Maternity photographs are a fantastic way of celebrating pregnancy and the excitement of the baby’s arrival. These photographs are especially cherished when it is a couple’s first baby. If this is their first time doing a maternity shoot, here are some tips to follow:

• Scheduling

Maternity photo sessions are focused mainly on the belly, so mommies-to-be should think about scheduling their photo session during their 7^th or 8^th month of pregnancy. Usually this is far enough away from the due date that they can still move freely to pose.

• Outfits

Many mommies-to-be choose a flowy shirt or dresses that create a look of elegance. Putting a belt with the outfit just under the bust helps show off the belly even more. Some also do bare belly shots with a bandeau top or something similar.

• Props

Personal props such as the baby’s name, first stuffed animal, baby booties, sonogram pictures, or due date can really personalize the photographs. It can also add variety for posing and picture options.

• Spouses and Children

In can be fun to incorporate other members of the family in the pictures as well. It shows their excitement for the newest member, and can double as a family picture. Just make sure everyone’s outfits coordinate so the attention isn’t taken away from the star of the photoshoot.

• Hair/Makeup/Nails

Clients should spend time before the shoot doing their hair and makeup, but also taking care of their cuticles. In maternity photoshoots, hands are often in the images. Clients should make sure their nails look the way they want, whether that be painted, bare, long or short.

Visit Cindy Sherman Photography’s website to see her portfolio of maternity photos. She also lists the pricing and session information for clients on the page. Her maternity portrait session will help all mothers cherish this wondrous time in their lives.

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.

5 Factors for Choosing a Photo Location

When a client is choosing the location for their photography session, they should consider quite a few factors to find the perfect location. Here are the five most important factors:

1. Meaningful

Many clients choose a spot that is meaningful to them whether it be a favorite fishing lake, backyard, family land, etc. It helps to capture their personality and what is important to them. They’ll also feel more comfortable in their favorite spot, making it easier to capture the perfect picture.

2. Natural Lighting

What photographers love about outdoor photoshoots is the natural lighting. It creates beautiful photos, but it also needs to be the right type of light. Having a source of shade nearby such as a shady tree, can create the right soft light photographers love using.

3. Shelter

Shooting in the middle of a field with nowhere to take shelter if the weather turns nasty isn’t always a great idea. Make sure there’s something to take shelter in or under nearby, such as a bridge or building. Or if the cars are parked close enough that would work well too.

4. Calm Areas

Busy areas full of people don’t usually make for good photography locations. Waiting for people to move out of the frame will waste a lot of time. Noises and people could also distract certain subjects like pets or babies.

5. Weather

Outdoor photos are gorgeous, but if the weather is bad, shooting outside may not be an option. Indoor sessions can look fabulous too and the photographer has more control over the surroundings. For winter photographs, a location with both indoor and outdoor settings is the perfect solution. Capturing a few indoor photos while everyone has their hair and make-up perfected and then moving outdoors for some time playing in the leaves or snow can provide a wonderful mix of photographs.

Keep these factors in mind when deciding on a photo session location. Cindy Sherman Photography also has an acre of land with plenty of great photography spots throughout it like the Italian wall, a castle wall, Funky Town, beach, iron gate, etc. She also does indoor sessions as well for those who are interested in an indoor portrait session.

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.

Common Objections to Having Pictures Taken

Ever known someone who absolutely refuses to have their picture taken? This person usually hides when someone pulls out a camera or smartphone to start taking photographs, making every effort to conceal themselves. Still, there are others who allow their picture to be taken but don’t smile or are reluctant to work with photographers for the best results.

While there are some people who have severe phobias related to cameras and photography, most people merely harbor a few insecurities about how they look. So what are the biggest objections people give to having their pictures taken?

• “I Won’t Look Good” – Getting pictures taken is one of people’s biggest fears. No one wants to look bad in photographs. Even the most photogenic people can be made to look less than perfect. The reality is that looking bad is more a reflection of the photographer than the subject. A professional photographer, like Cindy Sherman, can make her subjects look good and create a fun, comfortable environment in which the subjects are enjoying themselves. If the subjects are comfortable and enjoying the experience, they will look great in the photographs!
• “I Won’t Look Natural” – One of the reasons people end up looking uncomfortable in their professional portraits is because they chose the wrong photography studio. Many studios force their subjects into set poses and unnatural smiles. At Cindy Sherman Photography, we like to sit down with our clients, walk the property together, and determine how to best proceed with the photo shoot. The purpose is to get to know our client’s preferences and personalities so that their best selves come out in the images. We never force smiles because we want our subjects looking real and natural.
• “I Need to Lose a Few Pounds First” – While this is an extremely common objection, the right camera angle can easily take off 20 pounds. Plus, after the images are captured, even more adjustments can be made. A good photographer knows how to help their subjects slim down a little so they can look their best. This might involve having the subject try a variety of poses or backgrounds to find one that’s the most complimentary.
• “I Don’t Have Anything to Wear” – One of the hardest aspects of a portrait session is deciding what to wear. The key is to choose clothes that are comfortable and make the subjects look their best. If the clothes they wear are uncomfortable and unflattering, this will come out in the pictures. If all else fails, bringing a few different outfits to the photo shoot will help. That way there are plenty of options to choose from during the shoot.

