tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232493052024-03-12T20:36:27.499-07:00Behind the Lens - Colleen Photographic Productions senior, maternity, baby, children, familyCustom fine art portraits featuring seniors, babies, maternity, children and families.Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.comBlogger151125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23249305.post-23799251053920332011-03-23T21:56:00.000-07:002011-03-23T23:03:12.257-07:00Happy Baby Smiles! Federal Way Baby PhotographerLittle Miss J is ready for spring in her flowery outfits. Isn't she pretty? She gave me lots of smiles during her 9 month portrait session, showing off her budding new teeth, as well as ability to stand and crawl. Those are the key developmental aspects I like to capture at this stage. Which is your favorite portrait?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qeLUNk9kF5U/TYrNEET4tmI/AAAAAAAABO8/b5NniLlaVTM/s1600/CharltonJordyn9m003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qeLUNk9kF5U/TYrNEET4tmI/AAAAAAAABO8/b5NniLlaVTM/s1600/CharltonJordyn9m003.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iZZWq4mCZQA/TYrNEvYNrJI/AAAAAAAABPA/LdHd6nu87lw/s1600/CharltonJordyn9m029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iZZWq4mCZQA/TYrNEvYNrJI/AAAAAAAABPA/LdHd6nu87lw/s1600/CharltonJordyn9m029.jpg" /> </a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QYikXN00SWI/TYrND7h--FI/AAAAAAAABO4/exyCIgUk6Q0/s1600/CharltonJordyn9m047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QYikXN00SWI/TYrND7h--FI/AAAAAAAABO4/exyCIgUk6Q0/s1600/CharltonJordyn9m047.jpg" /></a></div>Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23249305.post-90488828508212589902011-03-14T19:39:00.000-07:002011-03-14T19:39:46.832-07:00Irish Spring | Federal Way PhotographerAppropriate soap for this week, such a fresh scent.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--xmyN3pVdZA/TX7QrSNNXfI/AAAAAAAABOw/49mWAkm4kg8/s1600/IrishSpring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--xmyN3pVdZA/TX7QrSNNXfI/AAAAAAAABOw/49mWAkm4kg8/s1600/IrishSpring.jpg" /></a></div>Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23249305.post-91136557058884857852011-03-13T20:14:00.000-07:002011-07-16T13:24:10.195-07:00Cherry Blossom's and Images Within | Federal Way Photographer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The first cherry blossom's are appearing, heralding spring's arrival. I like the contrast of the lively pink blossoms against the somber background, as in life renewed after a sleepy dormant winter. Photographed from my within my warm, dry kitchen on a cool, windy, rainy day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Cherry Blossams1, Federal Way Photographer" border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-P_AkLaEDhzQ/TX2AbRVT6RI/AAAAAAAABOQ/fBz5iN3-A0g/s1600/CherryBlossoms1.jpg" title="Cherry Blossams1, Federal Way Photographer" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few images within the image: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ONygcscxMDs/TX2Aa8Yss4I/AAAAAAAABOM/dKMeJXFMB1w/s1600/CherryBlossoms4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tve-MT2qtmQ/TX2XVuR-QeI/AAAAAAAABOo/wW5tlLMNzGA/s1600/CherryBlossoms2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cherry Blossams2, Federal Way Photographer" border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tve-MT2qtmQ/TX2XVuR-QeI/AAAAAAAABOo/wW5tlLMNzGA/s1600/CherryBlossoms2.jpg" title="Cherry Blossams2, Federal Way Photographer" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-x4GV_J-0ZhY/TX2Abov5i8I/AAAAAAAABOY/Yh3vzuhMJ-s/s1600/CherryBlossoms3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cherry Blossams3, Federal Way Photographer" border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-x4GV_J-0ZhY/TX2Abov5i8I/AAAAAAAABOY/Yh3vzuhMJ-s/s1600/CherryBlossoms3.jpg" title="Cherry Blossams3, Federal Way Photographer" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ONygcscxMDs/TX2Aa8Yss4I/AAAAAAAABOM/dKMeJXFMB1w/s1600/CherryBlossoms4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cherry Blossams4, Federal Way Photographer" border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ONygcscxMDs/TX2Aa8Yss4I/AAAAAAAABOM/dKMeJXFMB1w/s1600/CherryBlossoms4.jpg" title="Cherry Blossams4, Federal Way Photographer" /></a></div><a alt="Cherry BlossamsA, Federal Way Photographer" href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FEgUd-F3UKQ/TX2VaCjRiHI/AAAAAAAABOc/kmCtbaR40oE/s1600/CherryBlossomsA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Cherry BlossamsA, Federal Way Photographer"></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">applied some additional artwork to this final one</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Cherry BlossamsA, Federal Way Photographer" border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FEgUd-F3UKQ/TX2VaCjRiHI/AAAAAAAABOc/kmCtbaR40oE/s1600/CherryBlossomsA.