Networking Works!

When I went to my very first networking meeting with the West Valley Chapter of the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW), the very first person I met was Sue Bryan of Inward Journey. While also her first time to this chapter’s meeting, she greeted me with such a warm smile, a genuinely friendly greeting and shake of the hand – like we had known each other for years – I knew that she was going to be someone I wanted to get to know better.

Fast-forward almost a year, Sue decided she wanted to update and upgrade her portrait on her website and social media locations. In addition, Sue was eager to begin a new year of speaking engagements, and would need some head shots for her publicity materials!   My Winter Mini Headshot and Portrait sessions came at a fabulous time for her!

Sue Bryan, Founder of Inward-Journey.com

When Sue and I met, we talked about her business and what the “end-use” for her images might be. Since Sue chose my package with multiple “looks”, she wanted to be able to use her images for her Facebook page, her LinkedIn page, her website, marketing brochures and for her Speaker Bio materials.

As a Life Coach who assists her clients in getting more out of life, find deeper meaning in one’s work and relationships, she wanted images that conveyed specific feelings. Her clients should feel comfortable coming to her and working together on personal and interpersonal goals.

Some of those descriptor words were: Connected; insightful; grounded; playful and authentic. How lucky was I as her photographer to have someone so clear in her knowledge of her self! Those were the very traits I saw and perceived from her in our first meeting as well!

After our Pre-Session Consulation, I spent some time pre-visualizing our photo session. Taking into account the time of day, the time of sunset, the three to four spots I saw near her home, I was able to design multiple set-ups so we could achieve our goal!

On the day of our shoot, we had amazing weather in December and the light was just perfect! Using available light and a reflector, we accomplished our 4 Looks!

A few days later after seeing her proofing gallery online, Sue shared with me that she was not nervous at our photo session and that I made her feel at ease right away! The best part – she loved her images! I can’t wait to see her website once her revisions and our images from out sessions are added.

For more information, check out her website and Facebook page at: http://www.inward-journey.com

An Often Blurred, Four-Footed Portrait Session

Allie aka Allieoop, 3 year old Pit Bull Rescue

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love animals, especially DOGS – specifically pit bull terriers.  When my friend Deb gifted her boyfriend, Louis, a portrait session (with Allie, his three year old blue pit) as his Christmas gift, I am not sure who was more excited – me or Louis!

I like to meet my subjects prior to their photo session. This time in particular, I wanted to get an idea of Allie’s energy level, her ability to follow basic obedience commands and how well Louis handled his beloved pup.  What a great surprise – Louis and Allie were totally in-tune with one another. Allie and Louis walk together, run and play without a leash (yes, we know it is the law to have it one on); and Allie totally obeys and follows.  (Honestly, I was jealous, as my pit bull Jules has a mind of her own without a leash on!)

We chose Bette Davis Picnic area, a part of Griffith Park in Burbank, to have our outdoor portrait session. Allie has lots of energy, so Louis, Deb and I figured it would be a good idea they “expend” some of Allie’s energy prior to our session.  Well, even though they had run around before meeting me, Allie was still full of energy!

Allie with Louis in tow

I figured that photographing my seven year old pit, Jules, always running in my backyard would have given me enough practice in capturing great, images of dogs while running freely. Ha! Jules, while you are fast, Allie’s got you beat! Allie taught me a thing or two!

A Moment Together

I learned that while I thought I was a fast photographer, able to capture motion. Allie reminded me I might need to practice a bit more with fast moving pit bulls!  Needless to say, I was able to capture some great shots with Louis & Allie together; as well as Deb, Louis and Allie! Can’t wait to show them all of the fun images!  I am going to see if Allie will let me practice with her again to perfect my rapid fire, panning photography techniques. Sorry Jules, you’ve been beat by Allie!

Rosalyn – A Mother To Be

Back in early July I had the wonderful opportunity to meet and photograph Rosalyn for her baby shower. She wanted to capture all her friends and family that would attend her “girls only” baby shower hosted by her sister Rachel.

At our consultation, Rosalyn shared with me that she hadn’t taken any photographs of herself pregnant. So I offered to come a bit early and capture some images of her one month from her due date. I went a little nuts and had about 5 different poses in mind for our mini-session. Luckily we were able to complete 4 of the 5 to my liking.

With our mini- session just before her baby shower was to start, we quickly photographed and finished in enough time for Rosalyn to get ready for her big entrance with all her close girl-friends and family. She looked beautiful! Rachel and their mom, Nancy, created a really intimate and cozy baby shower – it was fun capturing the special relationships of these women.

