Family Photography Essentials...and a personal request!

READY? Here's the essentials: -have your family captured every year and more then once a year if your kids are under the age of 3! Yes, they change that much and it's worth it.

-Chose a family photographer that knows what they're doing! (obvious maybe but, necessary to say!)

-Spend time thinking through outfits. New always looks better!

-Get hair cuts right before the shoot...fresh and clean look is adorable!

-Chose a time that your kids are the happiest! AM or after naps.

-always have a drink and snacks on hand...incentive can be helpful!

-Have fun at the shoot! Let the photographer worry about the pictures.

-Did I mention that you have to get pictures taken? It's true. It's the most important thing. When are you planning your next family shoot!?? I have 2 Mini Session spots left!

Want to know when I'm planning mine? One of my friends (and a gifted photographer) Jacquelyn Senske is having Mini Sessions in May and she's giving one session away for free. I'm trying my hardest to win that session. I will be capturing other peoples families all summer and would love to kick back and have someone get my family sorted. What to help? of course you do.

Follow this link and do 2 things:

click "LIKE" on the photography page and then

click "LIKE" on my comment. (Look for my name: Noemi Hedrick.)

Thank you for taking 15 seconds to do this for me...a little love goes a long way!

I can't resist a good deal!

I know this is not very "Professional Photographer" of me but, I can't resist! I got this Groupon today and I had to pass it on. I'm a huge fan of canvas...LOVE THEM! And I've used Canvas on Demand before and thought the quality to be to good. So if you had pictures you want enlarged in a unique way...try this!

If you're using images from a professional photo-shoot make sure you have permission from your Professional Photographer to use the image.

Of course the advantage to having your professional photographer do a canvas for you is that retouching will be included...kinda a guarantee your image will look the best it can.

Happy Canvasing.

What to wear for Family Photography Sessions this summer

This is such a great question and I love answering it! What you wear to a photography session plays a HUGE part in how the pics turn out! So it pays to put some thought into it. What to wear? I grabbed this info from a fellow photographer in Illinois - loved her tips! Select clothing that’s poppy, vibrant and fun! Jewel-toned colors are complimentary on every complexion and look beautiful in photographs. Choose colors that are deep, rich and intense like burgundy, eggplant, teal, rust, magenta and olive. Try pairing these colors with neutrals like charcoal gray, chocolate brown and army green. Avoid black and white as they do not photograph well.

Avoid dressing the family in matching “uniforms”. Coordinated looks for families create a much more pleasing photograph. Try choosing a unifying color mixed with the neutrals listed above in various ways to mix things up but still give your family continuity.

Use patterns, textures and layers to add visual interest. Textured fabrics, such as denim, cable knits, linen, and corduroy, photograph beautifully. Layers can be added and removed to create different looks in minimal time.

When it comes to jeans, opt for the darkest indigo wash. These tend to be the most flattering and least dated. Also avoid contrasting colors, like adults in navy blue shirts and kids in light blue.

Most importantly, we want everyone to be casual and comfortable in their attire. Make sure each member of the family tries on their outfit before the day of the shoot. Clothing that is too big will appear baggy and sloppy in photos. Clothing that is undersized will bunch or gape. Everyone should be in clothes that feel and look good on the day of the shoot.

Of course one of the easiest things you can do to get ideas for what to wear for your shoot is look at outfits online. Just click on Old Navy or Gap, Children's Place, or for something outside the box and see what outfits they suggest.

You don't have to buy everything new to look cute but I suggest using what you have a buy a couple of things to complete your look! Accessories are VERY important!

"Garden...if I plant you will you grow?"

Every year around this time I get inspired! (Not that hard because I'm easily inspired.) I dream about having a veggie and herb garden. I've tried herbs for several years now and I get a pretty good return but, tomatoes have been the thorn in my side. 3 years running and one tomato is all I got! Not all my fault (vacations, storms, calcium deficiency, forgetting to water, not weeding, being busy with having babies and taking care of them etc.) but, none the less, it's dampened my zeal. But, there is something beautiful about growing your own garden. It makes me feel smart, like I'm providing for my family and I'm an accomplished home maker...it's the little things right? If it works yes...if it's doesn't...yikes!

