Moonbug Photography » catching life's changing moments

My Style

I have a casual, more documentary style of photography. I enjoy capturing the fleeting expressions that you see in your child every day. You will find me talking to you and your child a lot, with special attention in engaging your child in the moment.

Please allow me to keep them focused on me, rather than being firm with them; I have a few tricks to help kids forget the camera is even there, thus producing more natural expressions and smiles from them. If you have a younger child, I may tell some jokes or act silly, with teens, I may pull them off to the side and get to know a bit about them first. I know portrait-time can be thought of as a stressful time, but I want you to enjoy more than your images, but also the experience of making those images.

I gravitate towards the natural posing that children do, but may offer posing suggestions as needed, in order to benefit the final look of your portraits. Also, attitude is everything. A grumpy disposition, whether a child’s or a parent’s, can show up in your final images, so I ask that you come to your session with an open mind, keeping in mind that you are creating precious memories that you will cherish for decades to come.

Clothing choices are just as important for family sessions, as other sessions. I highly suggest clothing for each family member that has the same tone, not necessarily the same color. Please, and this is very important, be wary of stripes, plaid, words and logos on your family's clothing. These things can be a distraction from your beautiful family.

Outside fall pictures – orange, brown, earth tones look great.

Outside summer – orange and jewel tones look great with grass.

White studio background – colorful jewel tones look fabulous! Patterns are great, except plaid. Absolutely no white!

Black and white – red and jewel tones look best. No black.

Oh, and bare feet are great for children’s sessions too!

The most important thing to remember is to be comfortable, wear something that reflects your personality.

1. Blend! Use your everyday makeup but use more than you usually use..
2. Don’t skimp on concealer. Use a moisturized concealer on the thin sensitive skin under the eyes. If your concealer isn’t moisturizing, blend it with a skin cream. Fro blemishes, first treat them with a natural or over-the counter anti-inflammatory, then cover with concealer. [refrigerated Preparation H works well for puffy eyes too.]
3. Do a makeup trial run. It’s the only sure-fire, stress free way to make certain your makeup will look beautiful.
4. Foundation with sunscreen like titanium dioxide can make you look washed out. Use one without sunscreen. A good one formulated for photography is Advanced Mineral Makeup by Annie May.
5. Keep your lips moisturized and colored. Matte and gloss lipstick both photograph well, and be sure to use blended lip liner for enhanced definition.
6. Don’t sprinkle on the glitter. In photographs, it tends to look like little white spots, as if there’s something wrong with the camera.
7. Remember to apply foundation and powder to your neck, shoulders and décolletage.

Modified from an article by Lorna Gentry of Atlanta