Well, my new favorite thing is going to my client’s homes for family portrait sessions. Location photography has it’s challenges, don’t get me wrong, but wow! the creative opportunities abound! When I go for a portrait session at a home I am looking for light quality and quantity. Where does the sun rise and set relative to the main rooms of the home? Natural light enhanced by the studio lighting that I can bring is my first choice. If need be I can light with up to six studio strobes to create my own flattering light.  The next thing to consider is the clothing for the portrait. I recommend choosing tones that compliment the decor of the room where the portrait will hang.  ”Matchy-matchy” is out , coordinated hues and styles with individuality is in.   Look at your fabrics and take hints from the color palate. Think of your clothing as additional fabrics for the room. They don’t have to match but will look best if colors repeat and patterns vary in size. While I am in the home I can help you select a spot to hang the portrait and that will help me to be able to custom create the perfect look for that location. I can measeure for the exact fit as well.  Many times I can find a more interesting location for your portrait than you might unassisted. In the nest few days I will be adding some additional images from this session so you can see the variety that we created on this location session.

A child's portrait taken in her own home.

As you know, I always want to bring something new to the table for my senior photography. My latest addition is custom colored and styled backgrounds to coordinate with your clothing. Senior pictures should be unique to the student. Being able to custom design a background gives us unlimited options for a perfect look. The portrait background should always be in harmony with the senior’s outfit in terms of color and brightness. That way the viewer’s attention stays on the senior’s face and eyes.  A background should not compete with the subject. Our senior portrait clients can have input into the design. They can even bring original art work of  their own that I can incorporate into the design of their senior photographs. Even a cool signature by the senior and added into the image can make the photograph different.  At www.TrulySeniors.com we  love to make each client feel special by creating something unique for them.

This is what I’m all about. I love to go away from the studio to create portraits that no one else has. Location photography is the most complex because I have to find the right light, the best setting and hope that there are not unknown factors that pop in to cause issues. I’ve been shooting on location in the Richmond, Virginia area for years and I have the ability to find or create beautiful light. I am always excited to go out and have new adventures with my clients.

Welcome to the world baby Aden! I recently photographed baby Aden then only days old. It got me thinking about the relationships that I make with my clients. Those relationships are the thing that I enjoy most about my career. I get to make new friends every day, hear the stories of their lives and share in some of the important moments. I am looking forward to seeing Aden every few years as he grows up. He  and I both wil feel a sense of comfort and relaxation knowing that at each portrait session that we are going to see an old friend.

I am really enjoying my time with newborns. This was from a session with newborn twins who weighed about 5 lbs. I think I am addicted to newborns. They are like art objects that move!

Newborn Green Theme: Originally Posted on Flickr by Nelms Photographic Artistry

I had a great session this morning. After a drenching overnight rain we ventured to the lake and found the perfect puddle! I have photographed this darling child since she was tiny. This is a great advantage because she was instantly “on” for the camera. She is very comfortable with me so her personality could burst right onto the stage!

Raindots: Originally Posted on Flickr by Nelms Photographic Artistry

I am so in love with newborns. I love their skinny legs and fat bellies. I wish they would sleep more and pee on my stuff less. I am also in love with my new 1850′s  love seat. I have about 500 photographs that I want to do with it!  Perfect for babies all the way to highschool seniors. Next time,  I’ll share an portrait of a senior on it and a way cool “underwater” look.

My latest passion is urban fashion. I had a very creative session with Grace, a natural in front of the camera. Urban fashion is cutting edge, colorful and spontaneous. We had fun moving from one location to another never spending more than 15 minutes. The kids stay interested and so do I! It’s a fantasy come true to be a model for an afternoon. This session is great for shool aged kids and especially high school seniors who love trends and edgy imagery.