Tips for a Family Portrait

A great family picture is something that every family should have, but it can also be a source for a lot of stress and difficulty at times. After all, there are so many awkward family photos out there today that there is even a website dedicated entirely to that subject, with some hilarious (and often embarrassing) photos from families who got the portrait all wrong. If you’re going to spend the money on a photo shoot, you want quality family portraits. Here are some tips to help you get the best possible shots.

Tip #1: Schedule it at a Good Time

Picking a “good time” for a family photo doesn’t just mean a convenient time for your schedule, although that is also something important to consider. Also take into account what time of day your children are likely to be at their happiest (especially if you have young children), and be sure you have enough time set aside that you will be able to get everyone in the family ready for the photo without being frenzied and hurried (which causes stress, which can lead to poor photos).

Keep in mind that the early morning hours and the late afternoon are often best from a lighting/photography standpoint if you are planning outdoor photos, but you may have to be flexible with your schedule to accommodate the light.

 

Tip #2: Pick a Quality Photographer

Many people today like to dabble in photography as a hobby, and often they are looking for subjects to photograph. While it can be tempting to try and help a friend out by hiring them to do your family photos, if they don’t have much experience in family portraits, you could just end up wasting a lot of time and money and get poor quality photos. Instead, look for a professional with lots of experience, like those at Jaylynn Photography. That way you know that when you spend the money, you’ll get exactly what you expect.

Tip #3: Choose Your Outfits Wisely

One of the easiest places to mess up is with your clothing. It used to be fashionable for families to dress exactly alike, with everyone in black pants and a blue shirt, or wearing some version of the exactly same plaid pattern. While this does produce a certain uniformity in your photos, it can look staged and unnatural. Instead, most families today try to go for a coordinated, but not exactly matching look. Keep in mind that intricate patterns or designs can be distracting, and can date a photo much more quickly than solid colors or basic patterns like stripes.

Tip #4: Pick a Great Spot

You don’t have to go to some exotic locale to get a good background; often you can find something close to home that will make a great backdrop for your family portraits. If you are not sure where to go, ask your photographer from Jaylynn Photography for some ideas, since they often know where some of the best places are to avoid crowds and get great shots.

Sometimes people put off family photos because they’re not sure where to start. Use this list to get great photos, and preserve the memories of your family just the way they are today.

Coverlook Photography

Coverlook Photography

 

If the words “glamor photography” brings back bad memories of the 80’s and 90’s, complete with over-the-top makeup, big hair, a soft lens focus, and crazy outfits, then you probably have not considered sitting for a glamor photo shoot since you gave up your leggings and jean jackets 25 years ago. Fortunately today’s glamor photo shoots are all about getting high quality, classy photos taken, and not as much about teasing your hair as big as it can possibly go.  

The Makeover

If you have ever seen the beautiful photos in a magazine and wished that you could take photos like the models, the answer is that you can. All it takes is the right team to help you get your makeup and hair just right, then take some great photographs. This all begins with a makeover at JayLynn Photography. The professionals at JayLynn can help you get the perfect look, complete with a hairstyle and professionally applied makeup.
 

When it comes to your makeup, the look that you have every day doesn’t always translate to a great look on camera. The lighting, the backgrounds, and the shadows can change how you look, and sometimes that doesn’t work out as well in your photos. The key to looking good on camera is knowing how makeup and other effects will show up through the lens. Getting a good coverlook is about using these tricks and tips to your benefit, and at JayLynn they know how to do it right.

Your hair is also a critical piece of the professional coverlook photography. Hair that is limp or lifeless, or way over the top, can distract from the beauty of the photos. Getting just the right style to match your outfits and frame your face is the key, and professional stylists know just how to make you shine.

 

 The Shoot

If you’re tired of the same old boring photos and headshots, and you’re looking for a way to get people to remember you from those pictures, the photo shoot is critical. With your newly styled hair and makeup, you are ready to get in front of the camera. Every JayLynn coverlook photo shoot comes with three outfit changes and 30 to 40 different poses that range from sassy and fun to natural and romantic. It’s easy to find your “good side” when you have such a wide range of choices, and the professional photographers at JayLynn Photography can help you achieve just the right touch with your makeover and photos.
 

