For the dad-to-be

by admin | Oct 12, 2018 | Educational

Dear Nick,

You’re down to days now as fatherhood awaits. I am so happy for you both. You are going to be a great dad. Wish I was in the South of France to share this milestone. Do you remember that time I coached you through wedding photography for Michelle’s beautiful Celtic wedding? Well my friend, today I am coaching you through your own “Maternity” photo session. Hurray!!! It’s probably the last thing on Nicola’s mind at 36 weeks pregnant but listen to me, DO IT ANYWAY! I’ll take the blame. So grab your digital SLR camera and your wife, as we’re about to capture this precious journey into motherhood. Maternity shots are more comfortable at 8 months of pregnancy as the belly is sitting high and in full splendour – but I guess its better late than never my friend. You are about to celebrate, document and honour the mother of your first-born child through the power of photography, so let’s begin. By the way, this does involve some nudity….meaning HER not you! 😉

Preparation

First of all, get her to do her hair and make-up. Light and natural is always good.
For an indoor shoot, shoot by the window (about 1.5m away), pull the blinds up. You want soft, defused lighting.
For an outdoor shoot like the beach, park of forrest, do it early in the morning or later in the afternoon, again for that soft light and some privacy.
Clear the background of any clutter.
Set the mood and play music
Switch your camera to Aperture priority (or portrait mode) and make sure you’re on the smallest F-stop, meaning F2.8, (to give you shallow depth of field). You will also have to bump up your ISO if indoors, don’t use flash. See how your images come up and adjust accordingly.

5 steps to capture her baby bump

1. It’s all about the hands

Pose hands resting around the belly, emphasising the baby bump. Shoot the same pose with different background and at different angles. Very important – YOU do the moving around not the expecting mother.

2. Figure 8 and S Shape Composition

Get mama into a little crop top and comfy pants; leggings, pj pants whatever she’s comfy in, better still if its fitted. You want to create and look for that figure 8 and S shape in her physique to accentuates her baby bump.

Shoulders back, leaning back, leaning to one side, bend at the knees to make that booty pop out as well as the belly.

3. Vanity Fair

Think of Demi Moore and that famous Vanity Fair Maternity Cover she did years ago!
By now mumma bear should be more relaxed and getting into it. So its time to get a little
more revealing. Peel off the layers and try some of these.

4. Outdoors

If you are thinking about getting adventurous and heading outdoors, get creative.
Think patterns, textures, shapes and contrast. Think Adam and Eve, mother-earth, nature.

5. Get in the shot

Last but not least my friend, put the timer on and get in the shot!

The last time a maternity shoot was left this late, Zoe Skinner went straight into labour.
You’ve got a great eye for photographs Nick. Have fun and if you get stuck message me.

Over and out sailor.

Love,

Gee xx

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Some of my favourite Father’s Day Pics

by admin | Aug 26, 2018 | Educational

Having worked in a male dominated industry for so many years, it fascinates me to see how guys really are huge softies (AND dare I say) just as sensitive as women when it comes to their kids. It makes me smile to see them captivated by a deep seeded, unexplainable fierce love. The male ego might exude boldness, strength and resilience but when it comes to their own flesh
and blood, they are just as soft and tender hearted as women. Even if they refuse to talk about it!

The day Buddy became a dad to his first born, he’s never stopped sending photos and videos of baby Leo’s achievements. Celebrating the everyday moments – be it smile, dance, utterance, first steps and everyday wins, completely smutted and proud as as punch. I’m proud of all the Muzza’s, Buddy’s, Carlos’, Alex’s, Ayon’s, Jay’s, Joshua’s. Normal, everyday dads who beneath the exterior
are just like YOU! … they just sometimes need a little persuading.

Here are some my favourite dad images!

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When kids Play up

by admin | Aug 15, 2018 | Behind the Scenes, Creative Hub, Educational, Feature Families, Uncategorized

Inside a family photo session

I was excited about this photo session because it was of Lily, my little 4 year old friend. She the sweetest, funniest, switched on, charming little 4 year old I know. Got to admit we have a special bond! I have known her mama since pre-school, so it’s funny we now have to sneak calls to one another as Lily is the gold champion medalist at competing for attention. She always has so much to talk about, a trait she gets from her mama!

So it took me by surprise on this cold winter morning in Newcastle, when Lily and her family showed up looking smart and polished. But can you believe little miss ants-in-her-pants didn’t feel like being photographed! On any other given day, she’d happily pose for the camera. But on this occasion she was excited for the first 5 minutes and than she was done. Yep, that’s right, DONE!
My little partner in crime wasn’t having any of it.

This is why preparing for a shoot is vital

Believe it or not this happens quite often depending on their age and mood. We all have good and bad days and so do kids.

After booking a photography session, you will receive our “Shoot for Success” guide which walks you through the process, informs you of what to expect and helps you to dress you for the occasion. However, a big part of the preparation comes in the form of an online questionnaire (or telephone conversation), getting you to tell me about your family. It’s being able to connect to your child, knowing their favourite song, nursery rhyme, word, treat, game, you name it, the thing that makes them light up!

Kids (like myself) have short attention spans. We got about 30min with Lily that morning and the remainder of time was spent on her little sister Isabella and mum and dad.

Preparation is key for moments like these! But you would never know when you see the collection of images we produced from that session….and not to mention all the gummy bears later!