Lucas: Six Months!

There are just so many things I adore about newborn photography. Getting to snuggle and pose those brand new creatures, capturing that newborn innocence and sweet, precious moments between the babies and their parents . . . I could go on for a long time you guys. But, alas, this post isn't about newborns. 

Lucas' newborn shoot in January

Instead, we're gonna jump ahead a few months. Cause the flip side of newborns is how unbelievably fast they grow! And I loooove to see the all of the changes that happen that first year of life. My husband can attest--I'm the all-reining queen of the "Who Does This Baby Look Like? Game." It fascinates me how babies can change so much from looking like one parent or side of the family to the other, and then back again. I swear, my college roommate's daughter switched from the spitting image of her dad to her mom's identical twin overnight. How. Does. This. Happen?!?!? I can't be the only one amazed by this, right? Please say you play this game, too. At least so Matt will think I'm a little less crazy. 

So anyway, it's just perfect that my job is to stare at these babies' faces for hours while I edit, quietly contemplating to myself whether those eyes and dimples are mom's or dad's. Handsome Mr. Lucas here was no different! Those eyes--totally mom's, in case you were wondering. 

Three month-old Lucas! 

Jumping ahead a few more months, I recently met Lucas and his parents for a morning session at Fortville's Memorial Park for his six-month(!!!) shoot. There is something magical that happens when babies hit the milestones of sitting up and standing with help, usually right around that sixth month. Eyes brighten, smiles get a little bigger, and you can really see little personalities developing!  Lucas was the perfect example--this little man just lit up for the camera this time around, which you can see below! And feel free to comment, leaving your "he looks like mom/that's dad's smile" votes, too!

Interested in booking a newborn session or first year package with Lantern Tree Photography? Visit www.lanterntreephotography.com for details, email or call Shannon at 317.752.9671.

Fortville = Urban Fun

When I tell clients that one of my favorite places for urban-feeling sessions is in Fortville, there's usually a bit of skeptical laughter that greets me. Totally understandable! Now I've never lived in the town, but I don't think I'll offend anyone when I say that Fortville, Indiana is not known for it's urban living! And still, I could shoot there for hours and not run out of options for some fabulous city-style shots! Downtown Fortville is a fabulous option for families who are looking for these types of photos but need to be in a safe location with little ones. 

My most recent Fortville session was with Orlando, Yelina & Naiya--Gawwwwgeous siblings with an age difference that turned out to be so much fun!! I loved how big brother Orlando could show some love for his little sisters, and how middle sis Yelina fit perfectly into the mix! I'm totally in love with so many of these photos, and I'll think you'll see why. The individual shots are cool and dreamy, and those less-posed, natural shots of sweet moments between them are just precious!

Love, Love, LOVE.

f

Aaand, sigh.

Interested in scheduling a session? Visit Lantern Tree's full website at www.lanterntreephotography.com, 

or call Shannon at 317.752.9671

What to Wear for your Session

Ahh, the age-old question: "How do I decide what my family should wear for our photo session?"

I am here to help. 

First of all, there is no right or wrong answer. You want to throw on some slashed, acid washed jeans, your B.U.M. sweatshirt, and tease your hair just like the old days--that's great. We can totally rock it out. 

But for those of you Pinterest photography-stalkers (guilty!), you might be in the market for a family portrait that's a bit more trendy and up-to-date. Now, I've come to terms with the fact that I am no fashionista, but I will declare to the world that I. LOVE. COLOR. Especially in photos. And I do know a thing or two about photos.

So here's my number one tip: Color. Lots of it. Long gone are the days of family uniforms in photos (White polo shirts and khakis--c'mon, admit it. Your family is as guilty as mine--circa 1996.). Today's family portraits are not so matchy-matchy, and instead show off a whole lotta colors that compliment each other. Choose to combine colors within the same color palette--you don't want to mix pastels with neon or jewel tones. But all pastel--you're gonna look smashing. All neon?? Sweet! Let's go for it! Jewel tones are always a safe, beautiful choice. Ask Aunt Beatrice if purple, green and orange go together, and she'll probably balk at my answer--"As long as they're in the same color family!" Don't want to mix and match colors? Pick one or two and sprinkle them throughout your wardrobes with more neutral colors like greys or browns as your base. 

Tip numero dos: Patterns are great in moderation. If you're going to have some patterns in your wardrobe, choose wisely, and use sparingly. Maybe your three-year old can wear the bold, striped dress while everyone else is in solid colors. Make that person your wild card! Tiny, subtle patterns are okay to mix and match a little--think pinstripes, little polka dots, or subtle plaids. 

Three: Accessorize! Layer! Wear those cute boots or heels you've been saving for a special occasion! Splurge on that cute little bow tie or hat for your son, let your daughter wear a fun scarf and her hot pink rain jacket! The more variety and textures you bring, the more interesting your photos will be. And the great thing about layers and accessories is that after a few photos, we can take them off and you've got a whole new look! Vests, cardigans, hats, leg warmers, costume jewelry, suspenders--it's all eye candy for your photos. 

Tip 4: Leave the logos and cartoon shirts at home. Yes, you. Back away. Put down the Lightning McQueen shirt for Bobby! Logos on t-shirts (or any type of wording on clothes for that matter) are distracting and are just not going to stand the test of time--and you want your investment in these photos to be worth it years down the road. Side Note: While we're at the 'what not to wear' list, let me pick on skinny strapped tank tops--ACK. They aren't going to do well in photos to hide bra straps, and aren't very flattering in photos, anyway. If you're going sleeveless, wider straps are your best friend. 

And now, throw everything I've said out the window. I mean it! Rules are meant to be broken, right?? And these aren't even rules! So grab that batman t-shirt, dress everyone in white, or throw lots of bold patterns into the mix! The most important part of deciding what to wear is that you've made sure it reflects your family and your style, and that you're comfortable. Find what you like and commit. 

Want a couple more resources? Follow my session outfit board on Pinterest, where there are a few ideas waiting for you in photographic form. Check out shops like zuilily, totsy, or VeryJane for reasonably-priced, adorable clothing and accessories!

Still struggling? If you've got a good photographer, he or she will help you figure out what will work best. Don't be afraid to give them a call or text with questions or pictures of what you're putting together. Bring a few options to your session and take the first few minutes to put together something fantastic with your photographer! You're paying them to make you look your best, and that's all part of it, if you ask me. Want to ask me, literally? Here ya go: beaver.shannon@gmail.com

Happy accessorizing! 

Shannon

Do Not Open Until 1985

If you've been keeping up this past week, you'll know we're reviving this long-neglected blog by traveling back through time, Marty McFly style! So put on your old "Johnny B. Goode" record and head back with me to the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance November 2011! Take a look at this mini-session with the lovely Doan family. In just about 30 short minutes, we rocked out our mini-session with lots of beautiful fall colors, smiles, and gorgeous settings from Coxhall Gardens in Carmel. And if all went well at the dance, we shouldn't have to worry about any family members starting to fade out of these photos! Enjoy.

Save the Clock Tower!!

Who's ready for some more time traveling? Today we're gonna throw on our purple Calvin Klein underwear and visit our parents as teenagers head back to visit baby Claire and big brother, Rylan! Claire came to Lantern Tree for her three-month pictures before Christmas, and then returned again for her six-month session in March! It was easy to see that big brother Rylan absolutely adores his sister--seriously, how could you not love those HUGE, squishable cheeks! Go ahead, find me a more squishable pair, I dare you. Can't be done. In the meantime, let's turn the dial back on the Delorean and head all the way back to 2011!  

And now the six-month photos!