Studio magic

I had to post Liz’s finished album spreads. Liz designed her own album, as she is also a professional photographer, and a darn good one, too. I’m a big believer in albums. Nothing beats the compact and complete showcase of an entire session in an album that fits on your coffee table or shelf. I’m still in the process of ordering my own family albums from years ago, but Liz has always been very good at staying current. I love the colors of this session in the studio. We built her outfits around this backdrop I created, and everything just GOES. I’d love to hear what you think, or what colors you’d like to use in the studio. Comment below with your ideas.

Utah's Great Salt Lake for Portraits

Location Spotlight: The Lake

It’s been two years since I attempted a lake portrait. The last time I went, the bugs were bad enough I swore “Never again!” However, after giving it a chance again this May, I have totally changed my tune about lake sessions.

Before I talk about the lake, though, let’s chat about the IPPA. If you don’t know what those letters stand for, the textbook answer is Intermountain Professional Photographers Association. But the real acronym should be the TTFWGYB (The True Friends Who Got Your Back.) I’ve been a member since 2001, and the friends I have made through that organization will remain with me for my whole life. Photographers who aren’t members ask me why they should join, what are the benefits? The simple answer is that you will have a family of professionals, on whom you can rely when the crap hits the fan. For example, I got a call from my dear friend, Emily Laga, who was under the weather, and in good conscience couldn’t risk exposing her long-time client and friend, who is enduring a risky pregnancy, during a pandemic. Thankfully Emily is fine - nothing scary - but I think it speaks volumes of how much she cares that she would decline a job right now in protection of everyone’s health. Anyway, because we are both pros, and we have similar styles and education, Emily was totally comfortable arranging a back-up in me. And this has happened many times before with my IPPA friends. This is what membership in IPPA does for me - it gives me my wing-men and wing-women that I know are there when the figurative or literal plague starts raining down. I love my photographer friends - man - I just love them!

Anyhow, back to the lake: like I said earlier, I swore by the bugs that I’d never go back, but Alyssa wanted something pastel and bright for her maternity session, so she talked me into trying the location again. Wait - let me tell you a little story about a hero called Alyssa. She is the radiant mother of 8 children from two families, expecting her ninth this month. It takes some legit skills and patience to blend a family, as I’ve heard from a few of my friends currently doing just that. I suspect it’s not always easy, and I can think of no better tribute to her strength than a maternity portrait session commemorating what she says is her last pregnancy. Her equally heroic and make-you-laugh-easily husband, and her still-the-baby-for-now joined us. We had a clothing consultation over the phone, and she nailed those bright lake colors!

We happened to be shooting the day after it snowed, and I think that really made all the difference. There were hardly any bugs at all. The water was pleasant and clear, the sky was brilliant, and the temperatures were mild. It really was the perfect day at the beach!

Then the sunset arrived, and good gravy, it just doesn’t get any better than this.

So after I got home, wiping the salty sand off of my light stand and tripod, I was on a huge creative high, and I thought, “MAN! I gotta shoot there again soon!” So I called Liz - who is another of my IPPA besties - to ask about some techy stuff, and she volunteered to pose for me, like three days later. I don’t know if you’ve ever thrown together a portrait session in three days, but it’s not easy. Liz totally delivered, though, with her swimsuit and beach dress combo. Oh and she brought her husband with his quarantine beard along too… the perfect accessory! (Jordan you totally know I’m kidding - the beard is the perfect accessory.)

Liz has been one of my most valued resources when I need answers to tough questions like how to talk to my kids about physical intimacy; women’s rights and oppression in history; and how to keep my marriage in that “newly-wed” phase for the rest of my life. She lives what she preaches - and every few years, she does a couple’s portrait session to celebrate who she and her husband are - as they are - in that moment in time.

One of my main goals in this model session was to work with a handful of lighting patterns and sources - specifically the direct sunlight, which I don’t use very often. I was blown away by how much variety we were able to achieve just by changing the lighting.

Check out the blue of the lake - seriously! It was clear and warm, and we all really enjoyed wading around in it. Which is really weird, because I’ve lived in Salt Lake County my whole life, and I’ve never enjoyed the water of the Great Salt Lake before.

