1. Plan it out.

The one thing that every family photo session needs is a plan. What you’re going to wear, where the photo session will take place and how you’d potentially like to pose are all details that we will talk about ahead of time. Your family’s session should be less about getting the perfect shot and more about enjoying the moment and making new memories together.

2. Keep it light and fun.

People playing, letting go and having a giggle make for some of the best photos so make your family shoot a fun event that will leave everyone feeling happy and content. If you want to change things up a bit, bring along a few props such as glasses, balloons or toys to add that element of fun to your photos. An added bonus is that bringing some props along such as toys can keep your younger family members busy while their siblings are being photographed. You know what makes your family light up so find ways to incorporate those interests into your shoot.

3. Leave your expectations at the door.

The perfect family photo session that you have in your head might not be what plays out on the day of the session, so it’s best to let go of any expectations that you might have. Instead, focus on relaxing and having fun and letting me do what I do best.

4. Everyone has a part to play.

In order to make your shoot seem less like a chore and more like a fun family event, get your entire family involved. Ask for everyone’s input when it comes to clothing, locations, props and poses. Give each family member an opportunity to speak and take a vote on the best ideas. When family members, especially children, are able to give their input, they’ll end up being a lot more cooperative on the day of the shoot.

Check out my blog for more session tips & tricks!

Your photographer desires for each and every photo session to go smoothly and for clients to have the most enjoyable experience possible. Many people believe that a photographer’s job is pretty simple. You just point and shoot right? The reality is that there’s a lot more that goes into capturing the images you love.  There are also some things many photographers secretly wish they could come right out and say to their clients. Here are a few examples.

1. We’re nervous too.

We know how important your photo shoot is to you and that you’ve been agonizing over the perfect outfits and spent hours on your hair and makeup. We know you are expecting us to capture you perfectly so that you will cherish the images from our brief time together for years and that is a lot of pressure. While we may be confident in our abilities we get nervous before each shoot as well wanting it to go perfectly for you.

2. We don’t want to fix every little flaw.

One thing that many people don’t realize is that they’re beautiful in their own way and photographers strive to capture this unique beauty in their shots. It’s for this reason that we only make minor adjustments when editing your photos.

Yes, Photoshop can work wonders and technically, we could fix every little detail that you’re unhappy with in your photos but this isn’t practical.

Do your best to make yourself picture perfect and we will take care of the rest.

3. We take our pricing seriously.

We price our services according to the quality, experience and time we spend with each client. When we hear people joke about how high our prices are compared to other photographers what we hear is that you don’t think we are good enough to charge that price. It makes us doubt our abilities and simply just hurts our feelings.

4. Have fun.

Chances are we’ve seen it all. Kids throwing tantrums, a surprise thunderstorm and wardrobe malfunctions, things can go wrong but don’t stress about them. We will work our magic to make your shoot the best experience for you but this means you need to relax and just have fun. When you are enjoying yourself we can better capture your unique personality and fun-loving nature, which is what we really want to do. When you stress out about your kids misbehaving we end up feeling anxious and that will only affect the way we take your images. No matter what goes wrong simply laugh it off, we always have backup plans and ideas up our sleeves.

5. Trust us.

You hired us for a reason. We’re hoping it was because you looked through our portfolio and liked what you saw. It is hard for us to do our best work and make you look your best if you don’t take our suggestions or trust that we know what looks good. We are seeing things from a perspective you cannot see so let us do our job. It is our job to make you look good and take images that you will love for years to come. This is something we take great pride in so trust that we would never ask you to pose in a way that is not flattering. Trust us and we will do everything we can to not to disappoint you.

We love what we do for a living and as photographers and artists, we want to share our passion and joy with the world but sometimes clients can forget that we’re also working professionals. We want to produce the very best results for our each and every one of our clients, which is why it’s important that prospective customers know what to expect when working with a professional photographer.

What do you give someone who has everything? What’s the perfect gift your loved one will cherish for years to come? There’s a lot of thought that goes into choosing any gift whether it’s for a birthday, graduation, anniversary or the holidays. Most gifts have a limited shelf life and will usually get placed in the back of a cupboard once the novelty has worn off but photography is not one of these gifts.

Why Give the Gift of Photography?

• It’s Unique.

A photography session is unique to each person who steps into a studio and each image is one of a kind too. Photography tells a story. Each image depicts a special moment in time and is a gift that will take you back to that moment time and time again. Whether it’s a photography session, picture album or a special picture in a beautiful frame, photography is one of the gifts that can be thoughtful and unique to each individual.

• It’s a classic gift.

Unlike the latest fashion or tech trends, photographs are something you will treasure for years to come.  Photographs will never go out of style and in fact, will become more valuable with each coming year.

