Every woman wants to look her best during a photo session. If that includes doing her makeup, she should follow the tips for picture-perfect makeup:

Skin Prep

Before beginning to apply makeup, the first step is to moisturize. Many people do this in their normal skin routine, so it probably isn’t an extra step. Doing a facial mask a couple of days before the shoot can make the skin look more refreshed as well.

Foundation

It can be hard to find the right foundation. It should as close as possible to her natural skin tone, so the client doesn’t end up looking too pale, orange, or tan. It might be worth it to go to a makeup counter or boutique before a session and have someone find the right shade.

Eyes

Especially for portraits, eyes are the focal point. Make them stand out by doing them slightly bolder than normal. Black eyeliner and mascara will make her eyes pop more than usual. The eye shadow itself doesn’t need to be a bold color, but the client should try to determine and use the colors of shadow enhance her eye color. Also, filling in sparse or very light-colored eyebrows makes the face look more balanced.

Lips

Don’t go too bold on the lips when getting pictures taken. A lighter pink or plum shade, depending on skin tone, usually works for everyone. If the lips are all that can be seen in the mirror, or they aren’t noticeable at all, it’s not the right color.

Touch-Ups

It’s always good to bring the makeup to the photo session. That way it can be touched up if it smears, runs, or accidentally gets wiped off for some reason. Some photo session can take a while, so it’s always good to be prepared.

When someone looks good, they feel good, and that confidence translates onto film. Keep these makeup tips and tricks in mind while getting ready for a photoshoot with Cindy Sherman Photography.

Preparing for an Engagement Photoshoot

Engagement photographs can be a ton of fun and allows couples to show their creative side. Some couples might not know exactly where to start when planning and preparing for engagement photographs. Here are some tips from Cindy Sherman Photography:

1. Compile Ideas

Pinterest is a great tool for finding photoshoot or prop ideas. Couples can use these to create ideas that show off their personalities, personal style, interests, and more. They can also take a look at the portfolio on Cindy Sherman Photography’s website to get some ideas.

2. Appearance

Ladies should take a little extra time for their hair and makeup. Getting it done professionally can make her feel even more beautiful and confident for the photoshoot. Men should get their hair cut about a week before, so it doesn’t look too fresh, but is still neat. Couples should also stay out of the sun and avoid spray tans so they don’t look bright red or too orange.

3. Outfits

Couples usually pick a couple different outfits for the photographs to give some variety. As with all outfits for photoshoots, they shouldn’t be matchy-matchy or too contrasting. Pick colors from the same palate, and go easy on the accessories.

4. Props

Many couples create or bring props that speak to their style. Some common ones are something with the wedding date written on it, balloons, flowers, etc. These can really make the shoot personal and if it has the date, it could be used for the “Save the Date” card.

5. Have Fun

Engagement photographs are full of smiles, laughs and candid moments. Just enjoy the process and try not to be too nervous.

Schedule a couples or engagement photo session with Cindy Sherman Photography to celebrate a relationship or the start of a new chapter. Visit the website to learn more about session information and pricing.

The Beauty of Maternity Photos

Maternity photoshoots are becoming more common each year. They’ve also gotten more creative over the years. These pregnancy photographs help women celebrate this new chapter of their and their partner’s lives. Here are some reasons to invest in maternity photo sessions:

• Celebrate the Pregnancy

While there are a lot of negative “side effects” with pregnancy, many women feel their best during this time. Pregnancy glow wasn’t just made up, it’s a real thing! These sessions can capture the joy and excitement mothers and even their partners are feeling. They can capture that glow, and make mothers feel beautiful.

• Preserving a Moment

Whether it is a first child or fifth, a new baby brings change into a family’s life. For those having their first child, a maternity photo session can capture the complete excitement of something they’ve never experienced before. Families with older children can have maternity photographs taken to capture what the family looks like before the new arrival and everyone’s excitement over the new baby.

