Location, Location, Location!

I am lucky to live in a beautiful state like Maine. A photographer's paradise with a million location options for outdoor portrait sessions. Everything from protected state parks, thousands of bodies of water, forts, farms, islands, orchards...and not to mention the longest coastline of any US state with rocky, sandy beaches and world famous light houses! You may think it's a blessing, but it can sometimes be a curse! How do you narrow down the list of options when choosing a location for your session? It can be overwhelming! So let me give you some advice...

It's best to start with the big question...are we city folk or country folk? That narrows down your search by about 50% right there! Then, from there, you just have to think what suits yourself, your child and your family best. Start considering the places you go. Do you take a yearly trip to a certain spot? Is there a park you picnic in regularly? Do you have a place that holds special meaning to you? Or maybe just a location you've always admired, but haven't had the chance to be photographed at yet? Here is an excellent example of choosing the perfect location...

The DiSotto family lives near the beautiful coast of Maine. The location they chose for their family portraits was Fort Williams at Cape Elizabeth. Behind them you see the world famous Portland Headlight. They chose this location because this is where they had their engagement photos taken years ago. It's also a place they visit quite often. And let's face it, if you've been there, you know it's breath taking! (If you notice...their outfits coordinate perfectly with their personalities and location! But that's another blog topic!)

Another reason this location and the clothing works for this family is because their home has lots of light colors including blue, gray, white and tan which happen to have all of the colors seen in this image! It means that this image will look great enlarged and hung in any room! That brings me to another question you may ask yourself...where will I be hanging this portrait? Is it going in your bedroom? Nursery? Living room above the fireplace? Is the decor in that room modern, rustic or casual? Does it have bright, bold colors, pastel colors or a one-color scheme? Though it shouldn't have huge weight in your decision...it could potentially be a factor. For example, the following image would be a nice accent piece in a living room that had a rustic decor with bold colors. It may look out of place with an upscale, modern decor.

Other things you may want to consider when choosing a location are distance, popularity of the location and the date of your session. Distance is something to think about. Most photographers (including myself) charge extra to travel long distances for on-location sessions. If you are budget conscientious you may want to find something closer to home that suits your needs. Is the location popular? Is it always crowded? Try to work with your photographer to find a time the location is less busy to allow for a smooth session. What time of year is your session? I know here in Maine we have something called "Mosquito Season"! Hahaha how awful to have a lakeside session during that time of year? Is your session booked for the fall foliage? Again, work with your photographer to find a location that will have the best foliage for your session!

The last thing I wanted to bring up that may help some in choosing a location is those who have chosen a theme for their session. Though themes for families are not extremely popular, I do have lots of requests for themes in children's sessions and the location plays a key role in making that theme a reality. For example, I recently did a Superhero theme for couple little boys and I felt it would be best to have a backdrop that portrayed a crumbling inner city (much like the scenes from the superhero/action movies). I chose a local place that had everything I was looking for and got this result...

Hopefully I've given you some food for thought on choosing your location! But if you still can't decide, don't be afraid to ask you photographer for some input. That's what we're here for! We know what photographs well. A good photographer will also know the ins and outs of sunrise and sunset times, the average start and end to each season, the time flowers bloom, foliage peak times, high and low tide, location availability and popularity. And if we don't know, we can find out very quickly! 

It's all about helping you find the location that will express you and your family as the unique structure that it is. A place where you can relax and be you and let us work our magic in capturing your perfect moment...in your perfect location :)

My Venture into Mini Sessions

It's true...I'm addicted to what I do! One of my many favorite parts of what I get to do on a daily basis is create...especially when I'm creating new, fun themes and ideas for upcoming photo sessions! It's twice as fun when a client brings up a suggestion to me and I love it! In fact, over the past few months I have had several requests to offer Mini Sessions. These are 30 minute sessions at half the cost and include a complimentary gift or print credit. This allows the super busy and/or budget conscientious families to get their hands on professional portraits who would otherwise have gone without the opportunity. I cringe when I hear someone say they don't have the time or money for yearly family portraits. It's not just the photographer in me talking here, it's the mother in me. Beautifully preserving life's fleeting moments is what I do.

