Ragamuffins Pop up Studio

Whilst I still have a few more edits to get through I just thought a share a few favourites from yesterdays pop up studio at Ragamuffins play cafe! Such a lovely friendly soft play to visit I even managed to persuade a couple of the mum's to pose too! 

The thing I like the most about photographing children is the smile you as a photographer always walk away with :) Children's sense of fun and the kindness you see them showing all the time just lifts you.

one more...

Couldn't help adding one more pic with a fathers day poem photos (as you can guess I didn't take this photo, as it me!!!)
www.brightapplewords.co.uk 

Fathers Day

So a quiet weekend from me on the old photo front as I was celebrating my son's 3rd birthday! So I thought I share my other website with you today as some inspiration for fathers day next month

www.brightapplewords.co.uk 

Send me in you own photo and I can add a special poem or verse for you which makes a really special gift for any father, write your own words or send me in your favourites or even ask me to write a custom verse for you. Here are some I have written in the past


The gentle voice that whispers goodnight
The strong arms that hold me tight
The laughter that lights up my day
The wisdom that helps guide my way
The best Dad there could ever be
I'm so happy that you belong to me

 or

Play with me daddy, the sun is shining bright
Play with me daddy, before the day becomes the night
Read to me daddy, tell me tales of new and old
Read to me daddy, of monsters and knights so bold
Dance with me daddy, lets spin across the room
Dance with me daddy, this one's my favourite tune
Laugh with me daddy, until our tummies feel sore
Laugh with me daddy, and then let's laugh some more
Just be with me daddy, it's your smile I long to see
Just be with me daddy, you’re the best dad there could ever be

or from a grown up daughter

Hold my hand and walk with me,
Point and show me what you see.
Tell me stories of dragon and castles and heroes of old,
Let’s pretend I’m a princess and you’re a knight brave and bold.
Sit down and help me to do this sum,
Come on Dad, you’re better at maths than mum.
Don't you tell me what to wear
I'm a big girl now, I don't care!

Tell everyone tales about my past,
About a childhood that flew by so fast.
A loving child, a wilful teen
and now the best mother you have ever seen.
Thank you Dad for teaching me
About life and love and then setting me free.
And although a little girl to you I’ll always be
Dad, you will always be a hero to me.


You can always also choose a great gift from one of our typography frames, as always fully customisable to the special Dad in you life.

So please go take a look at the www.brightapplewords.co.uk or contact me directly for a totally bespoke design!

Preparing for a family photoshoot

I have been super busy the last few days editing nursery photographs. Sadly I can't share them with you all so I thought I'd share some tips on preparing for your family photoshoot instead:

 Hugo, Kerry and Finlay enjoying the spring sunshine!

Bright Apple Photography strives to capture the nature and personality of your child. 
Select outfits that really express your child or compliment their features. Avoid over bearing stripes, spots, patterned fabrics and logo’s.. Don’t be tempted to put everyone in the same colour tops and kakhi bottoms. With a little planning, you can have your family looking natural and still colour coordinated. Matchy Matchy is totally unattractive. Black tops and jeans, white button ups and jeans. Don’t do it. It’s so 1992! :)
What does work is complimentary colors and picking colors that are flattering to your skin tone. Also, if you’re going to be creating a gallery wall, consider the colors of your home. Dress for the season as well. 
Please also consider the following:

Hair/makeup
Wear flattering clothing and avoid overly low necklines
Mini skirts that are difficult to sit on the ground in.
Never underestimate the power of wearing black! It’s great for hiding those ‘bad bits’ and really is very slimming
Most of us have ‘good’ parts and ‘bad’ parts about our bodies so choose clothing that enhances the good and flatters the not so good.

Should makeup be different or heavier is a question I get frequently. Let’s just say I do not have my professional portraits taken without making the investment in hair and make up. I am expotentionally happier with my images when I feel better about my appearance, hair and make up included. Makeup for photographs should be slightly heavier than normal. Too much makeup tends to give you that painted look, too little might not show off your features. A loose translucent powder is helpful to eliminate shine especially for oily skin. 

Hats can also be very effective; as well as other accessories such as scarves or funky belts. 
If children are being photographed together, clothes that are similar in style give a more coordinated look. Bare feet are especially fun, and kids love it too. If shoes are preferred, please make sure they are in good shape, and not scuffed. Consider dressing in the colour white sparingly, for this colour often reflects light strongly.

Please also bring along tissues and baby wipes.
Please ensure hair is neatly groomed, set, or styled according to the desired result you have in mind.
Please ensure your child’s face is clean and free from food, sleep (in eyes) etc! You would be surprised how often they feature in photographs!
If your child still dribbles avoid dressing them in patterned fabrics and keep a bib on them up until we are ready to shoot.
We also recommend you reassure your child about the photo session and let them know that it is about having loads of fun and laughter and not to fear the camera or the photographer

During the photo session it is common that your child may be shy at first. I ask that you do not ask/force your child to perform for the camera. I will make sure that they warm to me in their own time and once they relax I will be there to capture their beautiful little personalities and those special moments.

Mums and dads need to be intimately involved with the picture taking process.  Expect to be the nose wiper, funny noise maker, and wardrobe fixer.  The photographer and the pictures will really benefit with Mum’s help.  So gear yourself up for some hard work. Sometimes Mum is the only one to get the kids to smile but sometimes Mum may need to step away and let the photographer work her magic.  Be prepared to be flexible and have fun! 

For outside shoots please avoid wearing trainers they are a real picture 'killer'!

Noah

Can't believe I nearly forgot to blog these photos! I've been friends with the gorgeous Noah's mummy for 22 years now and was super excited to meet him and take these photos!

Something a little different for todays blog my first attempts at using a macro lens!

So I thought I show you how quick 5 min edit in photoshop can make all the difference to your images!
Want to learn more - please take a look at my website for details on photoshop tuition and child photography classes! http://www.brightapplephotography.co.uk/about.html