“Now I understand why we never have family portraits taken!” Kathie exclaimed.  It was the third time she’d had to reschedule her family portraits in a week.  With four adult children – two with rough work schedules, one visiting from Korea, and another visiting for the day from college – it had become a bit of a mess to schedule.  The only time in which everyone’s schedule intersected was for 35 minutes on Thursday night.  I worked fast, everyone smiled on cue, and we got it done.  And we beat the rainstorm by about 30 seconds.  How’s that for timing? :)

Little Harper loves to swing.  I can’t blame her – I still love to swing at 27.  I guess at 15 months Harper looks a little more age appropriate on the swing set :)  So I stayed off the playground and just took photos (this time!)

Harper and her parents were in town for the weekend visiting family, and I had the opportunity to take some photos of the whole family in Washington Park.  Harper is the only grandkid, and I can tell she’s probably spoiled rotten by her grandparents and her aunt.  Hey, that’s what family is for :)

Maybe you can’t keep your eyes open for photos.  Or you always have red eye and look washed out.  Perhaps you have a cheesy “camera smile” that comes out of nowhere when you see a camera.  For whatever reason, you’ve decided you are not photogenic.  Terribly, horribly, irreparably un-photogenic.  You should just never have your photo taken again because you’ll always look horrible.  Wrong!

If you think you aren’t photogenic, you simply haven’t worked with the right photographer.  Or maybe you haven’t worked with a photographer at all.  People judge themselves as not photogenic because photos their friends take of them at parties never turn out well.  Of course not!  Direct flash, red eye, poor timing, too many cocktails…it’s a perfect storm of ickiness.

The best photos of people arise from natural moments when they aren’t posing for the camera, aren’t making their characteristic photo face – aren’t over-thinking it.  That’s why documentary photography is the best way to get great photos of everyone.  I’ve had many clients who think they don’t look good in photos, or don’t like having pictures taken.  Once they’ve taken photos with me, they’re usually singing a different tune.

So what’s the secret?  There’s a few.  Professional equipment is one, alongside professional training (it helps to know how that fancy camera works, after all :) )  » Continue reading “Being photogenic is a myth. Really.”

As of July 15, 2010, this will be the new deposit policy for Tracy Carolyn Photography.

Portraits A $50 deposit is due when you book your session date.  This deposit will be applied to your session fee, and is non-refundable.  It is transferrable, however, should you need to reschedule your appointment.  The remaining balance is due the day of your session.

Weddings and Events A deposit of 30% is due with a signed contract to reserve your date.  This deposit is non-refundable.  The remaining balance is due two weeks prior to the event.

Boudoir Marathons A $50 deposit is required to book your time slot on a marathon day.  Any hair and makeup fees will be due upfront, since I pay the stylist in advance.  This deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Thanks for wading through the boring business stuff.  Since everything is better with a photo, here’s an engagement favorite :)

For many people this can be one of the most thought-provoking parts about taking portraits.  I get more questions about what to wear than about anything else.  Don’t stress – here are some tips to help!

Don’t do matchy-matchy. The whole everyone in white tops and jeans things is played out.  When you go all out for matching outfits it makes your portraits look overplanned and a little cheesey, not to mention unrealistic.  When was the last time your whole family went to a social function in matching outfits?  Probably never.  So steer clear.

Stay in the same color family. While you shouldn’t get decked out in the same shirt, you can stay in the same color family. Try having everyone in an outfit that incorporates the same color – blues, browns and grays work well.  It doesn’t have to be the same shade, just the same palette.  That way you’ll look like you fit together, but not like clones.

Choose a level of formality. Decide if you want a more formal or casual look, and make sure everyone’s outfit is on the same level.  You don’t want everyone in dress pants except for one kiddo in jeans.  I highly recommend staying casual, but if you want to dress up be sure everyone does. » Continue reading “What to wear, what to wear…”