And then the sun went down and it was that sweet, sweet, portrait light that I adore, all over the place.

And of course, another awe-inspiring sunset. I’ve been told they met at track practice in high school. I love that he’s still chasing her!

So after having two phenomenal experiences at the lake, I’m putting it back on my list for portrait session locations. Here’s the run-down of what I’ve learned about this location:

PROS:

1. This location is an explosion of color. In every hue of the rainbow - except maybe green. It is simplistic in terrain and landscape because of the lack of plants, and all the jazz comes from your faces, wardrobe - and from the sky vs. water ultimate show-down.

2. The best month I’ve found for Great Salt Lake sessions is May by mile. I know as I post this, we’ve missed that window of prime opportunity, but I also think any time we get a cool-down, the bugs go into hibernation, and it’s a great time to try it. For example, this week we have unusually low temps, and I’m willing to bet Thursday will be pretty nice out there. Also, I’m thinking late September will be that next cool-down opportunity so plan ahead for that.

3. That huge, long beach makes it really easy to keep our distance from other photographic parties. Both of these sessions had many visitors on the beach, but you’d never know it.

WHAT TO WEAR:

1. The change in lighting makes the lake a fantastic location for a double-outfit session. Before sunset, the colors are tan and blue, with pink accents. As the sun gets closer to the horizon, the color pallet changes to warm orange, red, and yellow, with accents in royal purple and black. Make sure whatever shoes you bring to walk out there are sturdy, and you don’t mind if they are covered in sand and salt when you take them home. Bare feet are the best once at the water, but sandals in natural colors work too. I love how Miriam planned out her lake session a few years ago with outfits to compliment both pallets:

CAUTIONS:

1. Bugs. I’m serious, people. I don’t even know what those flying beasties are specifically called, but they can swarm to biblical proportions. The snow-fall the winter before, the current temperatures, and all sorts of variables can affect how many of them are out there on a given day. The best preparation is to check it out in person a day or two in advance (which I will do for you as part of the portrait experience service) and to have a backup location in case things are creepy. And bring lots of insect repellent.

2. It is no secret that the Great Salt Lake has a very distinct and unique smell. It was hardly noticeable at either of these sessions in May, but in the hot summer months, it can be quite pungent. Again, I recommend the cooler months.

3. The walk to the water is about a 15-minute trek through salty sand. It’s not for anyone who has problems walking, or with unsteady feet. Also, there are occasional dead birds on the sand. Just keeping it real, people. Something about the salt content kills them, and they are easily avoidable, but some kids can be caught off guard and disturbed, if not prepared.

Other than that, I have a new respect for its beauty and tranquility. I would love to give it a try this fall - or even in the hot months to compare bug data.

How to Coordinate Your Portraits with Your Home Decor

Designing your portraits to enhance your home’s decor might seem like a challenging puzzle, but I know a few things that can help you figure it out. First, decide where your portraits are going to be displayed. Choose a location in your home that you spend a lot of time in, or one that gets a lot of traffic.

Display your portraits where you will see them most! The dining table is a great option.

Next, use the colors that are in your home as a base for your wardrobe. I love how the Finch family used the cool blues in their great room as their wardrobe main color. The aqua is a perfect compliment to the oranges and reds that were prime in our fall mountain location.

Finally, try making a visual triangle in the room with multiple displays. A’Lisha has a display in her entry, next to her couch, and facing the great room. The bright orange in the photographs serves as a beautiful visual decor element anywhere you stand in her home. Using complimentary colors like this makes a bold but balanced display.

This album will have untold value as the years go by. I love those complimentary colors!

The cool tones in homes that are popular right now are perfect for fall portraits, and it’s not too late to schedule a bold fall session. Comment below if you like the complimentary color scheme, or if you are more of a “everything matches”, or monochrome kind of decorator. I’m curious what you think.

My Secret Life as a Librarian

MY SECRET LIFE AS A LIBRARIAN | UTAH HEADSHOTS

I went and got a second job as a library assistant at Paradigm Schools. I’m not sure why I decided to get another job; maybe because my oldest is graduating this spring, and I can see my days in the future getting lonelier. Maybe it’s because I like having an income that is not beholden to any family or business budget, but is purely mine to decide how to spend. But most likely, it’s because this job just called to me.

