• Las Vegas Family Portraits FAQ and not so-FAQ …. and a senior :)

    November 3, 2015

    Everyone, family portrait time is here yet again and my calendar is filling up so make sure you do not wait to schedule soon! Call me and visit the gallery here: http://www.TNGphoto.com (702)809-9763

    las vegas family mini session special

     

    Just for fun, I thought I’d take a minute to answer a few common questions I receive and a few not so common questions concerning family portraits. I hope you find this helpful. Please leave a comment!

     

    (Facebook question)

    In Vegas, some couples may want to do fun location shoots at popular tourist spots. How do you suggest relax and strike a pose while you have lots of onlookers?

    It can definitely be intimidating for people to be in front of a camera so adding a location that is very populated to the mix might be asking for a lot from the subjects’ nerves. My suggestion would be to start somewhere more private or secluded before moving out to a place like the strip. I would prefer they get comfortable with me, the photographer, right away before ever being in a heavily populated area. Once they have adjusted to being in front of my camera, they’ll have one less worry on their plate. On top of that, I think it’s the photographer’s job to lead the session the right direction and keep the energy up wherever the session takes place. Let’s say I was on the strip photographing someone with a lot of people around and I wasn’t much for conversation, instruction, direction and fun, then the subject(s) are going to overthink how they are standing, how they are looking and overthink everything else around them! On the other hand, by being fun, energetic, very involved, etc. then there won’t be that much time to worry about those around us because the attention will be entirely on the task at hand and on whatever I am saying. Yes, someone might walk by and say something like, “Who are they?” or “What’s your number?!” or something along those lines but those comments are easily ignored with a quick smile and head nod from the photographer. One last thing to remember is although the people around you might look at you, they more than likely look at me (unless the subject(s) are supermodels of course), my heavy equipment and my demeanor because I tend to draw more attention from bystanders. Ya know what? I don’t really mind the attention. It’s fun!

     

    (Facebook question)

    Nate, what if a family member misses the time of family portrait, can you insert a new picture of that family member into that family portrait.

    This is BIG! Oftentimes, a family session is cancelled entirely because one (or more) family member could not be there. In most cases, this DOES NOT have to be a reason to end the entire session, thanks to today’s technology. I’ll give you an example: a few months ago, I was scheduled to photograph a family at Anthem Country Club. The family arrived where we discussed but I was told that one of the men could not be there due to work. I said to them that I would photograph the portrait with the intention of adding him into the portrait later. Here is a before and after:

    las vegsa Family Photo Portrait Head Swap Photoshop

    Notice the man on the far left was added into the final portrait. I had to photograph him at a later date and with careful lighting and perspective, the result is beautiful!

     

    (Facebook question)

    What about windy days & outside shoots?

    Contrary to popular belief, the desert of Las Vegas actually does have seasons; windy cool, windy cold, windy warm and windy hot w/a chance of windy. πŸ™‚ Yes, it’s VERY windy here and extreme winds are oftentimes not ideal to have a family portrait made in. A bit of a breeze or light winds are not much of a worry though. Here are some suggestions:

    • If it’s too windy outside (or too cold for that matter) you might want to consider having the family portrait created inside your own home. Who do you know has a family portrait created in or around YOUR home? Only you will! Also, if done outside your home, sometimes the surrounding homes and trees can reduce the wind. During our planning discussions, I’ll let you know if this is a good possibility to consider/
    • Sometimes the wind is sporadic so timing becomes crucial. Many portraits have been created during the brief lull between gusts!
    • Turning the body or tilting the head the right direction can also alleviate the wind’s punches but more often than not, this means the sun ends up in your face and your portrait won’t look that great. It’s rare that this option works for me in the middle of the day. The stars just don’t align much for me here. Clouds are also rare for me here in the desert. πŸ™‚
    • Keep an eye on the forecast. These details help us know what to expect and let us know if a better day or time is better or if the location should be moved indoors.
    • Retouching can also help with unruly hairs that would not cooperate but this should not be our main option. I can’t fix your hairstyle much, only get rid of strays that we could not fix in person.

     

    (Facebook question)

    What’s the best lighting for portraits? To create smooth skin and make the eye color pop!

    The best lighting for a portrait is whatever light fits your vision and creates the mood, depth and emotion you are trying to convey. There is almost an endless amount of possibilities with lighting so there is no short answer to this question. Generally though, for the average person, a softer light source is more flattering and helps reduce skin texture and imperfections. Large light sources (in comparison to the subject) accomplish this. For example, the sun is gigantic but in comparison to us, in the sky it is very much a small spot light so it brings out texture, creates hard edged shadows and isn’t the most flattering. On a cloudy day, the sun is covered but it is illuminating the clouds which take up the entire sky so the light source is effectively larger (entire sky vs. sun/spot in the sky) so shadows on the light is diffuses and shadows are much softer so textures in faces are reduced, giving a more flattering look.

