photography

7 Steps to Beautiful Baby Holiday Portraits

Baby Holiday Portraits

With the big Holidays upon us, it’s not too late to throw together a sweet portrait for card-sending or gift-giving. Whether you’re working with a professional or putting together an impromptu shoot on your own, these steps will help you get the job done:

1-Pick an outfit. It can be fancy & formal holiday attire, or simple with a hit of holiday color.

2-Think about your background. Christmas lights, pretty patterned fabric, chalkboard, outdoor, front porch, back-alley…the options are limitless!

3-Grab some props. Ornaments, candy canes, little chalkboards, pillows, garlands, variations on the trendy mustache, wrapped gifts…again, if you can imagine it, it can work.

4- Timing is everything. Make sure you’re hitting the kiddos’ happy time! Timing is important when it comes to lighting too: you’ll need to pay attention to the natural light from your windows for indoor shots, and dusk is best for outdoor shots.

5-Have some attention-grabbers on hand. Squeaky toys, funny faces…whatever works to bring a smile to that sweet face.

6-Snap a LOT of photos. More often than not, it takes a TON of shots to get one that’s just right.

7-Pick your winner and go with it. Now that you’ve done the work, print and share it. Portraits make lovely gifts…and there are so many fun ways to enjoy them in your own home too!

For more ideas, we’ve put together a Pinterest Board with many ideas to spark your creativity.

Oh, and if you’re still in need of something special for your little one to wear for portraits or to that big party, consider our beautiful selection of baby holiday dresses & outfits.

 

The Main Event: How to Get the Photos You Really Want

This is the second in a two-post series about christening photography–see the first here.

Photographs tell stories, and planning your christening event includes giving some thought to the images you want to have your photographer capture on your special day. Arpi Pap, a master at shooting baptismal ceremonies, advises:

“Imagine that your best friend missed the event and you want to show what happened with all things…not just the ‘VIPs’.”

I love that advice–it’s a great perspective to have in mind, and a good way to inspire creativity. How would you document the day for someone who couldn’t be there?

“Look for details: a hand, a bracelet, shoes, a cross, a bible, stained windows…all are part of the story and they build up to the culminant moment/picture. Candid moments are all around, just let the moment happen, [think beyond subjects looking] at the camera. Look for emotions [and interactions:] a joke told by the grandfather, a kid running, annoying the priest, etc.”

At a minimum, it’s important to make a list of the shots you for-sure have to have. Here’s a comprehensive list of ideas:

-’Before’ shots: hanging dress/outfit, accessories, child being dressed, invitations
-Venue: exterior, interior (as allowed by the church), service folders, flowers or event decorations
-Ceremony details: parents/godparents with baby around the font, clergyman w/baby (as allowed by the church)
-Individual shots of baby held by: mother, father, Godparents (singly), siblings, grandparents
-Group shots of baby with: parents, Godparents, siblings, grandparents, all attendees
-Close-up details: dress/outfit, baby’s feet and hands, crosses or religious jewelry gifted to the baby, baby with a bible

(Be aware that each church has its own guidelines and policies on photography. Many denominations and/or clergy do not permit actual photos inside the church or of the ceremony itself. Be sure to consult with your officiator to know what is correct for your service.)

Photo credit: Christening Photography by Arpi Pap

10 Tips for Perfect Christening Portraits

Welcome to the first in a two-post series about photography centered on your baby’s christening or blessing. I’ve broken this down into separate posts, because ideally, you want to capture images that focus on two distinct subjects: the BABY, and the EVENT. Today’s post is all about the BABY, baby! Stay tuned for information on capturing “The Main Event”.

Portraits are personal snapshots that should capture the emotion and essence of  the subject’s unique personality. Because no moment can ever be a re-do, it pays to put thought into what you want, and to communicate clearly with your photographer to create a vision for your session. Without further ado, here are 10 things for you to consider when planning your portait session:

  1. Portrait type/style: Do you prefer a formal studio setting or dreamy natural light? The beauty of today’s portaiture is that you can do anything you want! You can go for a traditional, vintage, contemporary, contrast-grunge, urban or rural look…whatever floats your boat! Spend some time searching the blogs and websites of your favorite online retailers and professional photographers for photos you love, even if they’re not necessarily of babies in fancy clothes. Any image that speaks to you can be interpreted in a unique way that is all your own.
  2. Background: Do you like subtle (creamy, textured) or high-contrast (dark, crisp)? Indoors? Outdoors?
  3. Props: Make this photo shoot all about *your baby*. Look around your home for items that represent who you are. Think about how you can incorporate family heirlooms, religious-themed decor, baskets, blankets, furniture, toys, books, sporting equipment…be creative!
  4. Who: Decide if you want other people to be included in the session…mom, dad, siblings, godparents, etc. (see Step 6 below)
  5. Make a list of shots you really want: full length baby in outfit, close-up head shot, close-ups on details you love about your christening gown or blessing outfit, close-ups of baby’s hands and feet, still-life shots of clothing and accessories, etc.
  6. Keep it short and simple: don’t try to cram in 4 outfits and spend an hour and a half on this session…babies are generally cooperative for 15-20 minutes in this setting (depending on age and personality, of course).
  7. Dress prep: Make sure your blessing dress or christening outfit is ready for photographs. Press or steam the day before to eliminate any last minute rush.
  8. Plan for a warm, relaxing atmosphere: Keep the studio or home at a comfortable temperature, play soothing music, and have some fun attention-getting toys or gadgets on hand.
  9. Model prep: This depends on several variables…baby’s age, personality, and the type of portraits you want. If baby is really little and you want peaceful/sleepy photos, time the session just before a nap. If baby is a little older and you want bouncy/cute/smiley portraits, schedule the shoot just after a nap. In all cases, make sure baby’s belly is full, and bring along a bottle and pacifier to soothe between shots if necessary.
  10. Relax, mom! Your child can sense if you’re anxious or agitated. Let the photographer work with the baby…distract, entertain, etc.
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