Professional Atmosphere

You don’t have to be a fashion model in order to get that special treatment. In fact, unlocking your potential in front of the camera is easy when you have the right team of professionals. The makeover is designed to enhance your natural style, and the photographers are ready to help you feel at ease so your natural beauty stands out most of all. If you’re looking for a unique way to get your photos taken, come see how JayLynn Photography can make your individual portraits come to life.

Bridal Photography

Bridal Photography

There are few occasions that are as important as your wedding day, and there are also few days when you will be subject to so many photos. When it comes to getting your photos taken, both for your bridal photography and your wedding photography, there are a few tips you should follow to make the most of those photos and ensure you get exactly what you want—beautiful, memorable shots that will last a lifetime.

Start with a Professional

Yes, you may have a second cousin who dabbles in amateur photography every now and then who is begging to take your bridal photos, and while you may be tempted to give in (figuring that most wedding photography is about the same), hiring professionals like Jaylynn Studios can dramatically increase the quality of your shoot. You can ask for referrals, check out some of the photos from past bridal shoots to get an idea of the style and personality that the photographer can offer, then match it with your own style.
 

Be Flexible on Photo Day

It’s a good idea to have some ideas of the kind of bridal photography and wedding photography that you like—samples of shots that you think look really fun, ones that you want to try out—but be flexible when the photo shoot comes. There will invariably be some hiccups in the process, and whether it’s a windy day, rain at your outdoor location, or traffic that delays the amount of daylight left once you arrive at your location, things can go wrong. Just go with the flow, since getting worked up can make you look stressed and unhappy, two things that don’t mesh well with bridal photos.

 

Pick the Perfect Setting

You may not know about all the great places in and around your area to take bridal photography. That’s where your professional photographer from Jaylynn Studios can help—with years of experience working with brides in every season, they will know the best places you can go for dramatic nature shoots, architectural fun, and city backdrops that bring out your best style. They can also help you match the right location based on your wedding colors, since finding matching hues can help you get the best photos.

Schedule the Same Photographer for All Your Wedding Photos

The cost of a wedding package might seem like a lot at first, but hiring the same photographer to take your bridal photos, wedding photos, and engagement photos can help ensure continuity and themes from one event to the next. You won’t be taking all these photos on the same day, so having a photographer that has exposure to your previous shots, knows your personality, has seen your wedding colors, and knows your preferences can help you get a great package of wedding, bridal, and engagement pictures.

Try to Space Out Bridal Photos and the Wedding Date

If you wait until too close to the wedding date, things can get stressful and you may not be at your best to get beautiful, fun, relaxed photos. If you can schedule your bridals for at least a couple of weeks before your wedding (or even a couple of weeks after, when the festivities are over and you can truly relax), you will be able to spend more time on having fun and less time stressing about the upcoming nuptials.

Wedding Photography

Wedding Photography

Your wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life, and preserving those memories through beautiful and lasting wedding pictures can help you relive the happiness and excitement for years to come. Since it is such a special day, the professional photographers at Jaylynn Photography often see brides, grooms, and wedding party attendees make mistakes that affect the quality of the photos. Here are some tips to make the most of your wedding day photographs.

Don’t Get Too Much Sun

It can be tempting to want to get a tan for your big day, but being sunburned in your wedding photos or your bridal pictures can quickly turn those memories into an embarrassing reminder of your overzealous tanning efforts. This is especially true if you try to tan in a swimsuit that has different tan lines than your wedding dress, or if you get a painful (and painfully red) sunburn that makes you look like a lobster against your white wedding dress. If you want a tan, consider sunless tanning or spray tans, but even those can be risky, so be sure to get it done as a “test” several weeks before the wedding so you know how it will look on the big day.

 

 

Go Natural

You don’t have to avoid makeup entirely, but it’s a good idea to just do your makeup the way you would on any other day. Don’t worry about slathering on a ton of extra makeup for the day of your wedding—especially thick foundation, thick eyeliner, or unnatural shades for your eye shadow or lipstick. Also keep in mind that you will likely cry on your wedding day (most people do), so you don’t want thick mascara streaking down your face, or tear streaks in your foundation. It’s best to stick to what makes you look natural, so people will be able to recognize you in the pictures.

