The 5 Best Places for Photos in Grand Ledge, Michigan
I often travel to the gorgeous Grand Ledge, Michigan area for photos. Not just for Grand Ledge residents, but others know the beauty of this community as well! There are so many options in this area and it has so much to offer! Grand Ledge is only a short drive for families from Lansing, Portland, and Westphalia making it the perfect spot to get your photos taken. Here are a few of my favorite places in Grand Ledge to get your portraits taken.
Madalynne - 2023 Graduate at Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge, Michigan
Fitzgerald Park
Fitzgerald Park is such a popular location in Grand Ledge for its vast spaces and access to The Ledges. This busy park is large enough to support all kinds of activities and it is widely used throughout the year. There are many spaces to find to get your photos taken including trees, the Ledges, the river and more! Fitzgerald Park is large enough for you to get some distance from the hustle and bustle of other people so that you can enjoy your photo session. A good portion of this park is accessible, however if you plan to visit the ledges, bring your sneakers! This is a little bit of a climb down a lot of stairs! (Please note there is a cost to enter the park)
2. The Opera House
The Grand Ledge Opera House is situated right in the heart of Downtown Grand Ledge, Michigan. This property is well taken care of with gardens and well maintained areas that are perfect for anyones photos. The property lies right next to the river so you can get photos looking over the water as well. During wedding season, the Opera House and its property are often in use and cannot be accessed, so if you are planning an Opera House photo session, try to shy away from the prime wedding times.
3. Island Park
Island Park is situated in Downtown Grand Ledge, Michigan. This location boasts a walking bridge to enter and a trail that leads you throughout the park. There are trees, but more importantly, there is access to a lot of areas surrounded by water making this the perfect location if you are looking for a backdrop with a river. This well kept park is accessible by many and widely used by residents for walking, fishing, exercising and even the occasional festival.
4. Lincoln Brick Park
Lincoln Brick Park is located just outside of Grand Ledge, Michigan but is definitely worth the short drive. This location is definitely more low key than the rest making it the perfect area to get away. For photographs, there are tall grasses, woods with countless trees, old brick buildings and a manmade pond. Please note that all areas of this park are not accessible and there is an entrance fee.
5. Downtown Grand Ledge
Downtown Grand Ledge is a great spot for photos. There are so many colors and textures that you can take advantage of in this area. It is so well kept - and don’t forget to walk around the back of the main street buildings, you are sure to find some wonderful photo opportunities there as well!
If you are visiting Grand Ledge from out of town, I often get asked where to eat! I love a good meal and consider myself an expert in eating food! haha! There are many places to stop to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the Grand Ledge Community. Here are a few of my personal favorites!
-Cuginos is my all time favorite Italian meal! Their deep dish pizza and cheesy breadsticks are to die for!
-If you are feeling like Mexican, Cancun is the place to go. A colorful atmosphere and great Mexican cuisine!
-If you are feeling like breakfast, check out Sophias, there is no place better!
There are many other options that are filled with the kindest Grand Ledge folks and the best business owners, you truly cannot go wrong with any of them!
*This is not an inclusive list of Grand Ledge, Michigan photo locations. I recommend speaking with your photographer directly to help determine which option might be the best for your next photo session!
The 5 Best Places for Photos in Lansing, Michigan
I often travel to Lansing, Michigan for photos. Lansing is such a large area that it is so hard to choose just 5 favorites, there are so many options! Lansing is only a short drive for people that are from Portland, Grand Ledge and Westphalia making it the perfect spot to get your photos taken.
Zach - 2023 graduate in Old Town Lansing, Michigan
Old Town, Lansing
Lansing, Michigans Old Town is the perfect spot for urban photos. This part of Lansing is very artsy and one of my all time favorite locations. There is graffiti walls, river views, gorgeous storefronts and a park that all create a perfect backdrop for photos in a small area. There are endless opportunities in this part of Lansing making it the perfect choice for photos!
2. REO Town
REO Town in Lansing is the perfect area for more urban photos. Here you will find some graffiti walls, beautiful storefronts and it is usually a lesser utilized area for photos meaning you have a lot more space to be creative. REO town is definitely an up and coming place in the Lansing area!
3. MSU Campus
MSU, while technically considered East Lansing, could not be left off this list. The horticulture gardens are a very popular location for many photographers. These gardens offer an abundance of flowers throughout the warmer months. The well taken care of landscaping and the overall care that is put into these gardens definitely makes this location more than worth the drive. In addition to the gardens, exploring MSU’s campus is a perfect photo opportunity as well with their unique old buildings that are a perfect backdrop.
4. Francis Park
What can be considered a “hidden gem” to some is Francis Park in Lansing. This park is filled with plenty of trees and many flowers, specifically roses. There is an area that overlooks the Grand River and is perfect for any photos. Many weddings take place in this park on the weekends, but it is certainly large enough to spread out and give everyone the space that they need to create beautiful images!
