LINA VA PHOTOGRAPHY

Portraits, families, wedding photoshoots

Photographer based in Devon, UK

Hi there!

My name is Lina. 
I'm a professional portrait, family and wedding photographer  based in UK - Devon and serving nearby areas.
For me photography is about connecting with people and capturing them in a way that they have never seen themselves. Story telling through art. Capturing people's most important moments in life and seeing their genuine reactions makes me feel so lucky to say that this is my career. 
Contact me and let's make that happen!

I take the stress out of having photos taken, help you look amazing and feel comfortable in front of the camera.

You might be thinking that you aren't photogenic or that you hate having your photo taken - i promise you that my photo shoots are easy and fun and it is an experience that you will never forget.
I am ready to meet all clients in all ages, any size. It's not your job to be 'photogenic' or 'good in front of a camera'. It's my job to help you through your entire photo shoot and to show you the most beautiful photos you have ever seen.
I'm absolutely passionate about everyone deserving beautiful memories that they can cherish forever.
 
 
When is the last time you had a photo taken that you actually love?
 
Do you hate having your photo taken? If yes, I'm YOUR photographer because you are my favourite client!

The shoot will take place at my home studio, at an outdoor location of your choice or at your own home.

Makeup and outfits can be provided.

Your photo shoot is no ordinary cost, it's a true investment.

Serves Devon and nearby areas.



Publications & Awards

Behind the scenes

Printed Products


Kind words

''Lina is a great photographer with a twinkle in her eye... You can see that the work of a photographer gives her great pleasure and is not only a job, but above all a great passion.  She is a professional who brings a great atmosphere to her studio.  You will definitely feel relaxed and the session will be a lot of fun.  The photos are beautifully edited.''

 Karolina. Exeter


''WOW! What can we say?
We hired Lina as our wedding photographer and we are so happy we did.
Lina managed to capture every emotion of our wedding day with true professionalism whilst making the guests feel relaxed and at ease.
We cannot thank Lina enough for having the unique ability of capturing our special moments.
We highly recommend Lina if you are looking for a wedding photographer.''

Kevin. Exeter


''Absolutely love my photo session with Lina. Made me see myself in a different light. Thank you so much, Lina, for making me feel good about myself.''

Mariyana. Exmouth


See Packages &Prices >


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PORTRAITS PHOTOSHOOTS (1-2 persons)

PACKAGE 1 £150 Pre-session consultation 1 hour session Online Gallery 5 edited digital images Free Digital Downloads PACKAGE 2 £255 Pre-session consultation 1-2 hours session Online Gallery 15 edited digital images Free Digital Downloads 12 x 8 (30 x 20 cm) framed print PACKAGE 3 £375 Pre-session consultation 2-3 hours session Online Gallery 25 edited digital images Free Digital Downloads Two 12 x 8 (30 x 20 cm) framed prints EXTRA Photoshoot - £30/hour Digital image - £13 (after 3 package).

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FAMILIES PHOTOSHOOTS (3 or more persons)

PACKAGE 1 £285 Pre-session consultation 1-2 hours session Online Gallery 15 edited digital images Free Digital Downloads 12 x 8 (30 x 20 cm) framed print PACKAGE 2 £425 Pre-session consultation 2-3 hours session Online Gallery 25 edited digital images Free Digital Downloads Two 12 x 8 (30 x 20 cm) framed prints EXTRA Photoshoot - £30/hour Digital image - £15 (after 2 package).

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WEDDING PHOTOSHOOTS

PACKAGE 1 £950 Pre-Wedding Consultation 2-4 hours Online Gallery Up to 200 edited digital images Free Digital Downloads PACKAGE 2 £1200 Pre-Wedding Consultation 4-6 hours Online Gallery Up to 400 edited digital images Free Digital Downloads Luxury 10 x 10 Album (10 spreads with 20 photos) PACKAGE 3 £1400 Pre-Wedding Consultation 6-8 hours Online Gallery Up to 600 edited digital images Free Digital Downloads Luxury 10 x 10 Album (10 spreads with 20 photos) EVENTS PACKAGE 1 £650 Pre-Event Consultation 2-3 hours Online Gallery Up to 100 edited digital images Free Digital Downloads PACKAGE 2 £800 Pre-Event Consultation 2-4 hours Online Gallery Up to 200 edited digital images Free Digital Downloads EXTRAS Photoshoot - £30/hour Luxury 10 x 10 Album (10 spreads with 20 photos) £250 12 x 8 (30 x 20 cm) framed print £45 12 x 16 (30 x 40 cm) framed print £65 Folio box 5 x 7 (number of cards 5) £130 Triplex 6 x 6 (3 pages) £55 £49 session fee is due at the time of booking to secure your slot.

