At home "studio"; Jenson 6 months

I really hate using the work "studio." To me it implies a windowless room painted white with artificial lighting and blue eighties backdrops. I know that studios have their place and can be amazing when the right amount of money is involved in creating them, but for me and the way I like to shoot I prefer the outdoors, or at least more natural settings. However, I have found with babies it is a good idea to have set ups ready to just sit the baby into and keep it simple without having to drastically change locations or switch props in and out. I have also found that having a space indoors for baby and mommy to cool off, change diapers, have a snack, etc. can also be very helpful. For all these reasons I have decided to start using my home as a studio of sorts. This way I can set up all my props beforehand and have seamless transitions between shoots. I have tried it out several times on  my own little model (my daughter Ari) and this weekend brought a client in to test it out. I have to say I was very please with the results, especially the speed at which the day went and with very little fuss from anyone! Here are a few shots from this weekends adventure in home studio. I hope you enjoy!

You can find more picture on our facebook page.  I look forward to booking more session in our at-home "studio"!!

Senior 2012 Pricing!!

2012 Seniors!!!!
Book your senior session now to reserve your time!!

Two packages I recommend:

*$150: Two hour shoot, three outfit changes, two locations and CD (that's right all edited images on a Cd for you to use, share, print, copy and post!)

*$175: Two hour shoot, three outfit changes, two locations and CD (that's right all edited images on a Cd for you to use, share, print, copy and post!)
Also a print package including:
2 8x10's
4 5x7's
48 wallets (wallets must all be the same image)


(Additional packages and prices upon request!)
*Add 50 "rep" Cards and case for $30!!

{Jessie} 2012 Senior Rep

I was so excited to do Jessie's senior pictures, especially when she said to me, "I'm up for anything I just want them to be different than everyone else's senior pics!" It  was so much fun and  I could not ask for a more easy going senior! I had one of those inspiring days where when I go to edit I got a little carried away and can't stop! I have so many to choose from to put on here!!! I am so very anxious to see her rep cards!! (will post pictures!)

2012 Senior Reps!!

2012 Senior Rep

Still Waters Photography

is looking for 2012 Senior Reps!

Only one Rep  per Rome/Floyd Area high school!

Rep receives:

*Free Senior Session

*50 Free Rep Cards and case with images from the shoot and studio information.

*CD with copyright of all edited images (25+)

*For every 5 referrals Rep will receive

$15 in professional print credits

Rep Responsibilities:

*Be Outgoing, Fun, and Energetic

*Represent Still Waters Photography

*Spread the word!

*Must sign Model Release (or parent if under 18)

5 ways to make your child's photo shoot "Mantel Worthy!"

I LOVE doing child photography! I think my background in elementary education and having a litle girl of my own really draws me to this type of photography and working with children. However, over the past three years doing photography I have learned from experience some of the do's and don't's. I want to share some of what I have learned with my past and future clients and even those out there who are working with other photographers! (These tips and tricks can also help when it come to family sessions!)

5. Keep it Simple  You will read this saying in just about all of the four other tips too, but it is so important when woring with kids! Keep everything simple and fluid, and organic. If you force it, it will looked forced!! If you are hiring a professional photographer you are wanting a beautiful picture that captures YOUR child's personality not a cookie cutter set up and posed session. Let it be about your child an make it personal! Also, I will add this in too. Keep it simple when it comes to keeping your child happy during the shoot and bring your child's favorite snacks. Having those at a shoot can really help when they start getting grumpy or need a little pick me up! Bringing thier favorite toy can really help when I need them to be in motion. Asking them to go get something or look at something they are familiar with is a great tool to get "effortless looking" photos. I usually bring some small toys with me but have found it works much better when its a toy they already know and love!

