Photography

Clothing Tips for Your Next Beach Photo Session

After honing my craft with nature photography, I’ve decided to branch out and start offering photo sessions to families. I have my first session booked for next week! It’s all very exciting, but I must confess it makes me a little bit nervous. Over the years, I’ve learned some tricks to help me keep my nerves in check. One of the most important tricks (for me) is planning and research. Like anything else I’ve undertaken – planning and research allows me to go into my latest adventure excited and prepared! My first photo session is going to be a beach photo shoot. My client recently asked me, “What colors should we wear for our session?” Well, after hours of research and numerous articles read – I have some answers. Here is a short list of tips for your next beach photo session.

First and foremost – be sure you dress comfortably and in a style that is “you”. The photo session should be fun – now is not the time to put on a brand new outfit, find it is tight and still wear it anyway, just because. If you want to get something new – awesome – you most certainly can. Just wear it once or twice (even just while at home) to be sure you are comfortable. Comfort is key!

White is your go to color – you can’t do much better than wearing white. With the ocean, sand and sky as your backdrop, the colors will pop. Your final images will look extraordinary.

Alright, so what if you are like me and white clothing is an instant stain magnet? If you have a child as part of the photo shoot… chances are they’ll be a lot like me too. Mix it up:  wear Khaki and white.Or blue and white or green and white… you get the idea. Almost any colored shirt and white shorts, will do the trick. If you do go Khaki, a lighter shade is much better than darker shades.

Pastels and light colors are your friend – if white is not really your thing, then you can wear light pastels, like blue, green, pink or pale yellow. Pink is a super color to wear, for both men and women.

Complementing colors for the whole family – You can opt to all wear the same color(s), but you can have some extra fun by wearing complementing colored outfits. Example: Mom wears white, husband wears teal shirt and jeans and son wears white shirt and teal pants or shorts.

Patterns are NOT your friend – if nothing else, do not wear patterned clothing – including stripes, plaid or anything else that may be considered a pattern (including Hawaiian shirts…yes, yes, I know the idea is cute.. but just don’t.) Remember, the beach is your backdrop and you are the stars. Patterns will take away from the overall natural colors and beauty.

Need some additional clothing inspiration? Check out Pinterest for some beach clothing ideas. 

Some other tips:

Remember the wind – yes, it will be windy, so plan on it! Sand in your face and messy hair, will happen.  Wear your hair exactly as you would like it to look when it’s windy. If that means pulling it back into a cute up do or by wearing a headband, go for it. For guys – hats are discouraged, but some hairspray or gel should help you keep your locks in place.

Less is more when it comes to makeup and moisturizer – the beach is pure natural beauty and guess what - - so are you! More importantly, if it’s mid-summer, the beach is hot. Makeup and sweat do not make for a winning combination. Same goes for moisturizer. Now I know the importance of sun block…if you HAVE to use it, then please do so. But note that moisturizer on your face may cause sand and hair to stick to it, while trying to wrestle with the wind and smile for the camera - a fun time might not be had.

Glasses and sunglasses – If you have to wear prescription glasses during your session, anti-glare lenses are best. Eyeglass lenses can catch sun glare, rendering the final photo useless. And, sunglasses? Well, we all want to see your pretty face… leave them for after the shoot. Your photographer should be able to pose you in such a way where the sun is not hitting you in the face.

MOST IMPORTANTLY – relax and have  fun. The best photos come when you let your guard down. Think of your session as a fun afternoon at the beach with your family. Relax, laugh and have the time of your life. If you do this one simple thing – no matter what you wear – you’ll end up loving the final photos for many years to come!

Am I missing anything? Share your tips and feedback about your latest photo session at the beach in the comments below.

For more about my photography and services – visit my website or connect with me on Facebook.

High Resolution Image of the Week - Free Download!

Spring is officially here in the North East. This make me a very happy person. Spring is my most favorite season, of them all! Below is a free high resolution photo that you can download, use on your website, or even as the background for your computer.  It’s my gift to you! Attribution is highly encouraged. I recenlty launched a website showcasing my photography and also photography services. It's all very exciting! You can visit the site here: DVictoriaPhotography.com.  I am currently seeking photo opportunities to build my portfolio- offering discounted sessions. If you are a interested in learning more, contact me!