• Gender or Name Reveal

Along with general maternity photo sessions, gender reveal sessions have become increasingly popular. It’s a fun way to capture the anticipation of pregnancy and announce the gender of the child all in one. With the gender reveal, many couples choose to let everyone know the gender by adding pink or blue balloons or other gender specific items. Others include blocks to spell out the name they have picked out for the new baby.

Capture the joy of pregnancy through a maternity photoshoot with Cindy Sherman Photography. Visit the website to learn more about information and pricing and see some of her previous maternity photographs.

Almost anyone with a smartphone and Photoshop can call themselves a photographer these days. However, professional photographers are a different breed. They bring knowledge, skill, experience, and passion to the table. When choosing a professional photographer for a project, whether family pictures or corporate headshots, here are some things to consider:

• Style

Ask the photographer about their portrait style. See if their portrait styles and experiences match up with the project in mind. They might be more versed in photojournalistic images, or whimsical and romantic.

• Look at the Portfolio

Most photographers are excited to show off their portfolio full of photos. Whether online or in person, check out what they’ve done in the past. It will give the potential client a pretty good idea of the photographer’s strengths.

• Additional Services

Some photographers offer services such as retouching, altering, removing blemishes, and framing. Many people are interested in these additional services and would like them in included with the photography. If the photographer doesn’t offer these services, often they can point the client to someone who can do this with the pictures they have taken.

• Cost

Clients are often very concerned about cost when it comes to getting pictures taken. There are session fees along with purchasing fees, and more. While the saying “you get what you pay for,” rings mostly true, the client should make sure the photographer isn’t completely taking advantage.

• Testimonials and References

Another item clients should check when selecting a photographer is their testimonials, references, and reviews. If people are happy or unhappy with the photographer’s work, it will be out there to find. Testimonials are generally found on their website, while reviews are found on social media pages like Facebook or Google. For references, check out the Better Business Bureau and other professional associations.

Finding the right photographer can take a little research and a lot of talking to people, but in the end it will be worth it. Photographs can last more than a lifetime. Make sure these special moments are captured by the right photographer.

Great Color Combinations for Family Pictures

It’s been established that when having family photos taken, there should be a color theme instead of everyone wearing the exact same color or pattern. But what color schemes are the best for family photos? Here are some of the best color palette ideas:

Pastels

Going with a pastel theme allows for many different colors to be used, but they still all blend together nicely. Pastels work well with outdoor landscapes and indoor backgrounds, making them versatile. Since it is Easter picture season, pastels also give off that springtime, Easter vibe as well.

Blue and Yellow

Blue and yellow contrast, but still complement each other well. Yellow pops against a darker blue, such as navy. The two can even tie together with some shades of turquoise too. These colors are great for beach family photos.

Black and White

Simple, but elegant. Black and white is a traditional color combo made up of two neutrals. This gives a nice versatility for many backgrounds, whether indoors or outside. It is frequently the easiest color combo to put together because people usually have a lot of black and white already in their closet.

Navy and Green

This color combination goes well with nature backdrops, highlighting the colors that naturally occur in nature. Darker blues work better with the green than a brighter blue, it’s just easier on the eyes. Using tan as an added neutral works great with these two colors.

Green, Navy and Red

These colors makes most people think about the holidays and winter. They are the classic Christmas card colors, and balance together nicely. Keep this combo in mind for the next holiday photographs.

When preparing for a family portrait session with Cindy Sherman Photography, refer back to this blog post for color combination ideas. With a great color combination and Cindy’s expert photography skills, everyone will be jealous of those family photos.

What Not to Wear to Photoshoots

When planning what to wear for a photoshoot, there are a lot of things to consider. Instead of making a list of everything that works well, here are some items to avoid when planning outfits for a photoshoot:

1. Matchy-matchy

Unless it’s a theme portrait, make sure not to match. Coordinate outfits with two or three colors that work well together, or different shades of the same color. If everyone is wearing the same pattern or color, it can be overpowering in the final image.