Many people who don’t like getting their pictures taken simply haven’t had good experiences. Choosing the right photography studio can make all the difference. Contact Cindy Sherman for an enjoyable session with a photographer who knows how to make people look their best!

Dressing For Family Portraits

It’s often a challenge for families to agree with each other on something, and this is particularly true when it comes to clothing choices for family portraits. Gone are the days when families wear matching outfits. In fact, this is now a family fashion faux pas. Since family photographs will be hanging on walls and treasured for years to come, simple yet classic clothing choices are preferred for that timeless feel.

So what are the dos and don’ts of family photograph outfit choices?

Do’s

Plan ahead. Start figuring out what to wear as soon as the family portrait session is booked. That leaves plenty of time to prepare outfits for each family member. It’s also a good idea to read specific guidelines on clothing like these from Cindy Sherman.

Dress according to the weather and/or season. Many times the specific clothing choices will depend upon the location of the photo shoot and time of year. For example, the traditional colors worn for Christmas or holiday family portraits are red and green but if the family is headed outdoors, they may want to choose blues or darker colors to contrast with white, snowy backgrounds.

Coordinate colors. Not everyone needs to wear the same colors. It’s important to establish a base color first and then pick one or two accent colors. Cindy says the following about colors of clothing for family portraits:

“The key is to keep all the clothing in the same hue, taking care to not allow any one article of clothing to be brighter, darker, or lighter than the other clothing in the portrait. This way, the focus of the portrait will remain on the faces of the individuals and the interactions between them.”

Wear layers. Layers bring more visual appeal to photos, making them more interesting. This also makes it easier for family members to adjust to weather conditions if shooting outdoors.

Combine colors with patterns or accessories. There’s nothing wrong with throwing in one or two patterns that coordinate with the family’s outfits. For guys, this might mean wearing a plaid shirt or a patterned shirt under a sweater for women. Accessories like scarves, jewelry, and hats help bring out the family’s unique style and personality.

Wear clothes that are comfortable and flattering. If the clothing choices aren’t comfortable or flattering, it will show in the photos.

Don’ts

Match. It’s a major mistake to dress everyone up in khaki pants and white shirts. Go for complimentary colors instead.

Have everyone dressed entirely in the same color.

Choose the same color as the background. The goal of clothing is to make the subjects stand out in the images. This is extremely hard to do if they blend into the background.

Wear clothing that features characters or logos. Characters and logos in photographs are distracting. The best portrait clothes are usually those that are made up of plain, solid colors.

Wear sneakers. Shoes are just as important as the other clothing choices. A family can make or break their photo session by what they wear on their feet. Shoes should complete the feel of the outfit, and if it’s difficult to find the right pair of shoes, bring a few different options to the photo session.

Finding the right clothing choices for a family portrait session can be challenging and stressful. When in doubt about what to wear for family photographs, contact Cindy Sherman for tips on clothing.

Tips for Better Holiday Photos

The wealth of get-togethers and gatherings during the holidays means that inevitably someone will pull out a camera and start snapping pictures. While the holidays make for some fantastic photo opportunities, here are some ways for photographers to capture even better holiday photos and get creative:

