Image by Cornell University Library
Collection: Cornell University Collection of Political Americana, Cornell University Library

Repository: Susan H. Douglas Political Americana Collection, #2214 Rare & Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library, Cornell University

Title: Hobart Portrait Cabinet Photograph

Political Party: Republican

Election Year: 1896

Date Made: ca. 1896

Measurement: Cabinet photograph: 6 1/2 x 4 1/4 in.; 16.51 x 10.795 cm

Classification: Photographs

Photo helps us remember our history, past, and current times.  Without them, we rely on foggy memories.

Image by George Eastman House
Accession Number: 1979:0330:0001

Maker: F.S. Crowell

Title: African American woman, studio portrait

Date: ca. 1895

Medium: albumen print

Dimensions: Image: 14 x 9.8 cm Mount: 16.4 x 10.6 cm

George Eastman House Collection

General information about the George Eastman House Photography Collection is available at http://www.eastmanhouse .org/inc/collections/photography .php.

Image by Swedish National Heritage Board
Portrait of Stella, a bath attendant in Lysekil.

Stella, baderska i Lysekil.

Parish (socken): Lysekil
Province (landskap): Bohuslän
Municipality (kommun): Lysekil
County (län): Västra Götaland

Photograph by: Carl Curman
Date: 1880s
Format: Albumen print

Image by Cornell University Library
Collection: Cornell University Collection of Political Americana, Cornell University Library

Repository: Susan H. Douglas Political Americana Collection, #2214 Rare & Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library, Cornell University

Title: McKinley Portrait Cabinet Photograph

Political Party: Republican

Date Made: ca. 1896-1901

Measurement: Cabinet photograph: 6 1/2 x 4 1/4 in.; 16.51 x 10.795 cm

Classification: Photographs

There are no known U.S. copyright restrictions on this image. The digital file is owned by the Cornell University Library which is making it freely available with the request that, when possible, the Library be credited as its source.

So you need to get the family photographed, here are a few key facts to help you choose some of the best portrait photographers for your family. It can be difficult as when you search online there are hundreds of family photographers out there all wanting to attract your attention. My first piece of advice would be to choose a couple of photographers who are local to you and simply give them a call.

You will know in the first few minutes if you have a photographer who is used to booking in families and children, they will ask about your children and their ages and sleeping patterns in order too choose the best time for them. Advice will be offered on what to wear and what you should and should not say to the children to make the session successful. Once you have found the photographer you want to use, ask some friends or colleagues if they have used this company/photographer before to get some feedback.

Before you book in ask a few questions about pricing and products, you more often than not get what you pay for, try to see this as an investment for your family as after all this is a lifetime purchase so don’t be looking for the cheapest option as you will be disappointed.

So you are all ready, you go to the studio or location, the session is brilliant and you can not wait to see the finished result. An appointment is usually made at this stage to invite you to see the previews, also this is a good time to just to have another look at the products on offer so you can begin to plan where to hang your amazing new portraits.

I find some of the best photographers will like to show you the previews instead of a sales person, again another key point as sometimes you can be overwhelmed with the choosing your images and knowing how best to display them. Your photographer will be able to guide you with professional display advice even down to the framing style.

Having your family portraits taken should be an enjoyable experience, young children love looking at themselves in pictures especially with Mummy or Daddy, so if you have been putting it off, just do it pick up the phone and get booked in!

Benipayo Photography

San Jose  | Studio | Photography | Children

Contact: Michael at michael@benipayo.com

408-717-3670  — 415-763-7643

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Justin Bailey is a professional portrait photographer based Bury St Edmunds UK.

Website http://www.lighthousestudio.co.uk
Or visit our blog http://lighthousestudio.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/07/top-tips-for-parents-booking-a-professional-photo-shoot.html

If you have a children’s photography studio or just want to take better photographs of your kids, I have a few tricks that will allow you to get that beautiful shot every time.

As a Children’s Portrait Studio owner, I have learned a few techniques that work really well. You should try different tips and tricks until you find one that works for you and the child you’re photographing.

Here’s a list of 5 tips you can use in your photography studio or at home as soon as Today!

Tip #1 – The Penny Trick

For a child that won’t sit, place a penny on the spot you want them to sit. The key is to make it a game. Tell them that you want them to hide the penny so nobody else can see it. They usually laugh and think it’s funny. You get them to smile naturally and sit wherever you want them. It works really well.

It doesn’t have to be a penny. It can be a flower for a girl or a small car for a boy. It just needs to be small enough to sit on.

Tip #2 – The Bubble Chair

Place a chair on your background or wherever you want your subject and tell them it’s a special bubble chair. Explain that you’re going to blow a bubble and you want them to catch it. But…it only works if they’re on the special bubble chair. Once again, make it a game and the kid’s will play along.

You’ll need a helper to blow the bubble or bubbles. Usually a parent will help with this.

Tip #3 – The Tape Trick

In our studio, we usually always take shots of children looking down and not directly at the camera. One example would be a 9 month old child in our antique washtub theme. It’s a great shot and parents always love it.