Click on an image to open the high-resolution version in a new window. Note: the files are large, it may take a few moments to download.

Faced with Fear, What Do You Do?

Fear can be a very stabilizing emotion. When afraid, most will go to great lengths to avoid their fear.What about if the fear is of the unknown? Let’s say you have a dream to become a business owner, but you are afraid of the what-ifs - “What if I don’t know what I am doing?”, “What if I suck?” or “What if I fail?” All valid fears, but are they valid enough to keep you stabilized? Should they stop you from trying? I have a story to share with you about fear.

One recent afternoon I was exploring my area for photography sites; driving along back roads full of farms, horses and mountains. It was a very peaceful drive. Looking for a place to stop, I stumbled upon an old mill. This mill was built back in 1826. It was an amazing spot for photos!

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After snapping a few shots of the mill itself, I noticed a tunnel. It was adjacent to the mill and was a long, dark and very scary looking tunnel. The sign next to it stated it led to a trail.

Let me tell you this, I have an irrational fear of dark tunnels. I close my eyes on any and all haunted house rides, even the very cheesy ones at carnivals. I hate the Holland and Lincoln Tunnel. I even close my eyes when going through tunnels on train rides at amusement parks.  I am one big baby when it comes to tunnels.

I stood about 400 ft away from the entrance of the tunnel and took several pictures. After all, I am a photographer and the tunnel could potentially make an interesting shot. As I was finishing up a man and his son came out of the tunnel. Dad had a fishing rod in one hand and the hand of his son in the other. It was a very sweet moment to witness.

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It made me question my rationale. Do I dare venture into the long, dark tunnel to see what is on the other side? I thought. I looked behind me and then in front of me, towards the tunnel.

Nope.

I decided it was not worth the risk. What the risk was, I really don’t know. Instead I ventured to a spot nearby and took several wonderful photos of a roaring rapid river bed.

After spending about 30 minutes along the riverside, I decided it was time to head home. As I was leaving, I passed the tunnel again. A man in a wheelchair had just come out of it; from the other side, from the unknown. Do I dare? I looked towards the other side….all I could see was a very old stone wall. Was it worth it? The photographer instinct and my curious nature started to lure me forward. Am I really going to do this? I thought.

I looked around and then in front of me again… what am I afraid of exactly? I thought. What could possibly be on the other side that was so terrible? I realized in that moment, it wasn't the other side that was scaring me. It was the tunnel itself. It was the steps leading to the other side.

The infamous tunnel.

The infamous tunnel.

One step, that is all it takes, right?

I took that step. Then one step turned into two steps and then I was running! Like Forest Gump, I ran!  I was in the tunnel. The sound of my feet hitting the wooden boards echoed around me. I was almost to the end now; the brick wall was still all I could see. As I reached the other side and came out of the tunnel, the sun greeted me with warmth. But, that was not all that greeted me.

Before me was the most amazing sight of the day, a waterfall. My breath caught. I realized had I let my fear get the best of me, I would have never – in a million years – known what beauty lay on the other side. Because I faced my fear – the fear of the tunnel – I reaped a glorious reward. Nature, in all its glory stood before me.

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waterfallcoopermill

So I ask you, what is holding you back? If it’s the fear of the unknown, how will you know what will truly be if you don’t take the first step. Your glorious reward could be waiting.

Let’s play devil's advocate for a moment.. because fear is a crazy thing. Let say I had gotten through the tunnel and it was just a swamp on the other side. An icky, mucky and smelly swamp. Who cares? So what if the view sucks when you reach the other side… you faced your fear. You got to the other side.

You did it.

That’s what counts.

When you are old and gray, sharing stories about your journey with friends and family, will you be the one telling a story about the time you faced a fear and succeeded (or failed) or about the time you ate a tuna fish sandwich at your cubicle and then went home?  Which one sounds more appealing to you? I know which one I would choose.

