How can I celebrate my Graduate?
It’s about that time of year when we start thinking about what we will do for our graduates. Whether your child is graduating from kindergarten, high school, college, or anything in between, these milestones should be celebrated. I have a high school senior who will be graduating soon and heading off to college, and I am thinking about how I can honor her and all her accomplishments. If you are wondering about the same thing for your Graduate, keep reading for some ideas.
Women Photographers Who Inspire Me
Women's History Month kicks off today. Women photographers have shown extraordinary mastery and passion for the art and study of photography and entrepreneurialism for creating women-owned and operated businesses. This month I want to spotlight the women photographers and business owners who inspire me. There are so many women photographers I admire; too many to list here, so I will share just a few. These are the women whose work speaks directly to me and who are excellent at their craft, women I admire for their mentorship and business acumen, and a few who inspire me through their work as well as with their friendship and support.
Read on to see who inspires me…
The Value of Professional Headshots
I hear the question, "Do I need a professional to take a headshot photo for my social media profiles?" Understand today it is more important than ever to have a professional, quality headshot. It is expected in the business world and is your first impression for new clients. You may not think you need a professional to do your headshot, but a high-quality headshot is worth the investment for you and your brand. A professional knows what is essential for a great shot and a great experience. A professional will help guide you through the process while looking natural, in good lighting, with genuine expressions. These elements are so crucial to a great headshot.
I will share four reasons why you need a professional headshot. Read on.
The Value of Family Portrait
I'm sure I do not have to explain the importance of family portraits to you. However, many people regret not taking photos with their family members all the time. Family photos are some of the most valuable images photographers can take. Not only is documenting your family with up-to-date portraits essential, but so are the products and prints offered by a professional photographer- These heirloom products can be shared and displayed in your home.
Here are four reasons to help you create something that can tell the story of your family that will last for years to come. Read on.
Why should you schedule a Tween to Teens session for your child?
We all know the obvious portrait sessions for a child. Who doesn't love newborn portraits? Don't forget the ones through the toddler years; we love to document all the changes in your little one. And Senior portraits are an undeniable right of passage. Well, I'd like you to offer an additional session, Tweens to Teens. The benefits of a Tween toTeen session are numerable. Read on to find out why.
I am thankful for Photography in my life.
November is a time to give thanks and reflect on our lives. As I write this blog post, I realize I am truly blessed. Mostly I am grateful for my family and friends. But I am incredibly thankful for you, my clients, who have supported me over the past two years. And Yes, Photography is the linchpin to all that I am grateful for. Continue reading to find out what I am thankful for and why.
What is the best time of day for an outdoor portrait session?
What time should we schedule our session? I get this question frequently. The answer will typically depend on the location, family requirements, and the time of year. Miroslav Tichy, a famous Czech photographer, once said, "Photography is painting with light." Proper lighting is essential for quality images. To better understand light quality and how it relates to natural light photography, I will describe a few lighting scenarios.
How to choose the best location for your Photography Session?
You have decided to book a portrait session. No matter what type of session you are booking; an engagement session, new headshots, an updated family portrait, or maybe your child has hit a key milestone; one year, high school senior, etc., whatever the case may be, the next decision is to determine the location. Where should we take the photos? This question is the one asked the most by my clients. Location is one of the critical decisions you'll make when it comes to having your pictures taken. Decisions about the session, including what time of day, which outfits to wear, and the most suitable poses to use, will be determined by your location choice. As your photographer, I will help you find the perfect spot for your session using the tips below. Read on to find out more...
Summer is almost over. How do I slow down time?
Time flies when you're having fun. These days it passes quickly, even when you are not having fun. Now that summer is almost over; you need to start thinking about back-to-school shopping. But have you crossed off all the items on your summer to-do list? Did you remember to stop and reflect on or capture the special moments? Oh, and are you one of those moms that have already started thinking about Christmas and your annual family photo for your Christmas cards? I am not the best at time management, and I do not have a time-turner like Hermoine, and I'm not a Charmed One. But I have some ways I can help. Read on to find out more...