5. The State Capitol/Downtown
Downtown Lansing and around the State Capitol building have some very nice urban areas. The buildings are tall and provide a lot of texture for your urban photos. The downtown area does have a little more hustle and bustle than other locations, but it certainly has many photo opportunities making it worth it. A good note is to make sure to bring change for the parking meters!
If you are visiting Lansing from out of town, I often get asked where to eat! Lansing is not thin on the options, there are so many great places! Here are a few of my personal favorites in Lansing!
-You can get home cooked, comfort food served by some of the best at Fidlers on the Grand. Expect a nap after!
-If you are feeling up for a BBQ, then Saddleback BBQ or Meat BBQ got you covered!
There are endless other options in Lansing too!
*This is not an inclusive list of Lansing, Michigan photo locations. I recommend speaking with your photographer directly to help determine which option might be the best for your next photo session!
The 5 Best Places for Photos Near Ionia, Michigan
I often travel to Ionia, Michigan area for photos. Not just for Ionia residents, but others know the beauty of this community as well! There are so many options in this area and it has so much to offer! Ionia is only a short drive for families from Portland, Lyons and Westphalia making it the perfect spot to get your photos taken.
Payton - 2023 graduate at Bertha Brock Park in Ionia, Michigan
Downtown Ionia
If you are looking for a more urban appeal for your photos, Downtown Ionia is worth the visit. Beautiful storefronts, alleys, a lot of textures and their famous brick road are all perfect backdrops for photos. There are so many little areas in a downtown area that are perfect for photos, and Downtown Ionia is no different!
2. Bertha Brock Park
Bertha Brock Park is the perfect place to get photos taken if you are looking to be surrounded by nature. From wooded areas to streams and bridges, Bertha Brock Park truly has something for everyone. The dense woods are so much fun to walk through to discover new places. If you are scheduling during summer, make sure to bring the mosquito spray, Bertha Brock definitely is home to many of them!
3. Sessions Lake
Sessions Lake is a great spot to get your photos taken if you are looking for a beach photo. This is the closest beach to our area and it is so well taken care of. On warm days, this beach is well used so you do have to time your session right if you want the space. Sessions lake is surrounded by dense woods that also make a great photo backdrop. Please note that there is an entrance fee to the park.
4. Ionia Fairgrounds
The Ionia Fairgrounds is a great spot to get your photos taken. This property sits right next to the river giving you the perfect opportunity to get some water photos. Further back on the property are tall grasses and trees. There is a bridge that crosses the river which is also a very nice looking photo opportunity. If you are scheduling during the right week, you can also schedule your session during the free fair so that you can get fair scenery in your photos! (Elephant Ear anyone?)
5. Green View Point Park in Lyons
Green View Point Park in Lyons is close enough to Ionia for photos and definitely worth the drive. It has a large wooded area and beautiful views of the river that are unlike any other in the area. There is a manmade wooden bridge as well that is the perfect photo backdrop. At this location, you are definitely going to want to wear tennis - shoes, there is a staircase that leads down quite a ways to the bridge but a hill you have to go down to reach the river making good shoes worth the time.
If you are visiting Ionia from out of town, I often get asked where to eat! There are many places to stop to grab a bite to eat. Here are a few of my personal favorites!
-Oliveras is the best italian food you will find!
-At Lamplight Grill, you will find something for everyone
There are many other options that are filled with all sorts of wonderful food to enjoy!
*This is not an inclusive list of Ionia, Michigan photo locations. I recommend speaking with your photographer directly to help determine which option might be the best for your next photo session!
How to Find the Right Photographer for You!
If you’re looking for a photographer to hire for your pictures and not sure what else to ask for other than their prices, let us help you! A lot can go into choosing the right photographer so here are some tips to make sure you choose the right one!
HERE’S A FEW THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN YOU’RE LOOKING AT A PHOTOGRAPHERS WEBSITE:
1. HIGH QUALITY IMAGES: Professional photographers invest in high quality equipment to make sure that they can produce high quality images that can stand the test of time. A phone or even some entry level cameras just won’t cut it.
2. THE EDIT: Consider how the images have been edited. Notice the skin tone and how about the lighting? Is the subject in the images bright and colorful? These aspects are important because what you see on their website will be how your own images turn out.
3. THE EXPERIENCE: Photographers offer a wide range of experiences so considering what is included in your session is important. Every photographer offers something different, so finding out what kind of experience each offers can help you decide who is best for what you need.
WHEN YOU’VE NARROWED YOUR OPTIONS DOWN TO A FEW PHOTOGRAPHERS, IT’S TIME TO ASK SOME QUESTIONS! HERE ARE THREE THINGS TO ASK YOUR POTENTIAL PHOTOGRAPHER:
1. Ask to see a FULL session. Any photographer can post a few great highlights, but it’s important that the photographer you hire can produce a full session of amazing images that have great lighting, focus, and color throughout.
2. Ask about their timeline. You will need to know what months they are currently booking for, what the time period is between the session and the gallery delivery, and how long it takes for products to come in.
