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November 1, 2024

Winter Session Tips | Anchorage Family Photographer

7 Tips for Preparing for Your Winter Session

Some people shy away from winter sessions because, well, it’s cold. But winter sessions make for some prime photo ops, so don’t write off the brr months. I LOVE winter sessions and the peaceful stunning backdrops they provide! The mountains really love to show off in the winter!

1. Keep tracking the weather. Those white winter days after a lot of snowfall can result in some seriously gorgeous photographs. Booking two months out probably won’t work, and you’ll instead want to book on a shorter notice. I leave room in my schedule to allow for winter sessions

2. Really play up the winter accessories when planning outfits. Think cozy knit scarves, colorful coats, adorable boots, mittens, beanies and more.

3. Plan the day out so that nobody gets fussy or too cold. A bribe of hot chocolate after the session goes a long way. Also make sure that everyone’s dressed warmly. I recommend mittens, even the cheap ones from Walmart or Fred Meyer. You can fit Costco base layers under most outfits to give an extra layer of warmth. Wear shoes that are warm over dressy. I know it’s hard, but the session will go much smoother! Hand warmers are a must! You can put them in pockets, gloves, etc. Also, the foot or body warmers!

4. Don’t be afraid to have fun in that snow. Snowball fights? Tossing the snow in the air. The possibilities are endless and this should be all about having fun. 

5. Choose colors and prints that pop. An all white background is absolutely beautiful, but having that pop of jewel toned green or that flash of knit texture can really make for a gorgeous photograph.

6. Pack the necessities. Noses tend to run in the cold, and glasses can fog up. Bring tissues, hand-warming packs, clean clothes and hot beverages to keep everyone perky throughout the shoot. 

7. Because it can be really cold, note that a shorter session may be in order. Make the most of your photos by using every single second to the max, especially at the beginning of the session when everyone’s still warm and spirits are particularly high. I tend to work quickly and move around a lot to ensure we get a full session packed into a much shorter time! I also choose locations that offer a lot of variety in one area.

 

I LOVE winter sessions with the gorgeous light, cozy textures, and breathtaking scenery! I can’t wait to photograph your family soon!

anchorage family photographer

May 21, 2024

Print your images | Alaska Newborn Photographer

You may be asking yourself what to do with your images now that you have had a session and have all these gorgeous digital files. If you don’t know what to do with them, then this post is perfect to give you a little boost to look at your walls creatively!

The first thing my clients think of is to print the images and create wall art (after grandparents’ gifts, of course)! This can be intimidating and feel permanent, but trust me, it’s not. I just so happen to NOT be talented in the hanging of wall art, which is why I don’t offer in-home installations. Even when I measure and use a level, it is just so slightlyyyyyy off. It’s not you, it’s me. With that being said, I do appreciate a good wall gallery template! I love inspiration that gets my ideas going and gives me a chance to find creative ways to hang my images, as well as incorporate other art into my family gallery wall.

So, here are some wall display ideas to get you started, resulting in those gorgeous images of your family OFF your computer and onto your walls. Which I am also guilty of…

 

print your digital files

family print display

 

May 21, 2024

Style Tips | Anchorage Travel Family Photographer

5 Style Tips to Look AMAZING for your Alaska Travel Family Session!

Alaska is a unique environment, and the weather is ever-changing! You could be adventuring in the mountains, hiking a trail in the rainforest, tide pooling at the ocean during low tide, trekking across a glacier, or soaking up the sun lakeside. For your trip, you have to be prepared for everything!

Adding a session to your Alaskan travel experience is the perfect way to document an amazing trip. I have a few style tips for your Alaska travel family session to keep your packing and session planning streamlined!

  1. Coordinate your outfits, but don’t match. Choose a simple color palette and go from there. This will give everyone the option to pick an outfit of their own, but still be subtle and fit the scene. If traveling and limited on luggage, pick something you can get more than one use out of!
  2. Avoid logos. This includes crazy prints and patterns! They will bring unwanted attention to the outfit and cause awful distortions to appear in the photograph that are not originally there.
  3. Tone down the bright colors. Vivid shades tend to reflect and bring attention away from the face. They also reflect a color cast on your skin and those around you. Darker clothing tends to blend better with backgrounds and slenderize the subject. Light or neutral colors can look appealing and fresh. Avoid wearing plain whites. Pair them with a jacket, cardigan, or scarf and you will be good to go! When white is worn alone on such a rich backdrop, it is distracting and hard to keep clean! I LOVE jewel tones and rich tones found in nature.

