Category: Contemporary

Model Photography…

What does it take to get into modeling?  Have you ever asked yourself this question?  For yourself or for your children?  You need the desire first, ok, check.  Then you need to start off with a really good head shot or portfolio of images.  Most agencies now are looking for a digital file that is uploaded to them which they can keep on file for reference.

I will be having a modeling week special August 20-24 this year and the next one will not be until January 2013.  These are for all ages, (babies need to be sitting up) and will focus on you with a minimum of props.  A clean, contemporary style is what the agencies will want with only one person per session.  These sessions are at the reduced price of only $50.00 with digital only packages starting at $195.00.  If you have ever thought of going into modeling, or just need some really great images of yourself or your child, please call to set up an appointment during this week.  This is a deal too good to pass up!

 

child modeling images

Dancing Kristina…

With all the model, fashion and glamour type of images I am doing, I tried out this new look out on a beautiful young girl this past week.  The trick is to use the right shutter speed and  aperture combination to get a crisp face and a flowing skirt.  The large image on the top is the one I love to have a “stand alone” image of.  The face is tranquil and lovely and then there is so much movement in the skirt and the scarf. It just tells volumes about the girl becoming a young women.  She seems so at peace and confident in who she is becoming.  I also love the series, it tells a story of fun and excitement at this session!  I have decided to make this storyboard a new product line available in a 10×20 to take advantage of several different images that my clients might like to have together.  Dancing girl

Choice Clearwater beaches…

Clearwater Beach Family Photo One of my clients recently booked a portrait session on the beach and let me know she was coming from out of town.  The beach that was closest to her vacation condo was not as “portrait worthy” as one that she would have to travel a bit to get to.  Since she was from out of town with some younger children, I happily emailed her some beach suggestions in town so that she could visit these on her other vacation days. I’ve included it here for your information as well.

Fred Howard Park (Tarpon Springs) – Nice wooded area for picnicking and a beach that I would rate about a 7.

Sunset Beach (Tarpon Springs)  Very small beach, not crowded, lots of shall

ow areas for wading and a playground there as well.  The beach?  Well, really a 2 or 3, but last week I saw two dolphins swimming only about 50 feet offshore!

Honeymoon Island – State Park in Dunedin – pay to get in, nice area, bird watching and shelling, beach can be quite rocky.

Clearwater beach  – very pretty, more crowded, lots of tourist things, shops etc., if you want to do that. 20 to 30 minutes to get there from the Palm Harbor area.  Clearwater marine aquarium, with the dolphin Winter – they just made a movie about him.   Beach -8-9

City of St. Petersburg Municipal Beach at Treasure Island, 112th St and Gulf Blvd.  Beautiful beach!  This would be at least a 9, maybe a 10!  It doesn’t look like much from the parking lot, but just go beyond the fence and WOW!  Drawback – restrooms only open 10:00 till 4:00,  why, I do not know!  Refreshment area and play area for the kids.

Ft. De Soto Park – absolutely beautiful.  About 1 hour drive south from the Palm Harbor area; take U.S. 19 south, follow the signs.  Takes a while to get there, but voted one of the top ten beaches in the U.S.  Dolphins, sand dollars, wide sandy beaches, fishing pier, picnic areas and usually not crowded at all because it is so large.  Yes, the beach really is a 10!

The portrait above are from the Treasure Island beach.  This family was staying at a large, very nice hotel on St. Pete Beach that was very crowded, due to a convention.  The beach was very nice, but way too busy for a lovely family portrait.  Treasure Island beach was only a few minutes drive for them and they were quite happy to make the short drive.  The final results are fabulous!

 

So, this is like a real…

Yep, that’s what she said.  “So, this is like a real studio?’  I practically finished her sentence for her.  So many of my new clients are pleasantly surprised.  They kind of blurt out the phrase and then get a little apologetic for it.  No need.  Many “photographers” are now only on location and can only go with the light and backgrounds that are available.  Which can be quite nice.  Or not.  You just never know.  But when there is a controlled environment, controlled lighting, backdrops, and especially here in Florida, controlled AIR CONDITIONING 🙂 , the portrait session can be much nicer.  Relaxed and comfortable for my clients.  Yes, if you have a particularly “hot” kid for instance, call me ahead and I will turn down the air.  You know who you are. I have had clients ask this and have happily agreed.  We can also heat up the room for naked little newborns, if need be.  I love my new studio!  I could do all this in the old one, but it’s always nice to have something NEW!  Come take a look during our Open House on April 21, from 1:00 till 4:00.  I would love to have you join us!

Contemporary Portraiture

Contemporary…fresh, clean, emotional… showing a subject’s personality in a simple and powerful way.  That’s how I describe contemporary portraiture.  Take a look at these images I took of two young ladies.  Twins, identical, yet distinctly different in personality and behavior.  The look in their eyes is fresh and clean and directs the viewer’s eye directly into theirs.  Classic and timeless.  I love these images of two twelve year old girls, just blossoming into their teen years.  Let me know what you think!