Family and Parenting, Front Page
Skip the portrait studio and take your own quality pictures
March 25, 2009 by Melissa · 2 Comments
Melissa Smallwood (aka Multi-tasking Mama) has worked with seniors and families as a professional organizer for several years and is the owner of Organized Life by Design, LLC. She has an extensive human services background. She is also the mom of three active boys (one of which has special needs). She enjoys helping people get their lives, calendars and homes organized so that they have time to see and enjoy their blessings! Melissa also has a passion for cheap yet chic home décor and has many resources available for decorating your home on a budget. Melissa has written many articles on organizing for various websites and organizations including Online Organizing.com, Show Mom the Money, Ask Baby Kid, Dr. Mommy Says, Sassy Mamas, Pink Lemonade of Life and more. 
I use to be a studio photographer many years ago. I lived the stress parents, grandparents, and children faced during their visits to the studio. When I had my own children we went the same route and it was a nerve wracking experience. I realized that it really didn’t have to be so stressful. I decided to take the pictures myself.
I don’t have a fancy camera. I get a lot of compliments on my pictures and people ask me where I got them done. Here are some suggestions showing you how you can have great pictures too.
* Solid backgrounds work best. Use props, they are all around you, but remember your child is the focus of the picture and less is better.
* Take several different poses. Try to get a head shot, a head and shoulder shot, and a full body shot. Take your pictures further away because you can crop in closer when you are editing.
* Candid pictures are the best. Let your children’s true personality shine through. Even pictures when they are crying or sad make great pictures too.
* Use editing software. I love Photoshop and Zoombrowser but even Photobucket has free editing software. You can take out red eye, crop your pictures and even make them black and white giving them a professional feel.
Remember that your pictures don’t have to be perfect to be great pictures. Just make sure not to do them near naptime!
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| Mandie Stevens is a frugal mom of 2 and owner of www.takingtimeformommy.com an online magazine for moms. |
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I am a photographer and I love the fact that people are becoming more passionate about documenting their children and family life. I do think that it is a mistake to rule out getting pofessional portraits done altogether, however.
Children will always photograph differently for a pro than they will their parents. Even my own daughter gives me a run for my money when I pull out my camera, but for others, she is a dream subject. There can’t be enough said either for having a professional there to document youfamily together as a whole! Before I began my business, I hardly had any pictures in which I was part of the family. I spent so much time behind the lens, that you had to search just to find an image of me in front of the camera! Now I make it a priority to have our portraits taken at least ONCE a year with a professional.
There a re many photographers that are out there that now will come to your home or meet you on location at a favorite park to take your pictures so you are not restricted to what can be done in a studio with a bunch of props.
Spend some time online, check it out and spend some time to find a photographer who is a great match for your family. You won’t be sorry you did!