So a few weeks ago, I got to planning two unique mini sessions. The first is Fall Family Mini Sessions. My first day of family mini's is Saturday, September 22nd. Can you imagine it? Your family in a beautiful apple orchard as the leaves are turning colors, rustic props, a gorgeous quilt, picking apples and having a fantastic time? It's a fun mini session with me as well as a family fun day all in one!!! When I have samples to show off from that day, I will blog them, but until then, here's the flyer...

Laura Lee Photography's Fall Family Mini Sessions

The other mini sessions I organized are for Back to School! You may have seen some of them on my Facebook page or on a previous blog post. I decided to offer these because of so many complaints about boring, crappy school pictures parents were wasting their money on. I wanted to offer a better alternative and I think the photos speak for themselves! Here are a few of my favorites from the first batch of mini's...

I still have a full day of Back to School Mini Sessions available and a few spots still remain if you're interested in putting a spin on the average back to school photos and go for something a little more extraordinary! The next scheduled date for these mini's are Sunday, September 16th. For more info, you can visit my website at www.lauraleephotographymaine.com or email me! Here's the flyer for this one as well...

Laura Lee Photography's Back to School Mini Sessions

Keep your eyes out for more mini sessions in the next couple of months that will be geared towards the holidays! You won't want to miss out on these! And as always, thank you for allowing me to be me and do what I love to do by helping me follow my dream!

Back to School Pictures

Yesterday, I posted about breaking out of the mold from department store studios to natural light photographers. Today, I want to expand on that subject. I have been reading Facebook posts all morning while I edit client albums and I see mostly updates on their children's back-to-school photos taking place today. I won't give the name of my friend, but her update was: "Rain on school picture day.....why not? It's not like $55 for school pictures is a lot of money! Grrrr! Thank goodness that you don't HAVE to purchase them if they don't come out good! Fingers crossed they still turn out ok..." That makes me sad! That shouldn't be something a parent has to worry about. I had mentioned in my previous blog about breaking out of the mold for natural light photographers and I meant it in all of out important life moments. Why spend you hard earned money on photos you "hope" turn out nice? Why settle for anything less than what you want? Why not go for something more natural?

Jasmine ~ This is how a back to school portrait should look like!

Going back to school is a big step...another year has come and gone. Our babies are growing up and the time is going too fast! Now, maybe I'm saying this because I'm a photographer, but keep in mind, I'm also a mom. I'd much rather have my child's school photos taken by a photographer like myself and not through the school. To have my child in his natural environment instead of a fake backdrop, having fun, giving real smiles and being able to have creative shots like the one I took of Jasmine is worth every penny in my opinion. 

Back to School Sessions are so creative and fun to do!

We just keep ending back up at the same routine of reluctantly ordering from the school. Or worse yet, not having any taken. And don't even make me cringe by mentioning going to Walmart for Back to School pictures hahaha that's just not right! Support small businesses. Have real, beautiful pictures taken of your child to celebrate their next milestone. The gift of amazing pictures of your child is not just for you, it's for them as well. A chance for their true personalities to shine. TO have captured what you love most about your child!

Jasmine ~ My Back to School Hollywood Diva

Growing up, I always HATED my school pictures , nor were my parents impressed. I either had a black and blue, cut on my face or a forced smile. Editing out boo-boo's and getting real smiles are free from ME : ) With school photos you get only one image. Your child has one chance to make you happy in your investment. I remember being so nervous picture day...a bad picture was like bringing home an F! Let me help you relieve that stress! I have designed new Back to School Mini Sessions to fit the busy lifestyle and budget of families. See for yourself...

My first year to offer Back to School Sessions...and it won't be my last!

I am not the first photographer to offer Back to School sessions, but after seeing samples from others and hearing parents complain, I decided to take action! My mini sessions are 30 minute time slots. The shy children tend to take longer to come out of their shells and the photogenic children can be finished in half that time! For $65 (about the same you'd pay for school pictures) you get 5 poses instead of one. All high resolution, professionally edited images are burned to disc, beautifully packaged and shipped to your home. You also get a $20 print credit to your own private online gallery! It can save you a lot of time and stress having to order specific poses and sizes for all of your friends and family...especially when you throw in added options like color or black and white! This makes it easier. Simply provide them with the link and password I give you once the album is complete and they can order exactly what they want and have it shipped to their door : ) I also understand the hectic schedules of families so not only are the sessions short, but they are scattered throughout the day. You also get to choose whether a Saturday or Sunday work best for you!

