I remember, as a kid, running around in a party dress, wearing my mom's high heels and a pillow case for a veil, pretending I was "going to the chapel and gonna get married." I would turn the living room upside down, draping sheets from the couch to the chair to the coffee table, creating my own personal castle. I would play pretend for hours!
Now that I have children of my own I watch them and smile as they run around in their dress up clothes pretending to be firemen or cowboys or scary monsters. They run around our house whooping and hollering, laughing all the while. The sweet innocence of children playing is such a wonderful thing. Sometimes I get in on the act and pretend with them, but usually they make me the bad guy...go figure!
Is it your child's dream to be a cowboy or a mermaid or a fairy princess? We would love to help your child realize that dream. Our Imagination portraits were made to capture those moments of pretend play where the possibilities your child sees are endless. After all, the Portrait Shoppe is the place "Where a Child's Imagination Becomes Reality."
Children can be quirky. I remember taking my oldest son to have his one year portraits done and using a baseball mit and ball as props. He was so excited about that ball that he would raise and lower his hand repeatedly, pretending to throw the ball, and bouncing in place. All the pictures with that baseball are in motion (or of him trying to eat the ball)! Similarly, with my youngest, we had "naked baby" pictures done when he was about four months old. He would not leave the sheet covering his lower half in place for anything. It took five minutes to get him to leave it in place. I will forever remember those portrait sessions because my children's silliness was captured in photographs.
Last week we had a cute baby girl come into our studio who was photographed by Ryan. Teagun is a 9 month old little sweetie. In almost all of her shots she would roll her tongue and stick it out of her mouth, just slightly. It was her "signature" look and was absolutely adorable! Check out a few of her images...
Does your child have a quirk or a signature move they do regularly? So many times we want for our kids to have that "perfect" look for portraits, but also capturing those fun moments when they are being silly is a great memory maker. You will be sure to look back on those pictures and smile, remembering those special moments.
Every year we have dozens and dozens of beautiful and handsome entrants to the Star Kids Modeling Contest. Thankfully for us, Images Model and Talent Agency takes on themselves the hard job of selecting the winners. The overall winner of the Star Kids contest is then offered a full scholarship to Images children's classes to get some professional modeling and acting experience. Some of the winners from years past have gone on to pursue further performance venues. We caught up Alena, mom to 2009 winner Gianna, and she gave us a wonderful update on how her little winner was doing. So, here's what Gianna has been up to and how winner the Star Kids Contest affected some of those decisions!
The Star Kids Modeling Competition was a wonderful experience for Gianna. Of course, her favorite part of the entire experience was the photo shoot in the Portrait Shoppe Studio. From the dressing room, the costumes, and the personal attention provided by the staff, Gianna felt like a star even before being selected as the winner. The pictures turned out so beautifully, we had a hard time choosing a favorite to enter in the contest!
When we entered the Star Kids contest, our main priority was to great some great photographs capturing this magical youthful time in our child's life. However, winning the contest greatly improved Gianna's confidence. She went on to win Little Miss Madison County and represent the county at the state fair pageant. She also really enjoyed the classes at Images, especially memorizing scripts and practicing on the runway. Since completing the course at Images, Gianna has participated in several local fashion shows including pageant store Jack N Jill, and is also featured in the current ad campaign for Posh Tots Boutique in Richmond.
Whatever Gianna does, she likes to do it with an abundance of style and fanfare. Gianna is currently training with the Level 3 team at Excel gymnastics in Richmond, where her coach often refers to her as Little Miss America. She also just completed her 4th recital with Bluegrass Dance Center, where she studies tap, ballet, creative dance, and hip-hop. Next week, Gianna will graduate from Kindergarten and looks forward to a summer vacation filled with swimming, reading, play and (probably) mischief. While acting and modeling were never our original plan, Gianna will also attend theater camp to decide if she would like to further pursue acting.
Thanks so much Alena for providing us this awesome "snapshot" of Gianna's life and success! We wish her well.
Interested in getting your own child in to become a Star Kids winner? Make sure you check out the details of Star Kids in 2010 (below), then call the Portrait Shoppe at 859.277.6671 to make an appointment or even just ask questions, or go to the web and contact us that way.
I'll bet he or she does! There isn't a single child we've ever photographed that has not been beautiful and worthy of being called so. Winning a modeling contest isn't so much about perfect looks and flawless skin as it is about showing off and capitalizing on your child's particular beauty. Here are a few tips on preparing for, picking out, and producing a photography session that will send your child's image right to the top of the list!
1. Style Matters
There are two distinct styles for Star Kids Modeling Contest: Reality and Imagination. It matters not only because they are judged separately, but because you want to choose the style that best suits your child's look and personality. Is your son a real dreamer who likes to play pretend and perform for you at home? Then the Imagination style will allow us to capture him in his best moments. Is your daughter down to earth with a quiet smile and a tendency to talk rather than play? Then the Reality style will present her in a much more suitable way. When deciding think less about what you want to see, and more about what's going to best showcase your child.