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Cherry BlossamsA, Federal Way Photographer" /></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23249305.post-75902911487732613612011-03-12T14:07:00.000-08:002011-03-13T19:40:15.843-07:00How Would You Like Your Photography? | Federal Way Photographer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Great illustration of the familiar adage about creative endeavors such as photography, graphic design, writing, etc. Credit and thanks to www.colinharman.posterous.com/how-would-you-like-your-graphic-design</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vpiHOpe63Fk/TXvuA4i6-HI/AAAAAAAABOI/7FnOTokgeqM/s640/VENN-DiagramPhoto.jpg" width="512" /></div>Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23249305.post-11061433885060708562011-03-10T15:59:00.000-08:002011-03-10T16:05:14.290-08:00What to Wear | Federal Way PhotographerHaving been duly chastised for my lack of blog posts, I'm recommitted to posting here on a more regular basis, rather than just the Facebook posts I've been doing. So to start things up again, thought I'd post a helpful clothing guide for your next portrait session. Choosing the right clothing is an important factor in creating a successful portrait, and one that can be stressful for the person (usually mom) putting it all together. I have some general tips on my website, and, upon booking your portrait session, I always email a list of session specific tips, do's and dont's. A visual example really helps one to imagine the possibilities though, so look for more of these in the future. <br />
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IbBNaYAyupE/TXlkVT39riI/AAAAAAAABN0/E2qDgBR7K-k/s640/what-to-wear_V2Issue1_2011.jpg" width="640" />Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23249305.post-55626469032702208372010-04-07T18:37:00.000-07:002010-04-07T18:47:23.878-07:00How Effective is Your Headshot?With the economy shifting every day, the only option we have is to evolve and shift with it. For many businesspeople, that means creating or completely revamping their marketing strategies, and a large part of that marketing strategy is having a decent photo of themselves. This is especially true for those in sales position - and if you own your own business, you are in a sales position whether you realize it or not. The interesting thing, however, is that many people don't realize the importance of a good headshot.<br />
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Whether it is in business or personal life, most of you make an effort to create a good first impression. Everything from the way you dress, to the firmness of your handshake, to the scent you wear; it all serves a similar purpose. A headshot is an extension of that first impression, and in some cases it is the only impression (at least visually) that someone may have of you and your respective business. Your goal as a businessperson, and my goal as a photographer, should be to make sure your headshot is congruent with the way you portray yourself to your current and potential clients. That is, assuming you are already attempting to make those first impressions count. If you aren't, I assure you that your competition is!<br />
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So, what makes a good headshot great? Beyond all other factors, the key to an effective headshot is YOU. No matter how amazing a photographer is, or how much photoshopping is done after the session, if you don’t see the value in a good photo of yourself and/or you hate the thought of having your picture taken, you will absolutely fulfill your own thoughts and end up with a bad shot. Granted, a good photographer may be able to come up with something better than what you expected, but your goal should be more than just “better than bad.” Trust me when I tell you, everyone has a great shot in them, and the most common thing that gets in the way is someone's mindset.<br />
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Once my clients are committed to getting a great shot of themselves, the process can begin. We can work together to get a shot that is harmonious with who they really are and what they are selling. They have done their homework and have determined what they want to get out of their photos. They show up comfortable, confident, and prepared, and so do I. They are less focused on what everyone else is doing in their industry and more focused on what they want to portray. All of a sudden we are both shooting with intention and our intention is the same - to get the best and most effective shot possible. The result is that we end up with a photo that they love (yes you can love a headshot) and are proud to use on all of their marketing material.<br />
