throughout the year by LFM staff and me.  Last month my very own daughter got to be on the cover!

The whole experience was so fun!  John had been saying for some time, “Hey when’s Cori going to be on the cover!”  😆   Together, we settled that she should be on March’s cover.  Being a Spring-themed cover, shooting outside was ideal, but alas, January scarcely has anything green outside!  In her genius, Katie suggested shooting at Michler’s.  They’re a florist, greenhouses, and garden design located near downtown Lexington.  They were so gracious to allow us to shoot there.  (John never likes for the cover to be old, impersonal, or outdated, so it’s important that we shoot the upcoming covers relatively shortly before their debut.  Also, they pride themselves on not using stock images of porcelain children who no one knows.  These are real, Kentucky kids!)

I chose a casual, fun little dress for Cori, and fixed her curly red locks in to two big pom poms.  John was at the shoot this time, in Katie’s stead, and the whole thing took all of 15 minutes for me to make a photograph that was cover-worthy.  Cori had fun giggling and posing for me.  I will say I understand parents’ stress when they’re nervous if their kid will cooperate, or not.  AND if they’ll somehow find the only mud puddle within a mile and splash in it right before shoot time.  Never the less, Cori was just as cooperative as the other kids, and she found no mud puddles, so it was a success!

Fame for a month

Perhaps more fun than the shoot itself was the random attention Cori got after so many different people from around the community recognized her on the cover!  I was getting texts from everyone saying, “I KNOW HER!”  And if that’s not cute enough, her friends at church were asking for her autograph!

I felt like a huge dork stopping in the middle of the busy Kroger entry way to snap this pic of Cori with the magazine, but who could resist when you hear a loud, boisterous, “Mommy look! That’s ME!!!”  I have to admit, embarrassment in the moment aside, I was beaming too!

I know our story isn’t unique.  Every kid (and parents!) who get recognized on the cover of a magazine walk a little taller!

Pardon my iPhone snap in this picture at the left.  I promise I use my “real” camera on shoots!  😆

When its YOUR KID’s turn

Obviously in a magazine shoot, I shoot more than just the cover.  I usually make nearly 100 images.  In that body of images there are bound to be dozens of cute ones that mom and dad don’t want to let go un-loved on my hard drive only to be forgotten.  They should be enjoyed by the kiddo’s family, right!?

Absolutely.  So there is a special collection available to cover model clients.  Find it HERE if your kiddo was a model for LFM!

The post Getting to be a cover model for Lexington Family Magazine appeared first on Robin Allen Photography.

And you have planned for it… props, outfits, hats, and bows.

Most importantly you delivered your tiny baby into this world. (yay!)

Now its the big day when we create beautiful photography of this fresh little person who completely stole your heart.

What you can expect the day of your newborn session:

I’d love to say that the day of the session will be this dreamy, serene experience, where nothing goes wrong, no one is late, no one is hormonal, and basically everything is perfect.  But, alas, that probably won’t be the case.  You booked you newborn session, you planned and planned, and still you will forget something, someone will be late, someone will be a jerk, and you get upset at least once.    I HOPE that is not what happens, but these big important days just seem to be magnets for challenges.  It’s that old adage: anything that can go wrong, will.  I can hear you now – “GREAT!  SIGN ME UP!”  😆

Reality  …

Days when you need everything to go right, inevitably the “perfect day” is often NOT what you get.  But THAT right there is exactly why you hire a professional.   Someone who isn’t still learning her camera, or studio lighting, or experimenting with your newborn because this is only the 20th newborn session she’s done.   I have hundreds of newborn sessions under my belt, and years as a professional photographer,  (since 2006) so my photography experience really helps us be quick on our feet when those inevitable challenges come.

ALSO, an perhaps more important:  I’m am a mom too. I completely understand being hormonal, being frustrated with your hubby, being SO nervous your older kids wont cooperate, having bad hair days, not feeling good, learning to nurse a baby, forgetting everything…  UGH I could go on!   Point is, sister, I GET YOU.   So if you come to my studio having had a rough morning, that is totally fine!!  I’ll take care of everything.  My delight is to meet you where you are and make the most amazing photographs of you and your baby.

ok.. moving on…

TEMPERATURE:

The studio will be hot. As in HOT.  Naked newborns love it that way.  Photographers who work with newborns need it that way.  I set the building to about 88 degrees.  So dress appropriately. Clients who are doing family pictures as a part of the newborn session have a choice to make.  You can either come dressed for the tropics and we make images of the baby by himself first, or you can come ready to shoot family shots and all relational shots first.  If you’d rather work on baby-only first, then feel free to bring hair and makeup stuff to do that here in the studio if you would like. That way heat isn’t melting your face off while you’re waiting your turn.  If you plan on doing family shots first, still bring cool clothes to change in to so you can enjoy the rest of the session and not be a miserable mess in the heat.

