5 Tips For Your Child’s Photography Session
August 20, 2019 In Childen's Photography Photography No Comment

5 Tips For Your Child’s Photography Session

Do you want 5 tips for your child’s photography session?  We have all been there.  It’s the day of your child’s photography session and he won’t sleep, she won’t eat, his hair won’t cooperate, she has a bump on his forehead.  You name it, it happens and it seems like it is always on the day of your child’s photography session.  Here I am going to help you muddle through some of those difficult situations and give you some practical ideas that will help you prepare for your next photography session.

 

Hire A Professional!

Professional photographers who know how to photograph children will make your session not only easier, but, the results of the session will be amazing.  Many professionals will have at least one other person to help during the session.  While one photographer is in charge of the camera, lighting and all of the technical parts of the session, the other photographer will be “playing” with your child and will help him become comfortable.  After photographing children for a number of years – in our case over 30 – photographers who are experienced, become child “specialists” or almost “psychologists”.  An experienced professional knows exactly how to get great results from your child.  Don’t settle – hire a professional – it’s worth it.

 

Never Say “SMILE”!

No Smile but a Great Expresson - 5 Tips For Your Child's Photography Session

Most children when told to smile will do so, but, many times it is forced and very unnatural looking.  Professional photographers know how to get that smile without ever having to say the word.  Also, some of those sweet natural expressions many times ends up being the most favorite expressions for many parents.  Let your photographer handle it.  Most photographers want one of the parents in the room, but, they prefer to photograph the child without the parents help.  If the parents help is absolutely needed, the professional photographer will know when to ask the parent to step in.  I know it is hard, but, let the professional handle it.  Stay quiet.  If you tell your child that their smile looks funny or their expression is wrong, they will be uncomfortable and will not give natural expressions.  If you see that your child is not natural, pull your professional photographer aside and tell them quietly and privately so that your child does not hear.

 

Don’t Worry If Your Child Isn’t In The Perfect Mood

little boy lying on floor - 5 tips for your child's photography session

You may think your child is in a bad mood.  Maybe they didn’t sleep well or maybe they didn’t eat as well as they normally do.  Maybe they just woke up on the wrong side of the bed.  Whatever the case, your professional photographer should be able to coax that child into a great mood. They should be able to get wonderful response.   By the end of the session, that child will want to stay and play with your photographer.  Not only will the child give your photographer great expressions, but, you will be excited to see your previews.   You will know that your photographer went the extra mile to get that great expression from your little one.

 

Schedule A Consultation/Play Date

If you have never worked with a particular professional photographer before, you will want to meet beforehand and ask if you can also bring your child.  The way that most professional photographers will handle this meeting is by first talking with Mom and absolutely ignoring your child.  Your child may think you are taking him or her to the Doctor.   He will know that the photographer is not going to hurt them.  Instead, the little one will find that we are there to have fun and play with them.  Most consultations last only 15 to 30 minutes and can make a huge difference in the way your portraits turn out.  During this time, discuss with the photographer clothing choices, backgrounds, type of session, etc.  By the time you leave the consultation, you and your photographer will be on the same page and your child will be comfortable with the photographer that you have chosen.

 

Choose Carefully Clothing and Hairstyles

Great clothing - 5 tips for your child's photography session

We Help With Clothing and Items to Include in the Portrait

In most cases, you will want to choose clothing that is complimentary, but, does not distract from your child’s beautiful face.  When choosing really busy patterns or flowers, it will truly draw the eyes away from your precious little one.  Clothing should be timeless.  In other words, try not to pick clothing that is trendy.  It might be cute today, but, twenty years from now you make look at your portrait and wonder what you were thinking.  This doesn’t mean that you need to go buy a whole new wardrobe.  Even jeans and/or overalls can be considered timeless.  Jeans never go out of style.  When you think about clothing, just remember that you want to be able to enjoy it today and 25 years from today.   Follow this link to see great examples of timeless clothing.  Hairstyles are also important.  Be careful to choose bows or ribbons that are not too distracting.  If the bow is larger than the child’s face, it will be distracting.  Schedule haircuts at least a week before the portrait.  Two weeks before the portrait is really preferred.

 

These 5 tips for your child’s photography session are just a few ideas to help you get your child ready for their professional portrait.  Kevin and I would love to schedule a consultation with you and help you plan your perfect portrait session.  You can contact us at 405.751.0004 or email kevin@whitakerimages.com.