So, I'm gearing up to try again. Only this time I've asked for help! Noble idea. Two of our friends want to join in on the venture. YEAH! It's going to be the perfect partnership...We have the space and they have the knowledge. This is going to be the year!

I have no idea what we're going to plant but I will keep you posted. I might even take pictures of the process.

I hope this is inspiring for you. Have you tried before and had success OR are you like me? and you start out strong and have nothing to write home about? Then you end up at farmer's market?

If you are an expert what tips can you give me? What should we grow? What is the most resilient veggie? ANY ADVICE IS WELCOME!

What some helpful hints from the experts? here's the websites i've found helpful.

http://www.almanac.com/content/beginners-vegetable-garden

http://www.tastefulgarden.com/VegetableGardening.htm

http://www.thevegetablegarden.info/resources/gardening-articles/201-planting-vegetable-gardens-for-beginners

Now I just need to swamp in my backyard to drain...SUN PLEASE!

 

Being a Mom and a Wedding Photographer...

I am a wedding Photographer and I love my job...but, today I'm a Mom. I'm smiling at how wonderfully full my life is! I am so honored to have the kids I have. My Day:

-Eat a good breakfast -two eggs, ham and toast (check)

-Strip beds (check)

-Baths/showers for kids (check)

-Washing machine humming with with first of 5-6 loads (check)

-Read the bible (check)

-Go through my kids drawers to get rid of clothes that are too small and bag them up for friends (check)

-French braid Adriah's hair so it will be crazy curly tomorrow (check)

-Go through Toys in the kids room to sort and chuck ( not yet but, it needs to be done)

-Drive Adriah to school

-Stop at Target for wipes and probably spend $50 on stuff I didn't know I needed. How does that happen?

-Put the kids down for their naps.

-Adriah comes home from school and I'm hoping we get outside for a walk.

-Dinner...well, since Daddy's is working late we'll probably do Mac-n-Cheese for the kids and a salad for me! Everyone is happy!

-Read books, do homework, get into pj's

-pray together...and night-night! (three times over!)

-Read a good book or watch American Idol or maybe a little of both!

No photography today but, I can't wait to be shooting and editing weddings this summer! Every day is different and I'm totally enjoying this day.

Mom FOCUSED Photography Workshop nominated winner is...

Mrs. April Barker...I'm so happy to be able to offer her a free place at the Mom FOCUSED Photography workshop coming up! Here's some of the lovely things people wrote about her: April is a fabulous woman, mother (of 2), MOPS group leader and friend and I know she would really love to be part of your class.  This is her first year leading a MOPS group but she has really done an amazing job of connecting our group and making each one of us feel really special.  I know she also went to school for art, continues to paint when she can and is very creative and stylish so this is right up her alley.

April Barker.  She is a kind hearted mom that shows great promise of becoming a fantastic artist behind the camera!  She is one of the most gentle, sweet, thoughtful, cool...and might I add ADORABLE women I've ever met.

April has a great camera and has mentioned several times that she would love to take the time to learn to use it more. She is a sweet friend who has a great heart for helping others, and I'd love to see her have a turn to be taken care of. April has had a difficult time in the last couple of months...I know April would benefit greatly from taking the class, as did I! She has a son and daughter who will also benefit from being captured at every stage as they grow.:)

April you are loved and your friends and family want to see you grow as a photographer...we're happy to have you at the Workshop! Email me: info@noemiphotography.com and I'll let you know how you can register for free.

Thank you to all the other Mom's who were nominated: Rachel Flores, Rachel Androli, and Tracy Morrison

There's still time to sign up and join this amazing group of women! Clear your calendar and register...you won't regret it!