But…how do you get a difficult child to do this? It’s simple. You apply a small piece of scotch tape to their finger or toe and they will automatically look at it or try and pull it off. You only need a few seconds to get the shot.

Tip #4 – I can’t See You Trick

Sometimes you’ll have a child that doesn’t like their picture taken and won’t look at you or the camera. This is common and don’t force them… it won’t work. Once again…we make it a game.

If you don’t have a helper, look through your camera and pretend like you can’t see them. Actually move your camera around like you’re trying to find them. Say their name and then say…oh there you are. Then once again say…I can’t find you, are you there, I can’t see you. This has worked really well for us and the parents are usually amazed by this technique. They can’t believe it works.

Tip #5 – Say Anything But Cheese Trick

You will always get a parent that says the words “Say Cheese” and wonder why the smile is forced and looks unnatural.

Make it fun for the kid’s and use other words or sayings that get them to laugh. Then…wait for the smile to come down and take the shot. You always want to let the smile relax when they’re laughing. Instruct the parents not to say cheese or smile. Most of the time it looks fake.

So, there you have it. Some easy and very effective techniques we’ve learned over the years that should work for you.

One last tip is to “Be Patient” and you’ll get the shots. Never show the child you’re getting stressed or frustrated. They’ll sense it and it will show in your shots.

Always have fun and the kids will too.

Benipayo Photography

San Jose  | Studio | Photography | Children

Contact: Michael at michael@benipayo.com

408-717-3670  — 415-763-7643

Scott Voelker is the creator of NewPortraitBiz. He has taught 1,000′s of students how to start a photography business. To receive his Free video lessons visithttp://newportraitbiz.com

Visit Scott’s Blog at http://newportraitbiz.com/blog for even more up to date Free lessons.

So you’ve survived twelve years of school (maybe more,) and every year you’ve taken the same school photo, sometimes after P.E., in front of the same monochromatic backdrop, with the same “photographers” jabbing you in the back, wrenching your shoulders, and demanding that you smile on three. You’ve had enough, and you swear to yourself that this year is special. This year is going to rock, and you are going to have the pictures to prove it! But how in the heck do you do that?

1. Clothes matter. Sorry, Mom, but they really do. For your portraits, try and choose clothing that does not distract from your face. Select two or three outfits from casual to dressy. Layers look great, but take care not to look too bulky, and beware of bold prints, polka dots, and horizontal stripes. Yikes, those patterns can add pounds as well as take the focus off of your face.
2. Consider bringing personal items to make your pictures unique. If you are a cheerleader or athlete, consider including your uniform in your pictures. Letterman jackets, sports equipment, books and other “props” can help you make a statement with your pictures.
3. Bring a trusted friend or family member to the shoot. This serves a lot of purposes, the primary one being someone to make you feel more comfortable during your photo session. This other person can also help you hold clothes and accessories, help you change quickly and discreetly, and remind you when it is time to comb your hair, or for ladies, touch up your makeup. If you bring a friend, he or she may even be able to join you in a picture or two. (Double check that this is ok with the photographer before you show up with your BF.)
4. Hair. The day of your photo shoot is not the day to try something new with your hair. Unless you’re a risk-taker, don’t get your hair cut the day before your session, either.
5. Meet the photographer ahead of time, if possible. Looking stiff or unnatural can wreck your senior pictures. For most of us, that’s how we look when we meet someone new-a little reserved and unsure. Feeling comfortable with your photographer will go a long way towards eliminating that rigid, forced-smile-look of so many portraits.
6. Be sure you know how your photographer feels about retouching images. If you are going with the school’s photographer, you may not have a lot of choice about retouching, but, if you have the luxury of hiring a professional photographer, make sure you understand exactly what he or she is willing to do to improve your pictures after the shoot is over. Some photographers do little or no retouching; some do a lot (maybe too much); and others charge extra for it. If you have a break out on the day of your big pictures (let’s face it; that happens to teenagers) do you want your photographer to fix that for you? If so, make sure you’ve hired someone who will do that for you.
7. Get some rest the night before your photo session. Um…I think that one’s pretty obvious.
8. Last, plan to spend about two hours at your senior portrait session. The last thing you want to do is rush around frantically trying to get fantastic pictures. You will be stressed, and it will show in your pictures.

There are only a handful of times in our lives where we get to be the center of attention and hire a photographer to document it. Getting your senior pictures taken should be one of those times. Relax and enjoy it, then show off your amazing pictures to your friends.

San Jose – Cupertino –  Senior Photographer – Benipayo Photography

Contact: Michael at michael@benipayo.com

(408) 717-3670 ********** (415) 763-7643

Christie Stockstill owns Christie Stockstill (pho.tog.ra.phy) in Austin, Texas. She specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, child, family and H.S. senior portraiture. To see her work, please visit http://www.christiestockstill.com

Tip #1 – Patience

First and foremost we must realize that stunning photos of pets involve a lot of patience. Waiting for that right pose or expression that represents the character of the pet may take a little time. Sometimes we get lucky and it happens very quickly, then there are the other times when it feels like we will never get THE shot! It can be frustrating but extremely rewarding.