Oh, and if you contact us within 7 days of receiving this email, we will be happy to offer you a half price session!

 

God bless you!

Carolyn Whitaker

Whitaker Portrait Design, Oklahoma City

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The Kersey Family
September 11, 2018 In Uncategorized No Comment

 

We first met the Kersey family in 2014.  Chris and Johannah were referred to Kevin and I by our long time client and friend Emily Dinwiddie.  It is always exciting for us when our clients have the confidence in us to refer their friends and family to our studio.  It is such a kindness and a humbling trust that gives us the confidence to create for our clients and their friends.

A beautiful young woman, Johannah and her three beautiful children walked into our studio and therefore into our lives.  Because Johannah at the time lived near the DC area, our consultation was conducted on the telephone.  She asked lots of great questions and shared what hopes and dreams were for her perfect portrait.   After our talk, we both knew that she was prepared and we were excited to meet her and her family.

When the day finally came and she walked through the door of the studio followed by two beautiful children and she carried one sweet baby in her arms, I knew that this was not only going to be a fun session, but also a special one.  Johannah had spent a lot of time preparing what her children would wear for the session.  She had carefully chosen clothing, hairstyles, shoes and socks.  This was important to her and her family.  She knew that this would be a treasure for her children and their children never to be forgotten

 

 

After being told that she and her children would not be rushed, Johannah began to put the finishing touches on hair and clothing for her children.  I couldn’t help but notice how kind and loving she was to each of them as she put on the precious and carefully chosen outfits.  With each and every touch of her hand, it was done with the love of a precious mother.

Kevin and I knew that our responsibility was great…..and we didn’t and we don’t take it lightly.  The love that the family has for one another is beyond words.  They are why we do what we do.  You are why we do what we do.  God has been so faithful to allow us to be a blessing to those just like Johannah and Chris.

Johannah recently came back to have her son’s four year old portrait created.  As we talked, she and Chris showed me a picture of where they had hung the portrait of the three children together from 2014.  I could tell that this was a treasure in their home because the three children who are in the portrait are a treasure in their home.

 

 

Thank you Johannah for allowing us to be part of your life and your family.  May God richly bless you.

 

 

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“My child is impossible to photograph”
July 19, 2017 In Lifestyle Photography No Comment

Oh my! Has this ever happened to you?

 

 

“My child is impossible to photograph”.  We hear this all of the time.  Have you said this before?  Is having your child or family photographed a stressful thought?  Do you cringe when you think about getting clothing together, making sure everyone has haircuts, everyone is in a good mood, has no cuts or scratches?  Well, I have been there too!  I understand completely.  But, after having photographed for over 32 years, I can help you take some of the stress out of your photography session.  Here a few things that you can do to make your session day much easier.

  1.  Speak with your photographer in advance and preferably in person to talk about clothing, session location (in the studio or outdoor), props and the type of photography you are most interested in.  A true professional will want to meet you and get to know you and your children.  That time of meeting can make the difference between a good portrait and a great one.  This is a time of setting your mind at ease that you have chosen the right person to photograph your children.  If you can’t meet in person, at least take the time to talk at length on the phone about all of the things most important to you.
  2. Make sure that no one in your group is hungry.  It’s best to make sure that your children have had at least a snack before your portrait session and also to check to make sure their faces are clean from any left over crumbs.  A hungry child is an unhappy child.  You can bring a snack to the session, but, it is best to give it to your photographer who will know the best time to introduce the snack if it all.
  3. Haircuts are best given a week or two before the session.  Fresh haircuts can sometimes be too severe.  It is usually our recommendation to schedule them a week or two before the session.  If you are having your child’s hair actually styled for the session, then the day of is fine of course.
  4. If you are like me, you have hired this professional and you trust them to manage the session.  If your photographer is a seasoned professional, they will know how to handle your child during the photography session.  It’s best for you allow them to work their “magic” and stand back and be very quiet.  When a child feels that they are having to “perform”, they are apt to give very forced and unnatural expressions.  Our studio almost always has two photographers working with the children.  One entertains the child, while the other photographs.  If the parent is needed for some reason, the photographer will let you know.
  5. Talk to your photographer about what you really want.  Do you want a beautiful wall portrait that depicts an angelic image of your child smelling a flower or reading a book?  Do you want your child looking into the camera smiling with her huge dimples showing?  Do you want both of your children holding hands while walking down a path in the woods, or, maybe you want them sitting in a chair in the studio with a beautiful background in their dressiest clothes.  Let your photographer know what you want.  This is not about them…..it is about YOU!!!
  6. Stay calm!  During the session, sometimes little ones cry.  It happens all of the time.  As long as you are calm, most professional photographers can turn it around pretty quickly.  Sometimes it just takes a calm Mommy, Daddy and or Grammy to keep everyone happy.  We have turned tears to smiles hundreds and hundreds of times.
  7. If your child has a scratch, talk to your photographer.  They will be able to tell you whether or not that scratch can be removed during retouching.  Most scratches can be taken care of after the portraits are chosen.  Bruises can sometimes be more challenging…talk to your photographer.

