www.monicadayphotography.com/blog

That’s the new one!!

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1. Photographers have many tricks to get rid of blemishes and scars on your skin.  We can even remove braces.  But these are time intensive and often cost extra.  Be sure to look your best when it comes to photo time.  Wear makeup if you normally do.  Cover your imperfections because the camera records EVERYTHING.   But don’t let this scare you.  Sometimes imperfections make you unique!
2. Get your hair done!  Remember that these are still images that you want to share with others.  Look your best.  If that means getting a haircut then go for it.  But don’t try styles you’ve never done before.  This is not the time to experiment with your look.  Go with what you know and with what flatters you.
3. Don’t overdo your clothes.  Try to mix up tones even if you are wearing the same general color.  I love patterns but be sure to keep these simple.  You want the focus to be on you and not your distracting patterns.
4. Wear colors that suit you.  Certain colors look…or bad… on certain skin tones.  Also think about your hair color.  eHow has a great article on how to find the colors that best suit your skin tone. If you are at all worried you can try out some colors at home with your personal camera.  Take a look at those images and see how you like them.
5. Now what about that dreaded double chin?  Have you ever looked at yourself in a picture and thought you looked a little “puffy”.  While we don’t always have good posture it’s important to maintain your posture during your photo shoot. Keep your head tilted slightly up (unless your photographer instructs you otherwise) and look up to that camera.  I can help you with this during our session.  I like to tell my clients to “look long”.
6. Remember to relax!  The days of super posed studio shots are gone (or should be) so relax.  We want to capture the best of you so mentally relax yourself so you look at ease and happy in your photos.  This isn’t some major procedure to worry about so take it easy.  You will never hear me say “Say Cheese!”.  The best way for you to smile is to just think about things that make you happy.  Are you getting married?  Think about that.  I sit the weekend?  Think about that.  Are you excited about new photos?  You get the point.  I try my hardest to make my clients at ease so we’ll be laughing in no time.

The key points here are:

• RELAX
• No fake smiling.
• Wear flattering clothes.
• Look your best – hair, makeup, clothes, attitude
• Come ready to have fun and let loose – now is the time to be a model.

If you have any more questions about looking great then let me know.  I’ll be happy to help you find an outfit or a look for your photo shoot.

Family portraits, engagement portraits or any photos that have more than one person require a fine blend.  Here are a few examples of some coordinating outfits that don’t look just alike.

When choosing attire for your family portraits be consistent. This family dressed very similar but chose to use different pastel colors.

Notice how the clothes are all bright or pastel but not the same pattern or even the same style. It is best to retain some degree of similarity while maintaining individuality.  Another option is to choose the same color in different patterns.

A family can wear these similar colors although they are different patterns and still look awesome.

If you choose to match completely you can still get great photos.  Just be sure to represent the individuals in the group or the thing that joins you all together.

This family is from Guam. Notice the island theme to their clothes. Even though the middle boys have the same outfit on this this pairing works for this family.

ALL CLOTHING IS FROM OLD NAVY OR THE GAP EXCEPT FOR THE CLOTHING BEING WORN.

The session produced some great photos so be sure to contact me about yours.  I can also come to your home and create some beautiful images.

Big Sister did a great job posing for me. She was an awesome example for her sister and became my little helper. Notice Daddy and Little Sis in the background. She's watching to make sure I'm okay!!

I had my first portrait sesssion of the spring just a few days ago.  It went very well considering the weather had just heated up quite a bit.  The family was great and trusted me with my vision.  They have 2 little girls under the age of 5 but they are sooo adorable.  I started with the older of the two so that little sister could see how painless this would be.  Sometimes younger children are a little shy so I try to take my time to set them at ease.  Remember that I am here to get the best possible pictures out of you.  If this means we take time getting comfortable with each other then that’s fine.

The family looked great in their pastels.

Notice that this family chose to dress in pastels.  This is a great alternative to the white and khaki family portrait outfit.  It is always a great idea to wear solid, simple colors but feel free to incorporate your personality the best way possible.  This family looks like a lot of fun with their spring apparel.

The family chose to have their portraits done at Azalea Park in Summerville, SC.  This offered a wide array of choices for settings.  Outdoor photography is best done in the late afternoon about an hour or two from sunset.  This provides adequate lighting so keep this in mind when scheduling YOUR outdoor session.

Mom and daughter look great together at a water feature in the park.

Check out my new logo!!  Rebranding is a great thing!!

The short logo version

My new logo!!

