How to Choose a Photographer: New Braunfels Portrait Photographer

March 12, 2018 in Portrait Photography

“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving.” Ansel Adams. This is a visual world that we live in, and the choices people have for photographing their families, their business and their special events grow bigger by the day. Cameras are accessible, smaller, and more affordable. Phones produce great images, but a photographer trained in color management, composition and printing can be a wise investment for special family moments and events.

What are the photos for? Are you building a website, selling your home or a car, highlighting a new business, celebrating a special occasion, or maybe you want to create an heirloom to mark a milestone birthday, or documenting a life well lived. Many great photographers are in business, but you should ask yourself some questions to help you choose the right fit for your needs.

In the article “How to Choose Your Family Photographer,” the author points out that the best place to start when looking for a photographer is for referrals from friends. If they had a good experience, chances are you will too. However, just as friends might choose a different car, or school, from what you might choose, the same goes for a photographer. Do you want a photographer who specializes in a particular niche, or one that you can go to for all of your needs. In my experience, there are pros and cons on both sides of the choice. Personally, when I was setting up my business model for Faces-Places-Photography, I chose to be an “all purpose” photographer. I studied photography extensively, and I have never seen a genre of photography that I didn’t like, or, wasn’t intrigued by. I am a family photographer in every sense of the word.

Teenagers change so much before they graduate from high school. Document yearly!

It is important to look for a style of photography that will meet your needs. Look closely at the photographs on websites and social media. Resist the urge to text or email the prospective photographer. Take the time to make a phone call. It is a good time to ask questions, learn a little more about the photographer and start a plan for a photo session. The process of planning the photographs together is time well spent.

Before booking an event as important as birth or wedding photography ask to see an entire gallery of work. Do they have the expertise to give you unique and beautiful work? Can they prepare photographs for prints and albums. What equipment do they have? Are they licensed, and are they paying insurance and taxes? What are the costs involved in the photo session? What is included, and when and how is the product delivered. Also ask if there are packages available to meet your needs. Sometimes photographers will offer a payment plan, take advantage of these options.

At Faces-Places-Photography we are committed to creating the highest quality photographs in the New Braunfels, Texas and surrounding area market. We specialize in prints and products, but we are flexible and willing to provide digital images when needed. Call me to chat about choosing the best photographer for you! I can promise you that in photography you really do get what you pay for. Great quality comes with time, practice, and commitment to excellence. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

New Braunfels Portrait Photography: Back to School

July 24, 2017 in Portrait Photography

Back to school photos are traditional and enduring. As a photographer, as well as a mother and grandmother, nothing makes me happier than to document the special moments of a child's life. These photos will be like a road map of their childhood.

Take the time to document the school and year that lies ahead for the child in a set of photos.

These photos are so much more than just a snapshot of your child with the sign showing his or her grade in front of your home, or the school on the first day. They are a visual history. In reality the photos can be taken on the first day of school; or they can be a set of documentary photos that show the true personality of your child for a period of time. Childhood is fleeting and as we look back on the past seeing the transition from youngster to adult is a true gift.

It's a good idea to make sure to get a full length photograph.

In her article for The Washington Post, Jamie Davis Smith, a documentary photographer writes that she "tried to think broadly and capture all of the steps involved in going back to school, as well as how my children are feeling about the transition."

One of the photos, Ms. Davis recommends is taking a image of the first day of school outfit:

Get close and show the beautiful details of the your child's face.

Remember to think about your family and the traditions that are important to you, as well as your children. some children are excited about the first day of school outfit, while others are more excited to see friends that they haven't seen in many months. Sometimes the first day of school is not always happily anticipated. sometimes school can be scary, or even dreaded. Be sure to document the good, bad and the ugly, as real life moments are especially treasured memories.

What!!  You haven't had pictures taken to celebrate the first day of school!  Make plans. — What!! You haven't had pictures taken to celebrate the first day of school! Make plans.

Contact Marcia Richardson about documenting your life in photographs. Make memories for a lifetime!

Picture Authentic Emotions | New Braunfels Portrait Photographer

May 25, 2017 in Portrait Photography, Documentary Photography

The key to success is patience. When taking photos of young children, and their families, more often than not the best photographs happen when you least expect them. I often find that at the beginning of a photo session that everyone is a little bit nervous and stiff. This is understandable because in most cases everyone has just met. It is worthwhile to spend just a few minutes getting to know one another and develop a rapport with the family. This article was very helpful to me. It lists the many ways that you can make the experience better for both clients and the photographer. The more relaxed that everyone is the better the session will go. When you have a two year old involved in the session expectations must be adjusted.

Bubbles are a great prop! Unless the two year old feels like she needs to hold the bubbles!

After a small break we put the bubbles out of sight and we had happy smiles!!

If you find that one member of the family is struggling, give them a break. Sometimes they just need to catch their breath and have a drink of water or a small snack. I always have an assistant when I am taking photos of young children. The assistant can handle snack and break time. In the meantime I keep shooting. Often I find that I capture my favorite photos from a photo session when I least expect it.