You saw the image above of the little boy who was not a happy camper.  Believe it or not, that is our little grandson.  Here are just a couple of the beautiful portraits from this session.

 

 

 

 

Are you ready to take that step toward the creation of a beautiful portrait?  I would love to help you with that.  Call me at 405.751.0004 or email me at carolyn@whitakerimages.com.

If you are ready, we can meet together and discuss all of the ideas that you have for your children and family.  I am excited and waiting to hear from you.  Hopefully you will never again have to say, “My child is impossible to photograph”.

God bless you,

Carolyn Whitaker

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little girl riding white horse in the woods
Sophie and Dani
July 13, 2017 In Lifestyle Photography Uncategorized No Comment

 

When I walked into the stable, there sat Sophie.  She was in a gorgeous dress and her hair was beautiful with a flower wreath crowning the top of her head.  Though she looked amazing, I could tell that she was dying to get off the bench and get her hands on her horse, Dani.  She was sitting on the bench to stay “unwrinkled” and “clean”.  That is a tough thing for a young lady to do when the object of her affection is white, has four legs, a long tail, a great disposition and is currently standing behind a stable door.

Once we began the portrait session of Sophie and Dani, we watched Sophie’s face glow, her eyes come alive and her body move with ease and in complete control of this beautiful and large horse.  It was as if the horse could read her mind and knew that this was going to be an important day for both of them.  As Kevin and I photographed them, it was if we were not there.  We watched Sophie and Dani and saw a relationship displayed that few people understand.  It was magic.

After about an hour and a half, the session was finished.  For me, it actually ended too soon.  To watch this girl and her horse was a beautiful thing to behold.  To think that there were going to be portraits to document this special love was and is a great thing for she, her Mom, her Grandparents and us.

I love being part of Sophie’s story.  I love watching her grow.  I love her sweet and kind spirit.  Ours is an incredible calling…..capturing a moment in time and allowing our clients to freeze that moment forever.  Shannon and Sophie will have this moment forever.

We have been photographing Sophie since she was about three months old.  It has been our privilege to watch her grow from a baby, to a toddler, then a little girl, a big girl and now a sweet young lady.  This is the first portrait that we created for Shannon of baby Sophie:

 

Masterpiece Portrait of a Baby

As we began our photography session with Sophie and Dani, I thought back to all of those portraits that we have created for her Mom and Grandparents in the past.  Every one different, but every one perfect for each age.  Each time we photograph her, I think to myself, “This is my favorite portrait of Sophie”, but, that thought only lasts until the next session with her.  Each session different than the last, each time the new one becomes my favorite.

I asked Sophie’s Mom, Shannon to send me a picture of her portrait hanging in her office.  This is what she sent to me and here it is:

 

Sophie is beautiful, smart, sweet and fun.  She and her Mom are an amazing pair.  They love each other to the moon and back and their relationship is one to admire.  To Shannon I say, “What a sweet young lady you are pouring your life into.  Thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives.

 

Carolyn Whitaker

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two little girls in white dresses on a wrought iron bench surrounded by spring wildflowers
Spring Wildflowers Are Coming
March 15, 2017 In Uncategorized No Comment

Our Spring Wildflowers Are Coming

Spring is my favorite time of year.  Oh, I know – tornados sideways winds and rain.  But, I can’t help it.  I love seeing the green leaves begin to form on the trees.  And I love seeing the white of the dogwoods and the pink on the redbuds (I never understood why they call them redbuds, shouldn’t they be called pink buds?)  I love the 70 and 80 degree days.

And, Spring brings new life.  The birds begin singing and chirping more.  Everything begins to grow again.  New life…I love it.  Did I tell you that I love Spring?