2. Planning Ahead Makes A BIG Difference
This might be common sense, but don't go into your portrait session completely unprepared. You'll want to make sure that your child's outfit fits the background/set you doing. Talk with the photographer (call the studio and ask who your photographer is going to be) and discuss the session with them - that helps a LOT! Get your son or daughter plenty of rest the night before his/her session (trust me, this one is huge!). For all these details, check out our video learning center (choose the "preparing for the shoot" video).
3. Act the Part...
Regardless of which style you choose, it's important that your child is really fitting that style to make it really work. This is beyond the personality and outfit we've already mentioned, this is about having your child pose and act appropriate to the scene. For Reality images, this means more traditional poses, less big goofy smiles and more soft natural faces, and strong eye contact with the camera. For Imagination images acting the part is extra important - let your child's imagination really run wild! If she's a mermaid, do your best to encourage her to imagine herself as one and discover the ocean world; if he's a cowboy, we're looking for rugged poses and snarls. The very best thing you can do is to really let the photographer set the pace of the session and to encourage your child in the same way.
4. ...but Be Natural
As important as it is to "act the part," what you must be wary of is the tendency to be fake. One of the most destructive thing a parent can do for a child's portrait session is to tell them, "now make sure you smile really big!" Kids stick out there chins and give us a great big "CHEEEEEEESE!" ... which is cute, but it's not going to win a modeling contest. Likewise, if your child is being forced to behave a certain way he or she is more likely to freeze up and not look right at all. You have to let kids be themselves; if they are goofy let them be so, if they are shy that's okay - the important thing is to let them be them. All kids are beautiful, but not all in the same way - you want to let your child's individuality really come through in the portraits.
5. Show Off Your Child's Best Features
Like we just said, it's very important to showcase your child for who he/she naturally is. To bring out their natural beauty, we want to highlight their best features. Not every 18 month old is doe-eyed; if yours is, then we'll make sure we spotlight some close ups, but if not then pick whatever distinguishing features your child does have and highlight those instead. This is where picking the right pose comes in to play: the photographer will photograph your child in a number of different poses, from a number of different angles; it's ultimately your job to pick the pose that gets submitted to the contest. You'll want to pick the one that really spotlights your child's best features.
6. Uniqueness vs. Perfection
As far as picking a pose goes, your photographer will help you and give you suggestions as to which he/she thinks is the best pose, and often that's enough. But you'll have to make a judgment between a more candid, personality filled image and a more posed, traditional looking image. I hate to tell you this, but there is no "right" answer, it's a judgment call - and the winning portraits will often have both. Typically, however, you need to have the perfection in place before you have the uniqueness. What I mean is, you may see a shot that "is just so your child!" but it may not be a great pose, or may show his/her face in a less than ideally flattering way. Well, as much as you love that shot, don't submit it to the contest - buy it for yourself at home. Look for the poses that are primarily good poses/looks, and secondarily have a unique flair about them.
Another word about uniqueness: many times the modeling contest will result in a number of people in the same few poses...because they work. A pose that isn't often seen, though, will stand out in a judges mind. Anything you can do to have the judges remember your child or look at his/her image for a few extra seconds is an advantage. So, if there is a pose that you haven't seen much before and it's got the markings of perfection (mentioned above), then it might be a good one to choose.
7. For Goodness Sake--Have Fun!
This may seem trivial (after all, it's a competition, right? We want to WIN!), but you have got to have a good time! There's nothing good that comes from a portrait session with a miserable child. So if they're not having fun it's essentially a bust. Did you watch that video on our learning center yet? No? Okay, watch it now by clicking here. One of the most important points is to relax and tell your child that this is a fun thing, NOT a big serious deal...because it's not. Star Kids is a casual, relaxed event that is intended to raise money for UK Children's Hospital - it's not pageantry. Though there are some substantial prizes, it's more about fun. So, relax and have fun, and let your child have the time of their life doing it!
How we accomplish some of the gorgeous images at the Portrait Shoppe
Over the years we have had thousands of comments and compliments about our images, particularly about our Imagination Style. Imagination is one of the truly unique areas of the Portrait Shoppe; it is our niche here in Lexington, something that nobody else does quite the same, and in many ways it has become a defining style for the Portrait Shoppe. But creating a beautiful imagination image isn't just about buying some fun whimsical props and simply posing the child within that scene. We really play with the children, let them explore their new environment, and let their own imaginations dictate the events and poses that we achieve. A child's imagination is 1,000 times more powerful than we adults remember, and that's what we have to tap into to really produce stunning, beautiful images...and sometimes it takes a little of our own imagination too.
