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    • Annie JonesAnnie Jones

    Session Share ~ Time for Tea

    February 2, 2012 | Posted by Annie Jones

    A beautiful session for three very special little girls.

    mason jars hanging from a tree

    vintage tea party photo shoot

    vintage tea party scene

    vintage tea party scene

    vintage tea party photo shoot

    vintage tea party

    cup cakes

    vintage tea party with cup cakes

    little girl in a high chair eating an apple

    bunting in sunlight

    vintage tea party scene

    Inspiration: These three little girls are extra special to me, as their mother isn’t only a fabulous photographer herself, but a dear friend of mine. The inspiration really came from our love of everything vintage, the gorgeous evening sunlight we get here in Australia and of course the little girls themselves who adore everything pink and girly. Over a few weeks, we discussed the session, props and clothing. We begged, borrowed and baked, until we felt we had everything we needed.

    Favourite Element: Being able to document the closeness of the girls, and how truly beautiful they are, has to be my favourite element of this session. The light this particular evening was also devine and of course our gathering of ‘props’ paid off, as when the scene was set, it looked amazing.

    Biggest Challenge: Getting that ‘right spot’ for the light to be slightly diffused. In the end we chose under the large tree, as the branches and leaves not only diffused the light, but gave us fabulous sun flare.

    What The Client Said: The girls Mum was thrilled with the images, and is still my friend so I think I did ok :)

    Photographer’s Final Words: For this particular session, preparation was the key element. We both had a ‘vision’, and set to work to ‘make’ it happen. We begged and borrowed props. We visited the location in the evening to assess the light, then finally we put it all together. It was fun for the girls too, and afterwards we all got to eat the cup cakes. :)

    Karen CareyKaren Carey

    How To Select Your Best Images

    January 17, 2012 | Posted by Karen Carey

    In the spirit of pushing ourselves to become better photographers this year’s image competition will challenge you to discover and submit only your very best work.

    When choosing images for competition, my best bit of advice is to get tough on yourself. Have a critical eye and take as much emotional connection to your subject as possible out of your decision making process. With attention to detail, cull your photographs into categories and select your top two favorites in each category. Work fairly quickly and use this rule to help you with the process: If the image you are considering IS NOT a definite YES, then it IS a definite NO. Move on.

    Once you have your favorites in each category, select the strongest two overall images based on the elements that make a great photograph, like great composition, excellent exposure, provoking gesture and thoughtful storytelling. Take yourself out of the equation and ask for the advice of a colleague or mentor who is not emotionally invested in the subject. Sometimes we cannot see distractions or mistakes because we know the subject personally and have become emotionally engaged, rather than thoughtfully critical of the image.

    The goal is to find photographs that invite the viewer to linger long enough to become curious about and intrigued by the subject matter.  Avoid distracting elements that pull the eye of the viewer out of the frame or cause the viewer to feel uncomfortable while lingering. Remember that all of the elements need to work together to yeild a high score. Dynamic expression can not overcompensate for awful composition or poor exposure.

    Below are the 12 elements that the Photographic Exhibitions Committee (PEC) of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) provides as guidelines to print-competition entrants. Based on fundamental precepts for judging a photograph or other piece of fine art, these guidelines are meant simply to give entrants a basic understanding of what constitutes a good image.

    1. Impact is the sense one gets upon viewing an image for the first time. Compelling images evoke laughter, sadness, anger, pride, wonder or another intense emotion.
    2. Creativity is the external expression of the imagination of the maker by using the medium to convey an idea, message or thought.
    3. Style is defined in a number of ways. It might be defined by a specific genre or simply be recognizable as the characteristics of how a specific artist applies light to a subject.  It can impact an image in a positive manner when the subject matter and the style are appropriate for each other, or it can have a negative effect when they are at odds.
    4. Composition is important to the design of an image, bringing all of the visual elements together in concert to express the purpose of the image. Proper composition holds the viewer in the image and prompts the viewer to look where the creator intends. Effective composition can be pleasing or disturbing, depending on the intent of the image maker.
    5. Print Presentation affects an image by giving it a finished look. The mats and borders used should support and enhance the image, not distract from it.
    6. Center of Interest is the point or points on the image where the imagemaker wants the viewer to stop as they view the image. There can be primary and secondary centers of interest. Occasionally there will be no specific center of interest and the entire scene collectively serves as the center of interest.
    7. Lighting (the use and control of light) refers to how dimension, shape and roundness are defined in an image. Whether the light applied to an image is manmade or natural, proper use of lighting should enhance an image.
    8. Subject Matter should always be appropriate to the story being told in an image.
    9. Color Balance supplies harmony to an image.  An image in which the tones work together effectively supporting the image, can enhance its emotional appeal. Color balance is not always harmonious and can be used to evoke diverse feelings for effect.
    10.Technical Excellence is the print quality of the image itself as it is presented for viewing. Sharpness, exposure, printing, mounting, and correct color all speak to the qualities of the physical print.
    11. Technique is the approach used to create the image. Printing, lighting, posing, paper selection and other elements are part of the technique applied to an image.
    12. Storytelling refers to the ability of the image to evoke imagination. One beautiful thing about art is that each viewer might collect his own message or read her own story in an image.

