26 April 2011

Sneak Peek: Lori, Pat & Family

After taking these pictures last Saturday I walked away knowing Lori and Pat are very blessed. All of them were so happy to be together on this Saturday morning (even though they could have been sleeping in!). Lori and Pat have often talked about their children so I really enjoyed getting to put a face to all those names. They invited me to lunch afterwards and I'm so glad I took them up on the offer. Thank you Lori and Pat for including me in your family time and letting me boss all of you around to get the shot ;-).




22 April 2011

Lens Love

Behold an image:



You might see a picture of a dog. Perhaps you see a picture of a cute dog. Or maybe pretty blue curtains.

I see a picture taken by a "really awesome-I can't believe I took the plunge-new LENS". Um, can you tell I'm a bit EXCITED! Thrilled is probably the right word. AND I got the lens for a really great price!

This lens will open up my abilities during a photo session so much. I will have so much more freedom in how I take a picture. I probably won't have to take a step ladder with me to every shoot (but probably will anyways--just in case). I will probably still use my trustee 50mm lens. I will always love that lens that has (almost) never done me wrong. But, this new 17-55mm will be my best friend for family photo shoots (which I have TWO of this weekend). I can finally get everyone in the shot without bending over backwards, literally!!

Anyways, enough about my lens love. Lets return to the cute dog pictures which you're probably more interested in (or maybe not?).





This is my sweet pup, Mia the Sheltie. She is my little buddy. I adore her and I don't know WHAT I will do when she dies. That's pretty morbid, huh? But when you think about it dogs just aren't alive for very long at all. She's probably already half way through her life at 6-years old!
I love the way she looks embarrassed in these pictures. Seriously. Before I stuck my camera in her face she did not look like this. It's like she's saying "Really? Can't someone else be your model? This is so embarrassing.". She is such a strange little creature.

I would also like to leave you with a challenge on this Good Friday.
Why do YOU celebrate Easter? Not your family, not your church, not your friends but YOU. I'm spending some time this weekend to remind myself why I do (and why we all should). Using this to help me-http://dsr.gd/gbBDbD

"In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the (wrath absorbing) propitiation for our sins." 1 John 4:10

20 April 2011

FAQs

I thought I would include some frequently asked questions about photo sessions, purchasing images, etc. I think questions 3 and 4 are especially important and not necessarily always asked but I'm sure it's on many of your minds. Hopefully this will help you prepare for your photo shoot. Also, I plan to add to this list so please let me know if there is a question missing OR if you would like more information for a question already included.

FAQ’s

1. What should I or my family wear to the photo shoot?

Try to coordinate with similar colors and styles but don’t be too “matchy”. It’s better to not have everyone in the same color. Wear something that you’re comfortable in. If you’re uncomfortable it will show.

If you wear glasses, it’s best to take them off to avoid glare.

If you would like to discuss what to wear in more detail I would love to help you out more. Just give me a call or send me an email.




2. I have no idea where I want to take pictures, do you have any suggestions?

I have many go-to locations in the Midland/Odessa area that offer green grass (in the warmer months) and trees. You might also want to opt for a less conventional location downtown or set against a colorful building. The options are endless and we can discuss the best location for you and your family before our session. I’m also open to any suggestions you might have. I love finding new and unexpected locations.




3. My child does not like to take pictures. What if my child doesn’t cooperate during the photo shoot?

First, relax. If you get nervous or anxious about the pictures before the photo shoot starts your children will pick up on this and get nervous too. You can talk to them about what is going on and what would make you happy. But, we don’t want your child to feel any pressure. We just want them to be themselves. Your child might not like to take pictures but I bet they like to have fun. The goal of all of my photo shoots is to just have fun and take pictures of it.
Also, during the photo session don’t worry about your child smiling all of the time. I might ask for help from siblings or parents to draw out smiles but we don’t want to tell them to smile constantly.





4. I’m nervous my newborn baby won’t be happy at the photo shoot and then all of my pictures will be ruined! What if that happens?

First, make sure the photo session is scheduled right after your newborn eats (I can even arrive when they are eating). My newborn sessions do not have a strict time limit in order to allow for fussy babies and feedings. You do not need to worry about trying to get the pictures done quickly.
Nevertheless, if hours are passing and your baby is still not having a hard time I will happily reschedule the photo shoot. I am committed to getting you fabulous pictures of your newborn!





5. Can I purchase a CD of the images so I can print them myself?

Yes! I offer different image CD packages starting at $75. Email me (laurenmtyner@gmail.com) for a full price list and more details.




6. Do you offer any packages?

Yes! I currently offer two packages geared towards maternity and babies. Email me (laurenmtyner@gmail.com) for package details and pricing.




7. I bought an image CD from you. Where should I get my pictures printed?

This depends on how you would like to use your photographs. Small prints to send to family members or to hang on the fridge can easily be printed at Walgreens, HEB, etc. If you would like to print larger images or would like frame worthy images it’s best to use an online or local lab. For example: www.Mpix.com www.smugmug.com; www.shutterfly.com. For a local lab try Odessa Camera (4400 N. Tanglewood Ln.).




8. When is the $90 creation fee due?

The creation fee is due at your photo session.




9. Do you charge sales tax?

Yes, I charge Texas sales tax (.825%) on session fees, prints and CDS.

04 April 2011

Carter **Baby Portraits**

What a sweet baby boy! I'm so happy to have this precious face gracing my blog. I loved meeting him last Thursday and capturing all his facial expressions. I sure did wear him out on our photo shoot, he took a cat nap in the middle of it! But he woke up ready to go again!

For the sneak peeks I've been featuring on my blog I pick the pictures that first catch my eye when I start the editing process. The purpose is two-fold: it gives me a chance to have fun editing and tweaking first thing (rather than filtering through them all first which can be tedious!) AND it gives my clients something to hold them over before the final slideshow is ready.

Anyways, please meet baby Carter! My personal favorite is the 5th one where his face is to the far right of the shot. I just love his sweet expression!