In our studio, Spring means that the wildflowers are on their way.  Oh, they aren’t here yet.  In fact, they are just starting to peak through the ground.  Just little plants of green that will soon become flowers decorated with all kinds of color.

The wildflowers that we plant at our studio are around for a short period of time.  In fact, they are only around for about 10 to 12 weeks depending on the rain, sun and temperatures.

 

We plant the wildflowers each year because we love them.  There are short ones, tall ones, red ones, blue ones (sounds like a Dr. Seuss book, huh?), all are different and all are beautiful.  They provide the perfect stage for our clients and their children.

They usually begin blooming beginning in mid-May and last through July.  We only schedule one to two sessions per day because we want to photograph in the most beautiful light of the day.  Because of that, sessions are limited and we only have a few appointment times available.

Here’s what I strongly recommend you do TODAY!

Call me at 405.751.0004 to ask if I have any dates available in the wildflowers. because it’s very possible that there isn’t aren’t many openings left.

God bless you!

Carolyn

The Hall Family

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Kids’ Self Esteem Can Be Enhanced by Photographs
March 2, 2017 In Uncategorized No Comment

Can a Kids’ self esteem Be Enhanced by Photographs?  It sure can help.  A beautiful portrait of a family can certainly make a child feel cherished and give them a sense of belonging.

The article below written by Ro Logrippo in the Baltimore Sun describes just how important those portraits are on the walls of the home.  Whether in the family room or on the wall of the bedrooms, they can truly make a difference in a childs life and help a kids’ self esteem.

 

The Hoover Family

Kids’ self-esteem can be enhanced by photographs

June 19, 1994|By Ro Logrippo | Ro Logrippo,Universal Press Syndicate

If a picture really is worth more than a thousand words, imagine kids’ well-being when they see their own images all around the house. Strategically placed family photos are an effective way to reinforce your child’s self-image and self-confidence.

Visual reminders of school events, family trips and everyday activities are proof-positive that a child has a place in life and relationships with others.

“It’s important not only to be photographed in ways that indicate caring, nurturing, love and success, but also to see those images and take them in,” says David Krauss, co-author with Jerry Fryrear of “Photo Therapy and Mental Health.” The Cleveland clinical psychologist, who often uses client photos in therapy, advocates going through family albums with children from time to time to give them a clear vision of growth and change.

Dr. Krauss also finds the idea of a family photo gallery particularly appealing. “What it says to a child is, ‘I’m important in this family.’ ” It also shows a child he or she is meaningfully connected to others in the pictures. Favorite photos in a child’s room can enhance the feeling of safety, or offer stimulation. “You want a room to be a safe place where interests, imagination and curiosity come to light,” Dr. Krauss says. That means a room with images that not only document past joy, but also showcase what fascinates a child.

In “The Magic of Encouragement” (Morrow, 1990), child psychotherapist Stephanie Marston suggests placing two pictures of a child next to his or her bed. One should show the child happily engaged in an activity, such as riding a bike, playing softball, etc. The other should show family togetherness.

“Why put them next to their beds?” she asks. “Research has shown the 30-minute time period just before bed is when children are more receptive and listen and absorb more than any other time. Put photos of your kids being capable and loved next to their beds,” she says, “and these positive images are likely to be the last thing they see before they sleep and the first thing they see when they awaken.”

Playing photo identity games with children can begin as early as infancy. If babies see their own image, they get to know themselves. Place their pictures above the changing table, for instance, and amuse them by pointing out their eyes, ears, noses, etc. When they recognize themselves in the picture, it’s a joyful moment.

Important for a kids’ self esteem!

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Getting Your Child Ready For A Portrait Session
March 2, 2017 In Uncategorized No Comment

Getting Your Child Ready For A Portrait Session

 

Getting your child ready for a portrait session can be a challenging task.  There are several things that you can do to make your life easier and help your child be calm and ready for what should be a fun and exciting time.  Below, I have listed eight of them.

  1. Stay relaxed.  If you are anxious, your child will feel it.  If you have chosen a professional photographer who knows how to photograph children, then that photographer should be able to relate to your child and get the best from them.  It helps to schedule a pre-consultation and let the child have “play time” with the photographer.  This “play time” helps the child know that this man/woman is fun and not “scary” at all.