Have Comfy Shoes

You may not be planning to wear your tennis shoes under that dress, but if you’re going to be trekking around a big reception center or acres of garden grounds to get several different photos taken, you may want to consider having a spare pair of comfortable shoes along with your adorable heels. This is especially true if you don’t normally wear heels, since you don’t want to sprain your ankle on your wedding day or during your bridal pictures.

Prepare for Shine

You want to be glowing in your wedding pictures, but you don’t want to actually be shiny. Its a good idea to keep blotting papers, powder, or some other “shine reducer” available so you can get rid of that shine before the photos. This is really important if you plan to have the wedding during a hot time of year, or in a place where you will be in the sun for a while, so you don’t look sweaty in the pictures.

Stay in the Moment

This is your special day, so it’s important to remember that it’s not a day that is centered around photos. Just be yourself, have fun, laugh, smile, dance, and enjoy the day, and your professional photography will capture all the happiness, tears, and joy in the candid wedding pictures.

Make the Most of Mother Nature

Outdoor Photography

Mother Nature is a beautiful thing, and many families today like to take advantage of all the beauty that nature has to offer by getting their portraits done outdoors. While this can be a fantastic way to capture some natural beauty and get out of the “studio” setting, it also come with some potential hazards that you should avoid. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your family’s next outdoor photo shoot and get beautiful, lasting memories that you can cherish.

Watch the Weather

While nature is beautiful, she can also be unpredictable, especially in Utah. You may have several days of beautiful sunlight and then get a big thunderstorm the day you are scheduled to take some outdoor photography with Jaylynn Photography. It’s important to have a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate—after all, your family photos probably won’t be as treasured if everyone is freezing in an unexpected snowstorm, soaking wet, or you’re covered in mud from trekking around outside in a rainstorm.

 

 

Plan for the Best Light

During the middle of the day, the sunlight can be harsh, which will have an affect on the outcome of your photos. In direct sunlight, you could get unwanted shadows or be forced to squint to avoid hurting your eyes. Instead, plan your outdoor photography with Jaylynn Photography around the “magic photo hours” of early morning and late afternoon.

Don’t be Afraid of Clouds

Cloud cover can be great for outdoor photos, since it helps diffuse the natural light of the sun. It can help you avoid severe shadows or other difficulties that you may encounter when you have direct sunlight in your photos.

Scout Your Spot

When you’re planning an outdoor shoot, talk to the professionals at Jaylynn Photography to help you pick the perfect spot. They will often know of some great “hidden gems” that you may not be able to find on your own. They may also have insight into some areas that tend to be overcrowded with other families who are taking photos, or hazards that you may not know about (such as difficult areas to navigate, muddy trails, or bad lighting).

Coordinate your Clothing

In a controlled studio setting you can decide what the background will look like, and plan your clothing accordingly. In outdoor photography you should do the same—go to the area where you are planning to have the pictures taken and scope out the colors so you can find complementary colors that will not clash with your surroundings. For example, if you’re planning to shoot the photos in a very lush green area, you may be a little too camouflaged if you are dressed in green as well. If you discover some wildflowers that will be in the background, you could choose accent colors that will bring out that natural color in the pictures.

Photographs taken out in the beautiful natural surroundings can be some of the best photos your family has, and become cherished memories that you will want to display and share.

The Fun in Photography Collages

The Fun in Photography Collages

Are you getting tired of the same old home décor of basic photos in frames hung on the wall? Sure, photo frames can be a fun way to display your memories, but sometimes you can get in a rut and end up with the same cookie-cutter style on all your walls. Instead, try out a new tactic with a fun, creative photo collage. There are so many possibilities with your photos when it comes to collages, sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to start!

Family Photos

After you get professional photos taken from a place like Jaylynn Photography, it can be tough to choose the one photo to hang in the house out of hundreds of beautiful, creative, and fun family memories. This is especially true if you are taking extended family photos, since you might want to display the entire family in one photo, plus showcase separate parts of your family, such as cousins, siblings, or grandparents.

