Monday, September 28, 2015
There are times that I feel that portrait photography can be the most creatively demanding and challenging job. This is why: each time I am with a client I am truly giving my all to bring out the best in the family or individual, helping them shine, only as they can and setting the unique mood for that session. As you can imagine, when you give yourself up to the creative process it can be draining, however I am here to say it is also the most rewarding thing ever. I get to see it all come together and I get to be imaginative, resourceful and downright artistic and make the portrait come to life. This is why I love my job! But like all photographers, I need to keep on top of the photography trends at the moment. I need to look at them, evaluate them and then think about how they are best for my clients and exactly when to use them. Each day, the way we as a culture look at photography and how I click a portrait is changing. Since this is the case, I have looked at the current trends and I am going to point out a few that I think have staying power. These are trends that I can watch and use in my personal sessions.
Urban Environments: Downtown or historic urban areas usually have amazing and colorful backdrops. Some of these areas can contain brick walls, unique staircases, walk ways, bright doors and murals. Casual wear usually looks best in this environment, so if you want that metropolitan feel it is a great option.
Candid Interaction: I talk often about candid images, since they are some of my favorite. Long gone are the days of sit down, pose and smile. I want to see genuine interaction between everyone in the portrait. I wrote about this topic also in this post, where I outline my views on the importance of this style.
De-saturated Portraits: We all love color but sometimes a highly saturated portrait can bring out metallic and brown hues. The image still says pretty transparent but gives it a little drama. This is a style that is great to use if a client is really looking for distinctive, creative images.
Classical Portrait Style: This is a style that is very interesting. It is old fashioned photography with a slightly modern twist. Often, the whole silhouette of the subject is shown. You really only need one prop such as a chair. To do this type of classical painting portrait, clothes are best simple and, just like the old days, the portrait comes out so much better if the subject looks disinterested or dull. We all have photographs of our older generation non-smiling, simple shot and this uncomplicated image is what a classical style should produce.
I like the idea of getting away from conventional poses and switching it up. In my opinion, it makes the portraits that much better. I strive to understand my clients likes and dislikes and their lifestyle. This helps me make better decisions during my sessions for them and their portraits. The possibilities are endless!
Monday, September 21, 2015
Let’s face it, sometimes family portrait sessions can be challenging for the family. I get it, since I have my own, crazy, lovable bunch. That is why I feel that preparation is the key. If I educate my photography clients BEFORE the family portrait session then my clients will get the most out of their photography experience. I understand that after the initial booking is complete, lots of questions come to mind. Maybe they sound something like: What will we wear? Will the kids behave? What if everyone doesn’t look at the camera? So I am here to say: it’s ok, breath and relax. I wanted to publish a quick, helpful and a handy guide for my photography clients to use and enjoy. Here are my tips to prepare you for an amazing, stress-free portrait session.
- Chose your attire carefully. In advance, pull together the outfits that you would like your family to wear to the session. Make sure your choices are 1) coordinated and 2) comfortable. Ask yourself what does my dream family portrait look like? If you are looking for elegant, timeless portraits then choose colors that are neutral earthiness void of stripes, patterns and polka dots. We want the focus to be YOU, and not be distracted by your attire. You can wear the same pallet of colors and find different garments for each family member.
- Leave plenty of time to get the family ready. Last minute panic is the worst. Leave plenty of time for showers, baths, dressing and grooming. If a family shows up feeling disorganized and chaotic it usually shows. If it happens that you are rushed— because life happens—we can certainly work with it, but if you can prepare to schedule your time to get ready, you can leave organized and confident.
- Be well rested and fed. I know it is very obvious, but making sure that everyone is rested and has had a snack before the session can really help, especially with little ones. Don’t show up with anyone on an empty stomach because we all know how irritable we all can be when hungry!
- Say “no” to the “cheese.” Many parents feel it is helpful to tell the kids to say cheese for a photographer, but this is not necessary at all. Candid portraits help personalities shine through. Let the photographer interact with your kids so that they can get the true essence of your child by making them smile easily and naturally. From my experience you will see these are the portraits that families want over and over. They are usually deemed the favorite!