  4. Hair, makeup, and nails: Keep it simple. If you want your hair to be out of the way and not falling in your face, I recommend having it up and out of your eyes. For makeup, make sure it won’t rub off onto your outfit. Your nails should be nicely manicured with no chipped nail polish. Don’t experiment with something new for your session. Make sure you have tried it at home first!

  5. Accessorize! This brings visual interest to your look and adds texture. For jewelry, try a necklace to complement your neckline or bracelets to accentuate your outfit. You could think outside the box and try a hat or suspenders to bring the extra wow factor! Also, if a necklace is always sliding into the wrong spot, twisting around, or just uncomfortable, don’t wear it! Comfort is very important, and if you are constantly having to fuss with an accessory, you won’t be able to relax for your session 😀
  6. Plan on layers! If you are visiting from a warmer climate, I recommend pants, jeans, capris, or a long dress. Shorter dresses limit movement and thus posing options. You could do a long-sleeve button-up for guys and add a cardigan for the ladies. It could be warm! It does happen, but if you are watching the weather and it looks like it might be chilly, then plan for a cooler session and layer your outfits accordingly. The layers also help if you are mosquito sensitive. These critters can be annoying!
  7. Shoes! Last but certainly not least, don’t forget the shoes. Hiking boots are perfectly fine as they tend to be in neutral colors and something you might already be likely to pack. No need to pack an extra pair of shoes; save the space for souvenirs  😉 Loafers and calf-height boots are also a stylish choice! If you are planning on wearing something with a heel, then I recommend having an extra pair of shoes for walking around the location.

One final tip! Be yourself! I love my Chaco sandals, and it would be really unusual for me to be photographed in my family session wearing high heels. Don’t be afraid to be true to your personal style. At the end of the day, I am here to photograph your family in this gorgeous scenery, as you are, in this season of your life. These are just tips and not hard rules, and most importantly, I want everyone relaxed and comfortable 😀

Travel Session Style Tips for families adventuring in Alaska while they travel.

Travel Session Style Tips

May 21, 2024

Maternity What to Wear | Anchorage Photographer

If you’re like a lot of the soon-to-be-mothers I meet, you may be a little camera shy right now. Especially when you’re seven to nine months pregnant. And who can blame you! After all, your body has changed over the last several months, your baby is sitting low and you probably feel uncomfortable even walking from the kitchen to the living room sofa. Believe me, I can absolutely relate. You are likely considering getting photo’s done, but not sure what to wear to your maternity session with your ever changing body.

Let me tell you something, though. You are gorgeous. You are stunning. In this moment, you are glowing and radiating natural beauty.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: there is an unparalleled luminescence that radiates from a pregnant woman. A glow so unique to pregnancy that it’s impossible to replicate under any other circumstance. These images during this time will be treasured by you, your significant other, your friends and family and, yes, your unborn child, forever.

In your maternity shoot, I’ll take a variety of photographs of you in different poses. As long as you’re comfortable, we’ll get photographs of you laying down, sitting, standing and leaning. Some will hone in on that adorable baby bump, some may be silhouettes of your frame and others will capture the bond between you and your significant other and any other kiddos.

You are probably wondering what to wear to your maternity session. I’ll share my top tips below!

How many outfits should I bring to my maternity session?

Two outfits for your maternity session is a good number to bring. I like to always have at least two for variety’s sake, but whether you want to wear more than that is up to you. I always recommend bringing a backup outfit just in case you’re not “feeling” the outfit you’d planned to wear. One being a dress and the other a more casual outfit. If you are doing a flowy dress then I recommend something snug to show off the bump for the second.

What should I consider when deciding what to wear to my maternity session?

