Through my time in this field, I’ve gathered some pretty cool experiences that I think could help anyone looking to add a bit more life and story to their photos.

Finding the Perfect Theme: It’s a Kid’s World

Getting the theme right is crucial, and honestly, the best way is to just listen to the kids. Like the time I met this kiddo obsessed with dinosaurs – we ended up doing a shoot where he was a mini paleontologist. The excitement in his eyes when he talked about the T-Rex?Priceless.

And never underestimate the insights parents have. One time a parent mentioned her daughter’s love for makeshift forts, leading to one of my favorite shoots in a living room turned castle made of blankets and pillows.

Setting the Scene – From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Scouting the right spot is a bit of an adventure.

I once found this average-looking park that, with a little imagination and a few props, became the perfect backdrop for a pirate adventure. It’s amazing how an ordinary place can become a whole new world through a child’s eyes.

Dressing Up – Comfort with a Dash of Fantasy

Costumes are a big part of the story, but comfort is key. Once I had a pirate shoot where the little guy wore his pajamas – he was the most relaxed, happy pirate I’ve ever photographed. And props? They’re more than just accessories.

Like when I gave a kid a detective’s hat and suddenly, he was Sherlock Holmes incarnate, totally lost in his role.

Capturing the Moments – Just Go with Their Flow

My number one rule – let the kids lead. I had a ‘space explorer’ shoot once. The kid was in charge, using a cardboard rocket. It’s all about catching those genuine moments.

Quick tip: a fast shutter speed is a lifesaver for capturing those spontaneous, action-packed moments.

Editing: A Touch of Magic

When it comes to editing, less is often more. Enhance, don’t overwhelm.

I like to keep things looking natural, like just boosting the colors a bit for a beach scene. Adding text to children photos can be appropriate and may add a fun twist.

Feedback: The Secret Ingredient

I always ask the families what they think. You may be surprised to hear some of their suggestions, but in the end that’s what helps us grow. Sometimes even a little tip can become a game-changer for your later projects.

The Fun Factor – It’s Essential

Here’s the thing – if you’re not having fun, chances are, the kids aren’t either. Once, during a ‘gardening’ shoot, we ended up having an impromptu water fight. It was unplanned, but those photos were some of the best from the day.

But hey, remember to pause for breaks. Kids (and honestly, sometimes adults too) need a breather.

Navigating the Unpredictable: Embracing the Unexpected

One thing I’ve learned is to expect the unexpected and roll with it. Kids are wonderfully unpredictable. Once I had a shoot planned as a calm, serene fairy tale scene. But the little one was more of a spirited adventurer than a serene fairy.

Initially, I was thrown off, but then I thought, why not? We shifted gears, and the photos turned out amazing – full of energy and genuine joy.

It taught me a valuable lesson – sometimes, the plan is to be flexible. This approach not only eases the stress but often leads to the most authentic and memorable shots. Remember, the best stories are sometimes the ones you never planned to tell.

Safety: Non-Negotiable

Safety is my top priority, always. Before every shoot, I do a full check – is the area safe, are the props suitable? I’ve got a first-aid kit just in case, and I always make sure there’s a parent or guardian around.

So there you have it – my two cents on making children’s photography shoots more about stories and less about stiff poses.

Remember, each child and each shoot tells a different story.

Embrace it, have fun, and let’s create something memorable!

The post Storytelling in Children’s Photography: Real-Life Lessons from Behind the Lens appeared first on SuRlan.

Let me walk you through some of my favorite photo spots – the ones you definitely shouldn’t miss if you plan on going on a Big Sur tour from San Francisco.

Pacific Grove in Monterey

First up, Pacific Grove in Monterey is a must-see, especially in late spring.

The whole place lights up with magenta flowers.

Check out Lover’s Point and Perkins Park for the best views. Mid to late May is the sweet spot for the full bloom effect.

China Cove in Point Lobos

Then there’s China Cove in Point Lobos. It’s a bit off the beaten path but totally worth it for the emerald green waters. The Bird Island Trail is your best bet to get there. Oh, and if you go around April or May, you might catch seals chilling on the beach. Just remember, there’s a $10 parking fee.

Garrapata State Park

Garrapata State Park is all about rugged coastlines and trails. It’s a dream in spring with all the wildflowers. Make sure to stop by Calla Lily Valley – it’s a standout spot in the park.

Notleys Landing

A little down south from Bixby Bridge, you’ll hit Notleys Landing. No signs, but it’s

easy to find – just look for the turnout on a hill by the ocean. It’s got killer views of the cliffs and Bixby Bridge in the distance. Stick to the highway for views though, as the surrounding land is private.