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They have a photo that says 1,000 words, and yes, they are all good words.<br />
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<b>Here are 5 things you should consider BEFORE you have your photo taken:</b><b> </b><br />
<ul><li><b>What are you planning on using this image for?</b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>What would you like to portray to someone seeing the image for the first time?</b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>What do I find appealing in a headshot?</b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>Do you enjoy having your picture taken? If not, please think about why.</b></li>
<li><b>What are 4 positive qualities about yourself (write them down!). </b></li>
</ul><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b style="font-weight: normal;">(Article reprinted with permission from <a href="http://www.localfocusphotography.com/">Local Focus Photography</a></b>.)</span>Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23249305.post-47658567824254066582010-03-09T12:18:00.000-08:002010-03-09T12:46:07.750-08:00Great skincare and makeup products!<a href="http://www.paulaschoice.com/?a=colleenpf"><img alt="Paula's Choice Skin Care" border="0" height="125" src="http://www.paulaschoice.com/images/125px_generic-2.jpg" title="Paula's Choice Skin" width="125" /></a><br />
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We all want our skin to look great in portraits, and I use lighting and retouching to make that happen. But using good skin care products helps to achieve that naturally. I've been a fan of Paula Begoun ever since I read one of her books back in the 80's. Known as the "cosmetics cop", she was one of the first to investigate the ingredients of skincare and makeup products, reporting on their harms, benefits, hype, and options for less expensive alternatives.<br />
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Frustrated with finding suitable products for problem skin, she developed her own line of skincare called Paula's Choice. I've been using her skincare and makeup products for a while now, am very happy with the results and wanted to share the news about great, affordable products that work. My favorite is the Clear Anti-Acne System, but she carries something to address every skin type. Start with the Custom skincare guide to find the products that are right for you.<br />
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As to makeup, after trying two other popular mineral makeup lines, I now just use <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.paulaschoice.com/?a=colleenpf%22%3EPaula%27s%20Choice%3C/a%3E">Paula's Choice</a> Healthy Finish Pressed Powder and Soft Cream Concealer. Every time I've ordered, I've received free samples and have found new products that I love. You can also purchase sample sizes to try. A great feature of her website are all the reviews from other users that can help you make your choices. So click on the above link for more info and to place your order. Then let me know what you think.Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23249305.post-89903261751040459632010-02-14T21:16:00.000-08:002010-02-14T21:18:28.099-08:00Love in the garden<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A bit of garden love. Happy Valentine's day!</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S3jXjsmVBuI/AAAAAAAABME/w1RQHOmfzhg/s1600/0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S3jXjsmVBuI/AAAAAAAABME/w1RQHOmfzhg/s400/0003.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S3jXl5q3wAI/AAAAAAAABMM/NIK30nz4m0Y/s1600-h/0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S3jXl5q3wAI/AAAAAAAABMM/NIK30nz4m0Y/s400/0011.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S3jXnmnG1LI/AAAAAAAABMU/9sEkXnx7j_Y/s1600-h/0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S3jXnmnG1LI/AAAAAAAABMU/9sEkXnx7j_Y/s400/0023.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S3jXq-zWCqI/AAAAAAAABMc/OC3c1i-E9Nw/s1600-h/0033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S3jXq-zWCqI/AAAAAAAABMc/OC3c1i-E9Nw/s400/0033.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S3jXuCfLuJI/AAAAAAAABMk/zSl2rdmVlfk/s1600-h/0040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S3jXuCfLuJI/AAAAAAAABMk/zSl2rdmVlfk/s400/0040.