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Get in Touch Let's plan your dream photo shoot  

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Couple’s portraits

One more couple’s photo shoot at my home studio. It captures more than just images and immortalizes the unique bond and shared moments between two people, celebrating their connection in a beautiful and enduring way. Love these people, especially when I've known them for a long time. Thank you Gabi and Bill for choosing me as your photographer.

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Studio birthday portrait

Mariyana decided to do a professional photo session for her birthday. We had the best time and energy during the photo shoot. All of us are stars and we deserved to twinkle. Loved photographing her.

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Wedding photoshoot in Exeter

Some of the romantic and breathtaking moments I’ve had the pleasure of capturing recently in a luxury dreamy wedding venue Rockbeare Manor. Two beautiful souls, who are giving more than receiving. Thank you Carol-Ann and Kevin for trusting me as your wedding photographer, I loved being a part of your joyful, beautiful wedding day. These moments remind us, that love is the most beautiful thing in the world.

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Exmouth natural light portrait photography

The photoshoot in Lithuania, in Kauna’s old town. Larisa is 54 years old, she is a mom of three children and a nurse. We have been studying together at university of medicine. Loved having this beautiful woman in front of my camera.

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Natural light portraits

A photo session of talented artist, vocalist and composer, creative, crazy, my best special soul friend in Lithuania. Aldegunda has performed and recorded with some of the finest and well known musicians in the United States and Europe.

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Fine art photography

To get this result, I used a window light and a reflector with my Nikon D750 camera and Nikon 85 mm lens, f/2.8, ISO-125, SS - 1/200sec. Photoshop editing and texture. It’s all about creative vision. There is a difference between commercial and fine art. A fine art portrait image is created by the photographer as an artist and not just by the camera. The photographer’s vision is central to the resulting shot also posing is a strong element in fine art portrait photography.

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International women's day photo shoot

The photo shoot of my colleague for international woman’s day. With Mirela we created beautiful images. Her testimonial: Lina was such an amazing photographer, I loved her so much, she made me feel gorgeous and I will love these photos forever. Thank you Lina!!! You are the best, you’re a professional. I highly recommend you. I love you!! This is what matters!

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Capture the moment photography

When you capture the moment in photography it is so much more than just pointing the camera at a scene and clicking the shutter button. It is about understanding that moment. A photographic moment is 1/125th of a second. That means 125 mini-moments can happen within 1 second.

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A couple photo session

We created a beautiful couple photo shoot and memories lasting forever. I am very happy, that I had the chance to work with this couple. Marija said to me, that she hates having her photos taken, but when they saw the final images, they loved them.

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Family studio photo shoot

We are always doing a family portrait once a year. It's not easy with the kids, but it's worth it, especially with the teenagers and with the dog. When you want something it's everything possible.

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Studio fine art portraits

I was so happy taking photos of Karolina. We captured awesome, authentic portraits and created beautiful images. I loved her personality inside and outside and truly believe - we don’t meet people by accident.

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Kids and pets photoshoot

All life is about emotions. It was magical and calming effect. It happens not very often and it is precious memories. It's absolutely one of the best moments.

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1. I have never been photographed before. Will you help me?

Yes, I will guide through everything, including the posing to make sure that you all look your best in the pictures.

2. How far in advance do I need to book our session?

I would recommend to book 1-2 months in advance.

3. Where does photography session take place?

The photo shoot will take place at my home studio, at an outdoor location of your choice if the weather is good or at your own home. I can travel up to 50 miles from postcode EX8.

4. Do you provide outfits or do I need to bring my own?

You can  bring your own, but I will help you choose the right ones. Also you can choose from my wardrobe.

5. What is the cost and what does it include?

To book a session, you have to pay a session fee of £49.00 and choose the package, also you can buy extra images.

6. Do I get the digital images and prints?

Yes, you will get all your chosen digital images and you can buy framed prints, photobooks for the extra cost.

7.Can I get unedited images?

No, its strictly for photographers use.

8. How long do I need to wait for the photos?

Approximately 3 weeks.

9. Why the weddings and events images are cheaper than portraits and families?

For the weddings and events images I am using the basic photo retouching   (usually just lightroom), for the portraits and families images I am using the pro and high end - fine art retouching (lightroom and photoshop) and it takes much more time to edit one photo.

10. What is fine art photography retouching?

Fine art photography retouching comprises different textures, adjusting tools, and photo resources to enhance your images naturally and great extend.