I have always had a love of books and reading. One of my earliest memories is sitting on the floor in the library, surrounded by stacks of picture books. I have been a reader as long as I have been me. And working, surrounded by books, is kind of a dream-come-true. So many ideas and worlds and possibilities! It gives me a kind of chill up my spine every time I’m in the stacks.

Also, becoming part of the unique community of educators at Paradigm Schools makes me wish I had done it years ago. Paradigm is a charter school that we found two years ago when my son entered 10th grade. I wish I would have known more about their Liberal Arts approach when my kids were younger. They focus on helping scholars how to think, rather than what to think, and their focus on reading the Classics is something I would have excelled at in high school. And, I got school portraits taken for the first time in 25 years, which was really fun.

I’d love for you to join me where my two jobs meet: the Paradigm Fall Market. It’s at Paradigm Schools: 11577 South 3600 West, South Jordan, UT. I will be there Friday, Sept 27 from 5-8 pm, and Saturday, Sept 28 from 10am-2pm - giving out complimentary headshots for your social media profile photo. I will also have show-only specials for mountain portrait sessions. Just come chat with me about portraits or books, or Greek Philosophy, or education, or anything! I’d really love to see you.

I unfairly coerced Emilee into posing for a headshot on Friday without any warning. Emilee is the school’s librarian, Photography and Yearbook mentor, and fellow Disney-fanatic. It is a joy working with her, and learning from her experience. Also, my son, whom I also captured without much warning or enthusiasm - but who will always say “sure” even if he doesn’t really want to. These two make my days in my secret life absolutely delightful!

You Gotta Know When to Fold ‘Em

One of the most important things I do as a professional photographer is assess the situation and respond in a way that will bring the maximum benefit to my clients.

You Gotta Know When to Fold ‘Em | Family Photos at Home

A really good example of this - and of things not going according to plan - was my session with the Ovard family this June. We had talked about wanting sky and mountains to match Gina’s newly redecorated home, and our consultation left me excited about finding a location that would showcase her neutrals and blues. We had planned on the lavender fields, but because of timing issues, we couldn’t make the 1 ½ hour drive. So, I decided to create her portraits with our stunning Mount Timpanogos as the backdrop.

She was very keen on this because of her love of the mountain, and so we headed up with the family on a June evening. We were able to get one family grouping with that awe-inspiring vista.

Then, the surprises that awaited us were ticks, cranky kids, and hot wind. I could tell after creating a few portraits that even though they were willing, they were not relaxed, and I knew the portraits would reflect their unease. I made the executive decision to move the session to the family home, and it turns out that was exactly the right call. At home, the kids were comfortable, had snacks and drinks, and were 1000% more eager to let me goof off with them. The home itself has beautiful neutrals and blues in its exterior, and is meticulously landscaped.

We wrapped up the session in less than 30 minutes, with perfect lighting. I love the resulting images.

Notes for me for the future: be flexible in the experience. We can plan as much as we want, but there will always be unexpected surprises that will try to sabotage our best efforts. Also, don’t underestimate a family’s home as a great location for portraits.

We are Better Together

We are Better Together | Red Butte Gardens Family Portraits

There are some families that know the value of sharing the same photographic space together, and none more than the Little family. I met Heather Little Pickett through the Intermountain Professional Photographer association, and have since counted her among my best friends.

Her sense of style and color theory has always been en pointe, so she said she’d cover the wardrobe selection. When we were meeting with her mom, Laurie, and planning out their family portraits, they showed me albums and wall portraits of various ages - treasures to be sure.

We all decided that for the album, we needed another photographer there to capture some loose, documentary moments, while I could focus on the detailed posed portraits. Enter Mary Kim Oswald who is like my soul’s twin and a truly inspiring photographer herself.

So if you’re keeping track, that’s three professionals on one portrait session. And we had two assistants - our daughters - and I’m telling you, I would have a crew of five on every session if I could! The results were an easy-going session, where the kids could roam around the beautiful Red Butte Gardens while we were creating portraits.

The family then ended the evening with Laurie’s Pinterest-worthy Root Beer floats, and I think the experience will remain a positive memory for everyone - even Great Grandma (heh heh).

