Tips for Twinkle Lights!

Yes, this blog is a little bit late. But not too late, since most have just started to decorate for the holidays!


There is still time to book a session with JMAC to get your holiday photos done in time for presents, cards, and calendars...so email me today! :) 


Today's tips are all about the tricky shooting when twinkle lights are involved. I love glitter, sparkles and twinkle lights. I would keep them up all year if I could...so I usually take plenty of photos of the lights, the tree, and the kids around the tree. If you have ever attempted a photo infront of the tree, when it is dark out, and the lights are sparkleing you may have had the following things go wrong...1. The flash fires making the whole photo blown out and the lights dull. 2. You switch the flash off and then notice tons of noise in the photo 3. You turn the flash off and everything is blurry, and what is not blurry is dark.


Here are some tips, and tricks of what to expect and how to make those holiday tree photos work! 


1. NO FLASH, NO FLASH, and finally, NO FLASH. I love natural light in portraits, I avoid flashes, fill flashes and artificial light whenever I can. A flash ruins a tree photo. Take a look at this photo: you can barley see the lights, or the decorations because of the flash:

2. Get a tripod. Even a cheap one...it does not have to be expensive to work! :) When the flash is off, a tripod allows you to keep the camera steady and avoid operator error reducing blur. To capture the beauty of the lights and tree we will need to increase our shutter speed to slower than 1/60, which is usually where I draw the line at feeling comfortable holding the camera steady by myself. Here is an example of why you need a tripod...look at the before and after:

Before:

After with tripod:

3. Play with the shutter speed...find one that gives you the look and feel you want in the photo. If you have a shutter speed that is too long it will look too bright and lose the feel of a tree lit up at night, if it is too short it will seem dim. Most digital cameras have an option to control the exposure time in the menu, they do not have to be a dslr.

Long shutter speed:

4. If there are kids in your shot, you may have to use a flash. Telling a toddler to stay SUPER still for 2.5 seconds sometimes does not work. If you are using a fill flash or a regular flash bringing the model a little bit away from the twinkle lights so the flash does not wash out the lights as much works well. 

5. Finally ... CLOSE UPS OF THE LIGHTS ARE BEAUTIFUL! Try some shots that do not include the whole tree or lights, focus on a favorite ornament or color.

Happy Holidays! Take lots of photos!

Christmas Pets!

Another week of photography shoots has past! This week brought something very cool, my first "Pet" Shoot, indoors, with my portable studio!


We had an interesting time, everything ranging from scared puppies, to hissing Siamese cats were all a part of the shoot! I love animals, and knew that treats and patience would be a must for this shoot. (I also had to use creativity in the shots instead of expectations and work with what we got!) 


Here are some behind the scenes photos as well as some of the finished results:

Ashley did not want to stay far away from us....the studio scared her at first.

 I thought it would be cute to have the kitty sitting with the doggie...they did not agree

Treats were a must...

Patience also another must, this kitty was not in the holiday spirit! :)

 All in all the shots ended up adorable! Treats, patience, and a go with it approach gave some awesome results!

Holiday Mini Sessions and Tips!

Yes! It is time for Holiday Mini Sessions at JMAC. The next few weeks may feel early in the season, but it allows enough time for Holiday Cards to be printed and mailed! 


I have already started booking sessions (even a mini session that will include 2 cats and a dog, so don't forget pets are welcome as well, after all they are a part of the family!)


I always love outdoor photos, but offering the indoor studio this year makes for some great portraits for the Mini Sessions as well!


Time for some Holiday Portrait Tips!


When thinking about ideas for your portraits keep in mind...


1. Sometimes less is more...having too many props may take focus away from the person and feel busy, sometimes just focus on one prop and you may find the simpler the better.

2. Be aware of the color in the shot, and use it to your advantage. Zooming in on certain props or items to use them for their color can make a very festive photo.

3. Try a close up on the face, while still including part of the props. Sometimes this will add interest, keep the festive feel, and give you that "wow" shot you are looking to hang on the wall.

4. Sometimes the candid shots are the best...take a few extra shots of exploring moments, these are the real moments we sometimes miss when taking Holiday pictures.

5. Experiment with frames and clip art, this season is all about fun, so adding silly fun elements is ok here!

So...book your Mini Holiday Session now! There is only a few weeks left to get everything ready... :) And don't forget to have fun taking pictures the next few months! Next week's tips blog..."Low Lighting Solutions for the Holidays ~ how to make your Twinkle lights sparkle." :) 

Announcements

Alright, here are a list of announcements as promised!

A lot has changed with JMAC Portraits over the past year. What started as an idea, and part-time hobby type business has grown into what I am focusing on full time! The past few weeks I have been making updates and changes to my website, as well as creating a FB page for JMAC instead of a traditional profile. (This change is why I have been asking for friends to "like" the new page, the old one had a lot of friends and followers and now that it is a page I had to start from scratch...)

I have updated my pricing, check the "contact jmac" tab on the website to see the full list of what I am offering and price breakdowns. I will be KEEPING the referral program! I love referrals so keep them coming to get a free "mini" session!

Also some exciting news...Jan 29th at the Aladdin Shrine Center will be my first Bridal Expo...so if you are a bride, know a bride, or will be one soon stop by and see me! I will be running special event pricing, as well as a raffle (the winner will receive their wedding photography package FREE). 

My holiday special is running...so make sure to book your mini session to get ready for Christmas/Holiday Cards!!!

And finally...its getting cold outside...and this year JMAC offers indoor studio-style portraits! This is a great option for newborns, and I have plenty of props to bring along to your session!

Enjoy the last few days of beautiful fall weather...today was 65 out. :)