Take a look at this image:
Isn't she beautiful?!?! Well, this little angel was only three months old. She had a wonderful session with us in our garden baby bassinet (which is perfect for that age). She was happy and smiling the whole time...until we changed her into the dress. As is always the case with kids, when they pull the plug on a session you are pretty much finished - there's just not much you can do with a crying child who doesn't want to have his/her photograph taken. Here's where the innovation of the photographer kicks in.
Little Alexandra Grace (LOVE the name!) was miserable after we brought her back into the studio. The only place she wasn't crying was in mom's arms. Poor thing, she was tired! Babies have an especially short window of awake time in which you can get their photographs. But rather than throwing in the towel (which is so easy to do), Shelly, the photographer, got creative.
She moved the bassinet and sat mom down on the backdrop. Then she put a green blanket over her arms and lap and set the now sleeping Alexandra down in her arms again. Then she decorated mom with flowers and ivy so that she became the new set! Check out this work in progress:
(That's Ashley putting on the finishing touches). So, Shelly could have simply called the session when Alexandra started to lose it and walked away the great images she got from the first half. But she didn't, and it was worth it! Mom was thrilled, Alexandra was happy to finally be asleep, and the images in the dress are amazing!
Can't tell, can you? That's the whole idea. So next time you're faced with a screaming child or a moment that looks like its over, put a little creative thinking to use and see how you work with the issues instead of having them work against you. And who knows what beautiful material you might produce!
We had a fabulous Easter this year! All of your children were beautiful and so much fun! and even though we can't show you everything we photographed this season, we did want to show you a few highlights from our Lamb Portraits this past year!
We had a great time with this baby lamb - it was only a day old when we first got it! (The poor thing kept falling asleep, it was so new!) But the kids were AMAZING! We were so proud of everybody this year - you all were wonderful!
Thanks for making Easter 2010 a season to remember!
This past weekend we had a baby lamb as our guest - he was born on Wednesday, and we began shooting portraits on Thursday! Wow! What a special opportunity to be holding and photographing a newborn animal. He slept A LOT...babies usually do. But he was beautiful, and the kids loved him! We were completely booked with lamb portraits on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and this week has been full with selection and purchase appointments! Whew! We can't wait to show you some of the images, so make sure you check back here soon - the next post will be lamb portraits from 2010!
They are so CUTE!!! They're just babies, only a few months old. They just came today, and they'll be here for another 3 weeks! You can use them in your children's Easter portraits on any background you like! To get an idea of what the Easter images look like, check out our seasonal gallery. Bunny appointments will be available from now through April 3rd!
And, of course, next weekend is our lamb portraits!
Sorry we can't show you a picture of the lamb, but it's probably just been born and we don't know what it looks like yet - but it's always adorable! Lamb portraits are some of the most elegant we take all year, so don't miss them!
There are only 6 more appointments left open for the lamb portraits! Hurry and call us at 859.277.6671 to get your appointment reserved!
Here's an adorable scene we just did for a 4 month old boy for Easter! How cute is he?!?! His name is Caleb - and he was a great subject! His mom brought in the feathers and the giant egg, it was the perfect touch!
We've only used the birds nest once before, and we were thrilled to have the chance to do it again! We really loved the turnout!
This is a great example of how creative and beautiful Easter portraits can be! Want to see more? Of course you do - click here to go to our Seasonal Gallery. We are taking appointments for Easter portraits from now all the way through April 3rd (the day before Easter).
A couple of Easter Specials:
Live Bunnies will be here from March 12 - April 3
The Lamb will be our guest only for 3 days - March 18, 19, & 20.
Please call us at 859.277.6671 to make your appointment, or make it online by clicking here. But don't wait until it's too late! Lots of the appointments have already been reserved - so make your appointment today and get a unique and beautiful portrait that will last a lifetime!
Spring has Sprung, the snow is gone, and Easter season has arrived!!!
Check out this video to see how much fun we always have at the Portrait Shoppe around Easter! Then hippity-hop to the Portrait Shoppe to get your own children in Easter portraits with live Lambs and Bunnies!
[vimeo http://vimeo.com/9888442 w=500%h=281]
Live bunnies will be here from March 12th-April 3; the lamb will only be here March 18th-20th! Don't forget to book your appointment EARLY!!! Easter portraits are very popular and fill up fast. So call us up at 859.277.6671 or make your appointment online today!
Portrait Shoppe is proud to introduce the models from the 2010 Sample Month!
Last month we had Sample Month: All month we were looking for models to help us build and update our images collection. Well, here's a selection of what we got...
So you're going to be seeing these faces (and others) around the Portrait Shoppe in the upcoming months (and maybe years!) Be sure to regularly check out this blog, our Facebook page, our website, and our studio to see your favorite models!