2. Pattern or color out of place

When choosing outfits, take into consideration where the photos will be taken. Colors and patterns will look differently on certain backgrounds. If the backdrop is going to be busy, try to go for simple colors with no patterns. If the background will be plain, adding some patterns can make it more interesting.

3. Something brand new

Some people enjoy buying new outfits for a photoshoot, but there is a downside to wearing a new outfit. To start with, the clothing may gape or pucker in ways the wearer wasn’t expecting when moving and posing for photographs. New shoes or clothing could also make them feel uncomfortable during the session. It’s better to put on that favorite, comfortable outfit for confident, relaxed photographs.

4. Bright, neon colors

Neon colors are not the most flattering for most skin tones. They can also be harsh and jarring to the eye. The subject should figure out which colors look best with their skin tone and pick from those. It will make them look their best in the photos.

5. Too many accessories

Accessories are fun, and can complete a look. But if someone is wearing too many, it can distract from the beauty of the photographs. Choose either a bracelet, necklace, or statement earrings, but not all of them at once.

Take this all of this into consideration when choosing outfits for a photo session with Cindy Sherman. Also visit the photography FAQ page for more information on what to wear.

Senior Photos

As the end of senior year draws near many parents look back at the senior photos taken of their graduate by friends or family members and realize they just aren’t quite the senior portrait they wanted to capture this special occasion. Selfies and home photos have their place but a life milestone like graduation is best captured by a professional photographer.

While Cindy Sherman Photography might not be able to replace the photo that already went into the yearbook, she can take new pictures of the senior for the family to have and give out to friends and family.

For those parents looking for a better image of their child to commemorate their senior year, contact Cindy Sherman Photography. She will work with the senior to create the perfect image by getting to know them. By discussing hair, clothing, and makeup, she will discover the best way to capture their uniqueness.

Outside photographs are a favorite of seniors, and Cindy Sherman Photography has an entire acre of great outdoor photography spot for seniors to use. It includes an Italian wall, Castle wall, ’46 Chevy, beach, iron gate, etc. There’s something for everyone.

Check out the Cindy Sherman Photography website to see previous work and get more information about sessions and prices. It’s not too late to capture the perfect senior picture.

When it comes to company websites, some have photos of their staff and some do not. Every company has reasons why they do or do not put up staff pictures, but there are some good arguments as to why every company should.

Building Trust

A majority of people like to know who they are dealing with. They are more inclined to trust that company. If a potential customer visit’s a company’s website, sees staff photos, and then reads a short bio about them it helps build that trust. Seeing photos also makes the company seem more human and likeable.

Involve Everyone

Since most customers are likely to speak to a staff member before ever meeting with a member of the management team, it’s important to include most if not all of the employees in the photos. This allows people to get to know everyone through pictures and bios, especially the people they are most likely to interact with first.

Other Uses

For larger companies with an intranet or company only site, it can be very useful to have everyone listed with pictures. It can be challenging for employees at large companies to remember everyone’s name and these photos would be very helpful.

Privacy Concerns

Some companies or employees feel as if their privacy would be violated if their photograph is on the internet for the world to see. However, in most fields, the benefits highly outweigh any threat to privacy. While employees should not be forced to take a staff picture, educating them on the benefits could help sway them.

Cindy Sherman has experience taking business photos for companies or individuals. She can coach them on what to wear and how to pose for a good headshot, or even body shot. Visit her website to see examples of previous business photos.

Basic Composition Rules for Photographers

Composition is an important concept in photography. Professional photographers, hobbyists, and even the everyday smartphone photographer needs to be aware of the rules of composition. In simple terms, composition is defined as how the elements in an image are arranged. It includes not only the subject but all of the other components as well.