DURATION:

Newborn sessions are my longest session.  3-4 hours is about average.  Baby-only sessions are shorter.  Full sessions are longer.  Occasionally I’ll have a baby that is exceedingly pliable and cooperative and we fly through in just a couple hours; but that’s not the norm.  Clients frequently bring their lunch and that is a-ok.  Please make yourself at home.  Feel free to have hubby run in to Nicholasville and get food for you to munch on during the session.  close restaurants

SIBLINGS:

It’s a very good idea to make arrangements for baby’s siblings to not be at the studio the whole time. In many cases someone (usually grandma or dad) takes the kids when the family stuff is complete so they don’t have to sit in boredom.  If that’s not an option, iPads and the like are often a useful entertainer of course, or if a parent can supervise, they’re welcome to play outside if the weather is nice!  My studio is at the back of a quiet neighborhood so traffic is not an issue.

BREASTFEEDING:

Obviously in a 3-4 hour session your baby will need to eat. Moms are so welcome to nurse in my studio.  Not that you should worry about me, but it absolutely does not bother me if you use my space to nurse your baby.   I have a Boppy pillow that you are welcome to use so you don’t have to haul yours around.  And in some cases moms need to use a breast pump while she’s here.  Go right ahead.  I certainly will make myself scarce if you need me to.  If not, I usually use that time to set up what’s next in our session.

The post newborn session experience appeared first on Robin Allen Photography.

Maternity Photography as a genre is kind of peculiar if you think about it…  By the time the end of pregnancy rolls around, most moms have gained a substantial amount of weight. It’s healthy. It’s good.  …but no mom is excited about it!

Just yesterday a soul-sister of mine was at my house for her baby shower.  This girl is gorgeous, let me tell you, and she’s one of those women who has the figure where a belly button ring makes sense.  But even she felt larger than life.  I didn’t really notice any particular weight gain other than her actual baby bump, but she certainly did.  And EVERY woman I photograph for maternity pictures seems to feel this way.

So why are women happy to be photographed when they’re pregnant at all?!…

Because motherhood from the first minute is amazing. (I could seriously rattle on for an hour about how unbelievable it is that a person can grow a tiny human, but I digress.)

I believe that photographs of a woman carrying a baby are as gorgeous as they are because of the relationships behind the bump that are forming.  The woman, becomes a mommy, and the man becomes a daddy.  It’s the beginning of their whole world changing. (Did you see my post about relationship newborn sessions? This maternity topic and that one go hand-in-hand.)

Emotion plays a significant role in maternity photography.  In many cases, dads are a huge part of the sessions.  Yes, I literally am posing, and photographing a belly, and making sure I avoid things like double chins, and wide arms, but I wouldn’t say thats what the session is really about.  It’s about drawing out the woman’s love for her husband, and the man’s for his wife, and photographing THAT.

Now on to why you’re really reading this post…

WHO:

Maternity sessions are usually mom + dad, but siblings are welcome too.

WHEN is the best time to take maternity pictures:

It’s up to you when we shoot.  A bigger belly photographs the best.  However, most women don’t prefer to wait so long that they have cankles, and are grumpy 24/7.  …annnd babies can certainly be early, so that’s another reason to not put it off.  Shooting the session between 30 and 36 weeks is about right.

WHERE can we shoot:

Most sessions are in studio.  It is very important to me that I control my light and shadow enough that I can keep arms looking slim, and love handles to a minimum.  Plus that tender love that I talked about drawing out makes more sense photographed in studio.

There is one perk now.  Since we are now in my new studio space, just South of Lexington in Nicholasville, with quite the outdoor scenery, we’re much more able to shoot a couple images outside, weather pending.

HOW LONG:

Sessions last about and hour; maybe a touch more.

WHAT TO WEAR/BRING to your maternity session:

Let’s talk.  I wan’t to hear what kind of images you want to make, and what you will end up doing with your photographs..