- Not everyone has to look at the camera. Piggybacking off the last point, we want candid, natural shots that capture your family and its personality as a whole. Some of the best photography comes from subjects being engaged and acting with one another. It lets the family connection show through and exudes the emotion of love. Time and time again, I see these images become the most cherished.
- Does your family have an activity that they like to do together? Great if they do. Bring it with you if feasible. Here are some ideas: If you like to read together: bring books. As a family do you like football, picnics, bike riding or hide and seek? The possibilities are endless. This makes for a beautiful and authentic session. A true picture of your family.
The goal is to create portraits that are special, meaningful and ultimately just plain beautiful. These tips should get you prepared and ready for your session and give you family portraits that will be treasured for a lifetime. Preparation is the true key. I want to see your family story through my lens.
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Be sure to check the blog every Monday & Thursday for new content. Or sign up for the VIP Newsletter
Angelsea Urban is a entrepreneur and photographer helping families to nourish their homes, relationships and businesses through meaningful portrait photography, business consulting and management for entrepreneurs, teaching practical stewardship and home management systems, and creating simple products and tools that maximize the quality of our lives. Her unique photography work focuses on Redefining the Family Portrait Experience by telling the story of family through personalized foundations while creating a space to strengthen family bonds throughout the experience. As a certified tax professional and seasoned business consultant, Angelsea has helped the careers of photographers, restaurateurs, musicians and general small business owners through teaching, workshops, coaching, and hands on consulting. She has photographed for families, brides, Bravo TV, NFL Films, and more and has been published in multiple blogs and magazine print for her work in photography and in strategic business management. Angelsea teaches and photographs throughout the United States, and resides with her husband of 17 years, their two children, and their barely 3 pound Yorkie near Long Beach Island, New Jersey.
To book your session with Angelsea Urban, please visit www.angelseaurban.com
For education and consulting opportunities, please visit www.urbanrg.com
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Monday, September 14, 2015
As a photographer I capture many images but an image taken 5 seconds later than the first can have a completely different look and feel. The head might be slightly shifted or the eyes might turn and look directly at the camera and, boom, a whole separate portrait is born. Same 10 second stretch, but so many unique and distinctive emotions can come from that small chain in time.
Life. Is. Precious, and fuels my love for photography. Part of that unknown where we are able to take and mold a moment that brings joy to someone’s eyes and immortalizes those quick seconds that may not have been seen otherwise. We need to make each moment count. Some days there are appointments that have to be kept, my kids’ homework that has to get done (and they may need help or just plain encouragement that it is, actually, a good idea to get it done), activities that I have to get them to on time, and then come the school meetings, the back-to-school nights, the meet the teacher conferences.
Photography helps slow things down and it can evoke powerful emotional responses. When I ask my clients what they are looking for in their images, the response I usually get has to do with sizes and digital copies and less feedback on the emotion they are trying to capture in this time period. I am hoping with this post to give you some ideas and thoughts on different photo styles that can illicit various sentiments and I have included a few of my favorites because, in fact, it is all about the image.
Vibrant Color: This type of image is bold and eye-catching. My goal is to make your colors stand out while still paying due respect to the subject/subjects. How do you know if you will like this style and is it best for you? This style is best for: a styled shoot that may be themed and overall I think it goes best with a minimalistic design, not a lot already going on in the photo. Here is an example of color taking the front seat but my subjects still very visible.
The Muted Pastels: This type of photo gives your colors a muted look and in my opinion makes the image look like it is dream-like or a memory. This is a great look that works well with children’s portraits. Muted doesn’t mean that color is not present in the image, it’s just less of the focus of the portrait.
Classic Black and White: My personal favorite. Obviously, black and white images are void of color, but it is a great classic look that I like to use a lot in my portraiture. Here is one of my signature portraits:
Images are powerful tools, think about what you want your images to say about you and your loved ones. And most importantly, enjoy your images.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
I really don’t want to let go of summer, I mean, I really don’t want to let go of summer and everything that goes with it. Living close to the beach just makes me love summer even more and personifies its meaning to me. You know what I am talking about, all the things that make up summer—flip-flops, ice cream, BBQs, and long summer days turned nights where meeting a schedule isn’t top priority. But as we move after labor day, we start to trade in our flip-flops for boots and ice cream for pumpkin spice and soon the weather cools and the leaves start to change colors. Then as I sit and look at the season before me, I have to say, it is OK summer, I will see you next year. Fall is pretty beautiful indeed.