Photo composition isn’t complicated but each photographer needs to understand that his or her decisions regarding composition greatly affect the look of a shot and how people will perceive the image. The way a shot is framed and how the subject is positioned can make all the difference between a good image and an extraordinary one.

It’s easiest for beginners to stick with the basics like selecting a focal point for the image that makes the subject the center of attention. Beginners will also enhance the quality of their photos by filling up the frame with the subject. Leaving too much empty space is a frequent composition mistake.

For photographers who want to take their craft to the next level, here are a few basic composition rules to know:

• The Rule of Thirds – The Rule of Thirds has been deemed the king of composition for good reason: the human eye is naturally drawn to images that are divided into thirds with the subject falling at or along those divisions. To follow this rule, simply divide the frame into nine equal-sized parts and place the subject along one of the intersections of the lines. Try not to place the subject in the center of the frame.
• Leading Lines – When there is no focal point in a shot, viewers will be unsure of where to look. The photographer, however, can use lines in order to control how a person’s eyes move around an image. Fortunately, lines exist everywhere especially in outdoor settings. Take advantage of this by finding natural lines. Horizontal and vertical lines tend to create a feel to images that is stable, calm, and static. Diagonal lines tend to produce feelings of uncertainty and movement.
• The Rules of Odds – For some reason, the human eye is more comfortable with images that contain an odd number of elements than an even number. For example, an image of three ducks in a pond is more appealing than two ducks. Our eyes are naturally drawn to the center of a group, and if that space is empty, that’s where viewers will look. Photographers always want the viewer to look at a subject and not empty spaces.
• Aspect Ratio – It’s easy for photographers to get stuck taking pictures with the camera held horizontally. However, vertical shots might make for better images in many cases. Remember, the photos can always be cropped later if the subject is too tall.
• Sense of Movement – To convey a sense of movement, it helps to leave a little more space in front of the subject than behind it. For example, a car moving down the road needs more space in front of it then behind it in the frame.

Of course, it never hurts to break the rules of composition by trying different types of photographs. Some of the best images are those that don’t follow the basic rules of composition. Follow Cindy Sherman Photography on Facebook for examples of professional images and more tips on composition.

5 Creative Photo Projects to Begin in January

Want to start the New Year off right? January is a month where our attention usually turns to our health and fitness goals. But what about photography goals? One of the challenges photographers face is having the motivation to simply get out there and take pictures even if they don’t feel like it.

For help setting photography goals for 2016, here are five creative projects to begin in January:

1. Project 365 – A classic photography project that typically starts on January 1^st is Project 365. The goal of this project is to take a picture every day for a year. Be warned, however. This challenge is not for the faint hearted. It takes a lot of motivation and determination to complete one snapshot a day for a year. The results, though, are extremely rewarding, and the images can be used for a variety of projects. This task can be made easier to accomplish with a smartphone camera and a wide variety of photography apps including Instagram and Collect.
2. Weekly Photo Project – If one picture a day seems too daunting of a task, try turning it into a weekly photograph instead. This is a good starting point for newbies in particular. There’s no limit to what photographers can do for weekly photos. It can be of family, events, self-portraits, food, themes, and lots more.
3. A Photo Every Hour – For the more ambitious photographers, set out to take a photo every hour instead of one a day. This gives the photographer plenty of challenges in terms of shooting in different lighting conditions and a wide variety of settings. It’s up to the photographer to decide if they want this project to last a day, a week, a month, or a whole year!
4. Life Photo Project – A photographic challenge that builds on Project 365, this task documents normal, everyday life using a camera. It dares photographers to create scrapbooks out of images and include other documents like ticket stubs, receipts, and so forth. This can be especially good for parents who want to scrapbook the lives of their children and families.
5. Record an Object Over Time – Instead of sticking to a particular time frame, this challenge is about documenting an object over time. This could be a certain landmark, indoor object like a piece of furniture, or even a landscape. In the end, the results show how the object changed over time. Take it a step further by using the project as an opportunity to learn time lapse photography.