HOW MUCH:

Obviously this one is up to you.  After the session fee, the choice is yours.  But at our ordering appointment, I’ll coach you on one thing.  ..not going crazy on maternity images.  Yes, I actually want to help you NOT get a million images.  For lots of women, this is may be the first time they feel like they look beautiful in a photograph, plus they’re emotional, and they can’t wait to meet this kid they’ve been preparing for.  So, some are temped to ‘get them all.’  And if that’s important to you, okay great, but I never want my clients getting home and wondering “what am I going to do with all these 4x6s???” and experience buyers remorse.  What follows after that splurge, is she feels less excited about newborn photographs.  Newborn images are my passion, my first love (photographically speaking), and I know they hold the most value in mom’s hands.  I KNOW those images are going to be far more important to her.  So, if there is ever a choice you have to make maternity or newborn pictures.  Choose newborn every time.

So what’s a good plan for maternity photographs?  Here are some ideas:  a coffee table book of all your favorite maternity images is a perfect way to start a library.  Coffee Table Books are insanely popular among my clients.  A canvas or two for the master bedroom is a nice place to hang images that are more intimate in nature.  The baby’s nursery is a great place to hang the light-hearted, fun, laughing images. And hubby and your mom usually likes a couple small desk prints to keep.

Pricing info is unpacked here on the Investment Page.  Look for the Collection at the bottom that is designed with maternity clients in mind.

You can review my maternity gallery HERE.

What’s next:

Please CONTACT ME asap to schedule your maternity session.

And since you’re pregnant, Let me direct you some other posts that are relevant to PRE-baby mommas…

When to SCHEDULE your newborn session

When we SHOOT a newborn session

6 things to know when searching for your newborn photographer

The post Maternity Photography appeared first on Robin Allen Photography.

Searching for a good newborn photographer can be kind of daunting.  Most of the time parents don’t even know what to look for.  Here’s a starting point to help you out…

1.  Newborn Photographers vary drastically. Here are a few points to consider:

POSING

Have you ever caught yourself on one of those security camera monitors?  Or glance over to a mirror you didn’t know was there? You see yourself and you immediately correct something.  Our natural stance often leaves something to be desired.  That’s posing.  But for the professional photographer we need look every tiny detail. No one wants to hang a nice canvas in their home that has some glaring posing mistake.  Here are the most common corrections… bad posture, double chins, wide arms, tense shoulders stiff by the ears, fake smiles, crooked jewelry, bra straps showing, crooked wardrobe, hair doing something funky, and about a hundred other subtle adjustments that make a world of difference.

Many times photographers either don’t notice the problems while they are still shooting, they don’t care quite enough to fix each problem, or worse, they see the problem but don’t know how to fix it without being awkward.

Speaking of awkward…

WEIRDOS

One of the most important things I’ve seen photographers have or lack having is likability!  Can you believe that?!  Think about it.  If the people in the hot seat like their photographer, trust her, and even think she’s funny, the expressions on their faces are bright and genuine.   Conversely if the photographer makes them uncomfortable in any way, their faces look forced or fake, and certainly not a warm as they could be.

It’s very important to feel comfortable with the person making photographs of your family.  No pregnant mother wants a weirdo (no matter how genius) as their maternity photographer.  No mom wants a crazy person around their shy child, and no dad wants a photographer who seems completely unaware of how they are perceived.

WORKING WITH CHILDREN

Circling back to posing… children are a delightful wild card.  All the posing expertise in the world can fly right out the window when toddlers are involved. So what then?  Give up on posing? Shoot a million frames a *hope* something is usable?  No. My personal approach is this: I get them in position and fulling knowing they fidget and squirm I use that to the session’s advantage.  We maintain 100% patience with the little ones, and keep the mood light and calm the whole time.  Threats, bribes, screens, and negotiations invite a train wreck.  The best way to get amazing images is to work with what kids can give you and patiently and happily persevere.

EXPERIENCE

lens choice, education, lighting,

FINAL IMAGE QUALITY

This one is subtle. There is a very noticeable difference in quality as it appears on a screen, verses in print.  When you see an image that you hold in your hand on a screen, you really would never see if it has really poor image quality.  One of the ugly corners photographers often cut to keep their cost down is in this topic.  Some photographers do what’s known as “running an action” on the images they give the client.  This means the images are not treated individually.  This means that all areas of the image that the computer thinks is skin is smoothed, or “airbrushed” to borrow the old-school term.  The problem is, it’s FAKE. You can see it!  The up site for the photographer is it take virtually no time to do this to 100 images. The down side is, the human decision is removed.  There are dozens of little judgement calls I make when I hand-retouch each purchased image. There are hours of care in preparing the images that my clients order.  This level of attention to detail is very time-consuming, but very necessary if I call myself a professional.