Not only are the images cherished for years but the memories these images bring about will also be cherished. From recalling the good times had with loved ones to the laughs you had with your photographer during your photo session each image will bring about a memory that will always put a smile on their face.

• You don’t have to wrap it!

Not everyone can wrap a gift like a pro and having to find the perfect paper can be a hassle. When you give the gift of a photography session you don’t have to worry about finding the tape or scissors. Most photographers will have gift cards available that are ready to go in a nice envelopes.

Photography is personal and special and with the help of a professional photographer, you can give a gift that will last for years to come.

 

Email me to get your gift card today! info@ashleyflugphotography.com

My birthday is coming up on Oct. 12th so why not have a birthday bash giveaway + discount right!?! There will be 3 winners. Winners will be drawn on Oct. 14th at 8pm. Prizes and details on how to enter below. Good luck everyone!

How to enter –
1. Share the Facebook post or Instagram post and use #ashleysbirthdaybashgiveaway so I can keep track of the entries.
2. Tag 3 friends in the comments.
3. Follow @ashleyflugphotography on Instagram (www.instagram.com/ashleyflugphotography)
4. Comment on either the FB or IG and tell me what was the best birthday present you have ever received.

That is it! Drawing will be held on Oct. 14th

Also, now through Oct. 14th you can receive 15% off any portrait package. To book your session contact me through the contact tab in the menu above. Don’t forget to mention this blog post to receive the discount.

All too often, men will do something just to make their wives happy and photo sessions can fall into this category.

Most men don’t really enjoy having their photos taken, which is why you need to focus on what they do enjoy if you want to convince your spouse that investing a family photo shoot is a good idea.
Jot down a few things that your spouse really loves to do in his spare time or things he enjoys doing with you and your children. Playing a game of baseball, visiting an amusement park or tossing a Frisbee around in the back yard are just a few examples of things your husband would rather be doing than posing in an outfit that you chose for him and staring at a camera for an hour or two.

So how do you bring up the topic of a family photo shoot without getting a giant sigh in return?
The key is to think more about playing and having fun and less about posing.
By setting up a more activity-based family photo shoot, you’ll have a better chance of convincing your spouse that it’s a great idea. Plus, at the end of your photo session, you’ll have everyone smiling and saying how fun the morning or afternoon was.
If posed shots are important to you, spend time taking a few with your kids and then give them a turn to play around and have fun with dad. These sincere moments make for some of the best photos and they’re incredibly fun for photographers to capture too.

Ensure that whatever activity you choose it makes everyone feel at ease, even if this means having a playful picnic in the garden. Remember that there’s no formula for the perfect portrait and trying to achieve this perfection usually just stresses everyone out. It’s best to plan something that everyone in your family will feel comfortable with.
Focus on the fun and your photographer will take care of the rest.

No matter what the occasion or type of shoot, if you are hiring a photographer you should sign a photography contract. The contract will help you and your photographer better establish what is expected and can keep both parties out of any legal disputes. While the contract can seem intimidating there are some key items you will want to pay particular attention to.

Photographer Contracts Must Haves.

The basics.

You want to make sure the general information is included in the photography contract. Name, address, and contact number should be in the contract for both you and the photographer. If you are shooting at a location this should also be stated in the contract along with the date the shoot is taking place. If you are expecting there to be a second photographer their name should be listed as well.

The total price should also be included, as well as any tax you might be expected to pay. There should be a clear breakdown of what is included in the price such as hours of the shoot, prints, additional hour fees, and extras. It should state any deposits you have made, method of payment and the date you need to pay in full.

The rights.

Who will own the copyright of you images is something many people overlook. You want to read carefully how you and the photographer can use the images after the shoot. Will you be restricted from posting them to your social media accounts? Do you have the right to make prints? Will your photographer be using them for promotional items or on their website? You want to carefully discuss this with your photographer to avoid and legal issue in the future.

The clauses.

The photography contract will have a section that protects the photographer against any unforeseen circumstances that make it impossible for them to be present or complete the shoot. Equipment failure, medical emergencies, and other unavoidable situations can prevent the photographer from completing the job they were hired to do. It will typically state whether there is a backup photographer on call, refunds that will be given and other liability issues you will want to be aware of.

Refunds.

You want to know what the cancellation policies are for both you and the photographer. How long before the shoot do you have to inform the photographer you are canceling to be able to get your money back. While most photographers rarely give a full refund you can expect to get something back if you cancel within an appropriate time frame. This also goes for if your photographer has to cancel. Be sure to know what their refund policy is.

Timeline/Shot list.

