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    • Crystal JamesCrystal James

    Pictures with Santa

    December 23, 2010 | Posted by Crystal James

    There are so many milestones in a child’s life that should be captured, and since this is the holiday season, let’s not forget a picture with Santa!  For some (namely the 1-3 year olds) this can be a horrifying experience, but as we all know, they will come to love Santa one day.  Who wouldn’t love a big guy in a red suit that brings you EVERYTHING you ever wanted on Christmas morning?  I work closely with a local Shoppe here in Atlanta and they have the most amazing Santa.  It’s been a tradition for more than 10 years now, and it’s completely free to come, visit with Santa, and even take your own pictures.  For the past three years I have been on hand to take pictures as well, and it has been the most wonderful experience to see the kids come back each year, a little older and a little wiser, to tell Santa about all of their Christmas wishes.

    Based on my experience, here is my humble thoughts & advice on pictures with Santa:

    * YES, do it!  Even if your child cries (or screams), it’s only for a minute and you will giggle at the memory.  In my experience, there is really no way to coax a toddler out of their crying fit while he or she is sitting on Santa’s lap.  The best thing to do (if you really want a picture), is drop and move quickly.  That way, you are not prolonging the experience and you can give your child a big hug — and hopefully a treat — afterward!

    * Make yourself a little photo album to keep each year’s picture for comparison.  I don’t consider Santa Pictures to be potential wall portraits, but they are a treasure to be kept for years to come.

    * Dress your child in a festive color other than red.  Santa is wearing red so it looks great when the kids have something that will contrast with him.  I really like blue!

    * Try to find a good Santa and go back every year.  It’s really fun to watch your child change and grow each Christmas!  The Santa at our Shoppe is really good at posing for the camera and making the kids feel comfortable.

    And I wanted to share a few photos of some children that have been coming back every year to see our wonderful Santa.



    These are a few of my favorites from this year.

    And, of course, my own kids with Santa.

    Julie MillerJulie Miller

    Session Share with Julie Miller!

    December 22, 2010 | Posted by Julie Miller

    Being a photographer, I find that I don’t always take enough time to photograph my own children. For this reason, I loaded up my kids and went on a road trip with them last summer. It was so much fun! We traveled back to the small town I was born in. I haven’t been back in 26 years! We made some fun stops along the way and took lots and lots of pictures! These images are a little different than my usual work but it was so much fun and the kids had a great time! Concept shoots can be a lot of fun for everyone involved. I am grateful I took the time to preserve some memories with my own kids.

    Alice ParkAlice Park

    Workshop Workbook and Posing Guide Giveaway!

    December 21, 2010 | Posted by Alice Park

    In 2009, Skye Hardwick Edmonds retired from over three years of teaching live workshops to be able to spend more time with her family and better focus on her business. As a result, she compiled all of her teachings into one information packed punch – the Workshop Workbook.

    The Workshop Workbook is a 200 page pdf guide packed full of information and inspiring imagery. Skye shares her secrets to her success in building her child photography enterprise.

    Want a chance to win a Workshop Book or a Posing Guide? Here’s how!

    Rules:

    (1) Must “Like” BOTH Work of Heart’s and NAPCP’s Facebook page

    (2) Write something nice on Work of Heart’s Facebook wall on behalf of NAPCP

    (3) Post a comment on the NAPCP Facebook page to let us know that you’ve completed all of these steps!

    Deadline: Wednesday, December 22nd at 11:59 pm es

    Alice ParkAlice Park

    December Member Spotlight: Skye Hardwick!

    December 21, 2010 | Posted by Alice Park

    In this month’s Member Spotlight, Skye shares her story, how she juggles it all and how she is pouring her thoughts and inspiration into Soulographer, a new yummy blogsite. As a bonus, doubling as our December Vendor Partner, Skye is wrapping up a copy of her coveted The Workshop Workbook and a Posing Guide for some lucky NAPCP members. Details below!

    Making a move from East to West along the way, NAPCP member Skye Hardwick Edmonds transitioned from an inspired film photographer into a focused, successful, and soulful businesswoman. With an open heart and mind to match, Skye is doing what she loves 100%.

    Q: Your style is so defined by the locations you choose and the detail and thought that goes behind every shot. Can you tell us how you make it all work? What goes behind the beautiful imagery in your work?

    My personal shooting style is to slow down, yet, I’m very efficient in how I work. My film beginnings taught me to wait for the moment and not to overshoot. Overshooting only adds more time behind the computer and makes things “too easy” on me as a photographer. I love the challenge of drawing out a subject, anticipating the right moments, and capturing them.