A photo collage is a great way to avoid having to choose just one photo. Use your favorite family photo as the center focus, then add all the fun other pictures around the edges to create a beautiful display of your entire family.

 

 

Wedding Photos

One of the best things about a wedding is the photography, and often photographers from Jaylynn Photography will take several hundred, if not thousand, photos during a wedding shoot. These usually include romantic couples shots, fun and flirty photos, family pictures, and individual shots of the bride, the groom, the wedding guests, plus all the extras such as rings, cakes, bouquets, and more. Collages are the perfect way to cherish all the memories of your special day, right down to the last detail.

Vacation Memories

When it’s time to get away from it all, you always want to be equipped with your camera. Taking pictures of children, parents, and friends in exotic locations can help you bring those treasured memories back with you when the fun trip is over. You can use photo collages to show off all the exotic locales, the adventure, and the scenery you found away from home when you were on your last vacation. Or use a photo collage to display your favorite photos from all your past vacations, creating a virtual “passport” that connects all your travels.

 

 

Fun Additions

Collages can also be about so much more than just photography. They can be a great way to showcase your crafty talents by finding creative ways to display the photos. You could go with a traditional frame, or perhaps find scraps of fabric or paper that you have leftover from a recent project to attach to the collage, creating a whole new artistic dimension. Add photos randomly to a chalkboard or a corkboard, or create a more structured look by including tile, or hanging the pictures in a line on several strings attached together.

There are so many fun ways that you can display your photos without falling into that same old rut of just sticking them in a frame. Get professional photos taken, and start creating a beautiful, fun collage today. 

The Importance of Business Photography

The Importance of Business Photography

Today’s consumer is increasingly driven by visual stimuli—we are surrounded every day by images, videos, and other eye-catching items, a trend that has only increased in recent years as the Internet becomes an important part of our lives. When it comes to your business, presenting a professional image through photography can often be the difference between attracting new customers and losing them to the competition. While commercial photography is an expense, the alternative of looking unprofessional in the eyes of your potential clients can cost you a lot more over time.

 

 

Building Your Business Online

The Internet is a fantastic place for you to advertise your company, products, and services. It’s often far more affordable than other forms of advertising, such as television, radio, or billboards. With billions of websites out there, your competitors are also likely online, and in order to convince customers to buy your products and services instead of the competitor products, it’s important to look professional. Studies have shown that poor quality images, or hastily taken snapshots can actually have the opposite effect, making your business seem low quality and turning customers away.

For businesses that are selling something visual, such as an artist, chef, caterer, model, or designer, your portfolio is the key to attracting new business. For companies that sell products online, customers are unlikely to make a purchase without first seeing the items. In both cases, having professional quality images from JayLynn Photography on your site can help steer customers to your door.

Marketing Materials

Even offline, your marketing materials must be professional. Spending thousands of dollars to print and mail brochures, while saving only a small amount of money by using amateur photography (or taking the photos yourself) can still cost you down the road. While photography is an up-front investment, it can pay dividends in terms of its return on investment by showcasing your product or company in a visually appealing way. 

 

 

 

A Picture Is Worth 1000 Words

You’ve heard the expression before, and it is true. You could spend hours trying to describe your products in words, but a more effective way to show the value of your products and services is through professional business photography. The right quality, creative photographs can have an immediate and lasting impact on a consumer’s mind, helping your business cut through the clutter of other advertising, reach out to customers, and stay top of mind as they make a purchase. In fact, studies indicate that we see as many as 5,000 or more ads in one day today compared to only about 500 in the 1970s, meaning companies must work even harder to stand out.

Multitasking With Photos

Professional photographs are not limited to just your website and your marketing materials. The great thing about hiring a Business Photography company like JayLynnPhotography to take photos is that they can be used for so many different publicity opportunities—catalogs, packaging, press releases, news coverage, blogs, print ads, billboards, and so much more. Having that corporate “stock photography” can be beneficial for just about anything you want to create. Hire JayLynn Photography today to come and take the professional photos; you will reap the benefits for years to come.