Tips for a great photo shoot with SnookySmiles Photography - Lake Norman Photographer

Tips for a Wonderful photo Shoot

• Number one and most important…   Relax & have fun!  We have plenty of time to allow your little one(s) to get comfortable.  If you are stressed they can feel it and it will affect them so please remember to be patient and remain calm. This should be fun!
• Please make sure we have scheduled a time that is good for your little one's schedule.  A well rested child with a full tummy will give us a great advantage.
• If your little one need breaks for snacks, diaper change, or even just a moment to calm down we can do so at any time!  This is their session and we can work on their time.
• Feel free to have some special mementos ready for the shoot.  (ie: handmade blankie from grandma, your child's favorite Teddy bear ect.)  These will make these memories even more special when you look back at them 10 years from now.
• Details - I will sometimes take pictures of your little ones hands and/or feet. Especially our younger subjects.  These of course look best if their nails are cut and clean.  :) Also, please help me keep a close eye on your child(ren)'s face to be sure dirt, boogers or eye sleepys do not go unnoticed and ruin a great shot.
• I would also be happy to help you out with clothing selections if you would like.  Feel free to have a few options ready that you think you would like and I can take a look at them for you before we begin.  Using more than one outfit for our session is of course more than fine and will give you a bit of variety.  Themes/dress up can also be fun (ie: Fairy princess, cowboy, ballerina)  I have tons of great what to wear ideas posted on my pinterest boards.  Be sure to take a peak for some inspiration!  Just check out the following links!

What to Wear Inspiration for your Family Session
What to Wear Inspiration for your Child's Session 
What to Wear Inspiration for your Senior Portraits
What to Wear Inspiration for your Maternity Session  

•  If we are shooting at your home on a backdrop I will first look through your home for the very best lighting and typically set up near a window or glass door.   Although some of the pictures will be on a backdrop, lighting permitting we may also want to do some shots without the backdrop throughout the house.  Please be prepared and have your home looking the way you would want it to look in pictures just in case.
• IMPORTANT:  In order to get the most natural expressions from your child(ren) I like to let them do their own thing as much as possible with minimal instruction.  Please, please, please do not prompt them by telling them to "smile!" or "say cheese"  
  I have found that being able to interact directly with your little one(s) myself with minimal distraction usually produces the best results however, if I do need a little help getting their attention please stand as close to me as possible so that we can get them looking towards the camera.  
• Don't forget to bring Suntan lotion and /or bug spray if we are shooting in a location where these would be helpful and if your child is old enough to use them.
• IMPORTANT: Please do NOT bring sick children to a photo shoot.  They will not enjoy it and perform like their normal selves and I do not want to bring anything home to my two little girls.  I will do anything and everything I can to reschedule your time for you!
• Minimize distractions - Please limit the amount of people present at the shoot to those who are being photographed so that there are less distractions for the child(ren).  Well meaning friends and family can sometimes be a bit overwhelming  for  children and will take their attention away from me and from the camera.
• Absolutely NO cameras at shoot besides mine.  It is extremely distracting to both myself and those being photographed.
• Be sure to bring my cell # to our session 704-930-8402.
  
  If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to ask me!

Lake Norman Child Photographer - {My little Monkey}

Yesterday I posted a few pics of my big girl's very first day of school.  So what did Sammi and I do while Big Sister was at Kindergarten?...  We dressed her up like a sock monkey and had a photo shoot with the new background of course!  LOL. After the monkey shots we dove into the rest of the pettiskirts and headbands and had some fun posing and playing around.  I will be editing and posting those soon too when I can. In the mean time, here is my little monkey....  :)

Lake Norman Photographer - {My Baby goes to Kindergarten}

Today was the BIG day!  My little girl's first day of Kindergarten.  She was so excited!  Daddy on the other hand had a little trouble with such a huge milestone as you can see below.  LOL.
Congrats Big girl! I can not wait to head to pick you up and hear all about your 1st day at School!
There are tons more pics of course but here are just a few...

I want a Calender! - Down Syndrome Awareness 2013 Calender early request list

Since posting some sneak peek images from our 1st down syndrome awareness calendar photo shoot I have received many inquiries as to how to get a copy.   I am so thrilled with the response already and want to be sure to keep everyone interested informed.  If you would like more info about the calendars and how to obtain your copy please complete the form below.  Thank you!  :)

Lake Norman Family Portraits - {The Girls in Blue}

I first me this sweet family two years ago.  I can not believe that it has been so long.  It feels like just yesterday.  We decided to do our session downtown Davidson just like the first time.  I though that was pretty cool.  Thanks W family for such a wonderful time!  Love you guys!  :)

This shot just cracks me up.  She wanted her sister to get out of her shot!  LOL

Lake Norman Photographer - {another peek at our upcoming Down Syndrome Awareness Calendar..

I am thrilled to post two more images from our down syndrome awareness calendar photo this past weekend.  I just had to wait for permission to share this sweet girl's pic online.  She was worth the wait. Isn't she just beautiful?  :) 

I also could not help including this image of two of my sweet models posing together. 

Love them!

Baby Phographer Charlotte N.C. - {Big Brown Eyes and Piggy Tails}

I think Emma is one of THE cutest baby girls that I have ever seen and such a sweetie pie too.  I am so happy that she is one of my baby planners and I get to see her every few months.  The weekend before last was supposed to be her nine month photo session but mother nature had other ideas.  I drove all the way to Rock Hill South Carolina anyway in stubborn hope that the rain would pass.  It did not, so we met up this past Saturday instead.  This time the weather was much more cooperative, giving us a beautiful cool morning.  It was perfect!  Sweet Emma was not feeling 100% herself but rocked her session as usual anyway.  I just love this perfect baby and her sweet mom and dad too!Mom and Dad I am already looking forward to our one year session wit her smash cake!  This is going to be so much fun!!!

 

Charlotte Child Portraits - Mini Sessions are full...

ALL mini spots are filled pending receipt of payment and model release forms.  I am now accepting waiting list requests.  Thank you to all that have already responded. Please be sure to complete your reservation.  A paypal button and the agreement form are now HERE on the blog for your convenience. 

Missed the minis this time?  How about a full private session?
SnookySmiles is now reserving Fall and Winter Private sessions through December.
Fall is our busiest time of the year so lock in your date now for your Maternity, Birth, Newborn, Family, Child, Baby, Adoption and/or Senior Portraits!
There are no time limits on our regular private sessions so your little ones(or big ones LOL) have all the time they need to really be themselves and have their true personalities shine through their portraits.

Love SnookySmiles?  Please tell your friends about your experience! 
As a thank you, you will receive a $50 print credit for EVERY new client you send our way who books a private session!

Charlotte Down Syndrome Awareness Calendar is in the works - Photo Session 1

Yesterday was such a great day.  I woke up bright and early to head over to Carrigan Farms in Mooresville N.C.  to meet up with some my little models for the 1st of two photo shoots to create images for a 2013 Down Syndrome Awareness Calender.  The proceeds from the calanders will be gifted to the DSAGC to be used to bring speakers, support meetings, and new parent material.  All of our little ones did such an amazing jo,  my cheeks actually hurt from smiling while I sorted through our images last night.  Thank you also to my friends at DancinKids for joining us and helping to entertain the kiddos!