 

Mom FOCUSED Photography Workshop...nominate a deserving mom!

It's that time again! I'm having a Mom FOCUSED Photography Workshop and as always I love having a Mom come for free. Not everyone can afford to come to the workshop so I love offering a contest where friends can write in and say, "Why _____ deserves to come for free!" Send in your nominations from now until Sunday night - March 27th, 2010 and will announce the winner next week!

It doesn't leave you much time...so act quickly.

Get the word out and email me!

Please make sure you are available to join us for both dates:

Friday, April 8th 2011 – 7:00pm-10:00pm AND Saturday, May 7th 2011 – 10:00am-4:00pm

Cost: $275.00

***If you interested in coming to the Workshop and haven't registered yet...it's not too late! There are still a couple of available - REGISTER NOW!

 

This Weekend...at Millennium Hotel, Minneapolis, MN

What to talk wedding stuff? Particularly Wedding Photography? Come and meet me this Sunday...March 20th, 2011 at the Millennium HOTEL!

Here's the details!

The best part about coming is that I will be doing my first ever wedding photography package special!

If you come to visit with the vendors at the Millennium

you'll receive the discount towards any photography package if you book before April 30, 2011.

So exciting! See you Sunday!

Just curious...

Have you ever entered a contest or sweepstakes thinking, "There's no way I'll win!" and then you did. (Yes, I entered something and I'm not saying what cause I want to increase my changes.)

But, having said that, I'd still love to hear your story. It'll be fun. What did you enter and what did you win? (I can't wait to hear'em!) I know Cate will have tons of stories...she wins everything!)

(And yes, I will be sad if no one comments...I need the encouragement!)

 

Quiet Days

I'm quieter these days. Partly because it's winter and photography slows down - much welcomed after a crazy summer and fall! But, it's not just that, I'm quieter in myself too. Spending a lot of time at home with my kids, reading, relaxing, enjoying my home...the sun shining through my living room helps a ton! I'm really enjoying this time and thankful for it. I'm dreaming of warmer weather (and smiling as I write that.) With the time change comes hope that the sun is around for a while. Wasn't it nice to see the sun up at dinner time the last couple of days? Spring is coming and summer will follow.

I used to resist quiet and slowing down like a plague of some sort. But, I'm changing. I crave quiet now. Prayer has become a high value...resting is essential. I still struggle with doing vs. being. But, at least now it's a desire of my heart.

Something to think about.

Come and chat with me at the Millennium Hotel...over yummy cake!

If you missed this post a few weeks back I wanted to make sure you blocked off your calendar... Are you a bride trying to sort out all the details for your wedding? What are you doing on March 20th, 2011? I've been asked to be the representing photographer at the Millennium Hotel in Minneapolis, MN during their wedding trade show next month! The Millennium Hotel is gorgeous and I love shooting there.

I'm so excited cause I love mingling with brides and rubbing shoulders with other vendors in the wedding business. AND I'm going to be giving out trade show promotion for any bride that comes to my table! You know how a love coupons!

It's the same weekend as The Wedding Fair™ by Twin City Bridal Association Sunday, March 20th Minneapolis Convention Center 11AM - 4PM Tickets are $15 in advance or at the door call 952-WEDDING or order online.

The two trade shows are walking distance from each other so why not check them both out! More bang for your buck...and free cake!

Shoot me an email if you're coming and I'll keep my eye out for you! So fun to talk weddings and photography. I love my job!

My family (or least kids) portraits!

A couple of weeks ago I did Mini Sessions at a friends studio in Minneapolis, MN. My husband (bless him!) got our three kids ready and brought them to the studio during my lunch break and I got to take a few of them! I'm thankful for my wonderful husband. He is amazing. I wanted to get their pictures because Clara just turned 1, then Adriah and Leyton are turning 6 and 3 in the month! My is rich and full.