    As far as eyes go, the light needs to be big to make the colors pop. That light source could be the open sky when the subject is in shade, a reflector placed close to the subject, soft box, umbrella, a large box truck, you name it! For eyes to pop, the color of the eyes MUST show which means the pupils need to constrict in order to make the iris more abundant. In general, if the pupils are large (usually when indoors) then there will be less color to see and the subject can look strange, even alien-like. Oftentimes, the subject won’t know why they don’t love the portrait but can’t put a reason to their feeling. It’s up to the photographer to be crafty and get more light into the eyes to bring out the iris color and not make the subject squint.

    (Facebook question)

    How do I not look like Jabba the Hutt?

    Hire me for your family portraits! πŸ™‚ Lighting, posing and post processing will help with these issues. Darker clothes and long sleeves are more slimming. Avoiding patterns also helps. Just trust the photographer to make you look more like Princess Leah than Jabba the Hutt!

     

    Please contact me for your family portraits! I’d love to hear what you have in mind!

    (702)809-9763 – TNGphoto.com

    I had the opportunity to photograph a talented lacrosse player named Jaxon for his senior portraits. Jaxon runs a little business (and has a TON of followers on Instagram) restringing lacrosse sticks. He is very goal oriented and he’s no doubt going places! I had a great time photographing him and his family!

    las vegas mesa park family portrait photography picture

    (Jaxon’s family in Las Vegas)

    las vegas family portrait photographer family of 5 mesa park summerlin

    las vegas family portrait photographer family of 5 mesa park summerlin

    bishop gorman high school senior las vegas photographer mesa park

    bishop gorman high school senior las vegas photographer mesa park

    bishop gorman high school senior las vegas photographer mesa park

    bishop gorman high school senior las vegas photographer mesa park

     

  • Las Vegas Senior Photographer – Class of 2016 is up!

    August 6, 2015

    2015 is flying by, isn’t it? Well, we have a new baby at home (6 months old now) so the year is going quickly but very slowly at the same time. Those with kids will understand…

     

    I remember when I was in school, when the summer arrived and school was out I would always think I had so much time to enjoy my time off.

    “June is just getting started. There’s tons of time!” later turned into, “It’s only July! A lot more time before school!” which begrudgingly turned into, “School is starting again. Summer went by too fast!” I can still remember when the news would be on the t.v. at home and the newscasters would often have segments about how parents were prepping their kids for the new school year. This was always an annoying reminder that soon enough, school would be back in session.

    These days, now that my high school life has been long gone for quite sometime now, I rather enjoy the new upcoming school year because it brings with it my personal favorite thing to photograph, high school senior portraits!
    Meet Holly. Holly is graduating in 2016. She is an incredibly talented cheerleader and competes at a very high level. She was also very funny and made me laugh several times which is always impressive to me. I had a great time with she and her mom and I look forward to her next session in February!

     

    Check out TNGseniors.com or call (702)809-9763 and let’s create something awesome!

     

    las vegas senior photographer 16b las vegas senior photographer las vegas senior photographer las vegas senior photos 16f 16gtop las vegas senior photographer portraits

     

     

  • Family Photo Survival Guide: Tips For the Trenches

    September 26, 2014

    A few weeks ago, I had the privilege to create a new family portrait of my mentor. It was a lot of fun and we got great a lot of beautiful images of his family. Afterwards I said to him, “Thank you for letting me do this for you. I had fun and hope it wasn’t too stressful for you all!”

    I was more or less joking a little bit and he replied, “It’s always stressful getting a family portrait,Β  but once it’s over, life is back to normal. Thank you for doing it!”

    This got me thinking a little bit. My mentor, who was a professional portrait photographer in Las Vegas for over 30 years, said it is “always stressful getting a family portrait” created. If in 30 years he could not reconcile the experience to not be stressful, have I been fooling myself? Is getting a family portrait always a fate worse than death for most people? The answer is no! I have photographed many families who anticipated the experience to be unpleasant and they later complimented me saying it was “not painful” or it was “so much fun!” This experience is what has driven me to write these few tips for preparing to have a more fun experience while getting your family portraits done this year!

    1) Prepare. Prepare. Prepare.