3. Ask to see their reviews. This is important when considering hiring a photographer. When you’re online and you found something that you want to buy, you usually head to the reviews to make sure what you are getting is a good product. This is the same when hiring someone for portrait services.
Now LET’S DISCUSS SOME WARNING SIGNS THAT SHOULD CAUTION YOU WHEN IT COMES TO FINDING THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOU.
1. NO CONTRACT: If your photographer doesn’t have a contract this means that you are not protected if they do not show up to your session date or don’t give you your pictures after you’ve paid for them.
2. They won’t show you a FULL SESSION: It’s pretty easy to produce a few really nice photos from a full session. But what if the rest of the session doesn’t look the same?
3. No REVIEWS: the photographer you hire for your senior session should have several testimonials on their site or on their google business profile. If they don’t have any published, then ask them for references so you can be sure.
Want to learn a little more about me? Click here for an introduction!
Or just enjoy this image of me testing out a new backdrop in my studio space :)
If you are interested in the kind of images and experience we offer, click here to contact us!
5 Ways to Get the Most Variety Out of Your Outfits During Your Photo Session
Is your photo session coming up and you need to know how to get the most out of your wardrobe? Look no further!
Keep in mind when putting your outfits together a great goal to keep in mind is to build in as much variety as you can. The more variety you have, the more options you will have during your senior session.
HERE’S 5 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO GET THE ULTIMATE VARIETY OUT OF YOUR SENIOR SESSION OUTFITS!
1. Play with color: If you have a favorite color, try not to wear it for all of your session outfits. Wearing the same color for your entire session can make it look repetitive. Make sure your options include several different colors, hues and tones to provide as much variety as possible.
2. Change up your look: Think about each outfit you bring as a categorized collection. For your first outfit, consider a formal or sophisticated look. Then bring a casual outfit. After that, maybe choose something a bit more urban or retro or bohemian. If you think of your outfits like this, you’ll have a variation in your session looks.
3. Accesorize: One of the best (and easy) ways to change up the look of your outfits is to change the accessories that you are wearing. Try a hat and don’t forget that sunglasses, jackets, and scarves can be added to any outfit for a fun look!
4. Change up your seasonal clothing: A great way to get variety in your session is to cross over seasonal trends! Don’t be scared to wear a scarf and hat for a fall outfit, but then throw on a floral mini for a more springtime look! This will make your images look like they were taken in different seasons!
5. Change your hair: Between your session clothing changes, consider your hair style. Maybe add a braid or a high pony or a messy bun for a few photos!
Here is how 2022 graduate, Hannah, changed her look several times with some small changes to her outfit, hair and accessories.
Do you have your outfits chosen already or are you ready to get started? Click here to contact me to schedule your session!
3 Ways to Make Your Michigan Senior Pictures Unique
A big part in making your photo session unique is by bringing things that are important to you into your photo session! If you’re not sure how to make your senior picture unique or what to bring, here are 3 ways to take your senior pictures to the next level!
1. PROPS
I love it when you bring props! Are you in band? Bring your instruments. How about bringing your car, sport uniform & gear, or your skateboard? Your senior photos are the perfect opportunity to showcase your hobbies so bringing them to your session can help make it more unique!
2. PETS
There is no time like the present to include your furry friend in your pictures. I love when we can include your pet in your pictures because this makes them so much more meaningful. Whether you have a cat, dog, bird, bunny or hamster I encourage you to bring them. I know how special pets are to our seniors and don’t want you to miss out on the opportunity to grab a picture of you and your friend!
3. PERSONALITY
This is something everyone can bring! I want you to look like you’re comfortable and having a great time in your senior photos. The goal is to showcase your personality, whether this is a more serious look or all smiles!
2020 graduate, Paton, brought his pet to his senior photos
Are you ready to start planning your senior photo session? I am! Reach out to us today and let us know what you would love to bring to your senior picture session!
What Season Is the Best to Take Your Senior Pictures? | Portland, Michigan Senior Photography
Are you done with junior year and headed into your senior year? That means it is time to start thinking about when you would like to have your senior photos taken! To start, it is easiest to think about what month or season you want to take your photos in ahead of time so you can start planning and schedule your appointment! Narrowing this down will definitely give you a head start!
Let’s take a look at what each season looks like to help you make your decision!
SPRING (March-May)
Spring is a great season! You can choose to do spring photos before your senior year (while you’re a Junior) or you can wait until spring of your senior year and get them done right before graduation! If you want a spring session make sure to double check when your yearbook photos are due to your school advisor. This may determine which year you schedule your photos.
Pros:
You can get your photos done early! When you do your photos in the spring of your junior year, you won’t have to think about them during your very busy senior year!
Everything starts to come alive in spring! Fresh flowers and greens are all starting to pop!
It’s not too hot or too cold in the spring so you can be comfortable wearing a variety of outfits.
You will have time for a second session! Getting a variety of senior pictures throughout your senior year is the best way to celebrate! Doing some in the spring is definitely a great choice for those who are considering multiple portrait sessions!
Cons:
There can be rainy, unpredictable weather in the spring.
