How to Choose the Perfect Photography Style for Your Family | Mentor Ohio Newborn Photographer
If you’re anything like me, I bet you've got a wall in your house dedicated to family photos, right? The smiling faces on the wall serve as a constant reminder of what truly matters in life and work.
But have you ever wondered how to choose the right photographer and the right style to capture your family's unique spirit even better? Although photographers frequently use jargon like "Lifestyle" and "Portrait," it can be hard to truly understand what types of images these terms will produce. So, what does it all actually mean?
Just like you wouldn't wear a tuxedo to a beach party, some styles just work better with certain moods and moments.
First up, let's talk about the Classic Style also known as Portrait Photography.
Classic Photography is timeless, a little more formal and almost always heavily posed. This style usually has a lot of emphasis on the pose, so you would expect to see more rules than creativity.
Picture your grandma's vintage photo hanging on the wall - that's a perfect example of traditional portrait photography.
Generally this is the “holiday card photo.” You can clearly see everyone’s face and everyone is looking at the camera and smiling.
Mentor Ohio Family Photographer
Next, we have Candid Photography or some call this Lifestyle Photography.
It’s all about capturing spontaneous moments - the giggles, the funny faces,
the sudden burst of dancing in the living room.
Usually this is done on-location or in studio, but your photographer might use more casual prompts and poses in order to get laughs and reactions from those being photographed.
This style is perfect if your family loves a more casual look to their photos. You might not be able to see everyone’s faces and some people’s faces might look goofy, but that’s the point of candid photography!
It's less about perfection and more about authenticity.
Mentor Ohio Family Photographer
One you might not hear too often is Fine art photography.
This is a style that emphasizes beauty, creativity, and artistic expression.
It's a genre of photography that's often compared to a fine painting or sculpture, with each image carefully composed and thoughtfully designed.
The photographer may use lighting techniques to create a certain mood or emotion, and the subjects may be posed in a way that highlights their form and beauty.
The goal of fine art photography is to create a work of art. This is where many of my artistic newborn shots fall under!
While it may not capture the spontaneous moments of candid photography, it offers a different kind of beauty and depth.
Mentor Ohio Newborn Photographer
Finally, for those who love activities, “Day-in-the-life” Photography could be your perfect match.
This style aims to capture real-life events or milestones or activities in a storytelling manner, often set in personal and outdoor spaces.
So if your family loves to hike, camp or picnic, lifestyle shots will catch those special moments.
With day-in-the-life photography, there is generally no posing or prompting at all. The photographer really is a fly on the wall while your family participates in an activity you all love doing together.
I particularly love day-in-the-life photography for families with toddlers because it’s so much more fun to do an activity they love than trying to ask them to sit still and smile for a more classic type of photography session.
I often times do Fresh 48 Photography which takes place about 2 days after birth in the hospital. These are beautiful natural candid shots taken of your newborn.
Cleveland Ohio Fresh 48 Photographer
Now, here's the fun part: deciding on the best style for your family!
This isn't about choosing 'the best' style out there, but rather what's best for your family (and this might change depending on the season of life your family is in).
If your family is a lively bunch that's constantly on the move, candid or lifestyle photography might work best. For families that love tradition and formality, portrait photography could be the way to go.
But hey, who says you have to stick to one style? Now that you know the terms photographers use for these types of sessions, feel free to ask your photographer if they do these types of photography and if they’re willing to mix and match.
For example, I generally include both “classic” and “candid” in my portrait sessions because my clients like a mix of both.
As you ponder over your next family photo session, let these styles play in your mind.
I can't wait to see you and your family in front of my lens, capturing those moments that will become treasured memories!
Love,
Danelle
Cherry Blossoms are almost here | Cleveland, Ohio | Cleveland Photography
I’m so excited to announce the Cherry Blossom season is almost here in Cleveland, Ohio! It takes a while for spring to finally kick in here in Northeast Ohio. Especially today in March, when it’s still 25 degrees outside, ugh!
If you are interested in some beautiful spring portraits with the cherry blossoms, it’s best to book now. I only have a few spots left for spring sessions. The Cherry blossoms are about 60% bloomed right now and will only stay open for the next 2 weeks. Please check out the cherry blossom tracker here https://www.universitycircle.org/blooms
Please contact me today for the spring sessions with the Cherry Blossoms.
xoxo~Danelle
That winter light though | Christmas Minis | Sugar Pines Farm | Chesterland, Ohio
Oh there is golden light… Then there is golden light in the winter at a beautiful tree farm! I mean, I couldn’t have been luckier with the light peaking the pines during my last Christmas mini of the year. It was really so beautiful! This year all of my Christmas minis took place at Sugar Pines Farms and I”ve been photographing there for many years. They family that owns the farm is wonderful and we’ve always loved their trees as well. If you would like to book a Christmas mini session I recommend reaching out and being added to my email list. I announce first with email, and they usually all fill up within 1 day. Cleveland, Ohio Family Photographer
Please reach out for more pricing information for 2022.
Happy Holidays:)
Always worth the wait | Newborn Photography | Cleveland, Ohio | Lake County, Ohio
“Always worth the wait” is saying it in simple terms once your bundle of joy has finally arrived. Those 9 months of worry, waiting and anticipation quickly fades away once your sweet little one is place in your warm arms. Newborn photography has quickly become a favorite of mine over the years because of 4 children of my own I understand how quickly those younger (and exhausting) years take place. Honestly, a newborn only seems so itty bitty those first few weeks of life and before you know it they are a month old. A lot more alert, moving and possibly keeping you up at night;)
In regards to newborn photography I do offer a full signature session and my petite newborn session. My most popular package is by far the signature full session. This session is 2 hrs and takes place in my home studio. Due to Covid I have taken extreme caution and sanitation measures in order to keep everyone safe. With the full session, I recommend the photos take place within the first 2 weeks of life. At that age its easier for me to sooth and calm the back to sleep which is needed for some newborn posing.
If you are interested in scheduling a newborn session, please reach out for more detailed information.
Now Booking Valentine Mini Sessions | Cleveland, Ohio | Mentor, Ohio | Photography
I am so excited to announce I am now booking Valentine Mini Photography Sessions. They will take place on February 1, 2020. There are 3 backdrop options to choose from. XOXO pink heart, gold heart backdrop or solid black backdrop. For more information and on how to book contact me today.
Coming soon! | Valentine Mini Photography Sessions | Cleveland, Ohio
I am excited to announce NEW this year, Valentine Mini Photography Sessions. They will be announced soon with 2 Valentine backdrop options. Stay tuned for more information regarding the valentine mini sessions.
Best of Painesville 2018 for Photographer | Lake County, Ohio | Cleveland, Ohio
I was recently notified of winning the “Best of Painesville 2018 for Photographer”. I was very honored and humbled to hear of this recent award. This wasn’t something I applied or submitted for but simply received the news yesterday of my award. Each year, in and around the Painesville area, the Painesville Award Program chooses only the best local businesses. The Painesville zip code encompasses a few different zipcodes and was very honored to help serve these communities. The companies chosen exemplify the best of small business; often leading through customer service and community involvement. Each year, the Painesville Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Painesville area a great place to live, work and play.
The Painesville Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy.
A very special Thank You to all of my families who have continued to trust me and allow me to capture these precious moments on film for them. I look forward to creating many more memories in and around the surrounding counties for many years to come. Thank you!!
