JBP Blog

I had a very special guest in the Love Grows Studio yesterday – Miss Emma came by to help me with a project I’m working on. She came in with her siblings in November for a Studio Day Session and during that time, I found out she L-O-V-E-S having her picture taken. When I put out a “casting call” for volunteer models, her mom immediately signed her up!

They came into the studio on Saturday morning and we got to work. I told Emma that, aside from doing some tests with lighting and backdrops, I wanted to work on getting fun expressions from my subjects. That was no problem for this nine-year-old! I think this task becomes more of a problem as we get older…we forget how to just PLAY. Here are a few of my favorites from the day.

We started out on a white backdrop, which is something I’ve been wanting to brush up on. I really like it for kids – keeps it fresh and light.

I kept telling her mom that she could be an actress…she’s got great expressions and a very vivid imagination. She has also watched her fair share of Tyra and “America’s Next Top Model Search”. Mom said she was quoting lines from the show at the age of four! She was having trouble with the concept of “smizing”, but no problem looking sad. I think this photo came right after I told her “your mom just gave you a trip to Disneyland…but you don’t get to go until two years from now”.

We changed the white t-shirt for a black one…a little older looking, but it’s a great contrast with her skin and hair.

Love the one on the left below…

OK, these last two sets are my favorites. Playing with a little side lighting and removing the backdrop light (in order to get a grey background), Emma gives us a military salute (to honor her dad) and the Pledge of Allegiance pose. Or was that the Queen of England pose? They looked a lot alike.

Saved my favorite for last…who is Emma’s celebrity look-alike? I’m thinking one of the Olsen twins from their younger days…especially in the image on the right!

Thank you so much, Emma and Sarah, for coming in to the studio to “play” – I had a blast! I’ll be sure to call on you again!

I thought we’d switch things up a bit…I’ve got more high school senior portraits to share, but I want to share this maternity session I did right after Thanksgiving. Charlotte is just one week away from her due date and I’ll be showing you her newborn session soon.

This was one of our “Studio Day Sessions” at Love Grows Photography Studio & Gallery. We started off in one of Charlotte’s favorite t-shirts to show off her beautiful belly. Isn’t she going to be a gorgeous new mom?

Charlotte’s husband is a U.S. Marine and was serving in Afghanistan at the time these were taken. He has since returned safely to the United States and will be home for their sweet girl’s arrival. She wanted to incorporate a part of him in the shoot, so she brought one of his dog tags.

A little cliche, but kind of a nice sentiment just the same…and she has beautiful hands and a pretty wedding ring, so why not?

I discovered during a wardrobe change that Charlotte also has a colorful tattoo and thought it would make an interesting image (and no, they aren’t naming the baby Lily!).

Thank you, Charlotte, for coming in to capture this incredible moment in your life. I can’t wait to meet your husband and baby girl in a few weeks!