Posts By meg
Summer Family Pictures
These summer family pictures were actually taken last year but they are too good not to share. All of the pictures were taken by Butterfly Chaser Photography. I have to give a give a shout out to my husband because the circumstances of taking these pictures were a little crazy. We were in the middle of a move when we took these pictures. Literally, in the middle of a move. We were moving from West Texas to Jacksonville Florida and stopped in College Station, Texas to take these pictures. Why would anyone do such a thing? Here’s how our little conversation went.
“Hi Honey, we need new family pictures. Can we take some?”
“Ok.”
“Can we take some soon. I mean I’ve always wanted Butterfly Chaser Photography to take family pictures for us (she did both of our kids newborn photos).”
“How will that work? We live in West Texas. She’s 7 hours away.”
“Well, we are moving back east. Can’t we stop there on the way?”
“You mean with all of our stuff?”
Pause “Yes.”
“I’ll have to think about it.”
College Station was the first city we lived in Texas. So, it had some sentimental value. We had used the photographer before and love her work. We ended up getting our pictures done. Getting outfits together and bringing some props with us while we were moving was a bit crazy but I just love the pictures & Butterfly Chaser Photography. We finished outfits and props about 12 hours before we took the pictures. These were all taken at the George Bush Library.
Outfit Details
Mom- White Eyelet Dress: Old Navy, Cardigan: Macy’s, Necklace & Earrings: Francesca’s, Shoes: DSW, Lipstick: Lady Danger MAC
Dad- Shirt: Ralph Lauren, Shorts: Old Navy, Shoes: Sperry
Girl- Dress: JC Penny, Shoes: Old Navy, Necklace: Gymboree, Bow: Made by me
Boy- Shirt & Shoes: Old Navy, Shorts: Janie & Jack
My thought process on the kids and I’s clothes: I had this idea in my head that I wanted the colors mint & coral. They were popular colors at the time so there were quite a few options. I found my daughter’s dress first then built everyone else’s clothes around hers. The color mint was hard to find in the styles I wanted so it transformed a little bit more to a sea green. I told my husband our color scheme and he is left to fend for himself (his choice)! One of the most thorough suggestions of what to wear is from Paint the Moon.
1) Wear Comfortable Clothes: East Texas in June is really hot even at 9am. It was especially humid and muggy that day. So, I knew I had to dress everyone in the least amount of clothing as possible. I chose clothes that everyone could play in and not feel restricted. We all wore clothes that we felt beautiful and handsome in. If you feel like you are wearing something nice then you are more likely to be confident in your photos. If you don’t want to follow posted suggestions for pictures- don’t. The most important thing is for you to feel comfortable with what you are wearing.
2) Make Every Article of Clothing Count: I liked how my dress had texture. The cardigan and necklace added some layers. I also added some extra details and layers by a bold lipstick color and Sally Hansen nail polish strips. Even though I knew they were such a small detail, they made me feel prepared for the photo session. I had my son wear colored shorts because he didn’t have any other layers. His shirt and shoes had color and texture to them . My husband had texture in his shoes. His neutral shorts balanced out the color every where else. My daughter had a fun textured necklace and shoes. Her necklace also added a little gold and yellow to the pictures which complemented the lemons. I chose not to give my daughter a bracelet because I didn’t want her to fiddle with it during the photosession.
3) Stay Hydrated: Bring snacks and cold drinks. I brought snacks for the kids (and wipes) to eat half way through the session. It was worked out timing wise because we had a ten minute down pour. So, the kids ate during the down pour. I knew it was going to be hot so I had this idea of a little lemonade drinking to add a lifestyle element. It was perfect timing. After we had taken some portraits we did a few lifestyle things. We set up the lemonade, lemons and blanket and let the kids drink. No one had to look at the camera. Everyone was just having fun drinking cold lemonade! And boy was it welcome on that hot morning.
4) Choose Fun Activities: Try to make the photosession fun so your kids and hubby will do it again! We did lemonade, a bubble machine & a water balloon fight to cool off at the end of the session. I discussed these activities with our photographer ahead of time. This way she knew timing wise how long to allot for different activities. None of these activities took long but they took planning. I brought some of the props (and our photographer brought part of the props). Side comment: remember my collection of glass jars? Well, turning them into lemonade glasses is another use of glass jars.
5) Have Fun: My kids had so much fun. Since we had things planned for them to do (and eat) they were good sports and entertained the majority of the time. I asked my husband if he thought I was calm during the photosession (because they can be stressful- will we get a good family picture? will I have lipstick on my teeth? will my kids behave/cooperate?). He said I was calm during it but getting ready that morning I was a little crazy (I’ll go for that). While Butterfly Chaser Photography was taking individual pictures of the kids, I remember just taking a step back and sitting down and just enjoying being outside. I could see her and the children but I didn’t even watch. I did everything I could do to prepare so I just accepted how everything went. I embraced the tears we had after someone got nailed with a water balloon. It only lasted a few minutes and I actually love that picture. This was my family at this time and I love them.
What have you done or worn for summer family pictures?
Indoor Light Tutorial (with a pullback)
Let’s play a game and find the light wherever you are-this particular tutorial will be on indoor light. When you walk into a room or go on a walk notice where the light is coming from. I generally prefer to photograph my subject (person or thing) when they are facing the light source. The subject is then front lit or side lit. All that means is they are facing the light (front lit) or half of their face is facing the light and half is in the shadows. There is a more in depth article about front and side lighting here on Digital Photo Secrets. When my kids are playing or doing a craft AND I want to photograph them I can generally encourage or position them so they are closer to a light source.