4. Clothing! Everyone always wonders what to wear to get their picture taken and I say pretty much the same thing: "Something you feel really good in" and the same is true for children. It is important that the child is comfortable first and foremost. If the clothese are binding it really doesn't matter how cute they are the pictures are going to show the child uncomfortableness. (I think I just may have mde up a word..haha, but you know what I mean.) Simple is always better as well! You want your photos to be timeless so simple rather than trendy or busy patterens will make you love that picture longer. Character shirts are great, but can be really distracting in pictures. My favorite for little girls is a simply dress in a solid color and simple slip on shoes (barefoot is also adorable!) and for little boys comfy jeans, or khakis (pant or shorts according to weather) and a polo or button down in solid or stripes. Also, I suggest keeping the clothes changes to a minimum! For newborns, I LOVE LOVE LOVE just a diaper or for little girls a diaper and bloomers!!!!!!!!

(Perfect example of great simple and comfy outfit!)

3.Timing! Many photographers talk about the "golden hours." That is those hours right after sunrise and before sunset. I agree those are magical times of beautiful lighting and the best times for outdoor photographs. However, when it comes to children's photos no amount of good lighting can help when the kid is in a bad mood or not wanting to partcipate in the shoot! The "golden hours" for children are best known by their Mommy, Daddy or Grandparents and is that time of day when your little one is in a great mood and cooperative. For some children it's first thing in the morning and others after nap, but this is the best time to plan a shoot and will make the whole experience much more enjoyable and the product that much better! For example my little girl's "golden hours" are just before and after lunch before nap! It may be one of the hottest times of day, but the best for her mood. I will talk about how to deal with the heat in the next session.

2.Location! Keep it simple!!! The most important part of your pictures is the people in it! Remember that. Especially when choosing locations for children's shoots. My personal opinion is to do it at someone's home. Whether it is yours, your parents, grandparents, friends, or your friendly photographers means having areas to change diapers, go potty, cool off, get a drink and do indoor and outdoor pictures. All of these things are very important when shooting little children! If you don't think your home is appropriate, think about your friends and family's homes, most likely they will feel flattered if you ask! But, most importantly and I can't say it enough don't worry too much about the background, more about the subject!

(First taken in their front yard with "flower" picked from behind them, Second at her Grandparents helping her Grandmother week the flower bed)

1.Photographer! Obviously, I would love to be the one to capture those precious childhood pictures, but whomever you choose make sure they are versed in working with children. Taking beautiful pictures is one thing, working well with children is completely different! Patience and flexability is a must, especially with newborn sessions. Make sure they are prepared to wait while the child has a melt down, gets a snack, wonders around, gets used to the camera and all the other unexpected things kids will do. Having a photographer that is strict with their time or booked sessions one right after the other might not be the best for unpredictableness (another made up word from me!) of children! As a rule of thumb I also try to do more candid and in the moment photography with children rather thanposed photography (it keeps both me and the kids from becoming frustrated!)

I hope this helps! If you have any questions, or more tips please comment! Hope to hear from you booking your child's session!!

P.S. Be looking for the next entry of the top ten Locations for shoots!!

Sisterly Love

I had an amazing time doing a shoot with two adorable little girls! This was the third shoot I have done with older sister, JoAnna, but the first with precious Miss Addyson! Besides getting to work with two cutie pies, I also was honored to shoot at their great-grandparents beautiful home and farm! It was the perfect place and made the girls feel extra comfortable (I even got "Paw Paw" in the shoot as well, so sweet!). Hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoyed shooting!

Brandon+Amy

Father's Day weekend we had the pleasure and great honor to photograph Amy and Brandon's special day! It was a beautiful day and thankfully the weather was on our schedule and the weather men on hand kept us all informed!

The Bavaro's

I love doing family portraits, but I especailly loved capturing the Bavaro's and their two beautiful daughters! The whole family was so welcoming and made me feel right at home (not like an outsider with a camera in their faces). It was lovely and you can tell in the photographs how relaxed and inviting they all are. I am sharing just a few with you, so I hope you enjoy!