Meltdowns, tears, detours and other (future) fond memories

There are a few portraits that everyone wants. Usually involving smiles, kisses or a tender moment between Daddy and Baby. But what about the other stuff?

Tantrums, defiance, dirt...while the moment is beyond frustrating, years from now when your little one is all grown up and on his or her way to college won't you look up at the photo in full blown tantrum mode at the park and grow misty? I took the below photo of my daughter at Tyler Aborteum two weeks ago. It was hot and she got very angry because she couldn't play with my camera. In the moment, we were both a little upset. But even now when I look at it, I can see the humor and well, she's just so darn cute when she cries.

Some of the best photos I've taken are those unplanned and agitated moments.

Go with it. They turn out to be life's treasures.

Clothing Optional

Unfortunately, unless you're under the age of two, clothing is not optional. (Atleast for your portraits. With me.)

It's an important decision picking what the wear for a portrait session. In addition to investing your time and money into getting your photo taken, you want a beautiful product that can be used to adorn your home in years to come.

• Timeless: Photos are meant to be displayed over decades and not subsequently concealed in a covert operation to hide your short-lived affinity for 80s-inspired styles. (Yes, I'm wearing them too, but they will eventually go away.) Stick with classic clothing choices that won't come back to haunt you. Don't stray from your signature-style.

• Simple: Stay away from busy patterns, bright neon colors and loads of accessories. They can be very distracting. Simple patterns and bold colors photograph well.

• Comfortable: In the cooler weather, layers looks great. They're very interesting to photography and look fantastic. In the warmer weather dress light. If your toddler is hot and dressed in foofy frilly clothes that make her itch, she will have a meltdown sooner rather than later. Comfy kid=happy kid.

• Colors: As mentioned before, stay away from ultra-bright colors. I really can't stress this enough. The colors reflect on the skin and can make you look green, orange or pink. The exception for this would be darker skintones. Brighter colors tend to compliment rather than detract from a more tanned subject. Some photographers prefer to stay away from black and white, but I like them both. Black gives a very modern and chic appearance, whereas white is more crisp and classic. Primary colors look great too. And by all means...if your child has beautiful blue or green eyes- match!

• Coordination: Matching isn't for everyone, but no one is above coordinating. Make sure your colors compliment eachother. Stripes, polka dots and duckies clash. Prior to a photo session, I suggest laying out all the outfits on a bed so you can see how they look together.

Most photographers, myself included, offer a phone consultation. Take advantage of it! Experience gives us a great eye for color and outfit ideas.

Storyboards

I love decorating with photographs. In addition to canvas prints, storyboards are becoming an increasingly popular way to display family portraits.

I think they look especially cute to decorate a child's room. I'm in the process of completing several, but here's one I just completed for my daughter's room. (Twinkle, twinkle is her favorite song.)

Coluccio Family Portraits

The day was HOT and HUMID with no breeze. You could literally taste the wetness in the air. But to see the relaxed smiles from Christy, Doug and Nate you would've thought it was a cool 70 degrees. With thoughtfully coordinated outfits, the Coluccio Family joined me for portraits at Tyler Arboretum. While it was a few weeks late, we were commemorating Nate's 1st birthday. Nate immediately gave me an easy sweet grin- no stranger anxiety for this kid!

Like me, the Coluccios are also fans of Tyler Arboretum, and there's a pretty cool exhibit going on called "Nature's Enchantment." Every exhibit was created by a local artisan, and the little ones love it. In fact, I have a family membership to take advantage of all the beautiful scenery and neat exhibits- it's been quite a popular spot for portraits this summer.

Ever seen such bright blue eyes?

Lugo Family Portraits

I've known Jamie Lugo professionally since I moved out to Philly in 2004. I was delighted when she expressed interest in having her family portraits taken at the Art Museum; an area that holds many fond memories of her childhood in Philadelphia.

I met with her family on a very steamy, sweltering summer day in June (the forecast had called for storms, but the day was clear and curiously windy given the heat) and my God are they a stunning bunch: Jamie, Tom (her husband), Adrian (son) and Pilar (daughter). The dynamic was fun and engaging, which comes with them being a very tight knit family. There was joking and friendly heckling throughout the session and laughing as Adrian gave his sister a very unwanted hug near the fountain. (Although, I suspect she may have secretly enjoyed it.)

A-dor-able.

Bubbles!

There are a few things guaranteed to animate a child's face. A favorite grandparent, candy, a beloved teddy...and of course, bubbles! Once the bubbles come out, so do the big smiles.

Chasing, running, popping...even the most guarded of babies can't resist "ba-bas!"

Like Mother Like Daughter and Daddy's Girl

As I find myself becoming more entrenched in the world of photography, I realize it's not just the photographer who has a vision. It's also the client. Yes, the client is ultimately looking for creative product that will capture the dynamic and the beauty of their family...but sometimes the client has a true vision.

I was fortunate enough to have Swati Chaturvedi share her vision with me.

Swati is a woman who knows exactly what she wants. And thanks to her ability to effectively communicate- from wardrobe choices to tender moments with her daughter to watch for - the results were nothing short of exquisite.

The Chaturvedi Family partook in a two-part session at Ridley Creek Park. The first was a Mother/Daughter session, which Swati called her "Mother's Day gift to self." There were lovely, natural moments between Swati and her mini-me, Mishi in matching red dresses. Mishi is a precocious and spirited little girl and she looked like a princess. The second was a family affair that included her parents, visiting from India. Both couples had recently celebrated their anniversaries, and so a helium balloon with the words "Happy Anniversary" imprinted brightly on the front, joined us. Mishi's adoration for her Daddy was apparent as she stayed glued to his side for the majority of the session. We might look like our Moms, but I guess we're all Daddy's girls at heart.

Mother's Day Session

Family Session