So therein lies the dirty little secret.  Many many many photographers say they “retouch” or “edit” all their images, when all the while they are running a preset on everything and not actually giving care to individual images.

 

You probably find out about photographers a bunch of different ways…  Word of Mouth, Social Media, a Google search, or you might have even seen newborn images you love at your last prenatal appointment.  (You might have seen mine at UK Midwife Clinic, PAA, Baby Belly Pregnancy Spa, and other OBGYN offices in Lexington.)

Let me encourage you to look carefully… when you are researching photographers, ask yourself if you think the photographer strives for excellence in every session?  Does he or she pay attention to small details?

(That will be especially important when it’s you in front of the camera…  In your photographs, if you see a double chin, a piece of hair laying weird, the buttons on your husband’s shirt parting, or your smile looks tired and forced… it’ll bug every time you look at your pictures.  Paying attention to details is extremely important in every single session.  Some natural positions can be very unflattering.  Posing with extreme care can make a world of difference.

You can see my recent work here on my site… Maternity Gallery, Newborn Gallery

Even the very best photographers will be imperfect, and even the really young ones can be sort of lucky from time to time, but so many of the photographers are just simply not yet seasoned to notice these details.  Also, many are too lazy to really care much.  It takes session after session of learning from mistakes to learn to look for unflattering spots, and have the poise and know-how to correct them before they are photographed.  I have certainly not “arrived,” but with almost 2 decades of professional photography under my belt, it means I’m not “practicing” on my paying clients.

2.  You can’t redo a newborn session…

Everyone knows someone with a wedding photographer horror story.  They’re easy to come by, and why wouldn’t the be?  Most people are not excited about the price tag, everyone seems to have a friend who is a “photographer”… so in the effort to get a steal, the young bride hires the buddy with the new, expensive camera. That’s where the horror comes in.  Big important day + amateur photographer friend = Bride wishes she sprung for the professional photographer.

Newborn photography isn’t much different.  Did you know newborn sessions are best shot at within a tiny window of about a 5-9 days old, and at 14 days that precious window has closed? (more on that here)  So, by the time you get to see your images, your chance for a redo is long gone.  It’s extremely important to get it right the first time!

 

this one might just be the most important…

3.  Professionals vary on price

Photography is not mechanical. It’s not a matter of a job done well, or a job done poorly.  It’s more of a question of beauty and emotion.  If you were shopping for a commodity, then sure, shop based on price. But you are not, otherwise you’d be all set with your selfies from the hospital.

Some budding young image makers treat themselves like they are running a widget factory… Just crank out as many widgets as possible, post their portfolio to a pretty website, advertise like crazy on social media, and price themselves as competitively as the can, and watch the moms come running.  I’m tired just thinking about it!  They do scores, if not hundreds of mini sessions a year.  Their post production usually looks they only batch-edited the images and ran the gamut of images through facial retouching software. Then their clients are given a hundred images, none of which are really amazing enough to make large wall art with.

That’s a very general, very grim outlook on some photographers, I admit.  But, the heartbreaking part of it is it has nothing to do with their talent.  Some of these people are so stinkin’ talented, but throughout the process they forget about the person at whom they point their camera.

You, friend, do not want one hundred images where you look

 

4.  The early bird gets the worm

Not that I’m calling myself a worm, but if it’s important to you that you reserve a certain newborn photographer, then do that ASAP.  I have a cap on the number of sessions I choose to take each month.   This post explains when you need to reserve your newborn session.  The reason you reserve your photographer this early because we shoot the session so soon after your baby is born.  If you wait until baby is here, you are making a gamble that probably won’t work out so well.

CONTACT ME to get on my calendar and reserve your session!

 

5.  Would you like your newborn photographer to also be your maternity photographer?

Pregnancy photography, to me, is about love, beauty, and intimacy.  Two become one, and baby makes three.  Many of my maternity sessions involve a LOT of dad.  It’s not just about mom’s round belly that we focus on during the session, but it’s their relationship that is the true subject.

Most of my maternity clients come to me for my specific style of shooting maternity images. For my more ‘intimate’ images, I am careful to keep mom as beautiful as her husband sees her.  Yes, she has probably gained a bunch of weight at this point, and we’re not able to use creative wardrobe to mask that.  I only use my light and shadow and careful posing to keep the extra weight from getting in the way.

And not all my clients really want intimate maternity images.  Plenty of women are much lighter in their goal.  These clients are hanging colorful, fun images in the nursery and living room.  I love both ends of the spectrum, and the majority of my clients do both during the maternity session.