What a wonderful bond between brothers!  These are special relationships. — What a wonderful bond between brothers! These are special relationships.

It is critical to be prepared for a photo shoot.

1) Know your photo venue

2) Get to the venue early

3) Have water and a snack.

4) Know the family’s names and a little bit about hobbies

5) Have a couple of props

As a photographer you can never be TOO well prepared. Research and practice is critical and almost always pays big dividends. This article is a great reminder of what a professional photographer must prepare for in the lead-time before a portrait session.

Family photographs are priceless memories for a lifetime.

Catch those wonderful moments at the end of the session.

Don’t throw away the outtakes of these types of sessions. Often parents will find the outtakes very special. Many times I love the “failed” photographs just as appealing as the posed and formal photos. I love both classical and documentary photography and try to capture a mix of both in my portrait work. Take a minute to learn about my background. Please contact me to plan your next portrait session. I will be prepared!

New Braunfels Portrait Photographer | Plan for Mother's Day

May 06, 2017 in Portrait Photography, Documentary Photography, Event Photography

Mother’s Day is just one week away and this is a great time to start thinking about making photographs that will highlight the special relationship between mothers and their children. In 2017, there are cameras everywhere. The cell phone camera has changed the way that people think about photographs. Spontaneous moments snapped on the phone are fun. Who doesn’t love the occasional selfie? However, life captured intentionally with professional photographs that will grace your home in the form of fine art prints and heirloom albums make for the ultimate Mother’s Day gift.

Generational photography is a beautiful way to commemorate Mother's Day.

A generational photo of the women in your family is going to be a treasure for the ages. There are many ways to approach this type of photograph. You can take a more classic and traditional studio photo that will be a family heirloom, or grab a fun candid that shows all kinds of personality and will also stand the test of time for family generations to come. Pinterest is a great source of information and ideas making the best choice of photography session for your family.

An unplanned mother and daughter moment captured by Faces-Places portrait photography.

Be flexible and creative when you consider the kind of photos you want to capture of mothers and children. Some of my favorite photographs are the unexpected moments between mother and child. You can photograph these moments in a formal setting, however a documentary photograph that catches a special relationship is both meaningful and heartwarming. Explore the faces portfolio on my website to see the different ways to approach a portrait.

New Braunfels Documentary Portrait Photographer | Mom's everyday life.

Mother and son antics in the bluebonnets. |  Texas Portrait Photography — Mother and son antics in the bluebonnets. | Texas Portrait Photography

Mom’s also truly appreciate photographs of themselves. I find that most of the time it is mothers who take most of the photographs within their families. It is important to take photographs of your own mother whenever you get the chance. Mothers are often busy and hesitant to take photos as they find it difficult to find the time to prepare for a session. Look for unique ways to capture a moment for your mom.

My mother at a family tea party.  |  Family photography in New Braunfels, Texas — My mother at a family tea party. | Family photography in New Braunfels, Texas

If your mother is a photographer there are many wonderful gifts that can be purchased for her for Mother’s Day. There has never been a time when I haven’t truly enjoyed a piece of photography equipment or a photography experience as a gift.

A sweet moment between mother and daughter.  |  New Braunfels Event Photography — A sweet moment between mother and daughter. | New Braunfels Event Photography

In the month of May contact me. It is time to get a new photograph of a special mom in your life. Happy Mother’s Day!

Bluebonnet Photography | New Braunfels, Texas Photography

April 29, 2017 in Portrait Photography, Travel

Spring in the Texas Hill Country provides many remarkable opportunities to capture both portrait and landscape photographs. Texas wildflowers line the roadways, fill the fields and populate the yards of family homes and ranches. In March and April photographers, flower and nature enthusiasts and families take to the road to enjoy the beauty that colors the state.

The Bluebonnet House north of Marble Falls, Texas | New Braunfels Photographer

There are iconic locations such as the much loved "Bluebonnet House," in Burnet County just north of Marble Falls on Highway 281. This 2017 season the bluebonnets surrounding the landmark were reportedly the best bloom in the past 5 years. There are also more intimate locations tucked away in neighborhoods and off ranch roads that provide a beautiful background for portraits and family photos.

Clothing choice is very important for portraits.| New Braunfels Portrait Photography

On March 7, 1901, the twenty seventh Texas legislature adopted the bluebonnet, flower of the annual legume, Lupinus subcarnosus, as the state flower. The history of the flower goes back to Native American legend. More recently former First Lady of the United States Ladybird Johnson was responsible for populating the roadways of Texas with remarkable wildflowers of all kinds. She made the Texas bluebonnets and the state of Texas stand out with the roadway beautification program

As a portrait photographer, the bluebonnets of Texas make a wonderful backdrop for client sessions. It is important to choose unique and colorful backgrounds that also offer clean simplicity for the ultimate portrait success.