There's nothing like taking pictures of your own kids. Let me describe the scene for you...Matt is behind me trying to get Leyton to look at the camera, asking to Adriah to hold onto Clara so she doesn't fall, and trying to get her to smile normally! FUN!

What the image captures is my life! And for that reason I love it. Where is my sons shoe by the way? I have no idea.

Looking for your first DSLR?

Of course I'm going to recommend a Canon...why not try: Canon EOS Rebel T1i (500D) Digital SLR Kit w/EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens - The link takes you to B&HPhoto my favorite place to shop for Photography equipment.

The Canon EOS Rebel T1i (500D)is the 6th generation of Canon's popular entry-level DSLR camera series and it improves upon earlier Rebels by incorporating many features that up till now could only be found on Canon's pricier mid-level DSLRs. Among the Rebel T1i's key attributes are . . . Read More »»» Price: $649 + Free Shipping | WOW! (Plus save over $500 when purchased together with other select products!)

Already have a DSLR and looking for a digital camera to carry with you on vacations? Try this one:

Canon's PowerShot S95 Digital Camera puts you in the driver's seat with this Italian sports car of a compact camera--lots of razzle-dazzle, backed up by prodigious engineering. Starting with an impressive 10.1MP sensor and the DIGIC 4 Image Processor; the S95 antes up an f/2.0-4.9 28-105mm (equivalent) zoom lens, an intuitive manual-control ring, and the superbly refined Hybrid IS 2-way image stabilization system. There's a slew of shooting modes to choose from, and RAW + JPEG capability too. The S95 delivers pretty much anything you might wish for in a compact digital camera--and a lot more.

Not only can you capture photos from ISO 80 up to ISO 3200, you can choose the degree of control you want (from total control to total automatic) over exposure, white balance, focus, and much more, from an extensive menu. You can automatically produce High Dynamic Range, panoramic, fisheye, low-light and many more specialized photos with built-in programs.

And you don't have to stop at still photographs: shoot gorgeous 720p HD video with stereo sound for up to 25 minutes--there's even a miniatures effect that blurs the top and bottom of the video frame, giving your subject the appearance of being miniatures.

Got questions about equipment? Email me and I'll turn it into a blog post!

 

My life...looking back.

I'm turning 35 this weekend and those of you who know me know what that means...I've been super reflective the last couple of days. I've been looking back, way back, and then thinking about my life now and finally looking ahead at what still is in store for me. I love this time of year for that very reason...this time I'm really throwing myself into the process. I've been spending my time in prayer, looking through old family photos, reading tear-jerker novels about generations of women, thinking about my relationships with my family...well, you get the picture! If I live until 70 then turning 35 is my half way point. I'm pleased so far but, I have so much more to live...I'm excited for that!

Let's take a short trip down memory lane shall we? I was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, South America on March 5th 1976. My dad is Uruguayan born and they wanted to move back with their growing family. So my Mom (bless her!) flew to Uruguay when she was 8 months pregnant and delivered in a hospital where she didn't understand the language. That's hardcore. My parents thought they were going to stay in a Spanish speaking country forever so to be nice to me they named me the Spanish version of Naomi - Noemi Isabel Albojer. Yeah, it's a mouthful. I don't have a ton of pictures of my childhood because my first 15 months were in South America and film and developing were expansive. Here's a few shots of what I have. NOTE: Most of the photos includes my older sister Elizabeth (who I adore AND just did her family photo-shoot - see blog post after this one!)

gotta love free itunes and free redbox...i heart good deals!

no catch! Here it is:

Free Music. Southwest.com is currently offering 20 free select songs on iTunes when you provide your email address. Once you enter your email address, you will receive an email within a few minutes containing a download code and simple instructions on how to get your 20 free songs. Featured artists include Geographer, Hayes Carll, The Dodos, Laura Jansen, Tamaryn and Papercuts. Code expires 3/31.

