Marin Mommies presents a guest article by Marin mom and professional photographer Danielle Buoncristiani of Buoncristiani Photography in Novato, who gives us some great tips on how to get out from behind the camera and into the picture!
Why are Moms hardly ever in the picture? Because they are always behind the camera! No need to wait until everything is perfect… take your family picture Today!
Often I talk with moms who tell me that there are hardly any pictures of them with their kids… Some of the reasons this happens include
Moms tends to be the one taking the pictures.
Moms are often more critical of themselves and don’t feel that they look good in photos; let me lose 10 more lbs., not the right outfit, or bad hair day.
Moms are often the ones putting on the event and they don’t have the time to be in the photos.
Marin Mommies presents a guest article by San Rafael family photographer Glen Graves, who offers some tips on how to get the most out of your smartphone camera.
Even though smart phone cameras will never compare with the quality of an image taken with a professional quality digital camera in the hands of a thoroughly trained and skilled photographer, they can be incredible. Once you figure out how to use them, they are great for both spontaneous and “staged” shots. It is my hope that when time permits you will to go on to learn the craft of photography from a reputable teacher and begin to explore this wonderful and rewarding art-form.
Determine what style of image you want: soft and sweet, Anne Geddes-ish “Baby in the Watermelon” or something in between. I have mined Pinterest for some great maternity, newborn and toddler ideas.
Preparation, organization and a little practice are extremely important. First of all, make sure that the lens on your phone’s camera is clean. Use lens cleaner and a microfiber pad or very old tee shirt, never use window cleaner.
Child photographer Nancy Alcott didn't start out taking pictures of children, but discovered that is was her true love after giving birth to her daughter. Now, she's an award winning photographer recording memories for families throughout Marin and the Bay Area. We asked Nancy a few questions about her and her work. Learn more about her and see more of her photos at www.nancyalcott.com.
Please tell us about you and your background.
I am a mother of two amazing children, Amstel, 4 and Zealand, 2, and we live in Mill Valley. I am originally from Michigan, but have made California my home for nearly eight years now.
How did you get started with photography?
I fell into photography quite by accident nearly four years ago, beginning as a travel photographer. Upon giving birth to my daughter, I realized my true love was photographing babies and children, and my calling was found.
Our advertiser Stephanie Mohan of Creative Portraiture is offering an annual Spring Portrait Special for 2010! Between Sunday, February 28 and Saturday, March 6, she's offering a special $50 sitting fee and 50% off print prices (if ordered by March 20).
Also, if you refer a new client who books a sitting, you are eligible for a drawing for a free sitting and 11x14 print, a $450 value.
For more information, to see more examples of her work or to book a 20-minute appointment call Stephanie at (415) 454-2102 or visit www.creativeportraiture.com.
We think that Stephanie does some of the nicest family photography out there, so take a look.
Marin photographer (and mom of a 10-month-old) Lindsay Clipner recently launched Dahlia Portrait, which blends classic portraiture with an editorial voice following the mom-to-be, child, or family. Lindsay is a former photo assistant in New York City, where she worked with, among others, renowned French fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier and publications including Real Simple, More, Vanity Fair, Vogue and Parents Magazine.
As part of our Marin Mompreneur series, we asked Lindsay a few questions about herself, her photography, and living and working in Marin. You can learn more about Lindsay and Dahlia Portrait by visiting www.dahliaportrait.com.
Marin Mommies presents a guest article from photographer Norm Levin, who gives us some terrific tips on how to get the most out of our casual family portraits. Norm is a Marin photographer who own Natural Portraits & Parties. For more information, visit naturalportraits.smugmug.com or call him at (415) 499-1403.
Click on any photo to enlarge it.
Children light up our lives. The question for photographers, i.e. Parents With Camera, is how to best light our children when we want to capture that special memorable moment.
First, understand that there are only two kinds of light: natural and artificial. Natural light is almost always from the sun (unless you have access to a starlight scope) and will be your light source for most of your photos. It can be a friend or foe, depending on how you choose to use it.
Marin mompreneur Shannon Chiminiello has channeled her creativity to become a sought-after photographer for children and families throughout Marin. Her personal, photojournalistic style makes her subjects feel at ease and allows her to capture their natural emotions and personalities, creating not just a photograph, but the record of a real life moment, too. You can see more of her work at www.shannoncphotography.com.
We asked her a few questions about her background, her work, and why she loves taking photos of families.
Q: Please tell us about you and your background.
A: I grew up in Marin and went to college in Northern California where I earned my BA in psychology. In my previous life (before kids!) I was a human resources manager for two major pharmaceutical companies. I live in Novato, am married and the mother of two children, ages 2 and 4. After my first child was born I decided it was time to do something I loved that would allow a more flexible schedule. My business was born out of creativity, passion and hard work. I love what I do and I feel blessed to do be able to do it everyday! Really!
Marin Mommies is pleased to present a guest post by photographer Norm Levin, owner of Natural Portraits: Family and event photography as nature intended. He offers some valuable tips on photographing your children's soccer games (and any other sports activity). Read on to learn how to capture that perfect sports photo. You can visit Norm online at www.naturalportraits.smugmug.com
Where did the summer go?
It seems like yesterday that school was out and we were taking the little ones off on a family trip, or to camp, or swimming and baseball practices. As a parent with a camera, which eliminates practically no one, you’ve attempted with varying degrees of success to capture your child actively enjoying his or her outdoor pursuits.
Those cherished summer events are mostly behind us now, living on in our memories and stored on our digital devices.
If your refrigerator door is anything like ours, it’s already displaying your child’s fall soccer team assignment precariously held under a magnet. When the soccer season starts, which should be any minute now, you know you’ll be there digital camera in hand to get the photo goods. May the god of pixels be with you.
Taking great photos of your children is something that every parent wants to do, but in fact is something that's not nearly as easy as it looks! It's one of the reasons that people often really admire the skills of talented photographers who specialize in portraits of children. There are a few tips that you can follow, however, to get your own fantastic family photographs, and Marin photographer Susannah Bothe shared with Marin Mommies her top 10 list of them.
Here are her top 10 tips that can improve anyone’s family shots:
Marin Mommies presents a guest article by San Rafael family photographer 
Child photographer Nancy Alcott didn't start out taking pictures of children, but discovered that is was her true love after giving birth to her daughter. Now, she's an award winning photographer recording memories for families throughout Marin and the Bay Area. We asked Nancy a few questions about her and her work. Learn more about her and see more of her photos at 
Our advertiser Stephanie Mohan of Creative Portraiture is offering an annual Spring Portrait Special for 2010! Between Sunday, February 28 and Saturday, March 6, she's offering a special $50 sitting fee and 50% off print prices (if ordered by March 20).
Marin photographer (and mom of a 10-month-old) Lindsay Clipner recently launched Dahlia Portrait, which blends classic portraiture with an editorial voice following the mom-to-be, child, or family. Lindsay is a former photo assistant in New York City, where she worked with, among others, renowned French fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier and publications including Real Simple, More, Vanity Fair, Vogue and Parents Magazine.
Marin mompreneur Shannon Chiminiello has channeled her creativity to become a sought-after photographer for children and families throughout Marin. Her personal, photojournalistic style makes her subjects feel at ease and allows her to capture their natural emotions and personalities, creating not just a photograph, but the record of a real life moment, too. You can see more of her work at 
Taking great photos of your children is something that every parent wants to do, but in fact is something that's not nearly as easy as it looks! It's one of the reasons that people often really admire the skills of talented photographers who specialize in portraits of children. There are a few tips that you can follow, however, to get your own fantastic family photographs, and Marin photographer 