When I think back on this session, and why it turned out so well, I know it was due to the planning put in by Laurie and Heather. But it was also having the luxury of a gorgeous location with the right lighting - something that doesn’t always happen. And with Mary Kim there to fill in the gaps for the album, it was kind of a perfect storm. I want to do it again.

Oh yeah, and Mary Kim got this awesome Behind the Scenes shot of me launching Olaf for laughs. I love how ridiculous I can be for kids!

Thor’s Judgement

All-Inclusive Photography Packages

Our family has been obsessed with the Avengers all year. We absolutely LOVED Endgame, and have seen it 4 times in the theaters thus far. One of my all-time favorite Marvel movies is Thor, Ragnarok. I even have a playlist of songs that is dedicated to the God of Thunder. I absolutely LOVE what they did with Thor’s character in Endgame, and I can not wait for the next Thor movie coming out in 2021: Love and Thunder.

All this considered, I must still be categorized as “not worthy”, because Thor decided to wreak havoc on our home via a lightning strike to our trees on April 26th this year. We lost all sorts of random electronics in our home: garage door opener, furnace transformer, treadmill, internet router… but the biggest loss was my two 5-drive raid towers with all my data and back-ups for my personal and client photos for the past two years. All of my back-up systems in place were completely useless in the face of one lightning bolt, and I am still waiting to find out if the data recovery team at DriveSavers can retract anything. I am remaining optimistic, however, and moving forward with online backup systems.

This experience has left me wondering how to best serve my clients in the future. I started photography in the late 90’s with film, and so most of my clients are print people. They recognize the value of a tangible product that is professionally crafted and displayed in their homes. I also have a few clients who want the printing rights and electronic images for publishing and archiving purposes. And the thought of my clients having a digital backup system of their images is very appealing to me after Thor’s shenanigans this spring. After pondering the issue for a few months, I have decided to offer all-inclusive packages that have both printed portraits as well as electronic files with licensing.

The first is this beautiful Keepsake Box. Each box comes with 5, 10, 15, or 20 portrait cards that are easily kept together as a set, or separated and framed for gifts or display. Also included are the electronic images and printing license. 

The other all-inclusive package I offer is an absolutely gorgeous and meticulously-crafted album with storage box and electronic images. Both the keepsake box and this album are crafted in Europe and are the best-quality product I have found while hunting the trade-show floors of conventions for years. The album has silk pages that feel like fabric rather than paper, and the binding is solid and crisp. Can you tell I’m drooling?

You can combine either the Keepsake Box or the Elite Album with any additional framed art pieces for your home. It’s a win-win for me and for you and your future generations. And please, PLEASE, for the love of Thor, print your family photos! I may have lost two years of our lives, and it’s physically painful for me. Lesson learned.

PS - Princess Leia kitty approves of this message.

Lavender’s Hot, dilly, dilly…

Everyone knows the lavender fields in Mona, owned by Young Living Family Farm are a unique, beautiful location for portraits every June/July. But I’m starting to wonder if they are worth the hassle.

Firstly, in order to secure reservations, one needs to call in January/February when they open their calendar, and it’s first-come-first-served. It’s like trying for a hiking permit to the Wave, and I never know how many sessions to purchase.

This year, they also changed their hours. No longer are we able to stay until sunset - when the lighting gets good. I understand it’s for security reasons, but really, standing out in an open field in the middle of July with no shade isn’t what I’d call stacking the deck in your favor. At any rate, even though we had scorching heat and were all sweating rivers, the Belcher family were darn good to face it all with cheerful faces and burning retinas. And if I hadn’t just told you about what a chore it was, you’d never have guessed by their images.

The key is making your own shade with a scrim or parabolic, and then adding flash to fill in those shadows. I was grateful I knew harsh lighting techniques, and that they were willing to face full sun for some. I love the natural feel - and there truly is nothing that compares to lavender and sky!

The kids walking and piggy-backing through the fields is one of my all-time favorite. Also worthy of mention are the park gardens. I have done a couple sessions in their actual park, and it is absolutely beautiful - shady and gorgeously landscaped. We finished our session in the cool shade, and there is still plenty of lavender and other colors. I actually love it there.

Anyway, what do you think? Is this location worth the effort? Should I pick up any sessions next season?