Sometimes it can still be a little chilly outside, especially during early spring.
Gussie, 2023 graduate, chose summer for her senior portraits
SUMMER (June-August)
Summer is a very popular season for photos! The air is warm, tall wildflowers are at their peak, and the longer days give us more time to plan!
Pros:
It’s warm! If you know you want to wear a dress, a tank top, or summer clothes for your photos, then summer should be your top choice!
If you have access to them, wildflowers and Sunflowers are at their best in the summer! If you want to be surrounded by these for your photos this is definitely their time to shine!
You may have more flexible scheduling. A lot of sports and school activities take a break during the summer, so you’ll have a more flexible schedule!
A summer tan - need I say more?
You’ll easily meet your yearbook deadline! The deadline varies by school so by doing your pictures in the summer, you won’t have to worry about missing the deadline!
Cons:
It can get really hot. If your face gets red easily in the heat or if you hate being really warm, think about a different season instead.
Mosquitos. Summer is always filled with bugs. I always bring bug spray to combat mosquitos, but they still seem to find a way in.
People. More crowds are out this time of year enjoying their summer. If you are headed to a busy place, keep in mind that there may be a lot of people to work around.
FALL (September-November)
Fall is a super popular season, for obvious reasons! This is my most requested season and typically starts to fill up 6 months in advance!
Pros:
Fall in Michigan is perfect for senior pictures. The red and orange leaves always make for beautiful photos.
Goldenrod is a gorgeous yellow plant and I am always on the lookout for it!
Cooler temperatures. If summer is too hot for you, fall is a great alternative!
A gorgeous golden hour. Some of the best golden hours happen during the Fall in Michigan!
Cons:
Fall colors are unpredictable. The color peak changes every year, so it can be hard to predict when exactly it’ll be the most colorful. A windy day can also knock a lot of leaves down.
The further you get into fall, the earlier the sun sets. When Daylight saving time gets here, sessions have to start much earlier, which means missing school or sports.
I have less flexibility. My fall dates fill up EXTREMELY fast, so you have to plan ahead and book early if you want a fall date!
Aaron, 2023 graduate, chose fall for his senior session
Winter (December-February)
Winter pictures are so unique because not many people do them. It may be cold but the photos can be beautiful!
Pros:
Snow-filled pictures are so pretty when it is a nice fresh snow.
No crowds, you get space all to yourself!
Not many people get their photos done in the winter so yours will be unique!
I have a more flexible schedule in the winter. If your date arrives and there’s no snow on the ground, I’m okay moving it until we get a good snow!
Cons:
The cold! Winter can definitely be uncomfortable at times.
Sessions in the winter have to start much earlier since it gets dark so early.
Unless you have planned ahead, you may be missing the yearbook deadline because most senior photos for the yearbook are due in the fall.
As you can see, each season has a lot of pros and cons, you just have to choose which one suits you the best! If you make sure you are going to get your photo to the yearbook in time by the deadline, you can make most any season work!
Are you ready to schedule your session? Reach out here!
5 Accessories to Bring to Your Senior Session
A great way to add personality to your senior pictures is to bring along your own accessories! Certain acessories have the ability to elevate an outfit, make your senior photos your own, and really add an element of fun!
HERE are 5 ACCESSORIES TO BRING TO YOUR SENIOR SESSION:
01. Sunglasses: these can always add a fun component to any session outfit you bring! We can take a few shots with them on your face, then the rest with them on your head. Or remove them all together for a few photos too!
02. Hats: for a spring session, opt for a baseball hat, boaters hat, or even a bucket hat.. When the weather turns cool for your senior session, go with a wide brimmed hat, beanie, or beret.
03. Jewelry: whether it be earrings, bracelets, necklaces, or rings, you can never go wrong! This will make your styling more personal. And don’t forget your Class Ring!
04. Props: This will make your senior session even more unique! Pack your graduation cap and gown, any sports gear, as well as props that reflect your hobbies. These things will help set your senior photos apart from everyone else’s since they will be specific to you.
05. College Gear: know where you’re going after you graduate? Bring your college sweatshirts, acceptance banners, hats, and flags to share your college pride!
If you need more inspiration, look no further than past Reflections Photography Seniors!
Ready to book your senior session? Connect with us here!
5 Outfit Tips for Senior Guy Sessions
One of the most important parts of your senior portraits preparation is selecting your outfits! Senior boys usually feel lost and a bit less enthused when it comes to putting their session outfits together, so we have put together a few outfit tips for senior guys to help you out!
HERE’S 5 TIPS FOR choosing OUTFITS FOR HIS SENIOR PICTURES:
1. Don’t shy away from color
Make sure all of your outfits contain different colors. Having the same colors throughout your senior session will make it look repetitive, this is a great time to switch it up.
Troy, Class of 2023
2. Layers are always in style
If you are bringing an outfit that you can throw a jacket or sweater over, that will be an easy way to create more variety in your photo session looks.