Life is all about growth, pushing limits and living.  One step is all it takes.

Hi-Res Photo Monday

Spring is my favorite time of year. New colors, smells and shapes emerge. I just love it!  Signs of Spring are finally starting to appear. Here is my first flower photo of the year. Enjoy! You can download, use on your website, or even as the background for your computer.  It’s my gift to you! Attribution is highly encouraged.

Click on an image to open the high-resolution version in a new window. Note: the files are large, it may take a few moments to download.

Hi-Res Photo Monday

I captured some amazing photos of a couple of swans over the weekend. I really couldn't believe my luck. I am excited to share this photo with you this week. Hope you like it! You can download, use on your website, or even as the background for your computer.  It’s my gift to you! Attribution is highly encouraged.

Click on an image to open the high-resolution version in a new window. Note: the files are large, it may take a few moments to download.

Hi-Res Photo Monday

Today's high resolution photo was taken last week after an early spring snow storm. I captured a photo of this little bird just as it was sneaking a peek back at me.  We shared a moment together...ha! I hope you like it. And, I also hope this will be the last of the snowy images I get to share for a while. Spring is here! You can download, use on your website, or even as the background for your computer.  It’s my gift to you! Attribution is highly encouraged.

Click on an image to open the high-resolution version in a new window. Note: the files are large, it may take a few moments to download.

Hi-Res Photo Monday (Free Download)

After spending an hour at the park with family, run/walking for 3 miles yesterday morning, my husband and I made the 45-minute trek home. I had forgotten my camera that morning, so I was pretty bummed. When we got home at 2pm in the afternoon on a Sunday, after being out since 9am, I was tired. BUT, I had missed my weekend photography session. I am starting to really enjoy 30-45 minutes outdoors, being one with nature. And, I am also committed to sharing a free photo download each Monday on my blog. When we got home, I grabbed my  camera and back out I went. Below is a photo of dormant railroad tracks I found at a local park. I figured it's rare to get that up close and personal with railroad tracks, which is why I am making it this week's photo download. You can download, use on your website, or even as the background for your computer.  It’s my gift to you! Attribution is highly encouraged.

Click on an image to open the high-resolution version in a new window. Note: the files are large, it may take a few moments to download.

Hi-Res Photo Monday (Free Download)

Over the weekend, we went bowling with our family. It was a great time! I took my camera along and captured a lot of fun family photos. I got so caught up in the family fun, I didn't take many photos for Hi-Res Photo Monday consideration. However, I did have take few. Below is the one I decided to post. Perhaps someday you'll find a use for a bowling alley photo! You can download, use on your website, or even as the background for your computer.  It’s my gift to you! Attribution is highly encouraged.

Click on an image to open the high-resolution version in a new window. Note: the files are large, it may take a few moments to download.

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Hi-Res Photo Monday (Free Download)

This Monday, following Friday the 13th, I decided to post two somewhat ominous images.  The first is one I like to refer to as, "Uncle Tom's Cabin". In actuality, it's a work shed at a local county park. With some photo editing though, it looks much more depressing than it truly is, in person. The second photo is a photo of two crows in a tree. However, the colors of the crows are just amazing - blue and purple hues. I had to share it with you! It's ominous because it's crows, in a tree. You can't get any more creepy than that. Enjoy!

You can download, use on your website, or even as the background for your computer.  It’s my gift to you! Attribution is highly encouraged.

Click on an image to open the high-resolution version in a new window. Note: the files are large, it may take a few moments to download.

"Uncle Tom's Cabin" "Crows in a Tree"
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Photography: A Life Lesson

Once a week, I spend some time outside, taking photos of nature. I make it a point to be in the moment and become one with the environment I am shooting.  It sounds so silly, I know. It wasn't always this way. In fact, when I first started taking photos, I simply pointed and clicked at whatever I thought looked cool. Until one afternoon when my perspective changed.  It was a cold day, having just snowed a few days before. I was driving around my town, looking for scenes to photograph when I came across a deserted playground at the edge of a frozen lake.  A playground covered in snow with a sheet of ice as the background seemed cool enough to me. I pulled over and started taking photos. Slide covered in ice, click. Docks stretching out to the frozen lake bed, click, click, click.  As it turned out,  those photos didn't come out that great. What happened next was truly magical.

