the big three https://debralwallace.com Wed, 30 Dec 2015 00:44:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://i0.wp.com/debralwallace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/cropped-favicon-for-print.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 the big three https://debralwallace.com 32 32 71786769 Plan your session! https://debralwallace.com/plan-your-session/ Thu, 19 Jun 2014 02:15:00 +0000 http://debralwallace.com/plan-your-session/ If you’re not the planning type, don’t let the word scare you – planning a portrait session involves three main components.  Click on the images for some inspiration!

 
 
 

]]> 103 Style ~ How to Get the Most Out of Your Portrait Session https://debralwallace.com/style-how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-portrait-session/ Tue, 13 May 2014 02:17:00 +0000 http://debralwallace.com/style-how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-portrait-session/ by Debra Wallace

There are three main components to a portrait session and they are:

● Style 

My daughter was born with enough personality for three people.
Melody circa 2008 (age 2)

She’s feisty, free spirited, and creative – and pretty much has been straight out of the gate.  If an image portrays her as calm and princess-like it doesn’t fit.  It’s like a physical therapist going to a chiropractor.

Your dog, your house, your outfit – all of these things have personality.  Generally the more we age, the more comfortable we are with who we are.  We exchange experimentation for knowledge, which is a whole lot more efficient and definitely less stressful.

Visiting Kerry Stitch at Indigo Tones was a huge step for me in this process.  After a lifetime of buying clothes I never wore, her statement of, “You like to dress like everyone else” was strangely liberating. Now I am at peace with my relationship with Eddie Bauer.  I admire skirts, dresses and lace from afar.

Your family portraits follow this same principle.  Your images should represent your family’s personality.

I have a huge weakness for shirtless men holding naked babies.  My husband Jason has been an awesome sport about it, but since he almost never takes his shirt off ever (even though he totally could with his half a percent of body fat!!!), those images just look weird to me.
This image is weird.  He even wears shirts swimming – inside.

The same is true of a portrait session.  You can absolutely love someone else’s session but if it doesn’t fit your family, the images will feel out of place.

There are essentially three different styles of family portraits:

1. Formal.  Rebecca packed my kitchen for me when we moved.  I offered to do portraits for her as a thank you gift.  She loves, loves, loves formal images which are generally not my thing, but I couldn’t turn down an opportunity to hear a heartwarming rendition of “Mama has a big ole’ butt, oh yeah.”

2. Natural – this is about 90% of what I end up doing.  It’s my personal favorite.

I overuse this image, I know.  I think it might just be my favorite family image of all time ever.

Here are some more relaxed, natural portrait sessions to explore:
Rainy Day Portraits ~ Black Creek Park
Lisa & Brad ~ Tinker Nature Park
Liz & Bernie ~ Brighton

3. Sessions that incorporate an activity.  I don’t see a ton of this, but I think it’s awesome to explore some fun activities during a session.  If you’re an off the beaten path type of person, check out this article:

6 Creative Ideas for an Awesome Family Photo Shoot

Remember that it’s okay to appreciate someone else’s spunk without feeling like it needs to be yours.  At the same time, if you’re a spunky type, be sure to let loose!

]]> 106 Clothing ~ Choosing Clothing for your Portraits, How to Get the Most out of your Portrait Session https://debralwallace.com/clothing-choosing-clothing-for-your-portraits-how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-portrait-session/ Wed, 26 Mar 2014 19:19:00 +0000 http://debralwallace.com/clothing-choosing-clothing-for-your-portraits-how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-portrait-session/ You’ve taken the time out of your life, coordinated different schedules, and paid a sitting fee so you want everything to go perfectly.  While you can’t guarantee a perfect outcome, there are definitely things you can do to tip the odds in your favor.  There are three main decisions to make when preparing for a portrait session and they are:

● Style 



What to Wear Part 2: What to Wear to Your Professional Photo Shoot ~ Timeless Styles

Bonus: How to Get Free Clothes : Kerry Stitch of Indigo Tones

]]> 109 Location ~ How to Choose a Great Location ~ Getting the Most out of Your Portrait Session https://debralwallace.com/location-how-to-choose-a-great-location-getting-the-most-out-of-your-portrait-session/ Mon, 24 Mar 2014 02:20:00 +0000 http://debralwallace.com/location-how-to-choose-a-great-location-getting-the-most-out-of-your-portrait-session/  

Choosing a location for your portraits is an important part of planning your session.  Below are some ideas and some things to consider.

1.  The location is beautiful.  Most people choose locations just because they appreciate the beauty.  Some favorite locations of mine are:

Charlotte Beach
And even though I wouldn’t expect my Rochester families to hike down to Ithaca for portraits, these are worth looking at for inspiration.  If you live in Ithaca, choosing a location is a breeze since it’s hard to go wrong surrounded by waterfalls!
Taughannock Park, Northpoint
2.  Choose a location that’s meaningful to you.  Robert and Kara chose the Eastman Gardens because it’s close to their home and they go there frequently.  Eastman Gardens happen to be gorgeous, but you can also choose a location based solely on its meaningfulness.
3.  Your house, because it’s practical (and usually beautiful too).  Your house is often a perfect spot for portraits – especially if the weather is questionable.
Danielle and Larry’s house
4.  You need to be inside.  If the weather is unpleasant and you don’t love your house, there are still some options available to you.
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