3. Stay away from graphics, logos, and busy prints.
Your favorite t-shirt may have a funny graphic or words on it, but your senior portrait session might not be the time to wear it. Solid colors and graphic-less pieces can make you look more refined and classic.
Landon, class of 2023
4. Try to bring a variety of outfits.
Don’t wear the same shirt in two different colors, and try not to keep the same pants throughout all of your pictures. Think about your outfits in “styles” like formal (suit and tie), and casual, etc.
5. Make sure everything fits.
Guys have a habit of wearing clothes that are too big for them. That can translate to looking like a kid wearing his Dad’s clothes. Make sure that clothing is fitted properly to ensure that you don’t look sloppy or heavier than you actually are.
Let’s get your senior session date booked today so you can start preparing sooner than later! Complete our contact form here and we will get right to work!
4 Ways to Prep for a Smooth Portrait Session Day
I get a lot of inquiries about the preparation for picture day. The preparation and days leading up to a photo session can get your wheels turning about ‘what if’ type situations. Here are some tips to prep for your session and not worry about things in the days leading up to session day.
4 WAYS TO PREP FOR A SMOOTH portrait SESSION DAY:
1. Put each full outfit on a hanger. This helps you see your clothes put together as a whole instead of separate pieces and will help you see if you’re missing anything on each outfit. Don’t forget to include shoes as well!
2. Pair accessories with each outfit. Include a baggie of accessories for each outfit so you know what jewelry goes with each outfit.
3. Prep your props. Are you bringing anything special to incorporate into your portrait session? Make sure you have them packed and completely ready to go so you don’t forget them when you walk out of your home for your session.
4. Watch the weather BUT take it with a grain of salt. Michigan weather has a tendency to change a lot and at the last minute. Rest assured, I will be in touch with you if a cancellation is best.
Trust me! I am checking the weather too!
Ready to book today? Connect with us here!
The 5-Step Photography Process for Your Michigan Photography Session
Are you wondering what the timeline of a typical photo session with Reflections Photography looks like? Look no further, here are 5 simple steps!
1: Book your session & get on our calendar! We book 2-3 months in advance. Once your session is booked, you will get a confirmation email which includes a guide on what to wear, frequently asked questions and more! (note: after you schedule your session, we will reach out personally to make sure we have all of your details in order in preparation for your session)
2: Start prepping! This is the time to select your outfits and figure out all the details you want to get from your portrait session.
3: The week of your session, you'll get a confirmation email from us reminding you of your session.
4: We will meet at your session location and begin the photo session process.
5: About 2-3 weeks after your portrait session, you'll receive an email with the link to your session gallery along with other details to remember regarding the ordering process.
Behind the Scenes at Drew’s Senior Session!
There you have it! We are here to help the entire way through! Ready to book your session and get the first step checked off your list? Click here to get the conversation started!
10 Things Your Family Photographer Wishes You Knew
As a photographer, there are definitely some things we wish we could tell you in the middle of a shoot - so here’s a little peek inside your photographer’s brain.
Communication is Key
I love being collaborative! There’s nothing better than creating a great flow that gets everyone excited and I want to make sure you are getting exactly what you want out of your portrait session. Please share your ideas! And don’t be shy - if you notice something in the background that doesn’t fit the feel you are going for, ask if you can move it. If you’re hoping for a specific pose or type of image, speak up and let me know. Even before the session, reach out and let me know if there are any tips and tricks to get your child to smile or jokes that will make your husband laugh or some insecurities you may have. I want to make you look and feel your best so communicate that information as much as you can!
Be Prepared to Print Your Photos Right Away
I promise if you don’t print your photos asap, they will hide in a folder on your desktop longer than you’d like to think! As a busy parent, I know that life tends to move super fast. Let me help you print your photos right away, so you can see your beautiful smiling faces on your walls every day!
Don’t Rush Around Too Much On Photo Shoot Day
Weekends (and life in general) can get hectic. But please remember to leave some room in your schedule to relax before our session. Moms, dads, and kids can ALL get grumpy when the day has been too busy, and you don’t want that to show in your photos. Make sure you treat yourself to some quality down time before we meet up. Leave enough time in your schedule that you can leisurely drive to our meetup spot AND still be early. Have a snack, drink some water, maybe even grab a quick nap before your appointment.
Choose a Photographer Whose Style You Love
Pay attention to the photos your photographer shares on their website and social media. Photographers are artists, and most of us specialize in a specific style. Don’t assume that anyone with a camera can produce the images that you have your heart set on. Make sure you are working with a photographer that can give you exactly what you are expecting!
Bring Extra Clothes and Warm Layers
Kids have accidents and spill things. And Murphy’s Law says that they’re going to do this in your car on the way to your photo shoot. Always bring extra clothes.
Also, as the weather starts to get chillier bring layers! You can always take off clothing if you get too warm, but when people get cold in your photos, it will most definitely show. Another option is to bring a warm blanket for your family to snuggle in.