I walked back to my car. It was an isolated area. I was a little spooked. Because of my trepidation, I was hypersensitive to the sounds around me or should I say the lack of sounds around me.  I looked over my shoulder as I approached my car, I heard trickling water. I remember thinking, where was that coming from? I had looked around me. To my right was the lake, obviously frozen.  I looked to my left. A bunch of trees and a big ridge of snow. The sound was coming from behind the frozen ridge.

It took me a moment, but I soon realized the trickling water was a stream! Snow, frozen lakes and drab looking scenery had been my photography subjects for weeks. A trickling stream of water? I couldn't believe my luck!  I raced towards the ridge. It was steep. Very steep.  I stared towards the top, still in the isolated area, with my camera hanging from it's strap around my neck.

Here's how the thoughts formed in my mind, as I tried to decide what my next move would be.

Do I dare?

No, it looks too dangerous.

But, but it's a stream!

What if I climb to the top, fall, break something and get hurt?

After debating with myself for a few seconds, I decided the risk was worth the reward. Anyway, I would be careful. Very, careful! I carefully and slowly climbed up the ridge and peered over. At first I didn't see the water, although the sound was very loud now that I was atop the ridge.

Finally, I had found it! It was, indeed, a stream. It wasn't much though, a very small body of water enclosed by snow and ice. I started snapping pictures like crazy. None of them came out good. In fact, because of my excitement many of them came out blurry or crooked.

However, I learned the most valuable lesson of all that day. If I just stop, look around and focus on my surroundings, a whole new world of surprises would appear right in front of me.

My view of the world is slowly starting to change.  I find myself looking at the people, places and things around me with new wonder and appreciation. To quote my favorite movie from the 1980's, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once and a while, you can miss it."

I wish I had started paying attention much sooner.

Hi-Res Photo Monday - March 2nd (File Download)

Happy Monday to you! It seems the weekends are devoted to photography and I don't mind that one bit.  Although, I really cannot wait for the signs of Spring to start appearing. Many of my outside photos all have one thing in common -- lots and lots of snow. Which can make for some pretty boring photos. I've selected two of my more favorite ones to share with you this week. As usual, you can download, use on your website, or even as the background for your computer.  It’s my gift to you! Attribution is encouraged, of course. ;)

Click on the image to open the high-resolution version in a new window.

Horse Statue "Red" Tree
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My First Hi-Res Photo Monday Post (Free Download)

I have been doing a lot of creative exploration lately - first by finding my writing voice again, next through stop motion video and finally by starting a video podcast. Expect more from me in all of those areas. However, another creative outlet I've always wanted to experience was photography. I don't mean iPhone camera photography. Although I have seen some pretty fantastic images taken on today's smartphones, not taking anything away from the awesome iPhone photographers out there!   I wanted to experience what it was like to take photos with a camera, use various lenses and express myself in a completely new way. On somewhat of a whim, I purchased a Canon DSLR camera. I got it last week and have had photography on my brain ever since. In fact, anything I look at now is a photo. It's a little unsettling, quite frankly. But, in a good way! Today when I awoke, I was trying to decide what to write about as my blog post this week. That is when I started connecting the dots. I have lots and lots of photos. So many, that I won't know what to do with all of them. I also committed (to myself) to write at least one blog post a week.  That's when High Resolution Photo Mondays was born. Every Monday, I will post a hi-res image I shot the week before. You can download it, use it on your website, in a flyer or as the background for your computer.  It's my gift to you! Attribution is encouraged, of course. ;)

Below are two versions of the same photo. It was taken at a lake nearby. I shared the Grayscale one on Facebook and it was unofficially voted as the top favorite. This is why I decided to share it on the blog.  Enjoy!

Click on the image to open the high-resolution version in a new window.

Footprints in the Snow - Color Footprints in the Snow - Grayscale
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