Tip # 2 – Shoot Often

Shooting continuously can accomplish a couple of things. First it gets the pet used to the sound of the camera, second it allows you to capture candid shots in between formal poses. You might be surprised at some of the images you captured when you review them.

Tip #3 – Use Different Angles

The eyes are the most important part of the photograph. The character and soul of the pet can be more dramatically captured by getting down to their eye level. Shooting down from above by standing on a chair or something solid can also product effective and unique photos. Be adventurous! Experimenting with different angles may also generate exceptional portraits. Remember, the eyes must be in perfect focus.

Tip # 4 – Toys & Treats

There tends to be some controversy on the use of pet toys and treats to stimulate the pet in order to make a more appealing shot. On the one hand, the toys and treats can help you get more intense and striking images but on the other hand, some animals will become over-stimulated and become difficult to work with. Talking with the owner and observing the animal under both circumstances before the shoot can help you decide whether or not to use the props.

Tip # 5 – Composition

We can get so busy trying to get that perfect expression or interesting shot that we forget what is around us and in the background. Make a visual check through the viewfinder to see if you are using the rules of good composition. Are you using your thirds? Is the background uncluttered? Does the background complement the subject?

For example; it may not be wise to shoot a black dog with a dark background. If you find your location is not working, move around to the other side or change locations completely. It can make the difference between an ordinary shot and a stunning portrait.

There are a lot of things to remember in a very short space of time when you are working with animals. Taking pet portraits is challenging to say the least, but is extremely rewarding. Capturing for the owner the essence and character of their much loved family pet turns that stunning portrait into a priceless memory for them.

Benipayo Photography

San Jose  | Studio | Photography | Children

Contact: Michael at michael@benipayo.com

408-717-3670  — 415-763-7643

Scott Voelker is the creator of NewPortraitBiz. He has taught 1,000′s of students how to start a photography business. To receive his Free video lessons visithttp://newportraitbiz.com
Visit Scott’s Blog at http://newportraitbiz.com/blog for even more up to date Free lessons.

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Capturing the perfect picture of a baby can be a challenging but rewarding task. Baby photography is often lumped under the classification of children’s photography, but baby photography is an entirely different animal altogether. Children are generally easier to work with as they can be instructed, but a small baby (which for purposes of this article we will define as under one year old) has a mind of its own.

As with children’s photography, it is important to understand the development stage the baby is at in order to get the best smiles. The following are some tips for taking great pictures of babies at varies stages of development.

Up to Ten Weeks: At this stage there isn’t a whole lot the baby can do but lie in a prone position. Compared to later stages, the baby is not too active at this point, so as long as the baby isn’t fussy, pictures are fairly easy. Try laying the baby on its back and focusing the camera at the baby’s head.

Four to Six Months: Now the baby can hold her head up, lie on her tummy, and prop her head up. The baby will watch and follow objects, reach for objects and grab. At this stage try placing the baby on her tummy, drag a toy in front of her to catch her attention, and pull it back to the camera. The baby’s eyes should follow it and she will be looking straight at the camera when you snap the picture. The baby’s lips are very sensitive and you can sometimes induce a smile by tickling the baby’s lips with a small soft toy or tissue.

Six to Nine Months: Baby is now very alert and notices everything around her. She can typically sit up, craw and even pull herself up to a standing position holding on to objects such as a chair. At this stage the baby may respond to a gentle tickle which can be used to product a quick smile. However, you need to be fast because the laugh will be very short lived. You also need to be quick with the entire photo session as the baby’s mood can change rapidly. A six to nine month old can be happy one minute and crying the next.

Nine Months to a Year: At this stage the baby responds very well to just about everything. However, with teeth coming in she can have periods of irritability that can’t be resolved. She will also demand constant attention and the need to be entertained every waking minute. This entertainment can come from you or from a toy. Try playing peek-a-boo around the camera. Imitate the child’s vocal sounds. Give her a prop to hold or play with. At least one of these methods is more likely than not to product a joyful smile.

One year to Eighteen Months: At this stage the line between baby photography and children’s photography starts to blur. The baby will easily play with you at this stage. This means throwing ball, swinging an object, climbing on just about everything. At this stage some babies will also be shy with strangers so you may need the mothers help more at this stage than any other. Give her a toy to play with and then ask for it back. Try throwing a ball back and forth with the parent. Use a long feather duster to tickle the child and pull it back directly toward the camera.

***

San Jose Photographer – Benipayo Photography

Contact: Michael at michael@benipayo.com, if you want a portrait session.

408-717-3670     415-763-7643

Author:  For more information on children’s photography visit Mary Kim Photography at http://www.marykimphotography.com.

Being a portrait and wedding photographer in San Jose, I had to bring along my BIG camera to take some shots.  I’m glad I did since my niece was not following my directions  well.  She did what she wanted to do and did not care much about anybody else.  Typical 3 years old, I guess.

Here are some photo of her with my brother, niece, nephew, and my own kids.  Please enjoy.  If you should want a photographer in San Jose, I am available for  a location shoot.

Thank you for looking.

San Jose Photographer – San Francisco – Photographers

Contact: Michael  at michael@benipayo.com or call

408-717-3670

415-763-7643