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S3jXvjBC6OI/AAAAAAAABMs/Pi3R7xgwHsk/s1600-h/0059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S3jXvjBC6OI/AAAAAAAABMs/Pi3R7xgwHsk/s400/0059.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S3jXyiz6AxI/AAAAAAAABM0/trQ_DtowDO0/s1600-h/0061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S3jXyiz6AxI/AAAAAAAABM0/trQ_DtowDO0/s400/0061.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S3jXz5SmjVI/AAAAAAAABM8/D4ZAcdkUWJg/s1600-h/0064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S3jXz5SmjVI/AAAAAAAABM8/D4ZAcdkUWJg/s400/0064.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23249305.post-19125381673185541782010-02-02T20:03:00.000-08:002010-02-02T20:04:19.275-08:00And baby makes 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: left;">3 boys thats is! We had a bit of a challenge to get the brothers to be, umm, brotherly, but we still captured some great images. Here's a sneak peak.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="457" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S2j0aVyIXoI/AAAAAAAABLs/DSdWMastdHI/s640/DoddNB015-2.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S2j0esqUf8I/AAAAAAAABL0/hqHY3wMBnjU/s1600-h/DoddNB012a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S2j0esqUf8I/AAAAAAAABL0/hqHY3wMBnjU/s640/DoddNB012a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S2j0h0UJPTI/AAAAAAAABL8/hOSzBO1zVGU/s1600-h/DoddNB037a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S2j0h0UJPTI/AAAAAAAABL8/hOSzBO1zVGU/s640/DoddNB037a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23249305.post-73406742572788485432010-01-27T12:16:00.000-08:002010-01-28T10:44:33.631-08:00Business Portraits and Headshots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S2Cewubt29I/AAAAAAAABLE/_nvI-mq_nt0/s1600-h/0011raw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S2Cewubt29I/AAAAAAAABLE/_nvI-mq_nt0/s640/0011raw.jpg" width="456" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S2CetI9343I/AAAAAAAABK8/dzkjc6zTTIo/s1600-h/0011-5x7-300dpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S2CetI9343I/AAAAAAAABK8/dzkjc6zTTIo/s640/0011-5x7-300dpi.jpg" width="456" /></a><br />
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A quality headshot should convey a positive image imparting your demeanor, professionalism, and competance. Displaying your business portrait helps your client feel as if they know you, increasing their comfort level and confidence in you. A poorly executed portrait can negatively influence people in their decision to do business with you. A well done portrait is not an expense, it's an investment in your future!<br />
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I provide you with a professional image that portrays you at your best. Upon reserving your session, I'll send you my Business Portrait Guide to help you prepare for your session so we achieve the best results. We'll chat about your objective for the portrait and look you wish to portray and go over clothing options. After your session, we go thru the images together and I'll help you select the best. Then I refine the image with a bit of enhancement, not a plastic doll makeover, just a clean, fresh look. Here's a before/after example from a recent client session.Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23249305.post-33931511215064708242010-01-26T15:33:00.000-08:002010-01-26T15:38:34.311-08:00Update that headshot!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S197fz2NDEI/AAAAAAAABKc/KojamGx1pjw/s1600-h/Husejpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S197fz2NDEI/AAAAAAAABKc/KojamGx1pjw/s400/Husejpg.jpg" width="285" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S197j5uxF1I/AAAAAAAABKk/5u97QyKTPuA/s1600-h/0046-5x7-300dpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S197j5uxF1I/AAAAAAAABKk/5u97QyKTPuA/s400/0046-5x7-300dpi.jpg" width="285" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S198wuY9KLI/AAAAAAAABK0/VWp-FXWrGtA/s1600-h/030highres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S198wuY9KLI/AAAAAAAABK0/VWp-FXWrGtA/s400/030highres.jpg" width="266" /></a><br />
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Now is the perfect time to update your headshot, business portrait or profile pic with our new, lower prices!<br />
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Studio Session, up to one hour, and one high resolution image on CD $150. Additional images $75.<br />
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Location Session, up to one hour and five high resolution images on CD $250. Upgrade to all session images on CD for additional $250.<br />