What Are Senior Portraits and Why Do You Need Them?
It's summertime which means a new class of rising seniors is getting ready for their Senior year of High School. The senior year of high school marks a lot of milestones for the average teenager. What is on their minds? What colleges to apply to? How to spend their last year of high school with the friends they've grown up with before heading away from home? Do they think about their senior photos? Senior portraits are the perfect way to acknowledge all that they've done in their life so far and a way to celebrate all the things the future holds.
But what exactly is a senior photo? Is it the same as a yearbook photo? NO! There are huge differences between a senior photo session I do for my clients and a traditional yearbook photo. Read on to find out more...
Portraits capture moments that matter.
June is a time to celebrate dads, grads, end-of-school-year activities, and of course, summer. With COVID restrictions easing up, the US getting closer to vaccine goals, and warmer weather upon us, we will all be spending more time outdoors with family and friends, making lasting friendships at camp, special memories while vacationing at the beach or in the mountains.
Here are some tips and ideas to ensure you celebrate and memorialize these.
Why I Love and Value Photography
Photography is most definitely a passion of mine. It all started with me when I was a young girl. I was finally allowed to use the family point and shoot. I was documenting whatever I could, the flowers in the backyard, my family, even my friends. I even started creating collages and scrapbook photo albums before I knew they we actually a thing. Here is a list of reasons why I love and value photography in my life.
We need to include Mom in portraits.
I love looking at the pictures of my friends and their families. I see photos of them in their happy place or out together for an outing. How many times do you look at pictures of your friends' families or your own for that matter and realize - Mom is not in the frame? I'm not sure if a study was done or what the statistics are, but I can tell you from what I can see Mom is usually behind the camera and not in the frame. This photography practice needs to change; Mom needs to be in the frame! One of the benefits of hiring a professional photographer.
What should I expect from My Family Photography Session?
So you are thinking about booking a family photography session, but you don't know what to expect. I would love to work with you and your family. Let me tell you what you can expect if you choose to work with me. Many factors go into curating the perfect session for you.
Why digital files are not enough - You need printed images.
Digital photography changed the way we take and view images. We now can take hundreds of pictures without wasting film or the need to develop it. Smartphones allow us to have a camera at hand at any moment. Now we can capture any moment, whether special or not. While these are all benefits of digital photography, there are drawbacks. Read on …
What is Lifestyle Photography?
The goal of lifestyle photography is to naturally capture portraits of people or families, depicting situations, real-life events, or milestones in an artistic manner. The primary goal is to tell a story or capture a feeling or moment in one's life.
Capturing the essence of the moment
In every session, I aim to capture my subjects' essence naturally and comfortably. I want to create portraits that capture the sparkle in a child's eye, the love and connection of a family, and a teenager's moody nature. I want your images to tell your story through emotion and connection.
Is Family Portrait Wall Art Really Worth It?
With heirloom quality wall art, you will enjoy portraits of family and loved ones you cherish every day. When you are at home looking at the portraits of the ones you love, laughing, cuddling, and enjoying the closeness you share you’ll reflect, “What a treasure, this is what is truly important!”
You will see these images, pass by them every day, even after your children are grown, leave for college, and start families of their own. These portraits are legacy pieces, the kind that, in a disaster, you would grab these portraits along with your kids and the dog because they mean the world to you.
We value memories, quality time, and family, and when it comes to documenting these memories, family portraits do it best. Here are the reasons why:
What is Boutique Photography
When you think boutique, what comes to mind? A small shop that caters to its clientele; A store with specialty products and personalized customer service. When shopping at a typical retail store you may not get superior customer service or quality products. Boutique photography describes images that truly stand the test of time. Christine Houle Photography uses the boutique or full-service model in photography to benefit and cater specifically to you.