WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: LOVE GOES 'ROUND

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: WHERE'S WALDO?

TOP TIPS ON TAKING FAMILY PHOTOS

CONFESSION: You know all your darling holiday cards or those fancy family photos you post on Facebook? Yah? Well, they kind of make me want to jump off a bridge.

Okay, fine. That's sort of an exaggeration. Truly, all of you in your matching chambray work shirts, in front of that oak tree look lovely. Really. But I'm a little jealous. I want to look polished. I want to look together. I want to look (and feel) complete.

I'm certainly not trying to sound all woe is me, (as I so often like to do), because I realize there's been nothing stopping me from putting Jonah and I in matching get ups and taking photos... But I just haven't done it. So it goes without saying that when I was contacted by Michelle from Monarch Lane Photography, I was THRILLED.

She and her sister were a delight to work with and I loved the way the photos turned out. In fact, I'm thinkin' one of these puppies could very well be a holiday photo this year. (Act surprised when it comes in the mail).

Looking to take a family photo? Here are Michelle's tips for what makes a good family photo shoot:

1. Find a photographer you connect with and feel comfortable with. There are many great photographers out there, but if you don't feel a good rapport with them, it will be hard to feel comfortable in front of the camera, and your pictures may show that. Also, you want to make sure that what you have in mind for your photos is a style that that photographer does. For example, if you want natural lit pictures, make sure that you don't choose a photographer who only shoots in a studio.

2. I find that the best family pictures are the ones that are the least posed. I try to capture my clients candidly, because those always make for the most genuine pictures. It's hard to feel totally natural when you're having your picture taken, but play around with your kids, laugh and most importantly have fun, and that energy will be apparent in your photos.

3. Depending on the setting of your shoot, what you wear can really give your photos different vibes. I shoot outdoors, which is great for all kinds of different attire. You can never go wrong with black, and I find lots of bright colors, work well outdoors too, because they really "pop" against the colors in nature. For little girls, I always think some fun, textured tights can look really cute, and for boys, a collard shirt or little blazer looks cool out in the beautiful scenery and provide a neat contrast. I always tell my clients it's best to avoid white, since it can end up looking blown out, but sometimes my client will have a particular look that they are going for that will involve wearing like a white, flowy dress or something, and then, that's OK. If it's not your "vision" though, it's best to stick with other colors. Another thing I recommend staying away from is big logos. They can be distracting in a photo.

4. Make it fun for the kids.The more pressure the kids have on them, the harder it is to get a good picture. If a child is relaxed, or even acting silly, it gives us the opportunity to get some great expressions and lots of smiles. Bringing water and a few small snacks can keep their energy levels up, and a snack break can break up the session, which can feel particularly long for kid.

To see more pics from our shoot, (click HERE) or head to Facebook!

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MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL

Why is it that I cannot trust a mirror? It seems like these days, I can only tell what I really look like by looking at a digital photo. Isn't that strange? I mean, isn't a mirror a REFLECTION?! Yet, when I look at one, I don't trust it.  First of all, as we all know, every mirror is different. Want to feel skinny? Go to the changing rooms at Anthropologie on South Beverly Drive. You will look like you just did the master cleanse and lost 20 pounds (and btw, the mirror is so magical you will actually think you have enough money to buy all the clothes you just tried on). But go over the hill to HELL (a.k.a.  Bloomingdale's at Fashion Square), try on something that should be a sure thing like a James Perse tee and trust me, you will never look fatter (or more broke).

Seriously, mirrors are like Fun Houses and can be very deceiving. I realize, looking at myself in a mirror should be enough to get a sense of what I look like, but sometimes, there is something oddly gratifying (and twisted) about looking at a PHOTO and seeing what you look like through other's eyes. I can admit that I'm totally that person who takes a photo and looks at it the minute it's taken. I zoom in, out, down and around. I check myself out. And often times, I delete it if I don't like what I see... Pathetic and vain, I know.... considering that you can't delete an image in a mirror, NO matter how you stand or pose. But thanks to the digital age, you can pose, suck in, and smile again and again, until you get it juuuuuuust right. (Certainly, until it's Facebook, Twitter, or Snapfish ready). 

Well, the other day, if you saw a brunette woman in her early 30's taking a picture of herself at every light on Fairfax, that was ME. I decided to take my new hair do for a walk on the wild side and wear it "wavy." The mirror in the morning told me it looked cute, but the mirror in my car told me otherwise. The only way to tell: Camera Phone.  After practically draining the battery on my phone, and looking like a total loser, this is the "look" I finally settled on....

As far as I know, I'm pretty sure I almost never make that face in "real life..." Of course, every mirror I know lies....

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Other great deals in your area expiring soon:

$6 for 2 Tickets to Wildlife Learning Center

$15 for $30 to Spend at StaceyMDesign.com