How your photo session will go


PLANNING

We’ll meet through Zoom or in-person and come up with a plan! I promise to answer all of your questions. This is our chance to get to know each other and I can learn how you want to be photographed! You will also receive PDF packages and prices.

PREPARATION

When you book your session time we will also discuss what to bring and where you want photos done. 

THE SHOOT

Then we’ll  create the look you want. I will guide you every step of the way so you don’t have to worry about anything! 

CHOOSE YOUR IMAGES

Within two to three weeks, your beautiful photos will be ready for you to view via photo gallery and download.


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Editing workshops for photographers  imageEditing workshops for photographers  imageEditing workshops for photographers  image

Online 1 to 1  Zoom tutorial

2-hour editing tutorial full price is £120.

I will be using Adobe Camera Raw and Photoshop.

We will go over my entire editing workflow from start to finish. I will show my editing workflow on 2 of my images. I can edit your image as well (must be a RAW file).

 I will show you my editing in 3 steps:

1. Preparing the background of the image: how to remove unwanted items and distractions. How to add background or items to it, cropping and framing. How to soften some parts of the background to make the model “pop”.

2. Preparing model: skin editing, dodge and burn, enhancing face and eyes. Using liquify.

3. Color grading process. I will show you how to choose desired color tones in the image, how to manipulate the colors and make them pop. How to separate model from the background, how to add light and do vignette effect. Also you will learn how to sharpen the image and prepare it for posting on line.

I will share my screen with you whilst I edit the image from start to finish. You can ask questions during the process.

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5 Reasons to have a couple photoshoot

In a world where time seems to slip through our fingers like sand, it's important to pause and capture the moments that matter most. For couples deeply in love, a photoshoot isn't just about posing in front of a camera—it's about celebrating the bond that unites them. Here are five compelling reasons why every couple should indulge in the magic of a couple photoshoot. 1. Preserving Precious Memories: There's something truly special about freezing a moment in time. A couple photoshoot immortalizes the love, laughter, and shared experiences that define a relationship. From spontaneous kisses to whispered secrets, these snapshots become treasured memories that can be revisited again and again, reminding couples of the journey they've embarked on together. 2. Capturing Authentic Connection: In a world filled with distractions, a couple photoshoot offers couples a chance to reconnect on a deeper level. Through the lens of a skilled photographer, partners can express their love and affection in its purest form, capturing authentic moments of tenderness, joy, and intimacy that may otherwise go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 3. Celebrating Milestones and Anniversaries: Whether it's commemorating a milestone anniversary or simply celebrating the everyday moments of love, a couple photoshoot provides the perfect opportunity to honor the journey a couple has taken together. From engagement sessions to anniversary portraits, these photos serve as a visual reminder of the love that continues to grow stronger with each passing year. 4. Creating Lasting Keepsakes: In a digital age where memories can be lost with the swipe of a finger, physical photographs hold a special significance. A couple photoshoot produces tangible keepsakes that couples can hold in their hands, display proudly in their homes, and pass down to future generations. These prints serve as a testament to the enduring love shared between two individuals, standing the test of time long after the moments they capture have faded into memory. 5. Fostering Connection and Communication: Planning and participating in a couple photoshoot requires collaboration, communication, and compromise—essential skills for any successful relationship. From choosing the perfect location to coordinating outfits and poses, couples must work together to create a vision that reflects their unique bond. Through this process, partners deepen their connection and strengthen their relationship, laying the foundation for a lifetime of love and partnership. Conclusion: In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, a couple photoshoot offers a beacon of light—a chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate the love that binds two hearts together. Whether it's capturing a stolen glance, a shared laugh, or a tender embrace, these moments serve as a reminder of the beauty and resilience of love. So, why wait? Take the plunge, and let the magic of a couple photoshoot unfold, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

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How to prepare for wedding photo shoot