See this info on my maternity sessions

 

6.  If props are important to you..

A seasoned newborn photographer has tons of props, however there is always that one small thing that mom would like for the session that is very specific.  If that’s you, you do not have to be limited to JUST  what your photographer owns. You can order your very own perfect pieces now.  Some of the best boutiques for newborn props, bows, headbands, and costumes are on Etsy, and my favorite, No2 Willow Lane Boutique.  You’ll want to line them up right away.  (Don’t forget, babies can come early. 😉 )

BUT! What if you don’t need the props after your session???…  😎 Check this great deal Willow Lane and I have partnered to bring you.

 

 

RECAP

 

  Helpful links for the preggo momma… 

 

When you need to SCHEDULE your newborn session

INVESTMENT PAGE…. session fees, and other pricing

Robin Allen Photography newborn gallery

Robin Allen Photography maternity gallery

contact information for Robin Allen Photography

Newborn session experience

Ordering Props from No2 Willow Lane 

Baby’s First Year Photography Membership

 

 

The post 6 things to know when searching for your newborn photographer appeared first on Robin Allen Photography.

Obviously we want to document every little moment our babies grow, especially in the first year.  So here are the best “milestone” times to bring your baby in for professional photographs:

Newborn, of course!  Newborn babies are out most important client around here.  These tiny children are on tiny ONCE.  Cliche, absolutely, but so so true. Like I mentioned, my youngest is 10 months, but I honestly don’t know how that is possible.  I was pregnant with her like 10 minutes ago!  Of all the “regret” calls I get, the most popular lamentation I hear is a mom telling me she skimped on newborn pictures, and how she’d give anything to go back and get those done.  … I really hope you hear this next part: Newborns have a brief window of LESS than two weeks to shoot.  If you’re preggo, please read these posts before you camp out on this milestone post…. When to book a newborn shoot,  when we shoot the newborn session, and relational newborn sessions.

4 months.  Babies who have had daily tummy time by now are probably pushing up on their own. Their eye contact is strong and deliberate, and they respond to voices, and mom and dad making loving faces at them. This is a delightful time for mommy+baby, and daddy+baby relational shots.  This is also one of only TWO ages I photograph babies on the light table.  I usually don’t recommend photographing outdoors at this session. Studio sessions are safe and clean for these young babies.

7/8 months.  This time is probably one of my very favorite times to photograph a baby other than the newborn session. Usually by now babies have a better sense of balance and can sit up on their own without the need for a bobby placed around them.  Baby’s personality is developing quite nicely and interacting is usually pretty easy.  This is a great time to make a family photograph!  Babies can see across the room much better now, so when I am 10 feet away at my camera, they can see me and grin at my crazy peek-a-boos.  This session is the last widow for photographing on the light table.  Studio sessions are wonderful for babies this age, but now so are outdoor sessions, provided we have fair weather. (Clients who have reserved their outdoor session can go here to view my favorite locations to shoot.)

Annnd you guessed it, the one year session.  What a time!  In all likelihood, babies are pulling up and standing, and some babies are even walking! (My first didn’t walk until 15 months though. I wouldn’t get too wrapped up in dates.)  Actually, a baby who is NOT yet walking confidently is a bit easier to photograph since they’re not running away from us while we’re shooting!  This session has a lot of variety.  Different outfits, crawling baby, standing baby, sitting baby, family shot, AND, if mom and dad want…  CAKE SMASH!  By the very nature of how much these kiddos move around, variety is inevitable.

The above are typical great times to shoot.  It’s important to schedule your session according to baby’s development; not the age.  For example, some kids don’t push up like a pro until 5 months.  That’s no problem.  We’ll shoot at 5 months.  If we try to shoot too early, and baby isn’t ready, it’s likely we wont get as many quality images.

“When do I book my session if I don’t know when she’ll reach her milestones?”  Go ahead and book the session when baby is 4, 7, and 12 months.  I am happy to reschedule your session if the week prior, you see she needs a couple more weeks.

After baby has completed her first year, it’s tradition to make an album (if you haven’t already.)  We compile photographs from all four sessions in to a beautiful timeless book you will absolutely cherish.  You have heard the question, “if your house was burning down, what would you take with you?”  The answer is almost always, people, pets, and photos.  You’ll grab the albums of your children!  These are the kinds of things that get passed down when kids are grown.  If I were you I would not skimp on this one.

CONTACT ME to book your next session!

859-685-8516

robin@robinallen-photography.com

The post Baby sessions – newborn, 4, 7, and 12 months appeared first on Robin Allen Photography.