Free Redbox Rental. Today only (2/24), you can get a free one-night rental from Redbox when you “like” Redbox on Facebook and click on the “Freebie” tab. You will get a unique code for a free DVD rental or for $1 off a Blu-ray Disc or video game rental. Code is valid on 2/24 only. Limit 1 rental with code. Code cannot be used for reservations made on Redbox.com. Find a Redbox kiosk near you. (For those reading this via email tomorrow, 2/25, sorry that I just didn’t get this information put together quickly enough this morning for it to go out in the 2/24 email. Forgive me).

Minneapolis Wedding Trade Show at Millennium Hotel

Are you a bride trying to sort out all the details for your wedding? What are you doing on March 20th, 2011? I've been asked to be the representing photographer at the Millennium Hotel in Minneapolis, MN during their wedding trade show next month! The Millennium Hotel is gorgeous and I love shooting there. I'm so excited cause I love mingling with brides and rubbing shoulders with other vendors in the wedding business. AND I'm going to be giving out trade show promotion for any bride that comes to my table! You know how a love coupons!

It's the same weekend as The Wedding Fair™ by Twin City Bridal Association Sunday, March 20th Minneapolis Convention Center 11AM - 4PM Tickets are $15 in advance or at the door call 952-WEDDING or order online.

The two trade shows are walking distance from each other so why not check them both out! More bang for your buck...and free cake!

Shoot me an email if you're coming and I'll keep my eye out for you! So fun to talk weddings and photography. I love my job!

My baby turns 1! Everything is the same and Everything is different.

My dearest Clara...words can not describe my love for you. Really. I'm so thankful you are mine. You surprised me but it was a wonderful surprise. You fill my heart with joy with one look at those blues eyes ohh those eyes. I'm overwhelmed looking back and so peaceful looking forward. You are my third and my last...you completed our family. (well, unless adoption is in our future) Today we're enjoying you. Your family is all around you loving you. My sister and her family are here from England spending 2 weeks with us and my brother, sister-in-law and niece fly in today. Clara will have family (my family) around for her first b-day party...that's something that's never happened for either of my other kids. AND IT'S SOOOO SPECIAL to me.

Clara, you are beautiful! Content and easy in any situation...even when your brother wants to wrestle you! She's starting to walk (with help) and says, "HI!, Dada, Mama, and tickle!" Ohh and she screams in glee all the time.

Soon I will be the Mom of a 1, 3, 6 year old! CRAZY! and incredible. and wonderful.

I took pictures last week and today of my girl...I'll post them soon.

Falling in love with my little girl...

...I just got back from Canada. My little girl and I went to Toronto for a family wedding...a little girls get away. Adriah was the flower girl and takes that role very seriously. It's her third time being a flower girl and she's perfect every time. Our schedule was crazy and she was able to roll with everything. We got home from the wedding (at midnight) and I woke her up saying, "time to get out of the car. We're home." and she slides out and looks around in her dreamy state and says, "okay, which one?" It was so sweet that I picked up my 58 pound, 41/2 foot 5 year old and carried her into the house (Yes, it was on ice and I was wearing heals!) I fell in love with how she played with her cousins. How she followed their little dog around the house trying to get him to do tricks. How she bonded with my siblings. How she danced the night away. How she told me every day (many times) that she loves me and was happy we got to get away together. I'm going out on a limb that quality time is her #1 love language! Good that it's mine too.

There's something really beautiful about falling in love with your kids. With every new stage I feel like I'm getting to know them all over again. they change so fast and I'm always learning who they are and who they are becoming. It's a mystery I'm willing to seek out.

I'm home and happy to be here. I want to wake up Clara and Leyton just give them cuddles...but, I won't, I will wait until tomorrow. I will take time to love on them lots.

I am blessed with an incredible family! As I write, my husband is working in our basement trying to get it finished by Friday when my sister and her family fly in from England. It's one of those projects that is way bigger then you think but, once you start you have to finish. He's amazing! I love how he finishes what he starts and never complains.

Going to sleep now. I'm tired but, I'm smiling with a full heart.