Janet Klinger’s Photography Blog

Maria & Ray get cosy above downtown Seattle

Engagement sessions are invaluable. How many times have I heard “My fiance hates to have his picture taken”, or “I am so awkward in front of the camera”. These sentiments are based in truth as known prior to working with a pro photographer, yet are dispelled as myths upon seeing the images. Confidence is built. And not simply with the couple, but with all those invited to view their images on-line or around the coffee table.

Let’s face it. Uncle Joe may have the same camera as the pros, but does he know how to find great locations, compose, inspire his models, and most importantly, does Uncle Joe know when to press the shutter? Timing is at least 50% of a good photo. Everyone who’s been snapped mid-sentence, eating, or at an awkward moment is susceptible to thinking they are unfit to be photographed. (Just avoid this uncle masquerading as a photographer until he comes to one of my Photography for Beginners classes!)

Location’s influence on a successful image fluctuates dramatically in importance. If the scene is horrific, as some basement-of-the-church receptions are, then lighting, lens choice, angle, and model’s inspiration and expression reign supreme. But if the location is even slightly interesting, why wouldn’t you want a significant portion of the images to glorify your unique choice of environment?

Every time I hear a version of “We look horrible in photographs”, I know this client will benefit even more than the usual from an engagement session. Invaluable is the confidence gained by seeing how great you look when in front of a pro’s lens. Invaluable is the experience of working together as a team before your wedding day to gain rapport. Even family members gain confidence about how good THEY will look. One of the many wonderful side effects of engagement sessions is how helpful, inspired, and interested family and wedding party become in making the photos great. We’re a team on the wedding day. It’s great to have everyone working toward the same goal.

Take the time for an engagement session. In 3 of our 5 wedding packages it’s included at no charge. In Options I and II add a simple one hour engagement session for $395, or an extended three hour engagement session allowing us time to explore a complete range of ideas. For a complete list of custom engagement options, visit the websites’s Cost section, and choose the “Tell your story- Engagement and bridal” botton at the top.

And thank you to Maria and Ray for the fun session — they’ve put together a website for their upcoming wedding at RayFinallyAsked.com

Every photographer or hobbiest who buys new camera gear makes a decision. What to do with the old and replaced. I use these retired old Canon bodies and lenses on days like today. Heavy misting rain along with blustering winds makes keeping a camera dry impossible. Putting the camera and lens in a plastic bag with a hole cut out for the lens helps. I don’t want to be afraid to shoot on sandy beaches, on dirty, dusty trails, on canoe trips, or in our ever-present rain. The next time someone asks why some of my gear looks like it gone through the ringer, well…

Expressiveness isn’t limited to smiles.

Ellie Explorer.

Just checking in!

Soaked and smiling! Love that girl!!!

This old Canon 70-200 lens and 20D still capture sharp, vibrant color, even when wet, dropped, and near freezing. Hell, I’m not sure why I bought a new one. OK, the image stabilization and faster aperture had something to do with it. With Seattle’s ever wet days, I’m glad to have a lens I’m willing to risk. But I sure wish Canon would start sponsoring me!

Preparing for a photo session pays off. No tears for baby, no tears for you.
It can be stressful asking your child to leave the house at an unusual time, to alter bath time, nap time, meal time. Highly recommended is scheduling your sessions around these known times IF your session is AWAY from home. (More later on in-home sessions.) When possible, try to prepare all clothing, props and even snacks one or two days before the session. Keep your session day as “normal” as possible. If you dream of happy baby photography, take care of yourself and Baby with a little advanced planning. Raise your milk cups and sip to success!

NOTE: If you don’t manage to plan, it’s completely understandable. You are a Parent!!! Great photos are still likely. I really want you to love the whole experience, not just the photos!

Even with great pre-planning, baby may need a minute to become comfy with the environment. Apprehension sure is cute!

Warming up!

Now we’re best of friends!

I prefer baby photo sessions unfold naturally. If the baby is still sleeping when you (or I) arrive, Golly-Me, don’t wake her!!! In some sessions we actually spend time waiting for sleep to overcome our “Star”. If she is grumpy when falling to sleep, I may take a few shots to capture the pouting moment, but I’ll also concentrate on the nurturing, soothing connection of Daddy rocking babe to sleep. Maybe I’ll get a shot of giant hand engulfing tiny foot. Sleep is a baby’s most relaxed state, and that utter calm is gorgeous. Let sleeping babies lie.

I’ve taught parents for years how to photograph children, but since becoming a mom I’ve had to prioritize. My goal is to begin photo seminars again next Spring, so stay tuned. For the time being, I have two things I can offer.
1) I’ve been answering your photo questions via e-mail and phone. Now I’ll post tips occasionally on this blog. Look under category Mom and Dad Resources- Photography Tips.

2) Me Ra Koh has begun teaching “A Childs Life” class in Tacoma. Her workshop is more an all weekend intensive specifically designed for moms. Sounds Fabulous! I might join the fun one of these sessions!