Spring into a new idea...{Spring Portraits 2015}

I've been known to be a bit long winded and sometimes deeply philosophical, so if you so choose, just skip down to the photos and check out samples of the 2015 Spring Portrait set. If you'd like a snap shot inside the method and madness behind these expression sessions, by all means read on.

Think about it...IDEAS BECOME THINGS. Such an easy concept, but this concept requires confidence in an idea, determination to make it happen and of course follow through. My mom gave me this journal a few years ago, and I keep it out on the coffee table as a reminder to my myself and my family to write down fleeting ideas. From weekend excursions, to household projects, design concepts to life's journey; brainstorming ideas opens the door to an infinite number of possibilities.

We have 5 people in our family and not one of us is exactly alike which leads to many dinner discussions about individuality. In my opinion: exploring, accepting and encouraging our boys' to be who God created them to be, is priceless. I'm hoping these family brainstorming sessions will give each one the confidence and determination to find a passion and follow through with their goals.

Okay so what does this have to do with Spring Portraits? I aspire to create an environment that encourages each and every child to express their own individuality. I want parents to look at these photos and see their child's personality in at least one of the proofs. This year the set is all about articulating who you are through writing. Truly it's an unambiguous way to show off character and beauty and as an added bonus, a neutral palette that should look great displayed in your home!

Hopefully one day the kids can look back at these photos and catch a glimpse of how the child they once were, molded the person they grew up to be.

Written in reverse, ALL THINGS BEGAN AS IDEAS

 

These are two of my boys. Twins as a matter of fact. They are on opposite sides of the spectrum as far as personality, but without them we'd have never known how two kids brought up at the same time, environment and upbringing could be so different. :-)

Photographing The Blues

I've been told by MANY clients that the biggest stress of their session was picking out what their family should wear. I get it...clothing can make or break a photo. Yes I do agree that accessories, color and coordinating outfits can add lots of character to photographs, but they are not necessarily what "makes" the photo. If you are one to feel pressure when dressing your family, let me make a suggestion to ease your mind, SIMPLICITY WORKS! Choose one color along with neutral colors and let the photographer do the rest. Remember the main purpose of these photos is to capture your family, not necessarily make you look like you read Vogue magazine cover to cover.

The graphic artist within me loves situations where I am forced to use a critical design eye to find backgrounds that contrast and/or blend with a color palette to enhance the overall imagery.

Here are some photos from a recent family session in Old Town Tustin that demonstrate how a simple color palette can work in your favor. This should keep your blood pressure out of the danger zone next time you have to pick out clothing for your session.

 

The Setting Sun

 

There's a reason why the hour between when the sun is placed high in the sky to sneaking beyond the horizon is called the "Golden Hour." The warmth of the sun makes everything glow and, in my opinion, this light produces an aura of timelessness.

The setting sun could be used as a metaphor for the later years of childhood where our children have that perfect balance of innocence with understanding. I know that I will look back fondly on these days where my kids can have fun interacting with us and then cuddle on the couch at the end of the day. Maybe even call them the "Golden Years" of parenting. It seems as though we fight the clock approaching those teen years where that innocence of a child gets lost. Time can't be frozen, but it can be captured. 

My hope when taking these photos was to capture a mom and her daughters as they navigate through this "Golden Age."