Harsh midday sunTaken in harsh midday sun

I can greatly improve upon this by using a technique that only the pros know how to use. I didn't invent it, but I know how to apply it with excellent results. Here's how I fix it:

• Put a diffuser over the subject to soften the sunlight. That eliminates harsh shadows and makes the light soft. However, the light becomes very flat, without direction or depth.
• Add a light to add depth and dimension (more interest) to the portrait
• Darken the background so that the subject stands out from the background.

The next two photos show the results. One darkens and blurs the background a bit more, and one lets the background show through a little better (slightly less darkened and less blurred). The light on the subject's face is soft and flattering, and positioned to add a bit of shadow on the right side.

Soft, directional lightingSoft, directional lighting on the subject, darkened and very blurred background.

Soft lighting, less dark backgroundSoft lighting on the subject, slightly less darkened and less blurred background.

Here's the setup that I used to get these results. Notice the diffuser over the subject; the light on a stand with a diffuser ("soft box") attached, just under the diffuser and aimed at the subject; and the camera off to the left. (That's my barbecue grill in the background, and my photo studio at the left.)

Setup to get the improved resultsSetup to get the improved results

Bottom line: I can take in-studio or outdoor portraits any time of the day and get great results. Call 415-309-8660 or e-mail steve@stevefogelphotography.com to book your session. 

I've got wall art of my wedding photo (to remind me of when I was thinner and better looking), and more importantly, of my two girls when they were young. I grin whenever I look at those cherub faces. But wall art is not there just to remember your toddlers. It's wonderful to capture precious memories of your family as it grows and grows up. I recommend getting new family portraits every three years.

Here are catalogs of matted prints, framed prints, and canvas wraps:

Prints

Canvas wraps

Contact me at 415.309.8660 to schedule your family portrait session.

1. Keep tracking the weather. Those white winter days after a lot of snowfall can result in some seriously gorgeous photographs. Booking two months out probably won't work, and you'll instead want to book on a shorter notice.

2. Really play up the winter accessories when planning outfits. Think cozy knit scarves, colorful coats, adorable boots, mittens and more.

3. Plan the day out so that nobody gets fussy or too cold. A bribe of hot chocolate after the session goes a long way. Also make sure that everyone's dressed warmly.

4. Don't be afraid to have fun in that snow. Snowball fights? Snowman building? Angels? The possibilities are endless and this should be all about having fun.

5. Choose colors and prints that pop. An all white background is absolutely beautiful, but having that pop of red or that flash of gingham can really make for a gorgeous photograph.

6. Pack the necessities. Noses tend to run in the cold, and glasses can fog up. Bring tissues, hand-warming packs, clean clothes and hot beverages to keep everyone perky throughout the shoot.

7. Because it can be really cold, note that a shorter session may be in order. Make the most of your photos by using every single second to the max, especially at the beginning of the session when everyone's still warm and spirits are particularly high.

That's it for now.

Steve

Treat yourself and your family to a memorable holiday photo with 20% off one of my portrait packages, plus a $100 gift certificate. A portrait gift certificate is the ultimate gift! Choose the package that is right for you, or create your own custom package.

Digital package - $395 (regularly $495)

• 90-minute photo session in the studio, your home, or outdoors.
• Up to five digital images, different poses, for use on social media. Get one of the family, one of mom and dad, and one each of the kids.
• $100 gift certificate for a future portrait session.

Silver package - $395 (regularly $495)

• 60-minute photo session in the studio, your home, or outdoors.
• One retouched family pose with:
  • Two 5 x 7 prints.
  • One 8 x 10 print, mounted on mat board (11 x 14 frame size).
  • Digital copy for use on social media.
• $100 gift certificate for a future portrait session.

Gold package - $495 (regularly $595)

• 60-minute photo session in the studio, your home, or outdoors.
• Two retouched family poses with:
  • Two 5 x 7 prints.
  • One 11 x 14 print, mounted on mat board (16 x 20 frame size) or 25 flat photo greeting cards, with dozens of designs to choose from.
  • Digital copies for use on social media.
• $100 gift certificate for a future portrait session.

Platinum package - $650 (regularly $750)

• 60-minute photo session in the studio, your home, or outdoors.
• Three retouched family poses with:
  • Four 5 x 7 prints.
  • One 16 x 20 print, mounted on mat board (20 x 24 frame size), or
    25 folding photo greeting cards, with dozens of designs to choose from.
  • Digital copies for use on social media.
• $100 gift certificate for a future portrait session.

Call 415.309.8660 to schedule your holiday family photo shoot!

• 60 minute photo session in your home or at my studio
• Three prints, up to 8 x 10, mounted on mat board and ready for framing
• Digital copies of all prints

All prints are of professional quality, and include retouching. Regular price for this package is $495. From now until Dec 15th, you can get it for $395, a bargain.

Call 415.309.8660 to schedule your holiday family photo shoot!

Steve

P.S. - Want holiday cards with your family photo printed by a professional lab? Ask me about 'em.

• Up to 20 lightly edited proofs in a private area of my web site.
• 3 retouched final images on stunning 8 x 10 prints.
• 20 wallet sized prints.
• Final images on CD.
• Travel and setup at your home or nearby outdoor location.
• Additional prints and goodies downloadable from my web site.

All this for $400. Offer ends Jan 5, 2015.