Pfeiffer Beach

Pfeiffer Beach is hidden but famous for its purple sand and Keyhole Arch. Best times for photos? Sunset or winter solstice when the light is just magic. Turn onto Sycamore Canyon Road from Highway 1 and follow it to the end. There’s a $10 fee to get in, but it’s a small price for the beauty you’ll see.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Vista Point

The vista point in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a goldmine for photo opps. You get the entire coastline and a distant view of McWay Falls. And sometimes, there’s this cool fog that adds an extra layer of awesome to your shots.

McWay Falls

Last, but oh man, not least – McWay Falls. This spot is pure paradise with an 80 ft waterfall and a turquoise cove. Spring is amazing with all the wildflowers. The overlook trail is where you want to be for the best views.

Each place in Big Sur has its own special thing going on. From the flower-filled shores of Pacific Grove to the breathtaking McWay Falls, it’s a road trip filled with ‘wow’ moments. Whether you’re a photo buff, a nature lover, or just in for some adventure, these spots in Big Sur are sure to make your trip unforgettable.

Tips for Nailing Those Big Sur Photos

When you’re planning a trip to Big Sur, remember that your camera will be as important as your travel guide. This place is a photographer’s dream, but to really capture its essence, you’ll want to keep a few tricks up your sleeve.

Embrace the Golden Hours

Timing is crucial. You know those stunning Big Sur shots you’ve seen? Most are snapped during the golden hours – that’s just after sunrise or before sunset. This kind of light is softer and gives your photos a warm, almost magical quality. For instance, Pfeiffer Beach transforms under this light, especially when it hits the Keyhole Arch.

Get Creative with Angles

Don’t just stick to the postcard shots. At places like McWay Falls, experiment with your perspectives. Sure, the overlook trail is a classic, but sometimes stepping to the side or finding a new angle can make your photo stand out. The best shot isn’t always the most obvious one.

Utilize Nature’s Backdrops

Big Sur’s rugged landscape is a gift for photographers. Use elements like the mist at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park or the spring wildflowers at Garrapata State Park to add depth to your pictures. These features can turn a good photo into a great one.

Gear is Good, Vision is Better

Yes, a decent camera can help, but don’t worry if you’re not equipped with the latest tech. Many smartphones today can capture amazing images. If you have a drone or a good zoom lens, like a Nikon 70-300mm, that’s fantastic for spots like Hurricane Point. However, the real beauty of Big Sur can be captured with just a keen eye and a bit of creativity.

Respect and Safety

Always respect the natural surroundings and private properties. Stay on the marked paths and viewpoints, and be cautious, especially near cliffs and the ocean. Your safety is paramount.

In Big Sur, every turn offers a new photo opportunity. Keep these tips in mind, and you’re all set to capture some truly memorable shots.

The post Your Guide to the Best Photo Spots in Big Sur appeared first on SuRlan.

Huge time savings

To order a gift certificate for the New Year you will need only a computer and no more than 15 minutes of time, which strongly wins in comparison with going to the store by yourself.

A gift for the whole family

A gift certificate for a New Year’s Eve photo shoot is a wonderful gift not only for one person, but also for a couple or family. Thus, you will make several people happy with only one gift.

The possibility to choose the time and type of the photo session

By giving a gift certificate for the New Year, you will not burden the recipient of the gift on the time or style of photo session, the owner of the certificate can choose the parameters of his interest and hold the session at a convenient time for him.

The universality of the gift

The certificate for the New Year’s photo session will appeal both to people who have never tried themselves in the genre of photography, and to those who are actively involved in the photo shootings, because the photo session – is, first of all, positive and vivid emotions and experience, in addition to which you can get high-quality and professional photos.

Unique design of the gift

When ordering a gift certificate for the New Year photo session you have the opportunity to create your own original design. This feature is sure to make your gift stand out from the mass of others.

Turnkey photo session

The gift certificate for New Year’s Eve photo session includes such pleasant bonuses as make-up and access to the studio closet. Such advantages will definitely make the recipients happy, because a trip to the store for special clothes and a visit to the makeup artist will be unnecessary and it saves time and money. A gift certificate for the photo session is not an ordinary gift, it is an opportunity to imprint the last emotions and days of the outgoing year forever. We wish you happy holidays and Happy New Year!

The post A Gift for the New Year – a Certificate for the Photo Shoot! appeared first on SuRlan.

Ready-made interiors

You can’t imagine a New Year’s Eve photo shoot without a Christmas tree, ornaments and garlands shining colors in the frame. And in this regard, the New Year’s Eve photo shoot in a photo studio is a great option, because you do not have to create the necessary location for the shooting. For you it will be done by expert designers who know how to create an exceptional composition and unique atmosphere. It is also worth noting that the New Year’s location is not limited to one interior, it is several made in different styles of the New Year’s interiors.

Lighting

New Year’s Eve photo shoot in the studio differs in its lighting capabilities. With a huge number of controlled light sources, the studio has the ability to create the brightest, most stylish and high-quality photos.