    Really, I can’t stress this one enough. Planning your clothing choices shouldn’t be left to the day of your session. When I photograph families, we discuss clothing choices in detail to make sure everyone is prepared. (Check out this previous post for a few clothing tips!) The families that prepare properly for the clothing always have a higher quality portrait than those who don’t. If you are going to shop for new clothes, try to buy them a few days or even a week in advance to your session. One less thing on your mind will definitely take weight off your shoulders on your session day. Call your photographer and get their input while shopping if you have any questions.

    las vegas family photography

     

    2. Keep the Peace.

    Coordinating schedules, making sure kids are well groomed and don’t have chocolate on their faces, getting your make up on and loading everyone into the car, etc. is a stressful reality of parenthood, adult life and getting set for a new family portrait. It might not always be possible, but I recommend trying your best to keep a calm demeanor through it all. The saying “if mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy” is quite true. The energy of the family is largely dictated by the mother’s mood and the father’s mood. If parents are stressed, annoyed, angry, or anything along those lines, it transfers over the rest of the family. As a pro, I can’t tell you how much more difficult this makes my work out to be. I’m thinking this: “They are paying me for the portraits of their dreams–how am I going to do that when everyone is so upset?” In the past, I’ve still gotten incredible results because of my own directional and communication skills that was able to change the state of thinking of the subjects but really, it is just such a nicer experience for everyone if a little patience and calmness is observed. You won’t regret it.

    hemenway park family photo in boulder city

    3. Feed the Family. Especially the Kids.

    Eat a good meal or even just a snack before the session. Don’t eat until you’re stuffed or anything along those lines (it might make you uncomfortable during the session) but eat something that will keep you from being lethargic or grumpy. Kids almost always photograph better after they have had a snack. It is also a good idea to bring a few bottles of water and non-messy snacks along with you to the session to further hold kids over until the next meal.

     

    4. Trust the Photographer (Me).

    I know it isn’t everyone’s favorite thing in the world to be photographed. I understand, I really do! I also know that you might be a little (or very) nervous. This is normal, don’t worry. Unless you are a professional super model, I’m guessing you are going to need some direction. Please understand that not every pose is going to feel super comfortable. Actually, most people look terrible in a portrait if they are sitting how they normally are when they watch t.v. or stand how they do when they are in line at Cafe Rio. It might not feel wonderful but remember, from the camera/my viewpoint, I must flatter each and every subject as best I possibly can. That means tipping heads, leaning bodies, bending legs, positioning hands and hair, all while making sure everyone looks slim, the clothing choices are clustered together the best way, paying attention to what lighting will work best….there’s a lot to consider! What’s most important is that YOU LOOK YOUR BEST. That’s my job and I do it well. It might not be how you normally stand or sit but for the portrait, it will all make sense when you see it. Trust me.

    high key family photo las vegas white background

    5. Repeat After Me, ‘This is More Than a Picture”

    What do I mean by that exactly? Don’t I take pictures for a living? No. I create portraits for a living. There’s a difference! A picture is something less important; something fleeting and temporary. It is on your Twitter newsfeed one day and gone the next, banished to the badlands of the internet. These are pictures you pass by in advertisements, social media, and the selfies you see see on a daily basis. They are just filler. A portrait is something else. It is special. It is both genealogical documentation as well custom photographic art for your decor. It grows in value day after day and becomes one of your most treasured possessions. In regards to a family portrait, it represents the feelings you have for each other, the struggles you have overcome, the personality traits you all have and the hard work that is put into the family by each family member. Shouldn’t it be more than a picture? I always think in the long term when it comes to your family portrait–it has to be something you absolutely love and it has to become something your future family members who inherit it are going to love. I put a lot of pressure on myself, don’t I?

    las vegas silluette family photo trees sky

    6. Be Thankful.

    Be thankful you live in a time where we can create photographic art. Be grateful that you can give this gift to you and your kids. Be happy that it is going to look out of this world! Just be happy. πŸ™‚

    mom and son and dog portrait outside las vegas photography

     

    I hope that was helpful to you. Please give me a call at (702)809-9763 and let’s plan your next family photo! Oh! Also, my NEW website is up! Check it out here: TNGphoto.com

  • Fun People! And #3

    July 9, 2014

    I had the privilege of photographing a great set of siblings and their mother. I often say that one of my favorite aspects of the photography profession is definitely the people I meet. I can’t think of many other professions that would allow me as much of an outlet to get to know entire families and their personalities and interests, etc.