Your wedding day is a momentous occasion, and capturing it in beautiful photographs is crucial to preserving those memories. To ensure your wedding photoshoot goes smoothly, a little preparation goes a long way. 1. Plan Ahead: Start early by discussing your vision with the photographer. Share details about the venue, preferred style, and specific shots you desire. Planning ahead will help your photographer understand your expectations. 2. Coordinate Outfits: Coordinate your outfits with your partner to create a cohesive look. Consider the wedding theme, colors, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Ensure outfits are comfortable for ease of movement. 3. Scout Locations: Visit the venue with your photographer beforehand to identify picturesque locations for photos. Knowing the best spots will save time on the day and result in stunning images. 4. Timing Matters: Consider the timing of your photoshoot in relation to the wedding schedule. Golden hour lighting, typically during sunrise or sunset, adds a magical touch to your photos. 5. Essentials Checklist: Create a checklist of essential items, including touch-up makeup, a small sewing kit, and any props you plan to use. Being prepared helps tackle unexpected situations. 6. Relax and Enjoy: On the day of the photoshoot, take a moment to relax. Trust your photographer and enjoy the process. Authentic emotions make for the most captivating photographs. 7. Capture Candid Moments: Some of the most cherished photos are candid moments. Allow your photographer to capture genuine emotions, interactions, and spontaneous expressions. 8. Include Bridal Party: Involve your bridal party in the photoshoot. Coordinated group shots can be both fun and meaningful, capturing the spirit of your celebration. 9. Communication is Key: Communicate openly with your photographer during the shoot. If there are specific shots you want or if you have concerns, addressing them in real-time ensures your satisfaction. 10. Post-Processing Expectations: Discuss post-processing expectations with your photographer. Understand the timeline for receiving edited photos and any additional services offered. Conclusion: By taking the time to plan and prepare for your wedding photoshoot, you set the stage for capturing the essence of your special day. These moments frozen in time will be cherished for years to come, reminding you of the love and joy that surrounded your wedding celebration.

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10 Reasons to have a professional album

1. Quality Print and Materials: Professional albums boast superior print quality and are crafted using premium materials, ensuring your photos look stunning and stand the test of time. 2. Expert Design: Professional album designers have the expertise to create layouts that complement your photos, telling a cohesive and visually appealing story. 3. Customization Options: From cover materials to page layouts, professional albums offer extensive customization options, allowing you to tailor the album to your personal style and preferences. 4. Durability: Professionally crafted albums are built to last, providing durability and protection for your cherished memories, safeguarding them against wear and tear. 5. Unique Presentation: A professional album offers a unique and tangible way to showcase your photos, providing a special and tactile experience that digital galleries can't replicate. 6. Preservation of Memories: Physical albums ensure the preservation of your memories beyond the digital realm, protecting them from the risks of technology changes or data loss. 7. Showcasing Professional Photography: If your photos were taken by a professional photographer, an album is a fitting showcase for their work, displaying it in a format that does justice to their skill and artistry. 8. Gift-Worthy: Professional albums make for thoughtful and meaningful gifts, whether for weddings, anniversaries, or other special occasions, allowing you to share cherished memories in a beautifully presented format. 9. Timeless Appeal: Unlike digital trends that may come and go, a classic, professionally designed album maintains its timeless appeal, ensuring it remains a cherished item for generations. 10. Emotional Connection: The physical nature of an album fosters a deeper emotional connection with your photos. Flipping through the pages brings a sense of nostalgia and joy, creating a tangible link to the moments captured.

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10 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Photographer