Even while at friend’s home for play dates, I’ll get up and position myself so I am between the light source and my kids. I do have to be careful so I’m not completely blocking all of the light (hello pregnant awkward self). There are two benefits to having the subject look toward the light. One you can get their eyes to “sparkle” without photoshop. Two– even if they are not looking at the camera– everything will have lovely coloring. Let’s take a look at some pull backs.
My goal in photographing people isn’t always to have them look at the camera. But if I do have them look at the camera they will be looking toward the light. You can actually see the window in the reflection of her eyes.
The next location I chose was in front of an open door. Sometimes on a rainy or overcast day this is my best light in the house. Here I’m not even trying to get his face but took a quick picture of those toddler hands playing.
Hope this helps and I would love to know what other photography questions you might have.
Miami & Key West (part 2)
This is a continuation of our family vacation to Miami and Key West. The first part of our trip can be read here. After the Everglades we started the drive to Key West. A lot of pictures I saw of Key West were these huge bridges that had ocean on either side of them. Once I drove there I realized most of the drive was on islands, and short bridges with some views of the ocean. Anyways, we stopped on Islamorada to visit Robbie’s to feed the Tarpon. I had no idea how huge Tarpons were nor did I think we would be feeding them actual (dead) fish. I was envisioning feeding bread to something like Koi fish. These Tarpon were clearly used to being fed so they were a little aggressive and fast! They were like bullets charging after the fish. My brother in laws were laying on their stomachs, holding out their arms until the last possible second with the hopes to have the Tarpon jump out of the water. They had success- Tarpon can definitely jump! My husband also gave it a go and left his hand out a little too long and the Tarpon got his forearm/hand for a few seconds. He had minor abrasions along his arm from the Tarpon’s grip. Craziness. I would definitely recommend this stop. It was great fun for all ages.
After Islamorada, we found our hotel in Key West. We stayed at the Sheraton Suites and really enjoyed it. Although I will say that it is really easy to push the emergency button on their phones. We had the hotel staff knocking on our doors at 11 pm one night making sure we were OK. Slightly embarrassing. I won’t say who did it but I’m pretty sure they are less than four feet tall. It was late and we got pizza and gelato from Duetto Key West. It really hit the spot after a fun filled day in the Everglades and driving through the Keys.
The next morning we had breakfast at Banana Cafe. Most of the party I was with had the crepes. I had the Swiss Veggie which was scrambled eggs topped with ratatouille and Swiss cheese. I thought ratatouille was a great idea and I’ll have to try it at home one day. The waiter was hilarious and so kind. While waiting for our food my son was using a knife to chop up the paper napkins. He was content and not harming himself or anyone else so I just let him be. ~I was planning on cleaning up after him~. Anyways, our waiter saw him chopping and brought over a huge stack of napkins for him to chop up. I’m grateful he had a good sense of humor.
After breakfast, we spent a few hours at the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. I could have spent all day in there (mostly to photograph them). The butterflies were so fun to watch, fly around, land on my kids heads, give them butterfly kisses and photograph! They are so fast it was tricky to photograph them in flight. There were also flamingo’s and a few other birds in the conservatory. It was pure magic for everyone.
After the butterfly conservatory, we walked over to the southern most point to snap a photo. Then we walked to and up the lighthouse. My kids were such rock stars walking all over Key West in the heat and up the 88 stairs of the light house. Then we took a break for lunch. Some went to Five Guys and I went to Smoothie Shuttle. I just wanted something cold to drink. It was perfect. Plus, I knew we were about to go get some Key Lime Pie so I didn’t want a ton of food. I love Key Lime Pie. My mother in law had seen the Key Lime Pie Company on the Profit so that’s where we went. We got the original, blood orange (tasted like orange creamsicle to me) and strawberry key lime pies. My sister in law got the key lime pie dunked in chocolate.
After our afternoon snack (vacations are all about the food too aren’t they), we went to the Shipwreck Museum. Some of the reviews online said that the museum was small so I wasn’t sure if I would like it. We spent about an hour and half at the museum. My favorite part was their staff dresses up in a sailor’s attire and talks about the history of Key West, pirates and treasure in the area. Once they finished talking, they set you free to explore the museum on your own. We walked through some stores then headed back to the hotel. We ended up ordering in dinner to the hotel for speed and convenience (from Duetto’s again!). Then hit the hotel’s pool for the evening. It was another great day.
The next day we went shore snorkeling at Fort Zachary Taylor. We didn’t have time to see the Fort because we were out snorkeling for about two and half hours. The kids were even able to see the colorful zebra fish through the Key’s crystal clear water. I’m so grateful for our family to help with the kids because we tag teamed with them who was watching the kids in the water while we snorkeled. We went back to the hotel, showered and packed up and left to go back to Miami. We stopped in Key Largo for a combined lunch/dinner (linner?) at Key Largo Fisheries. It was a cafe/ fishmarket/marina. It was delicious and so filling. I had a Mahi Mahi sandwhich, the kids had shrimp and my husband had a Lobster BLT. We dined on the covered deck, next to the marina with a cool breeze and live music. Once we ate we headed back to Miami. We spent the night again at the St. Regis. That evening we went to the beach and enjoyed the pool at the resort. The next morning I woke up early to catch the sunrise at the beach (I went solo it was so peaceful), then we went to an hour of church, had lunch and drove back to Jacksonville. We had a busy but wonderful five day trip down to Miami & Key West.
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