{Cutie Pie Photography} » Austin children’s photograper

Carter’s Second Newborn Session Continued

Nicole Dossey — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 04:11:29 +0000

Here are some more from my little guy’s warm day, outdoor session:

Photography Tip: This is not some special backyard set up for photography, it is just where we live. I just used what I had. Like I mentioned in my previous post, use the area you have in your backyard or front yard as a backdrop for images. The most important thing to keep in mind is available light. You don’t want someplace in direct light or with a lot of shadows, lighted shade is best. Keep in mind the time of day as well, different areas have different light depending on the time of day. I made sure to look at the light in the area I wanted to photograph a couple times the day before my session so I could utilize the best lighting in this area.

Carter’s Second Newborn Session

Nicole Dossey — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 00:57:32 +0000

Here are a couple from the little guy’s second newborn session. We had a 75 degree day just out of the blue last week so I took him out to get some more pictures. It was so gorgeous and beautiful outside, the perfect weather for pictures. I wish I had taken a picture of my setup for the black backdrop for you. I had the black background over an ironing board in the shade. It was quite simple but worked wonderfully for what I needed. These were taken when Carter was 18 days old. We allow newborn pictures until babies are 14 days old as they sleep so much during that time. This is the best time to get them peaceful and sleeping. I knew my guy slept so much and he didn’t let me down. Special thanks to my assistant husband.

Photography Tip: Make use of what you have in your backyard for a backdrop. Look for well lit shade, not direct sunlight for the best images. Don’t forget to turn off that terrible camera flash, or better yet, shoot in manual mode. If you don’t have an appealing backdrop you can shoot in portrait mode (for beginners) or with a larger aperture (smaller number remember-for those wanting to shoot manual) to make the background blurry (bokeh).

First Photo Session

Nicole Dossey — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:06:02 +0000

Although I have taken plenty of newborn pictures before, I have never done an actual session for one of my own newborns. I know, I am talking crazy now. This is Carter’s first newborn session. Newborn sessions take a ton of patience, but are very rewarding. Most sessions are between 2 and 3 hours long. I knew Carter’s schedule so I got this one done in about 45 minutes, but they weren’t exactly what I was hoping for, but they make my heart happy. Yes, even photographers have mental block and issues with lack of creativity when it comes to their own children’s pictures. I think being completely exhausted doesn’t help much. These were done on day 12. It is very important to do newborn pictures within the first 2 weeks of life as that is when they are the most sleepy and moldable. I should have done them the first week, but I was too spent.

Photography Tip- Using Light: Newborns photograph best in front of a window using natural light and NO flash. Our new rental house has TERRIBLE natural light. I had to look for the best light in each of the rooms during different times of the day. I actually had a very small space to work in due to the light available. Try to look for the best non-direct natural light you can find. You don’t want to have sun streaming in, you want light without direct sun. Look in each room during different times a day to determine which room and time is best to photograph in. Really try to see light in a new way. Also, you can use a beanbag to pose and scrunch newborns a little bit as well.

My Little Guy

Nicole Dossey — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 05:37:50 +0000

After feeling like I had been pregnant FOREVER, I finally had this little guy. A 6 hour labor with the support of my sweet husband, amazing mother-in-law (she birthed him, she is a midwife), precious friends and my awesome family (my mom and sister watched via Skype) he was born. It was a fabulous birth experience at Austin Area Birthing Center (huge thanks to Anabel, who was also super amazing). Chinell was there to capture the whole thing. I am sure she’ll be posting some pictures of the experience soon. More on the labor and delivery to come.

Introducing Carter Warren. Born Febuary 19th, 3:13 a.m., 8lbs 13 oz, 22 inches long

Here is a quick picture of the little man. He has a TON of hair. I’ll be taking more soon and posting some maternity pictures soon as well. This is what every photographer wants to see from her precious subject in the first 2 days! Can you believe this kid!

The M Family Sneak Peak

Chinell Darling — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 06:17:57 +0000

The M family was so much fun to photograph. They were playful and easy going. And my little “No, No” three year old friend taught me a thing or two about capturing smiles…or should I say not capturing smiles. He is the cutest little three year old with a mohawk I have ever seen.

The little lady is sweet as a princess, yet tough as, well as a princess who has an older and younger brother.

Here is big brother, who is full of joy and has a smile that never goes away. I actually had to ask him not to smile…and I still got this little grin.

I was able to get a few images of mom and dad as the M children wanted to explore the creek and climb trees.

Family images

Super Fun Family Session

Nicole Dossey — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 06:12:05 +0000

It was such an honor to photography my good friends Ryan and Wendy and their precious girls. Their girls are amazing and I just loved getting to spend some one on one time with them. M warmed up pretty quickly, but R did not want to have anything to do with pictures. It was such fun session and I always love a challenge of a little one (or sometimes it is the dad) that doesn’t want to participate. Thanks for allowing me to capture your amazing family!! I had a blast and can’t wait to show you guys the rest!!!

I always love to get images of just mom and dad.

Little Ballerina

Chinell Darling — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:00:11 +0000

Did you see that little fairy running through the forest?

Did you say fairy? No, I am a pretty ballerina.

Sweet smiles...she is really wanting to throw rocks in the water with her Daddy

She is so adorable!

I’m a cowboy

Chinell Darling — Sat, 02 May 2009 06:43:00 +0000

with a six string at my side…

Oh! wrong decade

But here is a cowboy with attitude…

attitude...in a cute way

Cowboy nap

Cowboy Dimples

What Cowboy Big Brother thinks of little sister

What little sister thinks of Cowboy Big Brother

hamming it up for the camera

What is Custom Photography?

Chinell Darling — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 02:27:20 +0000

The photographic art you choose to place on your wall is ultimately the result of the vision of the photographer. This vision, coupled with what you wear to your session, the environment, the lighting, even the mood the subjects are in at the time of photographing creates the work that you will want to proudly display on your walls forevermore.

Your first step in the process is more about determining who you are, who your family is and then seeking a photographer that reflects your style. For instance let’s say your family is extremely outdoorsy and loves playing on the beach. You start determining what style you like, browse through photography website portfolios and determine if any of the styles exhibited there would be a good fit with your life and family style. You have already determined that you should probably seek out a beach type photographer (that is if you live near a beach) and then begin narrowing the field down a bit.

Finally after a bit of internet research, you have narrowed it down to two photographers who do what seems like solid work, the sort of outdoor beach look you desire. It is now time to ask yourself: Do you like photographer A’s style over photographer B’s style? Is it because the people in the images of A’s style are having a great time and it seems very caught up in the moment vs. B photographer more posed, looking in the camera images? If this is a case, you probably like LIFESTYLE photography or perhaps even take it a step further and define your desired style as a PHOTOJOURNALISTIC photography style. The photographer you probably should choose is photographer A because their style is very similar to the style you desire.

What custom photography ultimately is all about is choice and experience (as in THE experience). Custom photography is about finding someone who will photograph your family, give you devoted 1:1 attention without worry of the next ‘in line’ or the feeling of a crowded portrait studio. A custom photographer will typically show you a fairly extensive gallery culled to only show the good images that meet the photographers’ creative sensibilities. Often the images are fully edited images-color corrected with blemishes and undereye circles removed. Custom photographers are also known as boutique studios, offering a range of products and unparalleled service. Think Lexus vs. Hyundai, think Nordstrom vs. WalMart.

Custom photography should have you, the client and your experience in mind.

(wording used by permission by Professional Child Photographer)

Big C, Little c. C…c…c…

Chinell Darling — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:14:50 +0000