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Professional quality executive, business and promotional portraits help sell you and your product. Use on business cards, brochures, flyers, websites and more. High resolution digital files with reproduction rights granted. Includes minimal basic retouching per image for blemish removal.Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23249305.post-17942197929864948582010-01-07T12:28:00.000-08:002010-01-27T13:01:17.199-08:00Secret Baby Planner<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S2Cn9tq5LNI/AAAAAAAABLM/dCgoo90rhls/s1600-h/0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S2Cn9tq5LNI/AAAAAAAABLM/dCgoo90rhls/s400/0007.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S2CoE5kDlWI/AAAAAAAABLU/uH4T8aujYe8/s1600-h/001a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S2CoE5kDlWI/AAAAAAAABLU/uH4T8aujYe8/s400/001a.jpg" width="266" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S2CoOcof4vI/AAAAAAAABLc/w39mnbibhf8/s1600-h/003a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S2CoOcof4vI/AAAAAAAABLc/w39mnbibhf8/s400/003a.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S2CoVvhi1PI/AAAAAAAABLk/LbG0mhBcags/s1600-h/EF016c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/S2CoVvhi1PI/AAAAAAAABLk/LbG0mhBcags/s400/EF016c.jpg" width="266" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">After photographing their maternity and newborn portraits, mom decided to sign up for my one year baby portrait plan. But she wanted to keep it a secret from dad, so she could surprise him with the final baby panel at the end of the year as a Christmas gift. This required a bit of sneaky planning, but we pulled it off! So finally, I can post baby Ethan's images online. Here is one from each session at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. I've also posted each complete session in the Featured Sessions section of the Image Gallery on my website.<br />
</div></div>Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23249305.post-7122984857971316342009-12-24T11:16:00.000-08:002009-12-24T11:17:16.362-08:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SzO9yhiIIAI/AAAAAAAABJs/_J_1wgQ1GbE/s1600-h/CuteStripes_5x7_backA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SzO9yhiIIAI/AAAAAAAABJs/_J_1wgQ1GbE/s400/CuteStripes_5x7_backA.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SzO9v3Wd-xI/AAAAAAAABJk/aS9VZbrYdDQ/s1600-h/0040a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SzO9v3Wd-xI/AAAAAAAABJk/aS9VZbrYdDQ/s640/0040a.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23249305.post-80039096056696442232009-12-15T13:57:00.000-08:002009-12-15T13:57:41.135-08:00How to photograph a Christmas tree with lights.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SygCcEJvMkI/AAAAAAAABJc/9BgNxoFhkS8/s1600-h/Ctree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SygCcEJvMkI/AAAAAAAABJc/9BgNxoFhkS8/s640/Ctree.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Camera on tripod at low angle, room lights off, expose for tree lights, shooting at a slow shutter speed to burn them in to the image, use cable release or self timer, white balance set to tungsten. Experiment with turning a room light on for a bit of fill light if you like. This was shot with one room light just left of camera, and it was a torchiere so the light was high and bouncing off the ceiling, with a 3 way bulb on the lowest setting. ISO 400, f4, 1/4 second. I lightened the tree top angel in post processing to give it some glow, added saturation, and applied high pass sharpening.Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23249305.post-79655739962162132942009-12-11T19:14:00.000-08:002009-12-11T19:14:45.107-08:00Christmas Baby?Meredith is due December 24, so we'll soon find out. A sneak peak of a few images before the big show.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SyMJPPoFkZI/AAAAAAAABJE/bn24a4hjFZw/s1600-h/Dodd003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SyMJPPoFkZI/AAAAAAAABJE/bn24a4hjFZw/s640/Dodd003.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SyMJUdANlUI/AAAAAAAABJU/qfPtfn2KwTU/s1600-h/Dodd062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SyMJUdANlUI/AAAAAAAABJU/qfPtfn2KwTU/s640/Dodd062.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SyMJS10oukI/AAAAAAAABJM/LqkRQ48kg-w/s1600-h/Dodd035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SyMJS10oukI/AAAAAAAABJM/LqkRQ48kg-w/s640/Dodd035.