A week or two after the baby shower, I presented Rosalyn with a 7×7 Brag Book from her shower that included images of the various women, food, desert, games, (like guess how big-o-round the mom -to-be is) and of course gifts!

We just recently photographed Baby Madeline who arrived on August 3rd, 2013! Once the new mom and dad have seen them, I hope to share a few here. Here is a image from my mini-session with Rosalyn – it would be almost two weeks later she had her daughter.

Rosalyn, July 13, 2013

Time Just Flew By…

Sunday, May 5 – My client’s, Marianne and Dumaurio, met me at Studio 1342 to create their maternity portraits. This baby is their first child and he is due in a matter of weeks.  The couple wanted a mix of traditional maternity images of Marianne as well as some hip, fun – “urban” shots together!  We had two hours planned and wanted to complete six different shots!

Marianne and Dumaurio were so prepared – when it came to outfits and “looks”! They brought a ton clothing choices and shoe combinations to choose from. We had fun deciding which combinations they were going to wear!  We marveled at the awesome studio we were photographing at – it  had so many great spots (www.studio1342.com).

My goal was to capture some really beautiful images of Marianne in the height of her pregnancy. My plan was to use simple lighting that showed her feminine curves at their best and most voluptuous.  For me, having Marianne be so comfortable with herself, her body and being in front of the camera, made the session fun for me.

Luckily the soon-to-be parents were open to me “playing” around with some locations and poses that I wanted to try. We all were really excited about the graffiti walls that were near the studio. Contrary to the pristine  environment of the studio, the couple wanted a more urban inspired location as well.  I think we found that just around the corner from La Brea Avenue.

When we were finished photographing, we looked at our watches – 4 hours had passed! We hadn’t even noticed! While this marathon photo session was long – we all agreed that the experience was a blast.

Marianne and Dumaurio are anxiously awaiting the baby’s arrival.  We have some fun ideas planned for him at his newborn session! The baby should be here mid-June! Stay-tuned! 

The Starlet – Cannan

At four days old, Baby Cannan stole the show at her Newborn Session! She was a true starlet and model. Stacey and Dustin, while new parents and with only a few days of practice looked like seasoned pros with their new daughter. Grandmother Marie, or also lovingly known as  “Mimi” was in town from Texas visiting her newest grandchild. We all had a ball during our session and learned the meaning of the word “patience”.

Working with newborns, I have discovered it is good practice to have a loose plan of the shots you would like to achieve. This is helpful on three accounts. First, you as the photographer have all the necessary props, lighting equipment and supplies that you might need. Second, depending on the baby’s temperament, you may or may not get shot you are hoping for. Thirdly, with a plan, you can quickly move to Plan B, if mood or body functions shift the shot!

All in all, Cannan was an excellent baby and I am looking forward to photographing her in the near future. Here are a couple of images I captured during our session. Check back in about two weeks and I will post more after Mom and Dad get to view their daughter’s portfolio.

Please “Like” Tamara Graff Photography on Facebook. Also, if you would like to see more of my work, please visit http://www.tamaragraffphotography.com

Until my next project.

Ciao

Tamara

Expanding With Maternity & Newborn Sessions

Baby Cannan –

Looking forward to photographing Baby Cannan today. She was born on May 16th so she is only 4 days old. She will be the “newest” newborn I will have photographed so far. Cannan is the first child for Stacey and Dustin, a young couple originally out of Texas and recent transplants to the crazy metropolis of Los Angeles.

Stacey, Dustin and I met a few weeks ago to discuss their wishe…s for their newborn photo session. Stacey works in productions for a major sports network and Dustin is a graphic designer so they like bright colors and clean design. I like going to my client’s homes so that I can get a sense of their style and décor. I am hoping to create some colorful, beautiful images of their daughter so the prints can be proudly displayed on their walls.

As far as our planned props, Stacey has chosen some really cute baby items that are all hand knit – a pom-pom hat, a beige cocoon knit and a really cute little pink frilly romper for her little girl.

In this session, I am excited to use my new posing beanbag as well as some new blankets with a variety of textures and colors. The beanbag will hopefully allow me to have Cannan in more organic and “cozy” body postures. Not to mention, I hope it is more comfortable so she will sleep peacefully during our session!

As I always do, I have sketched about 10 different layouts/scenarios that I hope to accomplish today. One image I have planned is a backlit outdoor shot with the new family. Stacey said she loves images that have the sun backlighting portraits! Me, too!

Some images will be posted shortly. Stay tuned!

My homemade Posing Beanbag