Do Your Hair
Consider getting a professional blow-out before your session or at the very least make sure your hair is dry, styled, and soft to the touch. You don’t want to look uptight in every photo because you’re too worried about the wind blowing the wrong direction or that your kids hugged you too tightly and messed up your perfect ‘do. As for fresh cuts, always try to schedule hair cuts a few weeks before family photos to make sure you have time to grow out or hide any accidental weirdness.
You DON’T Need to Lose Weight First
You DON’T need to lose weight before your next photo shoot. Instead this is the time to be grateful that your kids will have memories of you in the photos as they were growing up! A great photographer will be able to pose you in such a way that the first thing you’ll see in your photos is your own amazing smile. Sure, you might notice the extra weight a few seconds later; we all have our little insecurities. But a really great photographer should make your insecurities feel secondary to the joy you feel when you see your photos.
Don’t Be Afraid To Get Silly
The one person you never have to be shy in-front of is your photographer. We get really excited when we get to share silly and goofiness with a client. Let it all go! While you’re with your loved ones, don’t be afraid to hug them, kiss them, spin around, give piggy-backs, or even do a little dancing!
Bring Props
Does your daughter love a certain blanket, your son a certain toy? Bring them! This will help customize your session to your unique family as well as help your children feel more secure and comfortable in front of the camera!
Ignore the Camera
All of your photos do not have to be sitting and smiling. In order to get a good variety, this is the time to ignore the camera! Yes, it is difficult, but so important! Play with your children, have a tickle fight, play ring around the rosie. Keep busy and soon it will feel like I am not even there!
Ready to schedule a family photo session? Contact me here!
8 Tips for Including Your Pet in Your Family Photos
We love our furbabies so much! That is why it is no surprise that families love to include them in their family photos. If you want to include your furbaby in your photos, I say go for it! Not sure how it will go?
Here are 8 tips for getting ADORABLE family photos with your pet.
1. CONFIRM YOUR LOCATION ALLOWS pets
Most public areas are pet friendly but some locations do not allow them, so please check that the location we are shooting at is pet friendly. You may even consider doing a session at your home to make sure that your pet feels comfortable.
2. PACK THE ESSENTIALS
Don’t leave home without a leash, treats, a couple toys (something with a squeaky is always great) and poop bags. If it is going to be a hot day, bring your pet (and yourselves) some water too.
3. WEAR THEM OUT
If your pet is full of energy, it is a good idea to arrive early to the location so you can walk them around a little. This way, they can get used to the area we will be shooting in, maybe do their business before we start, and be a little worn out so that they will want to curl up next to you.
4. ENLIST HELP
I tend to photograph your pet for about 15 minutes at the beginning of your session, so I recommend that a friend / family member tag along. Once we are done with your pet, they can hang out (or leave) with your friend / family member. If it is too hard to coordinate bringing someone along, feel free to bring a long leash and a stake while we continue our session.
5. BRING A LINT ROLLER
If your pet sheds add a lint roller to your bag so post-photos with your pup, you can remove their hair from your clothes.
6. THINK ABOUT YOUR pet’S PERSONALITY
If your pet is nervous around crowds of people, then it isn’t a good idea to try to take him / her into a busy location for photos. Think about where your pet loves to be and then aim for that.
7. BRING TREATS + TOYS WITH TO GET THEIR ATTENTION
I like to pretend I’m magic, but when I cannot get your dog to look at the camera, treats and toys always help. Bring along a few of your furbaby’s favorite treats / toys, and I promise it will help us a ton.
8. BE REALISTIC + HAVE FUN
Our furbabies have a mind of their own, and they will let us know what they want to do (and where they want to go). Don’t stress if your pet is being camera shy or not cooperating.
Ready to pack your pet up and get some photos? Reach out to me here to schedule!
7 Tips to Prepare Children for Your Photo Session
As a family photographer, I have run across several grumpy children who have just received a talking-to in the car before the start of the session. This tends to cause more tension, stressed parents, and a few forced smiles from the children during the photo session. But my goal for your session is to create a fun family experience that results in genuine smiles.
Typically, children want to understand what is expected of them and what a “family photo shoot” entails. By being straight forward and explaining that the upcoming photo shoot will be a fun experience that they should look forward to will help! Expressing your expectations will limit many anxieties for your kids and yourself.
1. Find a Comfortable Outfit
Some of the most uncomfortable children are often ones with ill-fitting clothes. Sometimes that adorable head band or set of jean overalls are not worth family photos that contain tears and pained looks on your children’s faces. Additionally, check the weather forecast before the scheduled photo shoot, and try to abide by it. Layers are always a good idea. If a child is too hot or too cold you will definitely be able to tell in your final portraits.
2. Keep Your Children Well Fed + Consider Bringing Snacks!
If adults can get hungry, kids can too! I recommend Cheerios, or any other small and clean snacks. Try to stay away from any snack that can stain or make a mess. The best option though is making sure your children have plenty to eat prior to the session.
3. Hydrate!
Bring plenty of water bottles not only for the children, but parents too! Make sure to encourage your kids to drink water before and during the session, and along those lines, always try to have a bathroom break before the family photo session begins!