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23249305.post-19352427019262334562009-11-14T17:28:00.000-08:002009-11-14T17:30:19.094-08:00Riley, Todd Beamer High SchoolRiley is a very busy young man - ASB President, plays piano, is in the jazz choir, likes math & science, active in his youth group, technology in schools campaign, and works at the Met Market. Whew! We had a fun session, and as a bonus went to the school for a few images. It was a bit chilly outside, but he toughed it out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/Sv9YN5Is1dI/AAAAAAAABIs/295cmXpxGxo/s1600-h/Riley013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/Sv9YN5Is1dI/AAAAAAAABIs/295cmXpxGxo/s640/Riley013.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/Sv9YRg2zccI/AAAAAAAABI0/SRf1fKsrURw/s1600-h/Riley032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/Sv9YRg2zccI/AAAAAAAABI0/SRf1fKsrURw/s640/Riley032.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/Sv9YUFI1L8I/AAAAAAAABI8/kJTPyn3QMZs/s1600-h/Riley060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/Sv9YUFI1L8I/AAAAAAAABI8/kJTPyn3QMZs/s400/Riley060.jpg" /></a>Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23249305.post-70980634941756701872009-11-07T11:13:00.000-08:002009-11-10T18:18:11.109-08:00Erin's sneak peakErin graciously modeled for a maternity portrait class I recently did for SPPA photographers. She did a fantastic job and we created lots of great images for her. Love the sexy boots and cute black dress she brought! You can view more images in her <a href="http://www.colleenphoto.com/?slideshow=erin-maternity-session">slideshow</a> on my website.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SvXHvf04BwI/AAAAAAAABIM/jWdn9rUUFGk/s1600-h/Erin079a.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401442946911831810" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SvXHvf04BwI/AAAAAAAABIM/jWdn9rUUFGk/s400/Erin079a.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 285px;" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SvXHvvyMhsI/AAAAAAAABIU/RG5EAGLPkuc/s1600-h/Erin145a.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401442951195559618" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SvXHvvyMhsI/AAAAAAAABIU/RG5EAGLPkuc/s400/Erin145a.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 285px;" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SvXHv9fV56I/AAAAAAAABIc/TUcHzFO_gQs/s1600-h/0279b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401442954874578850" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SvXHv9fV56I/AAAAAAAABIc/TUcHzFO_gQs/s400/0279b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 285px;" /></a>Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23249305.post-51228871826774987712009-11-05T16:12:00.000-08:002009-11-05T16:55:10.548-08:00Portraits for Home DecorPortraits in the bathroom? Might not be a room you'd normally think of for displaying your portraits. Here's a cute idea for a bathroom. We don't normally put glass over our wall portraits, but do recommend it for bathroom displays.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SvNztMg1fDI/AAAAAAAABIE/6TNRGtl08h4/s1600-h/10x20-3-5x7border.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 210px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SvNztMg1fDI/AAAAAAAABIE/6TNRGtl08h4/s400/10x20-3-5x7border.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400787598437612594" border="0" /></a>Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23249305.post-15138827017808280392009-11-04T14:28:00.000-08:002009-11-04T14:35:01.899-08:00Mariah's One Year portraitMariah wasn't too sure about having her portrait done this time, but we still captured some great images. Here's a few of my faves for her sneak peak.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SvIBAubdBVI/AAAAAAAABHk/qTi9wS5DlQo/s1600-h/Title.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SvIBAubdBVI/AAAAAAAABHk/qTi9wS5DlQo/s400/Title.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400380015145452882" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SvIBA5n-27I/AAAAAAAABHs/hhYXL1Uqhw0/s1600-h/Mariah1yr017-%281%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SvIBA5n-27I/AAAAAAAABHs/hhYXL1Uqhw0/s400/Mariah1yr017-%281%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400380018150792114" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SvIBBLuwK7I/AAAAAAAABH0/gOBahr9eHmE/s1600-h/Mariah1yr020-%281%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SvIBBLuwK7I/AAAAAAAABH0/gOBahr9eHmE/s400/Mariah1yr020-%281%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400380023011027890" border="0" /></a>Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23249305.post-88422740942905183012009-11-04T14:18:00.000-08:002009-11-04T14:27:58.079-08:00Costumes contest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SvH-b7JQQaI/AAAAAAAABHc/B_WWMGnK3v8/s1600-h/0115a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SvH-b7JQQaI/AAAAAAAABHc/B_WWMGnK3v8/s400/0115a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400377183880364450" border="0" /></a>Thanks to all who stopped by for our Halloween Costumes and Cans event last Saturday! With your support, we made a nice donation of food to the Multi-Service Center food bank in Federal Way. Images have been posted on my Facebook page, so become a fan, invite your friends and family to become fans, and vote for your little goblin. Most votes wins a $125 Gift Certificate!Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23249305.post-60296482604727252632009-10-30T14:20:00.000-07:002009-10-30T14:24:45.598-07:00Costumes & Cans<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SutY0WhX8JI/AAAAAAAABHM/ABtKA4AtUp0/s1600-h/D2X_0003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SutY0WhX8JI/AAAAAAAABHM/ABtKA4AtUp0/s400/D2X_0003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398506234755674258" border="0" /></a><br /><span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text">Do you have your costumes ready? Be sure to stop by for a treat, because Saturday the 31st is Costumes and Cans, our Halloween canned food drive to benefit the FW foodbank. Bring 5 cans of food, per child, and receive a free 5x7 portrait of your little goblin in their costume. Costume contest for Facebook Fans too! Tell your friends and family to become our fan so they can vote for your little goblin. Most votes wins a $125 gift certificate!</span></span>Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23249305.post-70259187397889013292009-10-24T16:29:00.001-07:002009-10-24T16:59:21.614-07:00Fall Color in the Garden(Click image for larger view.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SuOPUORL8YI/AAAAAAAABG0/JYaeMA9XD48/s1600-h/Fall09001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SuOPUORL8YI/AAAAAAAABG0/JYaeMA9XD48/s400/Fall09001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396314356110324098" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SuOUskaBvGI/AAAAAAAABHE/I2ZO4IsIlv8/s1600-h/Fall09002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SuOUskaBvGI/AAAAAAAABHE/I2ZO4IsIlv8/s400/Fall09002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396320271927983202" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SuOOrRZawaI/AAAAAAAABGU/RIMxqzFnS-8/s1600-h/Fall09004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SuOOrRZawaI/AAAAAAAABGU/RIMxqzFnS-8/s400/Fall09004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396313652575519138" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SuOUc9WAeyI/AAAAAAAABG8/pGnesSmQJU4/s1600-h/Fall09005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SuOUc9WAeyI/AAAAAAAABG8/pGnesSmQJU4/s400/Fall09005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396320003744103202" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SuOOMu8mTBI/AAAAAAAABF8/fkbJxlduUB8/s1600-h/Fall09007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SuOOMu8mTBI/AAAAAAAABF8/fkbJxlduUB8/s400/Fall09007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396313127931759634" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SuOOROe0hbI/AAAAAAAABGE/TrGudwtVVh8/s1600-h/Fall09008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/SuOOROe0hbI/AAAAAAAABGE/TrGudwtVVh8/s400/Fall09008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396313205116274098" border="0" /></a>Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23249305.post-32010277432654721072009-10-22T14:38:00.000-07:002009-10-22T15:26:18.910-07:00Look better in photosWhether gathering for family snapshots, or having your portrait professionally photographed, there are a few simple things anyone can do to look better in photos. I often employ these methods for my clients during their session, and you can try these tips yourself the next time you're in front of the camera.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Angle your body.</span> Facing straight towards the camera with both feet planted side by side makes your body look wider and only works for very slim model types. Angle your body away from the camera, one foot in front of the other and one shoulder closer to the photographer, weight on the back foot. To slenderize the waist even more, keep the hips angled away from the camera, then twist the upper body towards the camera. Men look better and more natural by just shifting their weight to one foot, leaning to one side, rather than standing stick straight.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sit pretty.</span> For sitting poses, again, angle your body, knees pointing to the side rather than straight at the camera. Sit up on the edge of the chair, not slumped into the back of the chair. Lean a bit to one side by propping your back elbow on the arm of the chair, a table or on your knee. This creates a diagonal line leading to your face, and adds life to the image.