You are probably wondering how to find the perfect photographer? Or how to find a wedding photographer. I hope these 10+1 tips help you with your search for the perfect match. When hiring a photographer, you want the final results to be perfect. After all, these memories will be forever frozen in time, images that represent a moment in the life of your child, family, or loved one. Especially when choosing a wedding photographer as you can only create your wedding photos once. Choosing the perfect photographer ensures the finished product is exactly what you had in mind. Here are ten tips to help you select the best person for the job. 1. Do your research. Ask your friends and family for recommendations, scour websites, and find reviews. The more photographers you compare, the better chance you’ll have of finding a gem. Do not ask in a Facebook group; you will likely be disappointed. 2. Hire a true professional. We all know someone who “takes photos”, but taking great pictures on vacation and understanding how to set up a great shot, engage with clients, provide perfect lighting, and edit photos are skills that require training and experience. Don’t just hire someone who thinks they are a photographer; hire a professional photographer who has an established track record. Look at their websites, their portfolios, and their reviews. Real photographers have a website. 3. Check credentials. Along the same lines as number 2, check the photographer’s work for consistency, credentials, education, and experience. Everyone has to start somewhere, but for the best results, it’s essential to have someone with experience in the field. Ask if the prospective photographer has any education in art, photography, or photo editing as this can make a massive difference in the quality of the finished product. 4. Read reviews and talk to former clients. If you can find reviews online, be sure the read through them thoroughly. You may ask about contacting previous clients to ask about the experience. Satisfied clients will be able to tell you precisely what they liked about working with the photographer. This will give you insight into the creative process. You can learn a lot about a professional photographer from talking to clients. 5. Find someone whose style you love. Visit the photographer’s website and social media pages and review their portfolio. Does the photography style match your vision for your final images? Do you like the change in colors and the edits? Are the whites white and the blacks black? Do you prefer natural lighting or flash lighting? If the style is entirely different from your own, you’re not going to be pleased with the results. Be sure to choose a photographer whose photos you think are stunning that way, you’re more likely to love your photos as well. 6. Interview the photographer and test your comfort level. Once you’ve narrowed down your search to a few prospects, ask for a consultation. You should be able to communicate freely and easily with your photographer, so speaking to candidates in person or over the phone will give you a feel for how your personalities mix. If you feel comfortable chatting over the phone, you’re more likely to be entirely at ease during the shoot. Be sure the photographer is relaxed with you as well. Use this time to explain what kind of photos you would like and be sure the photographer is comfortable with kids, babies, and pets if they’ll be in the shots. Ask to see full galleries that they have to deliver to their clients. 7. Focus on the photographer’s specialty. Just like other professions, photographers tend to specialize in one or two areas of photography: weddings, maternity, newborns, families, portraits, landscapes, nature, etc. Wedding photographers, for instance, might not be the best choice to take your newborn’s photos. Likewise, someone who specializes in nature photography might not be an ideal match to shoot your wedding. Find a photographer who specializes in the kind of pictures you want. 8. Ask about the editing process. The best photographers also know how to edit photos to perfection. However, not all editors are created equal. Ask about the photographer’s editing software and skill level, and make known your expectations. Are you looking for minimal editing, lots of editing, or somewhere in between? You want to ensure that the photographer you choose can meet your needs both behind the lens and during editing. Every photographer has a different style of editing they provide to clients. 9. Check the fees. It might be tempting to choose the photographer who charges the least, but often this lower price reflects a lack of skill and experience. Photographers charge what they’re worth and what is required to run a business. Also, be sure to ask about any hidden fees: does the upfront cost include editing, prints, and other services, or are each of those extra? You don’t need to break the bank to afford a quality photographer, but you should be willing to invest a fair amount to ensure you get the best possible result. 10, Find the perfect location. Particularly if you’re hiring a portrait photographer, location is everything. Ask the photographer about her favorite shooting locations, or if you have somewhere specific in mind, see if that location will work for your project. Make sure the site is perfect. You can also go ahead of time to ensure that the area is what you wanted. Lastly, check to see if there is any additional cost for the photographer to travel to your chosen location. 11. Wedding photography is more saturated than any other field of photography. If you still need additional avenues to find a photographer for your wedding day ask a wedding planner or the wedding vendors. During the course of your wedding planning, you are sure to come across more recommendations if you just ask. Check to see if they offer wedding albums if this is something you are interested in, as not all photographers offer albums. Most importantly as to see galleries from real weddings, not the styled wedding they have put together for their website. Taking the time to research your chosen photographer can make all the difference. By following these tips, you can be sure that the person you hire is professional, qualified and will provide you with the best memories money can buy.

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5 Tips for family photos with teenagers

Taking family photos with teenagers can be a rewarding and sometimes challenging experience. Here are five tips to help you capture great family photos with teenagers: 1. Plan and involve them in the process: Include your teenagers in the planning of the family photo session. Discuss the location, outfits, and any specific ideas they might have. When teenagers feel involved and have a say in the process, they are more likely to be cooperative and engaged during the session. 2. Choose a relaxed and natural setting: for a location that your teenagers enjoy or feel comfortable in. It could be a park, a beach, or even your own backyard. When teenagers are in a familiar and relaxed environment, they are more likely to feel at ease and act naturally, resulting in more authentic and candid photographs. 3. Capture their personalities: Teenagers have unique personalities, and it's important to let their individuality shine through in the photos. Encourage them to express themselves and be themselves during the session. Instead of forcing formal poses, capture them in their element—laughing, goofing around, or engaging in activities they enjoy. 4. Use humor and keep it fun: Teenagers often respond well to humor and a relaxed atmosphere. Use jokes, funny props, or playful interactions to create a light hearted and enjoyable environment. This will help them loosen up, have fun, and result in more genuine smiles and expressions. 5. Be patient and flexible: Teenagers can be moody or self-conscious at times, so it's essential to be patient and understanding. Avoid putting too much pressure on them to pose perfectly or smile on command. Give them breaks if needed and be open to their ideas and suggestions. Remember, the goal is to capture their true essence and create lasting memories as a family. By implementing these tips, you can enhance the experience of taking family photos with teenagers and create beautiful, meaningful images that you'll cherish for years to come.