4. Have a Conversation with Your Child Prior to the Photo Shoot
Try not to surprise the photo session on your child hours before hand. Bring up the fact that the whole family is going to be asking a photographer to take some pictures of them at (insert location) and explain what will take place. If your child is old enough, you might want to lay out how you expect them to act during the photo shoot and the expectations that are expected of them.
5. Natural Smiles are Preferred
I promise, telling your child “that’s not your real smile” or “smile how you did before” or “don’t smile like that”, doesn’t typically work. If you are hoping for a genuine smile for your family photos, you’ll need a genuine smile and laugh! So instead, focus on acting silly and cheerful to get joyful expressions from your children.
6. Reward Systems
We are not above bribery! Lollipops, toys, and ice cream after a session are all great ways to incentivize your children.
7. Positivity is Your Greatest Tool
You children will pick up on your attitude and can sense your anxieties. Take a deep breath and allow yourself to relax. I promise your children will pick up on that attitude and you will have a great family picture session!
Ready to schedule family photos? Reach out to me here!
What Makes Reflections Photography Different? | Portland, Michigan Photographer
SESSION PREP HELP
I am always available when you are getting ready for your session. Wondering what to wear last minute, I can help! Wondering what colors you should choose, I got you! I have been doing this a long time and know my way around getting prepped for a photo session.
Behind the Scenes at Aaron’s Senior Session
2. ATTENTION TO DETAIL
Your session day is a priority to me. While you have been busy selecting the perfect outfits, I have been busy scouting locations, working on prompts for your session and making sure I know the details that you asked for along the way. I want to give you 100% of my focus during your session.
3. YOU GET TO BE YOU
My goal for your session is to showcase you just the way you are. It is my job to capture your personality in your images. We can do laughing, smiling, serious, or take a lifestyle approach. You are in charge and I can’t wait to capture all of it!
4. NATURAL POSING
I have spent years studying posing and stay up to date on the latest trends. It’s my job to know how to take any pose and make it look natural so that you look relaxed. Don’t know what to do with your hands? That is ok! I will help guide you the entire way through!
5. CLEAN, BOLD, & TIMELESS IMAGES
My editing goal for your photos is to maintain the true colors, textures and tones in each image while giving it a bold and timeless look. I do not want your photos to go out of style in a couple of years because they were photographed with the latest filters. My goal is to have your photos represent the true you so you and your family can enjoy them for years to come.
Are you ready to plan your experience with Reflections Photography? Click here to get started!
Who Can Use Drone Photography?
Drone Photography can be used in so many ways. It gives you a unique perspective on property and landscapes, one that you just cannot achieve without a drone! Here are some ways you or the people you know can use drone photography:
Homeowners - You worked hard for your home, why not get unique photographs of it for a keepsake and to pass down to future generations. Photographing your home with a drone provides the most unique perspective!
Real Estate Agents - One of the most common drone photography clients is real estate agents. Every house on the market needs photos! Adding drone photos can help the listing sell up to 68% faster than listings without drone photos.
Farmers - Farmers are often in charge of large plots of land that can be cumbersome to monitor on foot. With aerial photography, drones are able to capture large plots of land with great detail that is essential to farmers.
Boat Owners - A place that is much more accessible to drones than regular cameras is over the water! Boats look much more appealing on the water than they do in a garage and some boat owners might want images of their boat as something to frame in their home!
Construction Companies - Aerial photos of a construction site would enable you to capture the entire site in just a couple of photos, making them very informative and useful. They can also be used by construction companies to inspect finished projects.
Roofing Companies - Because drones are perfect for hard-to-reach areas, this photographic option is perfect for roofing companies! What better way to capture your work than from above? Roofers need advertising photos to show potential clients examples of work, and these are very difficult to capture from the ground.
Tourism - The goal of tourism boards is to entice people to visit their location, so they are always in need of quality imagery to use in brochures, flyers, email campaigns, etc.! Aerial photography is a great addition to their library, as these images are ideal for capturing landscapes and locations in an intriguing way to attract visitors.
Businesses - Do you want aerial photos of your new office building to showcase the location? Maybe you have a car dealership that could use aerial photos to feature the cars and size of your lot, or a restaurant that could put drone photos on social media to attract potential customers. There are so many options to get a unique photo for your business!
Marketing Departments - Aerial imagery makes great marketing material for any company! With the unique perspective, you will have eye catching imagery that you can showcase on social media, websites, newsletters and more!
Are you ready to schedule drone photos of your property? Click here to get started!
Preparing For Your Drone Photography in Michigan
Are you gearing up for a drone photoshoot? When you hire Reflections Photography to take care of your Aerial Photography needs, we take a lot of the guesswork out of preparing. We are certified through the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and take pride in making sure that we are completely ready to make amazing aerial images for your project. Here are the top 5 things to do in preparation for your drone photos.
Book Your Session: When you schedule your aerial photography session with Reflections Photography, you will automatically be directed to a questionnaire. Make sure to fill this out to the best of your ability. This will allow us to find out if there are specific flight rules and regulations we have to follow for your area.