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Don't slouch.</span> Good posture can dramatically improve your appearance. Most people slouch without realizing it, making them look heavier and tired. Sit and stand tall with spine straight, shoulders back and relaxed not hunched up towards your ears, belly in, buttocks tight.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chin out and down.</span> Lean in slightly toward the camera. Move your face forward a bit and tip your chin down slightly. This eliminates double chin and really engages the eyes.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Eliminate double chin.</span> Position yourself so the camera is above eye level and tilt your head up to it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tilt the head.</span> Tilting your head slightly forward toward your ear looks more natural and engaging.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Arms out.</span> Move arms slightly away from your body, elbows bent slightly, for a more toned look and to avoid upper arm heaviness. This also allows the curve of your waist to show, making you look slimmer.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Avoid blinks.</span> To feel at ease, try closing your eyes, then opening them slowly just before the photo is taken. This helps minimize blinking.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Smile gently.</span> Learn to 3/4 smile, relax and think happy thoughts. A really big smile often exposes too much gum, and squints the eyes, making them look smaller.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Smile with your eyes.</span> Tyra Banks calls this "smize". Open eyes wide, tilting up at the corners a bit, with a closed or slightly parted, relaxed mouth.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Don't look directly into lens.</span> Try focusing your eyes just slightly above the camera lens.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Breathe.</span> Don't hold your breath, and do some deep breathing in and out to relax and energize you.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Practice.</span> Try these tips and posing in front of a mirror to see what works best for you and your body. Studying poses shown in magazines or catalogs is also helpful.Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23249305.post-13267392305593232292009-10-20T13:37:00.000-07:002009-10-20T13:53:20.237-07:00Holiday cards<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/St4gJSld48I/AAAAAAAABFU/MMFyFVJsxgs/s1600-h/5x7-CardFront.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/St4gJSld48I/AAAAAAAABFU/MMFyFVJsxgs/s400/5x7-CardFront.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394784747616330690" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/St4gI4s63TI/AAAAAAAABFM/MK3ejgGV3N8/s1600-h/5x7-card-back.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/St4gI4s63TI/AAAAAAAABFM/MK3ejgGV3N8/s400/5x7-card-back.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394784740668267826" border="0" /></a><br />This is the beautiful holiday card selected by the Kurnik family, and just one of the many designs we offer. Have you reserved your session yet? Yes, amazingly it's that time of year again! Call now to schedule your appointment before it's too late. Add us as your Facebook friend prior to your session and receive $25 off your session fee!Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23249305.post-72093111671915501862009-10-19T14:10:00.000-07:002009-10-19T18:10:48.968-07:00Costumes & Cans<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/StzXlT5KAXI/AAAAAAAABE0/0KS_xPpgceI/s1600-h/CostumesCans2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CxuIsgpiPs4/StzXlT5KAXI/AAAAAAAABE0/0KS_xPpgceI/s400/CostumesCans2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394423489678147954" border="0" /></a>Click photo to see the card bigger.<br /><br />We are so excited for our Costumes & Cans event, which will be held at the studio on October 31, from 10am to 5pm. We hope to have a big turnout and collect lots of cans of food for the Federal Way Food Bank. Bring 5 cans of food (per child) and receive one 5x7 print of your child in their costume. Be sure to invite all your friends and family with little goblins and ghouls! This event is on a walk-in basis, so those with younger kiddos may want to come earlier.Colleen, Seattle area Photographerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16789976390388714418noreply@blogger.com0