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Perfect Outfits for a Stunning Family Photo Session

When it comes to capturing beautiful and timeless family photographs, one crucial aspect to consider is choosing the right outfits. What you wear during a family photo session can greatly influence the overall look and feel of the images. In this blog post, we will provide you with some helpful tips and ideas on what to wear to ensure your family looks their best and creates memories to cherish for a lifetime. COORDINATE COLORS, BUT AVOID MATCHING: Coordinating colours among family members is key to achieving a cohesive and visually pleasing look. Instead of matching everyone's outfits exactly, opt for a colour scheme that complements each other. Choose a primary colour and then add in complementary shades and tones. This allows each individual to express their personality while maintaining a unified aesthetic. CONSIDER THE LOCATION AND SEASON: The setting and season of your photo session should play a role in determining your outfit choices. If you're having a beach session in the summer, consider lighter and breezy outfits in pastel or vibrant colours. For a fall session in a park, earthy tones and cozy layers can create a warm and cozy atmosphere. Adapt your clothing choices to the surroundings to enhance the overall ambiance of your photos. DRESS COMFORTABLY AND BE YOURSELF It's important to feel comfortable and confident during your family photo session, as it will reflect in the final images. Avoid wearing clothing that is too tight, restrictive, or uncomfortable, for outfits that allow freedom of movement and make you feel like your true selves. When you feel at ease, it's easier to capture genuine emotions and candid moments that truly represent your family's bond. AVOID LOGOS AND BUSY PATTERNS: While you want to showcase your family's unique style, it's best to avoid clothing with large logos, busy patterns, or distracting graphics. These elements can detract attention from the main subjects of the photo—your family. Instead, opt for solid colours, subtle patterns, or small accents that add visual interest without overwhelming the composition. LAYER AND ACCESSORISE: Layering can add depth and visual interest to your outfits. Consider adding complementary pieces such as scarves, jackets, cardigans, or hats. These layers can be easily removed or added throughout the session, allowing for versatility in your photos. Additionally, accessories like jewelery, belts, or hats can provide an extra touch of style and personality to your overall look. Timeless vs. Trendy: While it's tempting to embrace the latest fashion trends, keep in mind that your family photos should stand the test of time. Opting for timeless and classic outfits ensures that your photos will still look great even years down the line. Neutral colours, simple silhouettes, and classic styles are always a safe bet. Save the trendier pieces for everyday wear, and let your family's genuine connection be the focal point of the images. Conclusion: Choosing the right outfits for your family photo session can greatly enhance the visual appeal and overall cohesiveness of your images. By coordinating colours, considering the location and season, dressing comfortably, and avoiding distracting patterns, you can ensure that your family looks their best and creates timeless memories to treasure. Remember, the most important aspect of family photography is capturing the love and bond you share, so let your clothing choices complement that genuine connection.

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How to prepare for photo session