• Candid Shots – Everyone comes to expect the family or group portrait when attending holiday events. Still, there probably will be a handful of people who don’t enjoy getting their formal pictures taken. Make these individuals feel at ease by snapping more candid shots of family activities. Attempting to shoot moments instead of poses allows the photographer to be a little bit more discreet. Plus, taking a documentary-style approach makes for more engaging photos and better memories for the years ahead. Snap pictures of some favorite holiday traditions like opening presents, gathering around the fireplace, playing games, and so on. Don’t forget to document the decorations and food too.
• Preparation – Some of the best moments during holiday gatherings are those that are unplanned so the photographer must be prepared to capture them without much warning. It helps if he or she is able to anticipate the action and move around the room with ease. It’s important that the camera’s batteries are fully charged and that there are extra batteries to serve as backup.
• Photographing Children and Pets - It is always recommended to physically get down at the same level of both children and pets for better photographs. Images taken from above can result in unflattering pictures. Once on their level, mix up the results by shooting both close up with wide-angle views and shots from farther away. Since kids tend to move around a lot because of excitement over gifts, it’s important to experiment with shutter speeds.
• Take Lots of Photos – One way to guarantee quality images is to take a lot of pictures. Switching the camera into burst or continuous mode will help capture the microseconds before or after a big surprise or memorable occasion. Don’t stop shooting even when the holiday activities are wrapping up and the photographer thinks that his or her job is done. Some of the best moments might be captured when friends and family are saying their goodbyes.
• Wide-Angle Shots – Even though close up shots are adequate, there might be occasions when it’s better to step back and get images of the bigger picture. This helps to avoid some of the not-so-pleasant details of holiday gatherings like the dog’s drool and Grandpa’s grumpy expression.
• Capturing Holiday Lights – One of the most challenging aspects of capturing holiday photos is getting decent images of lights. In general, shooting images of holiday lights is similar to night photography. The best images are those taken from a tripod for increased stability. For dramatic results, increase the camera’s shutter speed by several seconds. For more creative photos, consider moving the camera around while the shutter is open in order to create different lighting effects.
• Don’t Forget to Set the Camera Down – It’s important for the photographer to be able to enjoy the celebrations along with the other guests. Consider passing around the camera so that other people have a chance to take photographs.

While the whole family is in town for the holidays, why not schedule a professional family portrait with Cindy Sherman Photography? Cindy will use her expertise to capture those special family relationships.

The Lasting Value of Family Portraits

This is the time of year when our thoughts turn to choosing special gifts for our loved ones. However, most of these gifts will wear out or break over time. When looking for a gift that will keep on giving as the years pass consider family photographs.

Here are some reasons to give the gift of family portraits this year:

• Family portraits are timeless. Unlike material objects like toys and clothes, they only grow in meaning and value as time passes.
• Family photographs are priceless. Nothing can compare to the joy of recording visually how family members have grown or changed over the last year.
• Portraits are a great way to remember the past and reminisce about relatives.
• Photos not only represent the members of the family, they also represent the bonds that family members share between each other.
• Since children grow up so quickly, family portraits capture that growth over time. They serve as records of physical growth as well as the emergence of individual personalities and interests.
• The makeup of a family can change without warning. Loved ones pass on and new members enter the picture. Families never know when the last chance for portraits will come.
• Family portraits are a great way to document and keep alive the family’s history. Who knows, one day the grandchildren might wonder who has gone before them and what their lives were like. Photographs preserve memories and people for future generations.
• Photographs are able to be maintained in a variety of ways. They can be compiled in scrapbooks, mounted on walls, shared digitally, and restored if they happened to be damaged.
• Family photo gifts are incredibly meaningful and can be included on a variety of useful items like calendars, blankets, and mugs.

Give the timeless gift of family portraits this holiday season. Contact Cindy Sherman to schedule a special family portrait session.

Preparing Children for Photo Shoots

It’s a universal fact that parents enjoy taking pictures of their kids. They might enjoy documenting their children’s growth and their unique personalities. Maybe they just want to capture fun moments that make great memories years down the road. Whatever the reason, child portraits can be a fun experience for both kids and their parents.

On the other hand, there is the possibility of the photo shoot turning into a nightmare. Children are not like adults and may have trouble posing or holding still. They might be intimidated by the photographer and his or her camera. The good news is that parents can increase the likelihood of a successful photography session by preparing their children before the big day arrives.

Help children get ready by talking to them about the shoot well in advance. Give them at least a week to get used to the idea. It’s also important for the parents to let their kids know how they will be expected to behave. Don’t forget to mention that it will be a fun family event and special occasion for everyone. Making sure that their children are rested and well-fed will also help. Every member of the family, including the parents, will be happier when tummies are full and happy people make for better images.

One of the biggest worries of parents is what their children will wear for the photographs. It is important children wear something comfortable and have plenty of outfits on hand. The photo session won’t be as boring or scary with toys and games from home or even bringing along the family pet to include in the pictures.

It also helps to work with a professional photographer who has years of experience working with children. Professional photographers like Cindy Sherman know how to put children at ease and get them to relax in the front of the camera.