Austin Family Photography – The Comptons

11.07.2014

Sometimes all you need in life is an ice cream cone, right? In the case of the Compton family, the promise of an icy treat to come – unbeknownst to Ziem – kept the kids impressively focused on the shoot. Whatever the motivation, though, this family could write the book on “how to prepare for family portraits” or “5 tips for a successful family photography session” – and it shows, doesn’t it? From the moment they arrive until the camera is removed from their faces, there is a sense of calm and lightheartedness (from parents and children, alike) that is felt. The resulting images never disappoint.

Ziem has had the privilege of shooting this family over a number of years, starting when Braylon was only two – and a towhead! He is pretty much a professional at this point. Violet took a little bit of time to warm up, but as soon as she did it was easy to get a lot of genuine giggles out of her. This adorable brother-sister duo couldn’t have been better behaved. Ice cream promises aside, they were as sweet & giggly as could be #dreamclients:

Perhaps Ziem’s favorite moment of the shoot was when Mom & Dad requested a shot of just the two of them. Z has found that giving children a break from the camera mid-shoot and briefly focusing on the parents increases the little one’s willingness to cooperate thru the end. Besides, most couples like these high school sweethearts haven’t had professional photos taken since their wedding, so it brings her great joy to be able to capture images like this and add to their amazing photos from Greece:

So grateful to the Compton family for their continued business & friendship!!

Austin Family Photographer: The Deans

10.31.2014

Holiday mini-session season is upon us, and we can’t wait to share some of the early results with you. Ziem was thrilled to be working with the Dean family for the second year in a row:

Despite some typical child challenges, including one photo-shy toddler and one napping sister, Ziem captured some beauties of the Deans & their preternaturally perfect curls.

As usual, patience was the shutterbug’s secret weapon in dealing with some wiggly wee ones. The Deans took it all in stride – is that thanks to their relaxed, fun family vibe or Mom’s training as a Pure Barre instructor?

I hear our photographer-in-chief Ziem and Mom Carrie have been strategizing for nearly a year to meet for dinner sans children. Despite the high demands of one “mompreneur” balancing work/mom life and another governing a beautiful new home with three children and a traveling husband, these two ladies are relentless in their efforts to make this happen before next year’s mini session.

Be sure to check back for more of last weekend’s mini session goodness!

Shooting for Success: How to Dress for Holiday Card Photos, Equestrian Trend Edition

10.30.2014

Holiday card photography here in Austin involves a certain suspension of disbelief. We bravely don our sweaters and heavy boots for eighty degree plus temperature photo shoots, as if the holiday garb itself will somehow push the thermostat down into holiday adjacent territory; “If we wear it, winter will come” seems to be our civic mantra.

On that festive if fictitious note, today our Austin photographer-in-chief Ziem interprets the trendy equestrian look for your holiday card consideration. After all, if we dress as if there might be a pony under our Christmas tree, perhaps winter and a horse will come:

holiday fashion austin family photographer

As one prone to dressing as if I’ve wandered off a nearby polo field, I embrace this look, but what say you, Austin – are you ready to do your civic duty and saddle up to the horsey trend?

Shooting for Success: Five Tips for the Best Halloween Photos

10.27.2014

Halloween is hands down one of Austin photographer-in-chief Ziem’s favorite holidays to celebrate (mine too)! It may or may not have to do with our respective sweet tooth (or teeth), but we love the fact that there’s usually little to no expectation to meet other than indulging in a little buffoonery and chocolate. We adore seeing all the creative costumes our friends and family come up with, the fabulous pumpkin carving, and of course perfectly styled pumpkin patch photos. So many reasons to celebrate and take photos this time of year!

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To help ensure you all capture THE most spook-tacular photos this year, here are Ziem’s five top tips on how to catch your ghosts in goblins in their glory:

1. Dress up before the 31st for a special photo shoot. It would be a great opportunity to do a trial run and have some relaxed fun before the big night. Most kids are far too distracted and lack the patience required on Halloween!

2. Create a relevant photo environment to provide context for costumes. For example, Frozen sisters, Anna and Elsa, would look especially at home in a wintery scene. If you have a little astronaut and live near a space center, make special trip! Let Little Red Riding Hood caper with nature – visit a park or wooded area with trees and trails. Don’t be afraid (ha!) to use the neighbor’s Halloween decor as your background.

3. Shoot as close to sunrise or sunset to capture the best natural light. The lighting is so much softer, and you’ll avoid hot spots and squinty eyes that way.

4. Capture some candid expressions before trick or treating as they cling tight to their treat bags and anticipate the start. You can also take the opportunity while the little ones are waiting on a door stoop, running away from the houses with their treasures, or examining treats together. The joy and expectancy on the children’s faces are priceless!

5. Prop the camera or hand it over to someone else and hop in a photo or two with your children. They will cherish these with great joy some day!

See more tips and tricks from our Shooting for Success series!

Austin Family Photographer – The Parrotts

10.23.2014

Nothing like sharing a family portrait session from last fall than to, well, will it to come! This Austin weather is so arbitrary; I ran out the door this morning with a sweater on and now I’m down to a tank top as I get ready to head out the door for preschool pick up. Given that summers are ridiculously hot and long, I’ll take what reprieve the unpredictable weather yields.

But I digress. . .

This session was taken last Fall when everyone in Austin (or maybe just me) can be found with a perma-smile, taking up every opportunity to be outdoors. The Parrotts are the most vibrant, sweet, fun and good-looking crew and I was so honored to be their family photographer. We had a great time running around the park per this handsome guy’s instructions and quietly smiling along the way. As evidenced by the photo, he knew exactly what he doing.

Sophie is a super talented and savvy business woman. Shortly after this session she was all over the celeb news sites and national morning news shows. She has this distinctly unique business in Austin that hosts adult events. If you’re ever looking to host a vintage tea party in Austin a la Kelly Clarkson, look no further. I’m sure Sophie would like for you to know that the tea pots need not be filled with tea.

Cheers and Happy Friday Eve!

xo Ziem

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