 

  1. Never say “smile” or “cheese”. One of the biggest keys to getting beautiful natural expressions is to never ask the children to smile or to tell them that their smile is not their “real smile”.  As a professional photographer who has been photographing children for over 30 years, this is one of the biggest things that can derail a portrait session.  Children want to please everyone – they want to perform for Mom and Dad.  But, once the smile word is used, that little one puts on a cheesy look that is completely unnatural.

 

  1. Dress the child in clothing that is timeless. The photograph below was taken over 25 years ago, but, it still stands the test of time and is still beautiful today.  Even jeans or overalls can be considered timeless if paired with the right shirt.  Think about 30 years from now – are the clothes you have chosen too trendy?  Are they going to go out of style in ten years from now?  Will this photograph end up on one of those websites that make fun of photographs because the clothing is so outrageous?

 

Our Wildflowers Make the Perfect Backdrop

 

  1. Make sure that your child is not sleepy or hungry. We usually recommend that you feed your child something before they come to the portrait session.  We would also encourage you to bring a snack for the child, but, NEVER let them know that you have it with you…..otherwise, they will be asking for it even though they just ate.  The snack can be used just in case you need it.

 

  1. Never say anything in front of the child that makes them feel like they are not doing a good job during the session. We have heard parents say, “He never acts like this.”  Or   “she usually smiles all of the time, I don’t know what is wrong with her”.  Things kinds of things can cause the child to feel bad about themselves even though that was never the intention.

 

  1. Choose a photographer who is an expert at working with children. Over the years, we know photographers who have said that they don’t enjoy photographing children, but, they do it because they need the income.  As photographers who love photographing children, we know how to “play” with them during the session.  This is an important step in getting perfect expressions that you will love.

 

  1. Shoes are important. Chances are your child will be photographed from head to toe.  Make sure that you like the shoes you have chosen and that it looks great with the outfit.  Barefoot photographs are also very beautiful and lends a timeless look as well.

 

  1. Haircuts should be done the week before the session, not the day before. Those few days gives the childs hair the little time it needs to look natural and not freshly cut.

 

These steps can help you have a great experience at your childs portrait session­  We would love to work with you and help you create the perfect portrait for you and your loved ones.

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Forever Changed
February 15, 2017 In Uncategorized No Comment

Kevin and I have been forever changed!  About six months ago, a Dad, Mom and two young boys walked into our lives.  They attended a community breakfast at our church (Trinity Baptist Church – OKC).  We discovered that they were homeless and had not much more than the clothes that they were wearing.

The parents visited the Sunday Bible Study class that Kevin and I teach.  For the last six months we have experienced what it is to see hopelessness turn into hope.  We have had the privilege along with those in our class to walk with these sweet people as they have prayed and struggled through a very tough time in their lives.

We have seen homelessness turn into a home.  Tears turn into smiles of joy.  We have witnessed what it is to see God work miracles in the lives of this precious family.

 

. ………

Their New Home – Inside view and outside view.

Our church family has stepped up to what we are called to do:  love without condition.  They have prayed, provided comfort, they have helped financially and most importantly, they have loved people who really needed to be loved.  This sweet group of people are quiet heroes with no desire to be singled out for their kindness and faithfulness.

Kevin and I have been blessed to be part of this transformation.  To see God work in lives and to see this sweet family cared for the way that God intended.

We are forever changed….we will never be the same.

May God bless you!

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close up of a high school senior
Where Does The Time Go?
February 15, 2017 In Photography Uncategorized No Comment

Where does the time go?  When we first met Rachel Bayless, she was only one year old and her sister, Alyssa was around 3 years old.  Her parents Robin and Dana have allowed us to be part of their daughters lives and chosen us to photograph them every year from the time they were very young until now.

……

Rachel was so cute and still is!   So much personality and such a sweet smile.  Just a fun little girl with a big personality.

Rachel is now all grown up and getting ready to graduate from High School  What a privilege it has been for Kevin and I to know this sweet young lady and to work for her parents through the years.  We are very blessed and are also very thankful.

We have watched her lose teeth, move from scraped knees to high heels, pony tail hairstyles to more sophisticated looks and from few words to an extensive conversationalist.

This year as we photographed her Senior High School portraits, we can’t help but be proud of the young lady that we know.  Proud that her parents … such wonderful people who have raised two phenomenal daughters, Allyssa and Rachel.  Thankful that not only is this family known as our clients, but, we also count them as friends.

Good luck Rachel!  We will be praying for you as you enter college and move into a new chapter in your life.

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