The ever studious Jasmine ~ Waiting for her first day back!

I suppose that's enough rambling for today! If you're interested in booking your child's first Back to School Mini session at the local Colby College, contact me asap! Spots are filling quickly and there are only a few left! I look forward to working with you!

Breaking the Mold

What are we so afraid of? When it comes to hiring a professional, natural light photographer...what makes most people hesitate? I think I know a few reasons. I, at one point, was on the other side of the camera so I understand. When my son was born, I never got his newborn pictures done because I didn't have the money. I cry just thinking about it. After photographing other parents newborns and drooling over their photos, it kills me! I can't get that moment back. I'll tell you that I knew then (just as I know now) that it's worth every penny if done by the right photographer. That brings me to another reason we hesitate. One is for the money. Two is for the trust we put into a photographer to capture our family as we see them ----> beautiful! The problem is, the photographers whose portfolios impress you are out of your price range most of the time and if they aren't running a special...it seems to be a catch 22.

Sweet Arabella ~ Just 11 Days Old

Now on to reason number 3. Breaking out of the mold. It's true. Growing up, I remember my parents dragging us to Olan Mills about twice a year for family photos or photos of just us kids. Truth be told, I hated it. And I'm sure they did, too. Heck, the studio photographer seemed to have hated their job as well! Why is that? Because there's no spark! There's no passion in what is going on between the photographer and their subject! They place you in front of big flashing lights, squeak a dog toy to get your attention, put you in awkward poses and force you to smile. The kids are complaining...possibly even throwing a fit or crying. The parents are wishing they had never come. The people in the waiting room are most likely judging your parenting skills. All because we are afraid to try something new. (It's priceless, by the way, when the studio then tries selling you photos of your kids crying! You can get those at home on your cell phone!) 

The Jester Family ~ The way a family portrait should be!

Let me ask you this, when you look back in your family album years from now, what do you want to show your children...your grandchildren? Don't you want to show them the real "you"? Not the "you" stuck miserably in a department store studio with someone who just wants to snap your picture so they can give you a sales pitch and make a quota? No, you want to show them the "you" that is fun and loving...photos of you being a family...being yourself! What better way to do that than with a natural light photographer? Someone who can create a work of art with no effort on your behalf...except for being you. Honestly, I bet almost every client of mine has heard me say "Pretend I'm the paparazzi!" at their session. I don't use a flash or big fancy equipment. I spend most of the time laying on the ground, wading in the water and running around chasing kiddos! Why should you have to adapt to my presence? I adapt to yours! Patience is a virtue! I capture the best pictures when no one is paying attention :)

Jordyn ~ A perfect example of chasing a kiddo around and still getting amazing shots!

So why are we so afraid to take the leap into natural light photographers? Because for many of us, it's going outside of our comfort zone...putting our faith into someone we have never met...doing homework to make sure we aren't getting a Joe Shmoe with a "fancy" camera who is charging "wicked cheap" for photos. You know, I can guarantee you...if you found the right photographer that fit your family to a tee...that cared about you, fit your budget and you loved their style...you will never step into a lame department store studio ever again! Seriously, I'd like to think my work speaks for itself. I love what I do SO MUCH and I hope it shows! I really so have the best job in the whole world (besides being a mom)! I can't say how amazing it feels when clients call me, crying, after getting their disc in the mail and thanking me a million times for their beautiful pictures. No...thank you for trusting me to capture your family the way you see them -----> beautiful!

Xavier & Rheigan ~ I am inspired to capture love, life and  real moments...

Don't you think it's time to break out of the mold? Now, I'm not saying to break it with me. As I mentioned, find the right photographer for you. Make sure they listen to you, they care, they're open and honest, they fit your budget, they share your vision and you love their style...and most of all...you love who they are and what they stand for! Why is all of this so important? Because that photographer is going to become part of your family and share all of your most important moments in your life. Trust them, know them, love them. If you want me to become part of your family and want to take that leap of faith, I will be here waiting! I can't wait to meet you!