    Best of luck! I m so excited to see and evaluate your very best work! – Karen

    NAPCP Members can submit their best images here!

    Kristen the designerKristen the designer

    January 2012 International Image Competition – Opens Today!

    January 16, 2012 | Posted by Kristen the designer

    Hello!

    Today, the January 2012 NAPCP International Image Competition opens at 8:00AM EST and will close at 11:59PM EST February 12th, 2012. The purpose of NAPCP’s Image Competitions is to recognize the accomplishments and creative excellence of our members, rewarding their talent with medallions, priority listing on our directory, vendor endorsements, member points, titles and professional recognition. Members each receive a total of 2 Competition Credits per Competition with their Membership. Details are online!

    They say a picture is worth a thousand words … and yours may be featured in our next press release. For the past two International Image Competitions, the winners announcement highlighted the names of the competition winners and received great exposure – collecting thousands of views, postings to other websites, and search index hits. Wouldn’t you like to see your name and photo sent over the wire too?

    Members, start submitting your best images here!

    Good luck!

    The NAPCP Team

    Above photo credits clockwise from top left: Stephanie Buckman, “Cuddle” • Natacha Silber,
    “Swept Away ” • Stephanie Pasutto, “Sunday Mornin ” • Arielle Langhorne “En Couronne”


    Karen Carey
    Karen Carey began her career over 15 years ago and has developed a distinctive style that honors her passion for artistry and excellence in her work. She is nationally noted for creating exceptionally moving images that celebrate childhood in a way that is pure and authentic. Combining an eye for strong, yet simple composition with exquisite mastery of light, Karen creates fine art portraits of children that are intimate and honest, bearing witness to the same passion, humor and sensitivity that she exudes in her own spirited personality. Her award winning artwork is hanging in fine homes and in fine galleries across the country, and can be seen on countless magazine covers and national advertising campaigns. In 2007, Karen began sharing her wisdom and creative approach with photographers at all stages of their careers through workshops, lectures and private mentoring. Learn more about Karen and view her online portfolio here. Professional photographers can find out more about upcoming workshops and engagements at here!

    Jen Hudson
    Jennifer Hudson is one of the modern generation’s visualists creating beguiling images that are both artistically stylized and meticulously crafted. She has an uncanny eye for high fashion, finding beauty, understanding the physique and the intricacies of the human body, the manner in which light will play in a scene and upon a subject, the delicate balance and rhythm of composition, and most importantly, how to powerfully portray human emotion.

    Founder of one of Fort Worth, Texas’, premier wedding studios and Olive Avonlea Couture Photography, located in Boston, MA, Jennifer is a savvy and energetic image-maker and entrepreneur. Achieving sufficient merits with her PPA Masters and Craftsman degrees in just three years, along with a host of trophies and awards in every category including ten Kodak Gallery Awards, ten Fuji Masterpiece Awards, and five WPPI grand awards, she is a celebrated talent in the PPA and WPPI ranks, and has exhibited work in fine art galleries throughout the country. Jennifer’s work has been published in many esteemed print and online as well as a host of regional professional photography publications.

    Jennifer is a dynamic and emotional illustrator of the human heart. With an innate ability to plumb the antique, the work is soulful; seeking the use of the forgotten or discarded, mechanical in nature, eerie and quiet. With a classical music and orchestral background, she breathes life into her inventions with an air of subtly that only inspired thought and a delicate, intent hand can achieve. Jennifer is currently working in Boston, Massachusetts. She is an international speaker and lecturer whose programs are sought after year after year by many professional public and private photographic organizations. She has just completed her latest major body of work entitled ʻBaptismʼ, a narrative series exploring a young womanʼs spiritual re-incarnation, and is currently working on her series entitled ‘Medic’ which explores the breadth of human relationships during illness and recovery. Jennifer’s work is currently exhibited and collected in many outstanding photography galleries and private collections throughout the country.

    Dana Pugh
    Dana Pugh has been documenting families since 2007 through her company Short and Sweet Photography. Her work has been featured in many publications and blogs, as well as on local television. She is a multi-award wining, charter member of the NAPCP. Last year, she was named their Child Photographer of the Year. Her award winning image was displayed in Time’s Square in New York City. Included amongst her clients are professional athletes, local celebrities and other photographers. Dana has had the opportunity to mentor other photographers from across North America and, this year, is offering workshops across Canada.

    Dana lives in Okotoks, AB with her unbelievably supportive husband and two beautiful children. The work that most makes her heart sing is her work documenting their life together.

