"I don't know what to do with my ARMS!"*

*70% of my clients say this.**

**Okay, maybe not 70%, but A WHOLE LOT OF THEM.

Let's talk about posing.  Because, what's a photography blog for, if not making you feel awkward every once and awhile!  I know, I know...when people are taking your picture, it's hard to know what to do with your arms, hands, feet, because everything feels weird, contrived...but yet...

There are things you can do to make it easier.

Are you a couple, planning an engagement session?  Check out this link, and get some good ideas about how to be near each other without feeling too touchy-feely!  I really like the renderings on this site, since it makes it easier for you to picture yourself posing.

Are you planning a wedding, and want to think about OMG WHAT DO WE DO TO LOOK CUTE?? :) Well, check out this handy guide from Martha about what do do, together and apart, for some sweet and authentic shots (with a liiiiiiiitle bit of guidance about how to arrange those pesky arms!).

Finally, think about it this way:

The most important thing is for you to feel relaxed and comfortable.  Good photographers know how to frame shots, and good photographers will also give you little bits of direction to help you in the moment.  Sometimes I'll tell a client, "Hey, maybe brush your hair behind your shoulders!" or "How about if you clasped your hands in front of you?" etc. etc.  Good photographers have a way of understanding what it will take to get a great shot, so pick a photographer*** that has other shots that you like...and it's a great bet that you'll like what they come up with for you, posing or not.

***as my toddler would say, "PICK ME!! PICK MEEEEE!!!!" :)

June is around the corner...

And June means weddings.  I saw this nice article on Etsy today and thought I would share.

Only one quibble with the article--and it's a major one, from my perspective.  Just a sentence or two is devoted to the most important question: what happens to your images, and the rights to those images, after the wedding?  Many photographers do hold onto all printing and use rights--which is absolutely appropriate--but it can be difficult to then get high-quality, reasonably-priced prints! The tips about choosing a photographer are spot on, but every couple planning their big day should think extensively about who ultimately owns the full-resolution, non-watermarked images they are working so hard (with the photographer) to create.

This is why I work the way I do.  I am inspired by other photographers (like McGinnis Leathers, like Sheena Jibson) who can and do provide all of their images to their clients.  They are compensated fairly for their time and expertise, and then they transfer control and rights to the client.

I believe, as a professional photographer, that you own your images (without watermarks!).  And you should be able to print, share, or make pinatas out of them as you please. :)

/end rant/

To make up for a serious post, here is an outtake from a little jumping bean I met this weekend.  Love her.

Being still...then...

JUMP!

(just married)