I need your input... :0)

I'm putting together a photography segment for The Living Show in November which will be centered around how to shoot a great holiday portrait. Finding light, tips for working with kids...etc.. Is there anything in particular you'd like to see, or questions you might want to have answered? I'd appreciate the feedback very much...(even if you're not in San Antonio!). Thank you! xo

Comments

[amanda]

i have decided to delurk and comment here. i've been reading your blog for months now, i love your work!

i am really excited to see what you post for this. i think what you already said covers most of it, finding light, working with kids etc. maybe you could add in stuff about addressing families to let them know how to dress? or using different props... the couch is amazing btw!

[ericamay]

Maybe you could cover how to look "holiday-themed" without going overboard? :) I think a lot of family think they all have to wear red or have candy cane necklaces for holiday portraits -- maybe talking about how to tie in a holiday theme (a.k.a. with your sweet red couch!) without getting too cheesy? :)

Your work is great -- I can't wait to see some samples of your holiday portraits! I just LOVE the couch and the locations you chose are fantastic!

[MelodyA.]

Maile is taking my holiday pictures and I am bringing the candy cane necklaces. Seriously. Cuz I think it's funny.

[daily relish]

thanks everyone! i love the ideas! please keep them coming! :)

[Stacy]

I'm with the others and mainly just how to tie in the Christmas theme without going overboard. (Something that sets it apart from just a regular session.) I'm on limited space this year and I'm looking for ideas on where to take my kids pictures for the holidays. It may be too cold for outdoors. Ideas like that would be wonderful!

[Jesi Rozelle]

Maybe give some ideas on how to get families to loosen up for those great candids that you are always able to get!!

[k]

I seem to take the same picture every year! I want to ideas to make my photos not so posed. Something unique. ... What is unique and new?

[Ma']

I have a great idea. Everyone come to Eugene for Christmas.
Everyone can all sit under the light of my happy smile.
It's the best light. Casts no shadows!

No?

[cindy cieluch]

Please tell families to be themselves and don't try too hard. Avoid sitting in front of the fireplace and tree. Go outside. Do something fresh and real!

[Sandee]

How about if you give some tips on grouping/posing the families? I hate the horizontal firing-squad line that I see on Christmas cards. Or the other "Olan Mills" style: Mom and Dad sitting, and the rest grouped around. Gross. :-p

[abbey]

First off hoe to get a group 2,3,4 kids to all look somewhat organized and put together in a picture!!! Not even necessairly a "formal" picture... just something usable!!

What to wear? (not christmas sweaters!) :) How to organize outits and make everyone match without matching tooo much!?

cool!!! I would love to hear the answers... any hope for us not in san antonio?!

:)
love your stuff!

[olivia]

Hey Maile....
My husband & I have a Nikon D80 & were wondering what is the best setting for ISO for regular pics? Also, should we always use that big black lens extender thingy?

Sorry I do not know the proper terms.
Olivia
:)

[thanksmaile]

Are there any phrases you use to get young kids to smile/laugh?

[maile]

hi everyone! These are awesome suggestions!It really helps me organize my thoughts about it. So thanks again!
Olivia, I don't know if this is "the" right advice, but I always try to keep my iso as low as possible for the situation. Only turn it way up when there's hardly any light. That lowers the chance for noise in your shot. :)
thanks againy y'all.

[maile]

"thanksmaile"...I know everyone's style is different. For me, it depends on the age. If they're too old for "peekaboo" and silly faces, then I usually just talk to them as I would an adult, asking them about things that are relevent to them. Then shoot while they're talking. Usually personalities just pop right out.
:)

[Anna at Hank and Willie]

Yes, more about the anti-holiday pose- how not to get the firing squad look!

Thankyou!

[Jennifer]

I have a secret. The couch in the middle of the country. I have had that idea for like a thousand years, and could never get the sweet, hunky man to load up the couch for me! So Kudos to your sweet, hunky man.
I would love to hear more about lighting inside and outside. What is the best camera settings or basics that you need to pull off a "almost" professional shot.
Love all your hard work...

[tia]

Maile here is my suggestion....up close, peep a boo fashioned, tree limbs, transparent ornaments, the look of amazement-aah-wonder, twinkle lights and sunbeams. Tia