One of the reasons that I love fall, as a photographer, is because it’s ’tis the season for family photography with a beautiful, colorful backdrop. Many families like to take their annual images in the fall, but one of the other huge reasons are the holidays are knocking at our door. I have some tips on family portraits below, but before we get into that let’s talk about the family portrait.
To me, the family portrait means something really special. It means, living in the moment, capturing something that is special and unique to that one small second of time. It is telling the story of the family because every. single. story. matters. We are blessed to be so rich in love but sometimes we forget. Sometimes, we need to be reminded by looking at our loved ones, all together in our images to say, yes, this is my life; yes, these are my loves and yes, to family portraits for giving that back to me, for making me remember. It is all about the relationships we share with our families while nourishing and treasuring them. I have always been on a mission to Redefine the Family Portrait and each session I have is a blank canvas where I am the artist looking to paint your story.
So don’t be stressed when it comes to scheduling or preparing for your session. The best pictures in life are not always posed but captured as you are living it in the moment. Here are some ideas to help you have a fun, memorable session so throw away those thoughts of a being panic stricken. You got this.
- Plan ahead. You don’t have to go crazy planning, lifestyle shots always end up being the best and bringing out family personalities. Do whatever you need to do to feel confident. Most parents like to pick out what they are wearing ahead of time so everything is clean and coordinated. And lastly, relax when you get to the session, your images will then reflect your best selves!
- Color themes and color pops. You don’t have to be matchy-matchy. Stick with some neutral colors and then add a pop of color that everyone can wear one way or another. It will look more natural.
- Chat with your kids before-hand. Kids love being informed so having a chat about the session might make them more willing to cooperate. With that said, sometimes no matter what, there are going to be little ones meltdowns and tantrums. Take it in stride. Some of the funniest, best pictures can be taken at this time.
- Be you. Dress how you feel comfortable. If you feel relaxed and your loved ones feel great, a happier session evolves—it is a no brainer.
- Small bribes, hurt no one. Sometimes small bribes may work with your kiddos….”if you smile for the camera, we will go for ice cream after we take pictures.” It could work so don’t knock it until you try.
- It’s all about trust. Trust your photographer, don’t nag and make your kids nervous. I know it is a normal reaction to make sure our kids behave—I’m a mom too, but leave it up to the photographer because chances are they have dealt with it many times and know what to do.
Here are some of my favorite special family moments.
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Be sure to check the blog every Monday & Thursday for new content. Or sign up for the VIP Newsletter
Angelsea Urban is a entrepreneur and photographer helping families to nourish their homes, relationships and businesses through meaningful portrait photography, business consulting and management for entrepreneurs, teaching practical stewardship and home management systems, and creating simple products and tools that maximize the quality of our lives. Her unique photography work focuses on Redefining the Family Portrait Experience by telling the story of family through personalized foundations while creating a space to strengthen family bonds throughout the experience. As a certified tax professional and seasoned business consultant, Angelsea has helped the careers of photographers, restaurateurs, musicians and general small business owners through teaching, workshops, coaching, and hands on consulting. She has photographed for families, brides, Bravo TV, NFL Films, and more and has been published in multiple blogs and magazine print for her work in photography and in strategic business management. Angelsea teaches and photographs throughout the United States, and resides with her husband of 17 years, their two children, and their barely 3 pound Yorkie near Long Beach Island, New Jersey.
Thursday, September 3, 2015
We’re HIRING!
As we continue to grow these businesses, the need to bring on new team members increases so that we can manage our attention on the tasks that move these businesses forward. Like hiring an accountant to do your taxes, managing all the things on the internet has become a job unto it’s own. It’s time to bring in some help so I can get back to doing the things that require my personal thumbprint and leave other tasks to someone else that is more talented than me in those areas.
It’s Back to School time! With that brings a new season, new changes, new goals for this next year! Join me! All locations welcome as this is a virtual (online), part time position.
Contact angelsea@angelseaurban.com for more details!
Looking forward to hearing from you! 🙂
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