You want to make sure that you and the photographer are on the same page so having an outline of what you both expect from each other is a good idea to include in the contract. You want to make sure the time you photographer is expected to show up on the day of the shoot is clear and what time they are expected to stay to. If you are having a shoot that consists of different locations, like for a wedding, this should also be included. This allows you to avoid any miscommunication on the day of the shoot.

There are a lot of things to consider when booking your outdoor photo session. Whether it is for a family session or maternity session you want to ensure your images come out looking stunning.

Many people book their shoot thinking that the afternoon would be the best time to shoot since there is plenty of sunlight, but this is actually one of the worst times for an outdoor session.

The afternoon light from the sun is often harsh and strong which causes unflattering shadows. While diffusers and shade can help reduce these shadows it still isn’t ideal. So when should you schedule your outdoor photo session?

The Golden Hour.

Any professional photographer will agree that the best time to shoot outdoors is during what is know as the golden hour. This is typically the hour just after the sun has risen or the hour just before the sun sets. It is during this time that the lighting is ideal because the sun is typically at its lowest point in the sky. As a result, the light is soft and diffused which creates less contrast and shadows.

Additionally, during these hours there are fewer people out and about. This gives you the extra bonus of not having to worry about anyone walking in the background or distracting you during the shoot. The glow of the sun at this time will also help add dimension to the background and allow for more detail to come through the images.

How to determine the golden hour?

Since the sun rises and sets at different times every day you want to make sure you plan accordingly. From about March to July the sun will begin to rise earlier and set later and from August to December the sun will rise later and set earlier. Keep in mind that your location will impact the length of time you will have this ideal light to shoot with. As you move closer to the equator the “golden hour” will typically not be as long because the sun moves up in altitude more quickly so the light becomes harsher much faster.

While it may not seem ideal to have to wake early to get in your photo shoot the images you will come away with are well worth this small sacrifice. Most parents also agree that booking their family shoots earlier in the morning was met with less resistance from their children. Keep this in mind when you decide to book your next outdoor shoot.

We took a trip to Sedona to get our family photos done and I couldn’t help but grab some photos of our kiddos while we were there. Sedona is so beautiful and I just love it so much. I cannot wait to get up there again to do client sessions!

Alaire, Bella and Jr. are my life (literally, I never get a break haha) but I love their crazy chaos.

Alaire is 9 years old (almost 10 in November!!!) and in 4th grade. She thinks she is a teenager so every chance she gets she will be doing her makeup and nails and watching DIY’s on her tablet.

Bella is 5 years old and in Kindergarten. She is definitely our sassy one but that comes with the age right?! She loves having friends over for play dates and playing barbies with her big sister (when she will anyways).

Jr. is 3 years old and is at home with me all day long. He likes to play games on his tablet and beating up his big sisters, which I think is pay back from them torturing him as a baby lol.

These kiddos know how to keep me on my toes but I am thankful for them everyday. I love watching them grow and I love the bond they all have together. It is for sure a love hate relationship but they always have each others backs no matter what.

It’s completely normal to feel a little awkward when getting your senior portraits done. Many seniors tend to feel self-conscious about their appearance because they feel uncomfortable taking photos on their own.

Below are my top five tips for taking on your senior portraits with grace and confidence and leaving with photos that you will love for years to come.

1. Use your eyes. Use your eyes to express emotion. When you smile naturally your whole face lights up and your eyes look bright and awake. Before the photo session practice smiling in the mirror and use different expressions to see what looks best.

2. Relax. Great photos happen when the subject is relaxed and confident. Let the excitement of your photo session show through the lens as you take a moment and breathe, relax and just have fun. You may feel silly during this process but I will do everything I can to help you feel more comfortable.
3. Breathe. This may sound obvious but breathing is key to capturing a natural look. Take time to practice taking a deep breath while smiling in front of the mirror. Slowly release the air while holding the smile and notice how your face and eyes settle into a natural and relaxed expression. Allow your eyes to “smile” by focusing on the apples of your cheeks pressing upwards. When in doubt, just breathe.

4. Move. Staying stationary can sometimes produce a very staged and cheesy look. Just because you are sitting or standing still doesn’t mean you can’t change the angle of your body to create a look that is fresh and inspired. Try leaning into the camera slightly to appear more engaged, shift your weight from left to right, or simply move your chin slightly up and down for different shots as this gives us a variety of facial expressions to work with.
5. Beautify. This goes for everyone. Ladies, spend some extra time getting your hair blown out, get your makeup done and choose an outfit that makes you look and feel your best. As for the men, take a shower and shave. When you look your best, you feel your best and when you feel your best, you are naturally more confident. Go the extra mile to walk into your senior session feeling confident, attractive, prepared, and inspired.