Watch the Weather: As with any aerial job, we are going to be watching the weather closely. We will want a mild day without much wind or precipitation. We do live in Michigan and weather can change quickly so take the forecast with a grain of salt. We will do everything we can to make your session happen, however, please be flexible with us if we have to navigate weather issues.
Clean your space: Make sure that your space looks exactly how you want it to look. Do you have flower beds that need cleaning? Do you have peeling paint? Make sure that your property looks exactly how you want it because these things can be noticed in photographs
Move Vehicles: On the day of your session, you will want to move things that you do not want in your photographs. This could be vehicles, RVs, tractors etc. In addition you will want to make sure that garage doors are closed.
Eliminate visitors: We pilot our drone and this needs concentration. If you are expecting visitors it is best to delay them. In addition, if you plan on being on your property at the time of your drone session, please be sure to give our pilot space so we can concentrate on a safe flight.
Are you ready to book your very own drone photo session? Click here to get started!
3 Ways to Print Your Pictures
Digital images are definitely an understandable way to go when you have the ability to store them on phones, computers and share them on the internet. However, this means that these images live on your computer forever! It is time to print out those photos!
Here are 3 ways to print your pictures:
#1. Gift Prints: these are great for showcasing your favorite photos in your home! You can choose to mix 8x10s and 5x7s in different sized frames! These types of prints are also great to gift to family & friends! You can purchase these directly from Reflections Photography through your customized gallery link. We use a professional print lab so you can rest assured that your prints are great quality!
#2. Albums: this is a great way to get all of your images printed and in one location! Get your favorite on the cover and place it on your coffee table for an extra special showcase piece! We offer customized album options, just ask!
#3. Canvas: canvases allow you to showcase your most loved images from your session! They offer a classic look and match any home decor.
And don’t forget about Senior Graduation Cards for senior sessions or holiday cards for family sessions! We offer customized options for cards building them to suite each and every client!
Have you thought about all these different options for your photos? Let’s get your session booked! Complete our contact form here and we’ll get your session scheduled today!
A Look Inside Our Editing Process
The last thing you want is to look like someone else in your pictures. I know you just want to be the best you possible. That’s why I make sure our editing process maintains skin texture, skin tone, colors present in the image, and more to ensure you have a natural looking, timeless portrait!
This means your teeth won’t be a blinding shade of white, your eyes will remain their real color, and I won’t edit your photos with an Instagram filter. No fake tones or processes, just timeless portraits!
While editing styles are different depending on what photographer you hire, I can only speak on how I edit our client photos. Capturing the correct colors, exposure, pose and composition in camera allows me to use minimal editing steps to perfect the final image. Ultimately this results in an image that is the most true to you.
MY GOAL IS TO ENHANCE YOUR NATURAL BEAUTY - NOT CHANGE THE WAY YOU LOOK
HERE are the WAYS WE PRESERVE OUR CLIENT’S NATURAL FEATURES IN OUR EDITING PROCESS:
Natural skin texture: We won’t make you look like a plastic doll or remove elements that make you, you. We will remove blemishes, dry skin patches, rough skin texture, etc.
Natural features: We will not adjust natural features like your nose, cheekbones, lips, waist, etc because you don’t need any of that to showcase your beauty.
Natural colors: We will maintain true colors in our images including your skin tone, natural greens in the image’s surroundings, natural clothing colors, your natural hair color, etc.
If our editing process sounds like something you’d like for your photos, we would love to work with you! Connect with us soon to get on our schedule!
Top 6 Ways to Use Brand Photography
Photography can level up a businesses brand exponentially. This is why it is so important to have well done images when you own a business. Here are the top 6 ways you can use Brand Photography to grow your business.
You may have noticed a lot of Branding Photography on this website or on my social media! Here is a photo of portrait packaging as an example of what clients can expect.
Social Media
Everyone is on social media today and with so many posts wouldn’t it be great to have an image that stops the scrollers in their tracks? This is so important when people are given so much information on a daily basis. You want to stick out and stop their scroll.
Blog Posts
When you are talking about your product or service on a blog post and illustrating what you are offering, a big, bright, professional image will drive the point home for your readers.
Websites
It is so refreshing to see beautiful accurate photography of products and services on websites. This gives visitors an idea of what to expect from your product or services. Images speak volumes, often times louder than the words on the page.
Advertising
Have you ever been asked to submit something to a newsletter or brochure showing your product? How about an online ad? You will have plenty of photos to choose from after a Brand Photography session!
Printed Business Materials
Leave brochures in your lobby or on community boards that contain the amazing images you have gained from a branding photography photo session!
Newsletters/Emails
Using imagery in your correspondences helps drive the point home to consumers. Why not make sure those images are ones that are going to stop them in their tracks and buy your product on the spot?
Here are a couple ways Grand Beauty Solutions is using their brand photography! Website and Social Media for the WIN!
Grand Beauty Solutions Social Media
Grand Beauty Solutions Website
Are you ready to grow your business? Reach out today to see how we can work together!