Thinking of Child/Family Portraits? It Doesn't Have To Be Stressful

Many times parents put off getting family portraits done or even having their children photographed because they feel their children won't behave or are too shy. They also have a hard time FINDING time...I hear ya on that one.

I have a few varying opinions on this.  First of all, I know heading into a family setting with young children, that their attention span is limited and posing is NOT fun.

Family and children photography sessions don't have to be stressful. Think of it more like inviting a photographer along for a family outing.  Have a family day scheduled, invite a photographer along for part of it.  I actually have never really posed a child, they pose themselves and I love shooting on location.
So if you are thinking of family photos or child portraits these are a few ideas :
1. Let's go where they can play. Play with your children, you find the most beautiful moments aren't planned.
2. Dress them comfortably. They can be cute and comfy at the same time!!
3. Allow for time. I take the time to talk and play with the child before the camera comes out. Once they are comfortable, the smiles will come
4. Laugh with your children.
5. Patience. After having two boys of my own, I know children work on their own time schedule and any good photographer will have the patience and kindness to garner amazing shots of your child.
6. Don't stress. Photographers know what they are getting into photographing children, haha and we love it :)
7. Plan the day around it. Go on a family picnic, go fishing, go for a hike, play at the park...there will be a million moments to photograph just by simply being a family,.
8. All in all, photo session in the morning or after a good nap are always great. Well fed and well rested kiddos are happy ones!!! ( I mean, aren't we all that way!?!)

:)

 I picked out the outfits, I told them to go play...and then I asked them to quickly look at me...and hello cutie pies!!

 I let this handsome guy pick up apples off the ground. This series was to die for! Just followed him around!!

I loved this shot. We were actually almost done with the shoot and she went and stood by the door. She wanted to go in and get her little bike, but she paused for a moment by the door...and something about this shot is very nostalgic to me!
If you are thinking of scheduling a shoot...go for it.

Finding A Good DJ Just Got Easier

Please check out these DJs for your next event!!

Picking a Disc Jockey is like inviting one the most important guests to your wedding or other event. It shouldn't be taken lightly.

The partnership between a DJ and a photographer at a wedding or any event, is crucial.  After photographing numerous events and working with several professionals, it became clear that a DJ can pull everything together or they can leave people cringing!
The DJ and photographer should be able to  choreograph your event with a seamless effort so you can enjoy your day without a worry.
I highly recommend the following :)

Pat del Rosario - http://www.djpatdelrosario.com
Email
djpatdel@hotmail.com

Jameson Duncan -  607-222-7447

Jennifer Insetta - 45 East St, Oneonta, NY 13820 - Phone: 607-349-0494 jenniferinsetta@yahoo.com.

These DJs can pull together an event with charisma and a fluidity that puts everyone at ease  and at the same time can get everyone on the dance floor.

If you are on the fence about having a DJ at all, I would suggest contacting one of them and talking to them about your concerns or needs.  They can be the thread that ties the entire day leaving you well- pleased with your investment. 

Good luck in you endeavors!

Jewelry By Hope! Just look and see!

Hope Knapp and her jewelry design will blow you away...better yet, her prices will keep you coming back for more.
Hope owns her own jewelry business E.Claire Jewelry which can be found on Facebook as E.Claire Designs.  The entrepreneur commenced her journey in jewelry making in 2008 being inspired by the beautiful items in the back of her "mom" magazines.  However, the prices attached to the hand crafted items suffocated any desire to purchase!  She began to research supplies and ideas as well as tutorials and jumped in with the idea to design custom jewelry which was affordable.
Hope's line is unique and refreshing. No two pieces are the same, so when a piece is designed for YOU, there is none other like it.
"My jewelry is created by me through you with your children’s names, birth crystals or even sayings that inspire you. Each piece is hand stamped by me so no two are ever the same," said Hope.
Here are some ideas to utilize Hope's incredible talents!
 - Brides desire these for their save the date necklace, bridesmaid gifts and bridal jewelry..
- Moms of all types! Grand, Great etc..these pieces are made for you to wear your most precious possessions in the world, your children
- Kids love to have their name on display especially those are hard to find names with unique spellings
One of a kind sterling silver pieces with copper, aluminum, and Swarovski crystal embellishments. Each piece is uniquely yours with your personalized information.
Hope is from DeLancey NY and she can be contacted a number of ways!
 www.facebook.com/E.ClaireDesign
o My Etsy store is http://www.etsy.com/shop/EClaireJewelry
o My website which is under construction is http://www.eclairejewelry.com/
o Email is e.clairejewelry@gmail.com

Attention Brides (Esp. ones planning a July Wedding), Businesses and Artists...

 It's been quiet blogging through the holidays, but we are gearing up to feature some fantastic ideas, places, businesses, artists... the list goes on. However,  we can't be everywhere, so ideas? Have you seen something inspiring or unique that we could share?
  We would love to give a shout out to businesses as well. This month we will be featuring small business, DJ's and and a beautiful venue for your special event. Can't wait to get started!
OH! and If you are a July 2012 Bride...check out our super fabulous, incredible deals on www.amberjphoto.com.  There is a link just for you :)

Happy New Year! Let's be inspired!