Austin Photographer – Shooting for Success

03.13.2015

I want to help my clients achieve the most successful session possible. The big question I am often asked is “What should we wear for our family photos?” Finding the perfect ensemble can be easy with proper planning.

Here are a few things to consider when deciding on what to wear for a family session. Think carefully about the intended purpose of the photos and dress accordingly. Will the images hang on a wall, print on a card, and or be used on your blog or online? The environment in which the photos will end up is a huge factor when deciding what to wear.

If a print will be enlarged on canvas in the formal living room, for example, you may opt for a more stately or elegant look. A combination of black, white, grey and beige is timeless. You can strategically add bold accents using a tie, scarf or jewelry.

Maybe you are a multi-generational family shoot and have plans to drop an image into a pre-selected template? If so, the entire group should mull over colors and looks together to maintain harmony. This will also ensure the photo fits into the existing design cohesively.

If your website is heavily patterned, take the safe route and opt for solid colors so as not to clash with your background or pages. Add layering pieces such as cardigans and chunky jewelry for interest.

Avoid having children wear anything itchy or so uncomfortable that they cannot move freely. The purpose of the shoot is to relax, have fun, run, play, laugh, and give your photographer the most genuine expressions.

I can’t emphasize the importance of this enough – have everyone try on everything in advance. When everyone feels great and can relax, it really shows in photos.

Check my past “Shooting for Success” posts to see more tips on how to plan for your family session.

Austin Maternity Photography: “BeyBey” on Board

03.11.2015

One of the many fabulous things about the “Belly to Birthday” package, if we do say so ourselves, is how it makes a mom-to-be feel like a rock star during her maternity session. Check out Mama Sam here throwing down some Beyonce moves, maternity style.

austin newborn maternity family photographer ziem photography

Ziem didn’t even need a Queen Bey-style wind machine to create the music video effect, with a windy Austin day providing all the special effects needed.

In true rock star fashion, Sam brought her entourage along, consisting of two darling fur kids & her mom.

Speaking of rock stars, Ziem just knows Sam is going to ace this motherhood thing. She can’t wait to meet the “BeyBey” at his or her “Belly to Birthday” newborn shoot! (Sam and her husband have decided not to find out the gender in advance, but we’re all thinking “Blue”.)

If you are dangerously in love with what you see here and would love to purchase a unique gift item or gift card, visit my registry page or send me a note to z@ziemphotography.com.

ziem photography | contributor | austin photographers

Austin Photography – Shooting for Success: Holi

03.06.2015

Holi is my favorite Hindu tradition among the few I celebrate with the girls. It is the most beautiful, colorful and meaningful holiday (not to mention F-U-N)! Imagine bold-colored powder, buckets of water, squirt guns, blaring music, great food, friends, family, and Indian dancers – there isn’t a more joyous day! If you are planning to attend a festival this year, consider the following tips for capturing the magic that is Holi.

Wear white clothing – something you won’t mind having to toss out after the event. Last year, I also wore rain boots.

If you feel compelled to protect your hair and eyes, wear a hat or turban and glasses.

Bring towels, baby wipes, and a change of clothes for post-event clean up.

If you are shooting on a DSLR camera, protect your gear with plastic housing and avoid switching camera lenses, batteries and cards at all cost. Shoot on two camera bodies with different lenses if you have the luxury.

Climb on chairs, balconies or any structure that might give you a birds eye view of the festival. Last year, I was able to capture images of the entire crowd and particles in the air as a result.

It’s all in the details – powder, colored fingers, clothing, facial features. Given the fun nature of the event, there’s no need to hesitate when approaching strangers and getting up close and personal.

After achieving your desired shots of fellow event goers, be sure to return the favor!

View more posts from my blog series “Shooting for Success” for helpful photography-related tips.

Austin Newborn Photography : An Auspicious Beginning

03.03.2015

Hindus traditionally regard the eleventh or twelfth day after birth as the most auspicious day for a naming ceremony. Happily that’s also Ziem’s favorite time to do a newborn session, so she was thrilled to meet the Une family and get to participate in this special cultural tradition.

Lucky Baby V had grandparents visiting from India and California for this happy occasion and was tired from all of the attention and stimulation, as newborns are wont to be. Our photographer-in-chief employed her patented “patience pays off” philosophy, however, so once Baby V was finally tuckered out, Ziem was able to pose the star of the show for some fabulous photos.

This session was a gift from Ziem’s good friends over at Austin Bazaar, which – insert hint here – reminds us that Ziem Photography gift sessions or gift cards are one of the most thoughtful gifts one can give a new family.

Ziem is truly grateful to have participated in such a sacred family ritual. Baby V’s future looks auspicious indeed – how could it be otherwise with those big brown eyes?

Austin Newborn Photography – Beautiful in Blue, Part II

02.27.2015

Remember that picture perfect couple whose maternity session we recently featured? Ziem was thrilled to then photograph the next “beautiful in blue” family member, newborn Jude.

Ziem loved working with this family again at their stunning South Austin home, which provided plenty of natural light and not one not two, but three helpers in the form of two cats and one dog. The animal assistants provided plenty of entertainment during diaper changes and feedings, offering themselves as both test subjects and the Department of Quality Control (sniffing Ziem’s photography gear).

Sweet Jude couldn’t have been more darling, and he is clearly so loved already. Ziem wasn’t surprised that Noelle and Jeremy were already parenting pros a mere five days into the job. She hopes to continue documenting their journey!

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