We're right in the middle of our Paw-traits Modeling Contest. For those of you who don't know much about it, it's Lexington's 2nd Annual Dog Modeling Contest, all to raise funds for the National Canine Cancer Foundation. It is hosted by ourselves and PetSuites of Lexington and it runs all the way through March 31st! To learn more about it Watch This Video, Read This, and call us at 859.277.6671.
Well, as we've been photographing all these dogs, we've noticed a few things that may help when you want to snap a great photo of your own furry friend.
1. Save the play for after the photos.
Your dog likes you...I mean, really likes you! And he wants nothing more than to be in your lap. And if you engage this highly loving creature in some physical play before you try and get pictures chances are you wont get him to stay still long enough to snap the photo. So muster up your own self-control and save the rough housing until after your photo session is done.
2. Keep treats handy.
Dogs respond incredibly well to extrinsic motivation (a.k.a. bribery). So keep a handful of treats available to bribe your dog with - chances are she'll stay still if she knows she's getting something for it. The thing you have to remember then is, make sure you actually reward your dog for her good behavior! If you don't she won't have any reason to keep sitting. WARNING! If you keep treats in your pocket so your dog won't see them, just make sure she doesn't smell them out, or you're done for! And whatever you do, DO NOT bring out her favorite ball or toy!!! (See trick #1)
3. Play with camera angles.
Dogs don't photograph the same way as people; they look great from some really funny angles and terrible from others. Use a variety of angles and focal lengths when photographing your furry friend and see what works and what doesn't. Keep in mind that the most classic dog images from the art world are often with the dog looking off to one side.
4. Pay extra special attention to the background!
It's ALWAYS crucial to watch your backgrounds in portrait photography, but with dogs you should take extra care because their fur will blend in to the background if it's similar in color. Try and choose a background with vibrant color that isn't found in the dogs fur, or against the opposite light/dark background from your dog's fur (e.g. if your dog is black, try a white or light colored background - NOT black!)
Above all else, have FUN! And make sure your dog has fun too! After all - they're worth it! Enjoy your adventures!
This was a real treat for us! A couple of years ago Savannah was a category winner in our Star Kids Modeling Contest. We hadn't seen her since then, but she just recently came back in! She's 8 now and has grown into a wonderful girl! AND...Savannah brought a friend with her to be photographed: her new kitten Megan!
Isn't she adorable?!? We were so thrilled to be able to photograph a cute girl and her new best friend. Check out a few of these great images of them together!
Thanks, Savannah, for coming in again and for bringing Megan with you! You two are precious together!
We look forward to seeing you again soon!
As you can see, Ashley and Shelly couldn't keep their hands off this cute little furball. They are true cat ladies: between them they've had more than 50 cats in their lifetimes!
Originally the deadline to enter was Feb. 28th - that has just been extended all the way to March 31st! So PLEASE get your furry friend in here to help us raise money for the National Canine Cancer Foundation (wearethecure.org). It's a great cause!
Like this video? See it in HQ on Facebook! Click Here...or over there ---------------------->
Aren't they cute?!?! Hannah and Sam first came through our doors at Christmas time. Sam brought one of his dad's old cars to play with and Hannah brought her kitty and tea set - Shelly had a blast photographing them! (If you'd like to see some of those images, check out our Facebook page - click on the Unique Kids Photo Album.) I guess they had a good time too, because not too long ago 3-year-old Hannah asked to come back. She said to her mom, "can we go back to the place where the lady put my kitty on her head?" (Shelly will often do crazy things to get the kids to smile!) So...they came back...and it was wild! One of our most energetic, upbeat sessions! Just take a look at a small sample of the fun!
We are thrilled that these two came in to help us with Sample Month - we enjoy having them here so much! We look forward to seeing more of them in the future! Keep your eyes peeled for more images of Hannah and Sam as Sample Month draws to a close.
All January we've been advertising that we are looking for Models to be part of Sample Month, and we've had lots of amazing people ask about it so far...but this little girl tops them all!
So it's Monday morning, and we walk in to find this on our answering machine...
Oh, oh, OOOOoooOOoooh!!!
Part 2
So we look up the song (from the lyrics, as best we could determine them from the answering machine), and once we found out what the song was...
I hope she calls back, because we'd LOVE to have her perform for us live!
Here's something fun - remember the snow we had two weeks ago? Well, Ashley (our newest photographer) was outside trying to sweep off some of the snow from the stoop of the Portrait Shoppe and...well, she can get a little crazy sometimes. So while she was sweeping--you know what, you'd better just watch the video.
You know what the funniest part is? She didn't know that we were recording video! She just thought it was a couple of still shots! So, that's just Ashley being herself. We love our staff!
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