    Additional Details

    ABOUT THE IMAGE COMPETITION

    The National Association of Professional Child Photographers (NAPCP) recognizes the accomplishments and creative excellence of its child photographer members. Image competitions reward talent with medallions, priority listing on our directory, vendor endorsements, member points, titles and professional recognition.

    DEADLINE & FEES:

    The January 2012 NAPCP International Image Competition will open 8:00AM EST January 16th, 2012 and close 11:59PM EST February 12th, 2012.

    Members will receive a total of 2 Competition Credits per Competition with their Membership. Additional Competition Credits can be purchased for $25 each. Competition Credits can be used in any single competition, and can not roll over to the following competition.

    CATEGORIES:

    Instructions/Disclaimer: Images for each category can range from maternity, family, newborn, child-specific events, sibling, etc. Category submissions are open to interpretation based on the Photographer’s perception. Categories are subject to change in future Image Competitions.

    1. Maternity
    2. Newborn
    3. Baby
    4. Child
    5. Sibling
    6. Seniors & Tweens
    7. Family

    JUDGING CRITERIA:

    1. Impact (40%) – the sense one gets upon viewing an image for the first time. Compelling images evoke laughter, sadness, anger, pride, wonder or another intense emotion. Story Telling also plays a part in overall Impact. This refers to the image’s ability to evoke imagination. What message does the viewer read, and what story does the image depict?
    2. Technical Merit (30%) – the quality of the image itself as it is presented for viewing. Retouching, manipulation, focus, appropriate depth of field, sharpness, exposure, and correct color are some items that speak to the qualities of the images.
    3. Composition & Creativity (30%) – important to the design of an image, bringing all of the visual elements together in concert to express the purpose of the image. Proper composition holds the viewer in the image and prompts the viewer to look where the creator intends. Creativity is the original, fresh, and external expression of the imagination of the maker by using the medium to convey an idea, message or thought.

    RULES:

    Eligibility: NAPCP’s International Image Competition is held twice yearly and is open to all current and active members.

    1. Competition entries must be the Entrant’s unassisted original work. This includes staging, capture, processing, and finish.
    2. Entries can not be a result of a workshop or a class assignment.
    3. Entries can only be entered once. Entering the image more than once will disqualify the Entrant.
    4. A maximum of 3 entries can be entered per Category.
    5. No where on the Image submission can the entrant’s name, logo or signature appear.
    6. Competition Entry should be labeled as follows: LastName_FirstName_YearA_Title

    Entrants agree that any entered photograph may be used by the National Association of Professional Child Photographers (NAPCP), in any of its publications, printed materials or electronic media, such as but not limited to any of its web sites or its affiliates’ web sites. Model releases must be available for all recognizable individuals in submitted photos. Do not submit these releases unless requested.

    Winning entries may be used in connection with the Competition and NAPCP for promotion in the future. Thus, winners grant a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, limited license to use, publish, reproduce, display, distribute, use for promotional purposes and cross-promotional purposes. Photographer retains all copyright for the images.

    Juliana WiklundJuliana Wiklund

    The pictures will just be an extra bonus!

    January 11, 2012 | Posted by Juliana Wiklund

    To photograph children they way parents see them. To freeze life. To freeze in time those tiny little things our kids do that we parents just love.

    That’s how I think when I shoot. No styling. No posing. No telling the children what to do. I talk to them instead. I ask them questions. We play games. One of my favorite games is the one where I ask them philosophical questions not even we adults know the answers for.  “What’s the meaning of life?”. “What’s love?” .”How do you know a person is kind?”. And my favorites are when you ask things about their parents: “How do you know you love mommy?”. “What’s the thing your dad can do better than anyone else?”. “If you could give your parents anything in the world, what would it be?”.

    While they talk, laugh, shed a tear, hug, and enjoy their quality time together,  I shoot. Once a fellow photographer said that your main goal during a shoot is to provide the family with a super fun hour together. The pictures will then just be a bonus.

    And a reminder of that wonderful unforgettable hour they spent together and shared so many special thoughts! I wish you all a great 2012 with tons of special moments shared together with your families!

    Kristen the designerKristen the designer

    NAPCP 2012 January Image Competition starts on the 16th!

    January 6, 2012 | Posted by Kristen the designer

    We are now gearing up for the next NAPCP International Image Competition kicking off on January 16th! As always, the competition will be fierce as our talented bunch dazzles us with their images in hopes to win recognition in one of nine categories. The purpose of NAPCP’s Image Competitions is to recognize the accomplishments and creative excellence of its members, rewarding their talent with medallions, priority listing on our directory, vendor endorsements, member points, titles and professional recognition. View winners from our most recent competition here!

    If you are not yet a member but interested in participating, please submit an application here so you won’t miss out!

    Full details to come soon!

    * Images above clockwise from top left: “Glitter,” Sara Lane; “Muse,” Vairdy Andrew; “Summer Blondies,” Amy Tripple; “Waiting For More Than a Kiss,” Kelly MacDonald.


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