GENERAL ADVICE HAIR – If you’re getting a hair cut for your shoot, do so about two weeks beforehand, just in case it goes wrong – you just never know. For men, a fresh cut a couple of days before the shoot is fine. HAIR ACCESSORIES – If you’re shooting outdoors, be ready to put your hair up and make it look nice in case of a windy day. Bring bobby pins, hair clips, headbands or any other favorite accessories. GLASSES – If folks wouldn’t recognize you without glasses, you want to wear glasses in your shoot – however, the glare on glasses can detract from your eyes in photos. You can have your lenses removed from your frames for your shoot (don’t worry, it’s what Hollywood does to avoid glare in movies), ask your eye doctor to loan you a pair of similar frames, or you can also visit an inexpensive company online like Zenni Optical and buy a suitable pair of duplicate frames on the cheap. RED EYES – Visine is your friend. Not getting drunk the night before your shoot helps, too. [Don’t think I kid, I’ve shot plenty of hung-over clients.] LIPS – You will probably wipe or lick your lips during your shoot, so bring fresh lip gloss or lipstick to do touch-up. Use lip balm for a few days in advance of your shoot to make your smoochers look their best. TEETH – If you want to brighten your smile, start your treatments about two weeks before your shoot. Breakouts – Start using African Black Bar Soap for a week in advance of your shoot to help reduce and limit pimples and blemishes. Equally important, don’t cake on a lot of make-up to try to hide blemishes – it’s almost always easier to Photoshop away pimples than to clean up overdone make-up. For fever blisters, avoid getting them in the first place, then use Abreva if one pops up anyway. MAKE-UP– A subtle application of make-up can really soften your skin and accent your facial features. But make sure you know what you’re doing, and make sure it matches your skin tone, or your face may look orange compared to the rest of your body. FACIAL HAIR – Men, be freshly shaved with a new razor, shaving cream and a moisturizing after-shave lotion to avoid bumps and redness. Trim up your board, sideburns, moustache or goatee, especially looking for wiry stray hairs. Ladies, even if you have some light facial hair (particularly around your lip or chin), indulge in a waxing in advance of your shoot – even barely-there light facial hair will be noticeable in your photos. Men and women both, pluck and clean up those eyebrows. Moisturizer – Dry skin can really detract from a great photo shoot. Start moisturizing nightly a week in advance of your shoot. When you get out of the shower, dry off until lightly damp, and slather on moisturizer. Focus on your arms, shoulders, neck, face, hands, anywhere you’ll be exposed to the camera. This includes your legs if you’re shooting in shorts or a skirt. ProTip: For dry skin on your face, especially around your nose, use a sugar scrub. Mix a cup of sugar with about a quarter cup of olive oil, or just until it looks like wet sand. Scrub your face with it anywhere you have flaky skin, wash it off, then wash with soap to remove the oil. The sugar paste shouldn’t be oily, just wet enough to moisten the sugar. Also, be sure on your face to use a facial moisturizer, not a thick body moisturizer, or you could break out. [Us men, of course, are most in need of this advice, especially around the face and hands.] NAILS – A fresh coat of nail polish will make a world of difference in your photo shoot. Pick a neutral colour that won’t distract in your shoot or clash with your outfits. Freshen the morning of the shoot, then be careful not to scuff it while prepping. [I see this most often with high school senior girls, to whom half-gone nail polish seems to be a popular fad.] Your photo shoot is a great excuse for a fresh manicure, but if you can’t go to the salon, make sure your nails look tidy and clean, including the cuticles. BLOATING – Ladies, avoid high salt and high fat foods for two to three days in advance of your shoot. Being bloated will sap your confidence and comfort in front of the camera. UNDERGARMENTS – Bra straps won’t do anything to help your outfit look its best. Be sure you bring a set of bras and strap-adjusting accessories to work with any outfit you want to shoot in to keep those straps well-hidden. SUN BURNS and TAN LINES – If your shoot is booked for Saturday, don’t go to the beach on Friday. If you plan to tan before your shoot, do so at least a week beforehand and don’t get burned. Be mindful of clothing tan lines, sunglass tan lines, hat tan lines, etc. IRONING – If you iron, iron the night before and then hang the clothes for your shoot. If you’re wearing something that wrinkles easily, don’t wear it in the car on the way to the shoot – just change at the location. SHOES – Ladies, can’t go wrong in heels or wedges. Men, clean them up! Dress shoes are best [or boots down here in Texas], but as with most things, let your momma or your wife decide. Here are some specific suggestions for certain types of shoots: CHILDREN Clean, clean, clean – clean nails, clean hair, wipe away eye boogers, clean feet (sandals on kids = black feet!), wipe snotty noses, fresh-scrub teeth. The cleaner the kid, the better their photos will turn out. If your child is still of napping age, make sure they nap before the shoot. It is perfectly okay to bring bribes to a photo shoot – given a stage and being the center of attention, it’s like our kids know exactly when to act their worst. Some cereal, smarties or other candy that won’t stain teeth can help a short photo shoot go by smoothly. Avoid colourful drinks or lollypops within 24 hours of your shoot, don’t let them eat or drink anything that will stain their face, teeth or mouths. Wardrobe – For girls, you can’t go wrong with cute dresses, rompers, and dainty hats or headbands. For boys, jeans and polos or a button-up shirt, or a T-shirt with a button-up over it can be very cute, as well as overalls on the right age and personality. For siblings, the children don’t have to match perfectly, just coordinate. You can’t go wrong with dark, rich monotones, which drive the attention in photos to sweet faces and darling expressions instead of loud prints or colours. If nothing else, pick a colour that compliments your child’s eye colour. FAMILIES Dad – Have a fresh shave or trim, and use a new razor with shaving cream and a moisturizing after-shave lotion to limit bumps and redness. Make sure nails are clean and trimmed. Wash your hands. Clean up your shoes. Moisturize and scrub away flaky facial skin (see above General advice). When you wash your face, pay attention to eye boogers and sleep crusties. For wardrobe, go for jeans or pants, tucked polo or dress shirt with a belt, or go casual with just a T-shirt or untucked polo, button-up short sleeve, etc. In general, whatever your wife tells you to wear. Again you don’t have to perfectly match the rest of the family, just wear something that coordinates. Mom – Women know what to wear, but in general, unless you are extremely thin you may want to wear something that covers your upper-arms. Long- or 3/4-sleeve tops are very flattering. If you wear jewelery, aim for subtlety, and be aware of it twisting or turning. Kids – Same advice as above, but again, everything needn’t match, simply coordinate with the parents’ outfits. If Dad’s in a T-shirt, don’t put the kids in dress shirts – make it make sense. HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS The biggest tips for seniors are to have an even tan, don’t get sunburned, clean and freshly-paint those nails, and moisturize and scrub away dry skin. Bring a variety of outfits – cap and gown, something casual, something stylish, ladies slip a dress in there to throw folks off, fellas try a formal look to impress. Wear what you think you look best in, but take the opportunity to also try a new look, just to surprise folks. Bring props that recall your high school years – band instrument, sports gear like a volleyball or baseball bat, your beloved (or cursed) high school car, letter jacket, sunglasses. Most of all, rep your style, whatever that may be. Your senior photo should be unique to your life and personality.