Young sisters in an early springtime bluebonnet field. | Texas Hill Country Portrait Photographer

The flowers are a special part of Texas history and heritage, and it is important to remember good wildflower etiquette. First and foremost don't stop and set up a photography session along a busy highway. It is important to find a public field that is open to personal photography. If in doubt, always ask permission because many bluebonnet fields are on private property. After you decide on an area for your photographs always check carefully to make sure there are no snakes or fire ants in the bluebonnet patch that you are photographing. It is not illegal to pick bluebonnets, but is never necessary to pick the blooms and often the flowers grow in natural patches that allow for stepping and sitting around the delicate flowers.

Delicate and beautiful, and a Texas treasure. | Texas Nature Photography

The 2017 bluebonnets have gone to seed as we head into May. However there are Indian Blanket, White Prickly Poppy. Brown Eyed Susan, and Pink Evening Primrose that grace the roadways and fields during late spring. Texans and visitors to the Lone Star State are fortunate to enjoy the beautiful Spring. There are many wonderful places to visit and photograph each spring in the Texas Hill Country.

It is not too early to plan for photographs in the bluebonnets. This time of year is a great time to visit and tour the state. If you would like to be placed on the calendar for photographs next year email me at marcia@faces-places-photography.com to be placed on the calendar for bluebonnet photographs or photo workshop in the spring of 2018.

Holiday Cards | New Braunfels, Texas | Portrait Photography

November 27, 2016 in Portrait Photography

Choosing a photo for a Christmas card, designing the card, writing a note and getting it into the hands of family and friends before Christmas can be a challenge. Traditional cards have changed over time, but the purpose of the cards, to connect with loved ones, remains a priority.

Sir Henry Cole, a prominent patron of the arts and education in England was perplexed about how to respond to the stacks of letters piling up on his desk. In Victorian England it was considered impolite not to answer mail. Cole asked two friends to design and illustrate a card and then had 1000 copies made. The concept proved to be profitable and the Christmas card was born.

The production of Christmas cards was a profitable business for many stationary manufacturers during the 20th century with the design of the cards continually evolving with changing tastes and printing techniques. One of the most popular developments was the use of a photograph as a primary element for a Christmas card.

A photograph in front of a Christmas tree is popular choice.

Nick Kelsh, a renowned photographer and educator has presented many wonderful resources designed to help all photographers capture memorable holiday photos. In Nick Kelsh's A Christmas Card and 25 Christmas Photo Tips photographers are treated to an appealing video and an informative e-book that will be very transformative to the way you approach your Christmas card choices and the way you document your holidays.

Years seem to fly by faster than normal in the digital age. There are so many photos taken of precious family members over the weeks and months of our lives. There are 27 days left until Christmas. If you need a photograph for your Christmas holiday contact me at Faces-Places-Photography and arrange for photographs and help designing a family card. Have a happy, healthy holiday season!

Fall is the Season for Family Photos | New Braunfels Family Photographer

November 12, 2016 in Portrait Photography

Tis the season!!

This is the time of the year to plan photography. The fall brings cooler temperatures, family holiday gatherings and the anticipation of a new year. This is a great time to document the special relationships of your life. Relationships are very important to me. I love the time I spend with clients and want them to have the best photos of their family moments to treasure for a lifetime.

By all means schedule a session with a professional photographer to capture the best images of your family. At Faces-Places-Photography I am dedicated to providing you with photographs that will be heirlooms for years to come. I conduct pre and post photography session consultations, at which time we will be planning clothing choices, as well determining the type of images that you desire for your home. We deliver the photographs promptly and are committed to providing a package that you will love. Our photographs are fully retouched and professionally printed.

When preparing for fall photos clothing choices are very important. The goal is to find a way for the clothing to be coordinated, but not matching. I have found that staying within a color family can be a very helpful way to start. That will narrow down the many choices by virtue of staying with a particular color family.

Warm colors include shades of red, orange and yellow and variations of those colors. The last gasp of summer, beautiful fall sunsets, campfires and smores. The warm colors combined with neutrals can add depth to the color palette.

Warm colors with a colorful stripe work well for children's photos.

Cool colors include shades of green, blue and purple and variations on those colors. They are fall mornings and the promise of winter. Combining these colors with neutrals will also open up the possibilities for this color family.

Variations of aqua, and a small plaid tie the family photograph tie the family photograph together.

Within the color families you can begin to mix the palette to provide contrast and impact. Care must be given to patterns, shades and tones to insure that the clothing works well as a complement to the photograph.

Red, white and blue is a popular, and patriotic choice for many families.

Neutral clothing will focus the photograph on the families faces as well as on the surrounding environment. In the event you have a big family neutral clothing is a great choice.

Beige, tan and black complement the primary color of blue in this family photo.

There are many sources to choose from to help decide on clothing choices that will be best for your family. Be sure to take into account where you would like your photos to be hung in your home. It is always great to make a "who, what, where and how," list to help to determine what to wear and where you would like your family photos made. Erin Cobb does a wonderful job educating clients about what they should wear to their photo session. Her photographs are a great example of using clothing to compliment the session.

Enjoy fall, and schedule a photo session!