My biggest piece of advice is to wear something you feel both comfortable and beautiful in. My second piece of advice is for you to choose a non black or white top that is form-fitting enough to showcase your baby bump. Lastly, wear a supportive, well-fitting bra. Between us ladies, I know that breasts change a lot during pregnancy, so pick up a new bra that fits immaculately before our session to avoid discomfort and any lumps or bumps!

WHAT TO WEAR

Remember, the main purpose of this session is to show off your baby bump, so be sure to wear clingier clothing to your session. It doesn’t necessarily have to be tight, but you want it to be more form fitting so you can see the bump. Just be sure that it’s still comfortable for you.

I suggest wearing shirts with some kind of sleeve on them – they are more flattering for photos. Things like a dress with 3/4 length sleeves, or a form fitting tank top with a sweater/cardigan over it are always a good idea.

Maxi dresses and tunics with cinched waists are perfect for any season and are a fan favorite when it comes to maternity sessions.

Dress in layers – this will help to give you several clothing ‘looks’ without having to fully change your outfit every time.

Belts can really help accentuate your bump. We suggest trying to add one to your wardrobe for this session.

Dresses with rushing at the sides also help give your bump more definition and are a great option!

Be comfortable! Above all else, your comfort is the most important thing. If you’re uncomfortable, it will show on camera. Find an outfit that feels good and that you know you look good in. This will help you to relax for the best photos.

Bonus tip: Accessories!!! I LOVE adding statement pieces like necklaces, earrings, and chunky bracelet’s. Choose pieces that you love and reflect your style, not necessarily what is trendy at the moment. In fall/winter adding scarves also gives versatility and texture.

anchorage maternity photographer

May 21, 2024

Alaska Travel Photography| Eagle River Alaska

Family sessions don’t have to be boring! This family traveled to Alaska on a cruise and booked a photo session like they do on all of their vacations. Which I love! They said they always do one silly one and asked if I could photoshop a giant bear in the background. I had a blast and was happy to fulfill their request!

My three tips from this family session are:

  • Be you! This family was relaxed and a lot of fun!
  • They wanted some fun poses but wanted a lot looking at the camera. Together, when planning, we will figure out what your needs are from your session!
  • Enjoy your time at the session! All the hard work is done in the pre-session planning to get here, now relax and let’s have fun together! When you are relaxed and having fun, it shows!

Fun family alaska travel session

May 21, 2024

Anchorage Maternity Photographer | Why you should book a maternity session!

Nine months goes by so soon, trust me. I know from my own experience. When I was pregnant with my first it was just becoming popular to get maternity and newborn photography done, there was really no such thing as maternity photos. I might dig out just one or two from an old album, but that is it. I wish I had more taken!  Let me convince you why you need this session done.

You will want to look back on yourself carrying your sweet little one. Your body is so strong and accomplished a lot in a small time frame. Your body changes so much through the course of your pregnancy!

Your child will ask to see these photographs of your pregnant with them. When you show them, watch their sweet expressions come across their faces.

Spoil yourself. You look amazing, you are truly glowing. Have your hair and makeup done and feel how beautiful being pregnant really is. Your body is telling a story right now, and you should capture it.

Sometimes, it is hard to remember pregnancy. Some pregnant women are sick most of the time, some are exhausted, all while the months are counting down. You will want to look back and see just how incredible you truly are. It does go by in a blur and with all the focus on baby and preparations, it’s good to celebrate you as well! You did this! You are growing a human and it is an incredible feat worthy of documenting!

I know you might be on the fence about booking a session. It might be the last thing on your mind right now with preparing for a big arrival. I get it, I really do. This is a beautiful time in your life that you will want to remember. With my maternity/newborn package it is easy to add on the maternity to your newborn package! I will give you tips on how to look and feel your best for your maternity session.  I also have a studio closet with dresses you can wear perfect for your session and easy to coordinate with family members 😀

I LOVED this maternity session. Beluga point is stunning all year long and in the spring when everything is coming to life, this is the perfect Alaskan backdrop!

For more maternity sessions view the portfolio here: Maternity Sessions

 

Beluga point alaska maternity and newborn photographer