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3 Reasons to Print Your Photos

Yes. It is absolutely worth printing your photos. When you display your photos, viewing them becomes an experience. In this modern era of the endless scroll, it’s easy to get our photos taken and post them on social media then wait for the likes to roll in. Then, in a few weeks - we’ve all but forgotten them. They get too far back in the phone’s gallery, and so we stop looking at the images that we spent our hard earned money and even more precious time creating. The Experience When they’re printed, photos are an ever-present reminder of what is important in our lives - with prints and albums, we can leave them on the coffee table, or hang them across from the couch. That way, when you sit down with a glass of wine or a warm cup of tea you can look at your photos and remember loved ones and special moments. Photos can turn a house into a home and bring back forgotten memories, and while digital images have a place - they’ll never completely replace the real thing. Technology is Imperfect (but then, so are prints) Nothing is safe, and everything can fail. All it might take is a big thunderstorm during storm season, your computer not on a surge protector, and suddenly your computer is fried and your images gone. Or a family member passing and not leaving their passwords and suddenly you don’t have access to the cloud storage anymore. Having your photos printed is an added level of protection. Yes, your house might burn down in a freak accident, but that’s why you should have your photos stored digitally AND printed. We buy house insurance because we want to protect ourselves from possible loss - printing our images is another form of insurance. For the Grandparents Many grandparents (my own included) are actively intimidated by technology. They don’t like computers, tablets, or smart phones and they don’t use social media so unless you print your photos, your Grandparents might never see them. Even if you simply choose to print your photos through Kmart or Big W (though I strongly recommend all clients print their images through professional print labs to ensure quality), having a photo that can be hung on the relatives’ fridge is far more meaningful than sending an email with a photo attached. And there you have it dear Reader, here are three reasons that I discuss with clients as to why it’s a fabulous idea to print your photos rather than just leaving them to the digital archive that you might never look at again.

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3 REASONS WHY HAVE A PROFESSIONAL PORTRAIT TAKEN

WHY HAVE A PROFESSIONAL PORTRAIT TAKEN. Trust me, a wedding is not the only day worthy of commemorating in gorgeous photographs. We grow up, we grow older — our faces and bodies change. How amazing would it feel to watch your journey through life in beautiful images! 3 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD TREAT YOURSELF FOR A PHOTOSHOOT 1. Confidence boost. We always think it’s a hair cut or a new dress that will raise our confidence… These are great options, but imagine the level of confidence boost when viewing gorgeous images of yourself! Having a portrait taken is an experience. During every photoshoot I see an incredible transformation: shy and slightly awkward at the beginning, proceeded by a rockstar attitude at the end of the photoshoot! You can take your experience to another level by getting pampered and glammed up by a professional makeup artist. 2. Let’s celebrate YOU! Professional photography is not only for celebrities and fashion models — it’s for anyone who wants to feel empowered and confident. You are worthy of being photographed; you are perfect right now. Did you know that you can instantly look 20 pounds lighter and 10 years younger with just correct posing? Celebrate *you* by treating yourself to a photoshoot experience. Is it your birthday, an anniversary, or a milestone of some kind? You are worthy and deserve to be celebrated. 3. Legacy. When was last time you were photographed? Do you exist in photos? Will your children find photographs of you when you’re gone? This is what we all do when someone passes away – we look for images of them. Have your portrait taken with your partner, children, parents. You never know what tomorrow will bring. “Why do I need a professional portrait taken with a high quality phone camera in my pocket?” First thing’s first – it’s not the camera, but a person behind it. A photographer is not only there to click a button, but to direct you to the most flattering poses, capture the perfect moment and complete this magic with a few editing tricks. Mobile images are great, though phones get broken or lost — it happens. Having your files backed up, or better, professionally printed will eliminate the pain of losing all of your memories, if the unexpected happens. What about you, why do you want to have a professional portrait taken? Get in touch and let’s plan your dream photoshoot!

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