First things first.  Now that you’ve chosen Monica Day Photography you need to decide who you want in your photograph.  Are your pets being photographed?  Where do you want to have your photos taken?  I do on location as well as in studio photography.  My studio is always available for my clients.  If you prefer less scripted photography then let’s book something outside.  Charleston has great places to photograph so we have a ton of choices.  I love for my clients to let their personality shine through.  If you are an artist then bring some paintbrushes.  If you’re a chef then bring your white coat.  Whatever represents you would be great to have at your photo session.  Let’s make this fun.  Of course you don’t always want something so laid back.  That’s fine.  We can do a mixture of photos or whatever it is that you like.  I allow you unlimited outfit changes as long as we stay within your time range.  I can help you with outfit choices and location suggestions.  If you need help deciding on anything then please feel free to contact me.

Now that you know some of what you want it’s time to book your session.  You can book your appointment by calling me at 843.860.7749 or emailing me at monica@monicadayphotography.com.   I usually like to meet with my clients before the actual session but I understand that this is not always possible.    We will discuss location and time based on the subjects you want photographed.  It’s important that you keep in mind your regular routine.  If your child usually naps at noon then don’t schedule your session at 11:30.  Allow enough time to get to the location without being flustered. I want you to be excited about your new photos not irritated because you’re late.  Larger parties will require more preparation and space so allow yourself a little extra time to get ready and devote to your session.

Now that we have those out of the way let’s look at the actual shoot.  My in studio shoots are relatively laid back.  I suggest you bring some music that you like to help you relax.  I want you to enjoy your time with me.    Once you arrive at the studio we’ll take a few minutes to relax and get to know what you want.  When we are on location I also take a second to talk a little bit but we don’t always have the luxury of sitting and relaxing.  I know that it can be nerve-wrecking to meet new people so I want to give you the chance to ask me any questions you may have.  I also want to know what you are expecting and any particular shots you want.  For my studio sessions I like to start with the child if he/she is in a good mood.  If we can get some good shots right off the bat then it tends to relieve the strain from the parents throughout the rest of the shoot.  I understand that children can be unpredictable so don’t worry if your little one is not cooperating at first.  I’ll take the time we need for his or her adjustment to me.  If your child is a little cranky then we’ll start with you to let them see that there’s no harm.  Even if you were not intending on being photographed be ready in case your child needs you with him or her.  The rest depends on you.  The more participation I get from my clients the better the shoot.

If there’s anything else you want to know then please ask.

Get ready to make some beautiful portraits!!!

  So the time has come for Holiday Portraits.  This time of year is a time for family to get together and reminisce on the good times of the past.  It’s also a time to think about the future.  Monica Day Photography wants you and your family to remember that this is the perfect time for family portraits.  This is the time when families get together.  Sometimes there’s only one time a year when everyone is together.  Take advantage of your happy occasion and book an appointment for a family portrait.

 Of course you don’t want to spend a lot of time at your shoot so here are a few pointers to make the most of your experience.

1.  Decide a time when all of the family will be together and in a good mood.  Take consideration of normal nap times.  You want your children to be alert and happy.  Also think about normal feeding times.  If you have infants consider when your baby is the happiest and try to book around that time.

2.  Choose clothing that is comfortable yet neat.  Neat is subjective to the person.  Sometimes tattered jeans are what’s neat in your family.  Whatever the case may be…be sure you will be happy with preserving those memories.  Also choose clothing that you know you look good in.  Now is not the time to try and make that outfit work.  Go with what you know.

 3.  Choose a hairstyle that is simple and flattering.  You want the focus to be on your family…not on everyone’s hair.  Family portraits are best done with simple, casual looks.  Please feel free to show your personality.  A little splash of color never hurts!!

 4.  Be ready to have fun!!  Bring music that you like and the kids’ favorite toys.  Bring your fishing pole, favorite book, anything that reflects your personality.  Let’s make this experience fun!!

 5.  Relax.  I’ll take my time to make you at ease.

If you can incorporate a fun family activity with your photo shoot then you have something to look forward to when done.  Plan an outing at the Waterfront Park, the Battery, or even the Boardwalk and you’ll have something fun to do right after the shoot is done.

 Take these points into consideration and call me when you’re ready.

I am in the process of ordering some great holiday backgrounds.  I can’t wait to get some clients to try these out.  Of course it will be fun and creative.  If anybody in the area is interested then contact me and I’ll give you my extra special treatment.  The changing weather always makes me excited to try some new things so I hope my clients are up for the challenge.