Families & Little Ones

A Note of Thankfulness

~ Amber Green Photography

In order to be good at what you do, you have to know WHY you do it.

I began a humble little photography business 6 years ago for several reasons. My love (and need) for creativity and my desire to provide meaningful experiences and memories to families were definitely at the top of my list. BUT….

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Photo credit: MK Loeffler Photography

The #1 reason I do what I do is because of the flexibility and freedom it provides me in being with these babies and whatever little ones may be in our future.  My kids have little hands and little feet, but beautifully big personalities and wildly adventurous spirits that I know I am called to help grow and refine.

So you see, this business is never “just business.” I appreciate all of our clients, to the utmost. Their support is far more than a check in the bank or a pat on the back…it’s the means to something so much greater, and for that I am always thankful.

How to Photograph your Little Ones

~ Amber Green Photography

I’m often asked how I get such sweet photos of my little busy bees…

Of course it helps to have fancy camera equipment and experience with different settings, but there are also some really practical things you can do to catch the essence of the little ones in your life too.

884543_10151501625666052_288903331_o1. Some of the best photos are taken when your child is NOT looking at the camera and saying “cheese.” Set your child up with their favorite activity/toys or take them outside and let them explore. Then just sit back with your camera and let them be them! 

2. If you have a digital camera (especially a DSLR), don’t be afraid to snap LOTS of pictures in a row. That’s the beauty of digital photography! For example, when your child is running around through the fountains at the local splash park, snap a whole bunch of photos one after the other. Now, please don’t store every click of your camera on your computer or hard drive. It’ll take up tons of space, keeping your photos organized will become nightmarish, and you won’t think this is a good tip any longer. Simply go through your photos each time you import a batch to your computer, pick the best few, and delete the rest. It’ll feel painful at first, but remember to think QUALITY, not quantity!
1899269_10152608588411052_1765211036434923295_o (1)3. Look for natural light. Average indoor incandescent or fluorescent lighting can be really difficult to work with, especially when it’s all mixed together. Ever tried to take a picture in a school gym? Then, you know what I’m talking about. So if you really want to get some good shots of your little ones, either go outdoors or get them near a large window or sliding glass door in your home.

10382076_10153239900306052_5268975856163740880_o4. Get in close. Ever look at photo some time after taking it and wonder, “what was I even trying to capture here?” Of course getting in close won’t be best in every situation, but remember to switch up your perspective from time to time. Some of the sweetest memories are of little hands, toes, eyes, shoes, etc.

5. Get down to their level. When photographing kids, you lose so much of their expression and the essence of their little world when you shoot from 3 feet above them. Just bending down or sitting on the floor in front of them will make a phenomenal difference.

Let me know if this was helpful, and happy snapping 🙂

5 Reasons Why Winter Sessions are Magical

~ Amber Green Photography

Winter Family

1. Atmosphere

A family is a close-knit bunch, and winter photos emphasize that coziness! What better way to see the essence of a family than to have them huddled close and laughing. Festive scarves, furry coats, and fuzzy mittens all contribute to that warm-fuzzy feel in a wintery print.

Winter can also help make a photo shoot playful, dramatic, or simply magical.

KidsSnow-242. Pop of Color

Colors that would normally be lost in a fall or summer background suddenly present a unique vibrancy in the crispness of winter. Whether the woodsy outdoors is an array of grey and brown or is sprinkled in white, a red jacket and hat is sure to pop in every photograph…or maybe a burly blue button-down…or a happy pink pea coat. Against the freshness of winter, any color will do!

3. Create Stories

Build a snowman together! Throw snowballs at each other! Cozy up under a blanket! Bring a sled along as a prop! There are lots of ways to connect, create, and capture a story in the wintertime.

4. Hold on to MemoriesRichSam14 (1)

Did he propose under a snowy evergreen or while ice-skating under the stars? Do you want to remember the moment when you cut down your first Christmas tree together? Photographs captured during this special time of year can help you hold on to those memories for a lifetime.

5. Gorgeous Christmas Cards

Seriously. Christmas cards are at Christmastime, which is in the winter, which means winter photos would match to a T. Like a nice cup of Christmas T.

Plus, Christmas cards are traditionally full of fall foliage. Want to try something new? Book a winter session.

Contact Amber Green at amber@ambergreenphotography.com to be added to our  winter session list!

(Family session pricing can be found here on our website.)