A large selection of Christmas clothes and accessories

Buying all the necessary paraphernalia, outfits and accessories for New Year’s Eve takes a lot of time, especially when it comes to family photo shoots. The photo studio has everything you need to organize the event, which is certainly a huge plus.

Makeup artist

A nice bonus will be doing your hair and makeup for New Year’s photo shoot at the studio. You won’t have to go separately for these services and then drive to the photo shoot in the snow. If you choose a studio, you will be able to keep your makeup and styling in pristine condition.

Various kinds of photo shoots

It is possible to organize different kinds of New Year’s photo shoots in the studio. It is a family photo-session, winter photo-session, photo-session of pregnant women and children, as well as much and much more. Everything depends on your wishes and imagination.

The post New Year’s Photo Session in the Studio – What are the Advantages? appeared first on SuRlan.

Crowd photo

Lively city traffic during rush hour is the perfect backdrop for your photo shoot. Such concept will create a special dynamics of the frame, reflecting the speed of the city and the place of the subject of the photo in it. There are a lot of locations where you can make such a photo session in our city, especially in the morning hours.

Libraries

To organize such photo session you will need some preparation in the form of negotiations with the library staff, but it is worth it. After all, such a great place for a photo session as a library has a special and unique atmosphere of mystery and historicity.

Graffiti

Graffiti pictures by street artists can be an incredibly unusual and creative place for a photo session. Such a location gives a lot of freedom in choosing the image and style of the shoot.

Attractions

Carousels, Ferris wheels and any other amusement rides which are located in the city will be a great place for the shooting due to their brightness and colorfulness. Especially picturesque look illuminated in the evening rides.

The post Interesting Places for a Photo Shoot appeared first on SuRlan.

The psychological mood

Before the photo shoot, try to get emotional. Talk about warm memories, watch movies or listen to music that are associated with the bright events of your relationship. This can help you relax and make the photos more
sensual.

Clothes

Pick a palette of colors that will harmonize perfectly in the photo. The palette will also help create the mood of the photo shoot. Pastel colors will create a more gentle and romantic atmosphere, while bright colors form moods of passion, drama and sensuality.

Don’t be shy

During a “Love story,” focus your attention only on your own half and be yourself. This way, the photos will turn out very lively and beautiful.

Professional makeup and styling

Choose the most comfortable makeup for your photo session or ask our professional makeup artist who will fulfill all your desires.

Props

If you have any memorabilia be sure to take them to the photo session.

If you take into consideration all the above recommendations, you can be sure that the result of the photo shoot will be a high-quality and professional photos that will surely make you smile.

We are always waiting for you and your loved ones at the SuRlan Photo Studio!

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Moral preparation

Let your child know about the upcoming event in advance and encourage their interest in the photo shoot.

Emotional mood

Before the photo shoot, we recommend impressing the child with the help of a cartoon, a fun walk, a story, etc. It is important to set the baby up positively so that the photos are filled with emotions and facial expressions.

Talk to the photographer in advance

Tell him more about your child’s hobbies and peculiarities, so it will be much easier for the specialist to work with your boy or girl.

Sleep

It is important for your child to get a good night’s sleep and eat before the photo session. This way he or she will be more energetic and show a lot more enthusiasm.

Mastering

Upon arrival, give your child a chance to walk around the photo studio and get to know the photographer. Creating a friendly and comfortable atmosphere is a prerequisite for a successful photo shoot. To make it easier for your child to get used to it, take his/her favorite toy with you.

Clothes

Prepare different sets of clothes, preferably in calm and soft colors. It is important that the clothes were comfortable for a child and did not restrict his movements. Also think about props.

Assist the photographer

No matter how professional our photographer is, no one knows better than a parent how to make a baby smile.

Take it easy

A parent’s mood has a big impact on a child’s mood. You should not be nervous and worry, and then your calm and positive attitude will surely reflect on the child.

If you take into consideration all of the above recommendations, you can be sure that the photo shoot will result in high-quality, professional photos that will surely make you smile.

The post Preparing for a Children’s Photo Shoot appeared first on SuRlan.

During his life Disney received many awards, including 26 statuettes “Oscar”, which is, to date, a world record. It is a well-known fact that Walt Disney was an avid smoker, so in many pictures you will see a cigarette in his hands.

At Disneyland, Disney photos were carefully retouched, here you will never see Walt with a cigarette. Since Disneyland’s main guests were children, Disney did not want them to imitate his bad habits. Tobacco products were plastered over, and in some photos of Disney in connection with this, you will see him showing a strange gesture with his index and middle finger.

Subsequently, Disneyland employees were advised to point at anything with these same fingers to lend verisimilitude to Walt’s image.
Addiction to the artist-cartoonist affected his health, in 1966, Disney died of lung cancer. After this sad event, the company bearing his name decided to refuse to show cigarettes in their films.

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