    Q: Tell us your story. How you started and how your photography, successful workshops, and new products have transformed over the years.

    I have been in business for seven years this spring. Like many photographers, I have always loved photography, but it was never something I thought I could do as a career. As a matter of fact, I was in my second year of college pursuing a degree in professional writing. Then I had my wake up moment of “this is what I’m supposed to be doing”. I’ve never looked back and I look forward to where God takes me next.

    Q: How do you juggle it all? Specifically, the businesses, your children, and being a beautiful new wife.

    Put my marriage first. Similar to the raising of children, if you put all of your focus on your kids while they are growing up, ignoring your husband along the way, what happens when they grow up and have lives of their own? (And they do grow up; rather quickly, huh?) You’ll find a stranger in your spouse because of your lack of time spent. I love photography, but at the end of my life I won’t say, “I wish I would have taken on more clients…” No, I would have wanted more time with those I love. I never want my preserving of other people’s memories to supersede the preserving of my own.

    Q: What are currently some of the biggest challenges you face professionally??

    In the area of being focused I can stumble, but I have found if I at least write out monthly business goals, I am more likely to meet those goals (and then some). I love the feeling of accomplishment and as if I am moving forward in a set direction rather than just floating along.

    Q: What is the best advice you have received regarding photography?

    Read your manual. Keep it simple. Keep tabs on the late night editing. Learn to say no. Always be teachable. Know who you are. Stay who you are, at the same time be open to the right kind of change. Master lighting. Don’t wear low-rise jeans on a shoot (I’ve learned this one on my own).

    Q: We are in love with the launch of your new blogsite, Soulographer. Tell us about the concept behind Soulographer and what you’d like to achieve with it.

    Soulographer was the name of the Workshops I taught all across the country from 2006 – 2009. I’ve since retired from teaching Workshops, however, I wanted the concept of Soulographer to continue on. The design of the blogsite was inspired by things I love …. all things vintage, Anthropologie, faded colors, and so forth. I plan on hosting interviews, product reviews, and such on the blog in the coming year, as well as write informative articles, but I’m very excited about the inspiration aspect — showing (in words & image) creative concepts and how they begin from a concept to how I carry them out at a session.

    Q: What advice can you give to those starting out?

    Wait until you are consistently getting good results before launching a business. Counting on “lucky shots” or a few good ones in the mix isn’t enough. When you are consistently getting good exposure, good variety of expressions, nailing the focus, etc. then look into the next step.

    Q: We love how open and honest you are on the NAPCP forum and with our members. What is your desire and hopes for our very specialized and unique industry?

    That the community of child photographers would continue to evolve in an authentic and creative way and would be respectful and supportive of others in their field.

    To see more of Skye Hardwick, check out her website here, and read the latest on her blog here!

    Kristen the designerKristen the designer

    Happy Fridays: Christmas Treats!

    December 17, 2010 | Posted by Kristen the designer

    Christmas is almost here! Now that you have done all your shopping, decorating, and wrapping, it’s time to relax. Or is it? Are you having a last minute holiday party that you’re not prepared for? No worries…we’ve got you covered :) If you are in need of some delicious dishes to serve at your next get together look no further! I have rounded up some tasty appetizers and desserts that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Enjoy!

    Appetizers -

    Mini Bagel Wreaths (bottom right) –

    Ingredients: mini bagels, cream cheese, peppers

    To make these delectable treats, spread mini bagel halves with cream cheese (plain or tinted green with herbs or food coloring), then sprinkle on red, yellow, and green bell-pepper confetti. So easy! Similar recipes can be found here.

    Desserts –

    Tortilla Snowflakes (bottom left) –

    Ingredients – flour tortillas, canola or vegetable oil, confectioner’s sugar, edible glitter (optional)

    1) Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Warm the tortillas (about 15 seconds) in the microwave.

    2) Individually fold the tortillas in half once and then in half again, so that you end up with a shape that resembles a wedge of pie (it will be thick). Using clean scissors, cut triangle, circles, or squares out of the edges, as if you were making paper snowflakes. Unfold the tortillas.

    3) Lightly brush the tops of the snowflakes with canola or vegetable oil and place them on a cookie sheet slightly apart.

    4) Bake them until lightly browned and crisp (about 4 minutes). Sift confectioners’ sugar on the snowflakes while warm. For an extrasparkly effect, you can sprinkle on a bit of edible glitter.

    You can find similar recipes here. For a variety of other scrumptious holiday goodies visit the Family Fun site.

    Happy Friday everyone!


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