Erin & Troy celebrate 9 years together ~ I am so honored to share these moments 

P.S. If some of this sounds rambly...it's because I'm a bit tired...and I talk a lot :)

Another Side of What I Do

So much goes into what I do in order to provide clients with the beautiful product they receive. Everything from continuous education, maintaining my equipment, research on locations, purchasing and making props, designing a session unique to that client, answering correspondence, packing up my gear and heading to the location, setting up, providing the best session experience they ever had and then driving home to ogle over the amazing photos I now get to edit! And this list is just a third of what I actually do! I didn't even mention the maintenance of my social media, website, marketing, insurance, taxes, as well as post production which includes things like purchasing, making and creating unique packages for client's, writing personal thank you cards and mailing out the cd to patiently awaiting clients! And there'e still more...but I want to focus a little on one of my favorite parts today which is editing! I will be showing examples of my before and after so you can see Another Side of What I Do. The samples you will see show my "before" which is the image straight out of the camera with absolutely no editing of any kind done to it. The "after" image shows the final edit I gave to my client. : )

This is my favorite from Xavier & Rheigan's session...truly inspiring!

You will see from the editing samples I will share today, that I really don't do a whole lot to photos unless I am trying to do a creative shot. That's because I do not like over-editing. My style is sweet and simple. I always add a little warmth to my photos and draw your eye to my subjects by adding a little "pop" in color to create more depth. That's it! Unless I'm working on a creative shot, editing takes me 5 minutes tops for any particular picture. I can finish a complete album in one day so long as I'm not outside playing in the warm sun with my kiddo for most of it! Hahaha but can you blame me? : ) I'm sure you may be wondering what I mean by creative shot...I will show you 2 kinds of creative shots to give you an idea.

This is Kyle's Superhero session...a wind blown cape was a necessity!

For Kyle's session, the owner of this location hooked me up with a massive construction fan and we did use it for some shots but it wouldn't reach to the area I wanted to use for this shot so I improvised! I had mommy stand behind Kyle and hold the cape. When I got home, I simply took her out of the photo and voila! Granted the photo went through a lot editing to remove mom, but notice again the overall editing is sweet and simple. Added a little warmth and light...magic! Here's another example...

Here is Ashley, Eric and Hailie! A special edit for a special family!

As you can see in this photo, I still kept to my style of adding warmth. The fence on the left was also removed and I created a live scoreboard! Why would I do that you might ask? Truth be told...I know nothing about sports. This beautiful family taught me tons! In fact, right after the session they rushed home to watch their fave team, the NY Giants, WIN the game that night! The next day I googled the winning score and added it to the scoreboard! This will be something they always remember. They appreciated the fact that I took the extra time to make this image truly unique to just them! How about I show you one more before I give you a BIG SURPRISE!

Jasmine's Back to School session was SO much fun!!

I think another thing that may be quite obvious is that when I take a photo, I take it with purpose. Even if I took a quick snapshot so I wouldn't miss a perfect moment, I put a lot of thought into that split second. Having to make sure my camera settings are always perfect since I shoot in manual mode is crucial. Making sure I take a photo with intention also means I won't have to crop it when I edit. This allows me to keep the file at it's maximum size to allow for large prints at the best quality....and did I mention is makes editing fast? Now hopefully I haven't bored you to death with the editing aspect of my job hahaha but it's one of my favorite parts and I wanted to share it with you since I get a lot of inquiries into how I create the images I post. I also wanted to share it because it's a large part of what I do and I work hard at maintaining and improving my Photoshop skills to ensure my end result is amazing...because all of my beautiful clients deserve amazing photos!!! OK...so are you ready for my BIG SURPRISE?!

This photo was taken by Monica Nichols from Nichols Photography

Why am I posting a photo from another photographer on my blog? Because the photo was taken by Monica Nichols, but I edited it as part of a contest at Photographers Connection...and I was one of the 3 WINNERS! Out of over 100 entries, I was in the top 3! In fact, my image was chosen by Jammie Lopez personally (the creator and owner of this amazing photographer community on Facebook)! I read the post at 1am this morning and totally teared up! I am so honored that my editing style is loved and appreciated! It also gives me a confidence boost in what I do...that I must be doing something right! : ) If you want to check out the link you can visit: Photographer's Connection - Editing Challenge

Thank you so much for reading what I have to say! : )