     

    Maybe a private investigator would be a less personable way of getting to know people but that wouldn’t be nearly as fun for me!

    pi

    These are the kinds of people who you can just open up to when you first meet them. I don’t know how some people do that. I could liken it to how I will pour my feelings, life story and then-some when I sit down to get my haircut:

    “Hi. I’m good, how are you? Yes, I like it short on the sides and a little longer on top. Maybe a 3 on top and a 1 on the sides and then chop off the sideburns. Thanks………………………………………………………………………..so my wife is pregnant with #3 and my back has been killing me….”

    What is it about some people that makes that so easy? I am quite a personable man and social but I acknowledge that it takes a little effort for me at first to get a stranger to open up. I still am trying to identify what it is that certain people have that makes others seem to require no effort at all. Maybe if I was shorter and didn’t have such a round face? Or maybe if whenever I met someone, I handed them a $20 bill? Maybe I’ll never know.

     

    Anyway, you get it! These guys are great! Enjoy the portraits!

     

    BY THE WAY, DID YOU SPOT THE ANNOUNCEMENT???

     

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    – Nate

     

  • Sharing the Fun

    May 9, 2014

    Forgive me for not blogging lately! I wish I had a good excuse but…actually, I have a lot of good excuses! They all culminate under the umbrella: “I’ve been super busy!” You’ll forgive me right? Say it’s not over between us! πŸ™‚

     

    Before I go on, let me share a Youtube video of a song I haven’t listened to in years that is playing right now over my speakers. The first 4:30 minutes are all I care about really.

    [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvMKsgVBzMo[/youtube]

     

    Now! Onto the fun stuff! I have been cranking out the senior portraits for several weeks now and having great times with great people! If you want to share in the fun, contact me here: http://www.TNGseniors.com

    Here are a few that I really liked. If you are graduating soon and haven’t had senior portraits (or you have but thought they could be better), give me a call at (702)809-9763 or go to my Las Vegas senior website here: http://www.TNGseniors.com

    vegas senior photography

    vegas senior photography

    vegas outdoor senior photo

    vegas outdoor senior photo

    vegas outdoor senior photo

    vegas outdoor senior photo

    vegas outdoor senior photo

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    vegas senior photography

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    http://www.TNGseniors.com

    http://www.TNGphoto.com

  • More photography techno-babble… learn the secrets of the guru… :)

    February 26, 2014

    I thought it would be fun to go over a few images I created and describe how they were achieved on a technical level. I have done this on an older blog post so I thought I should resurrect the idea. Fellow photographers will probably understand many of the terms I use in these descriptions but for those of you who aren’t photographers, I hope you can appreciate the effort and thought process that went into each of these images.

     

    Leave a comment with your thoughts or any questions!

     

    vegas artist photo

    This is a friend of mine who is a talented artist and photographer. I asked him if I could create a portrait of him in his workspace for my own personal work of local artists and photographers. The room was not very large so I decided I would use a long lens to compress the background and showcase only a few key elements. This man is a hunter/outdoorsman so I chose a painting to place on an easel stand that had a similar tone to his skintone so it would not clash with the subject’s face. He was lit with a gridded beauty dish, reflector and a bare bulb speelite to add a highlight to his arm and nose. Another speedlite was manually zoomed into 135mm and aimed at the painting behind him.

     

    Artist and Hunter Portrait

    I decided to switch to a wide angle lens to showcase more of a story. I exchanged the painting in the background for another that still would not clash with the artist’s skin tone and I liked how the bird’s face is turned and looking at our subject. I then liked the idea of having a bird painting in the foreground as well. The wall behind him was normally bare and dull and for a wide angle portrait, I felt it necessary to occupy the space somehow. So, we took one of his hunting trophies and mounted it on the wall behind him. The lighting was the same set up for this image plus another light on a stand, raised up to ceiling height and controlled with barn doors (to make sure not to effect the lighting on the subject), aimed at the antelope to bring out more detail.

    My goal for these portraits was to showcase my friend’s passions–hunting, the outdoors and his art. I am pleased with the results.

     

    natural light photographer in las vegas

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    I consider myself quite the lighting aficionado. I am quite versed in it and extremely confident while working with it. I see a lot of other photographers being self described as ” natural light photographers ” and I cringe oftentimes when I see the work they produce. While yes, they work with natural lighting only, they lack the knowledge it takes to manipulate it for the highest quality possible. There are principles of lighting that need to be considered to flatter the subject but they throw this out the window. I don’t consider myself strictly a natural light photographer. I use the tools needed to get the job done right and if it’s natural light, great! If it’s a strobe or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5… off camera then great! Anyway, this portrait was all natural light. No electronic flashes used at all. The sun was behind her, creating a beautiful rim light around her hair and shoulders and I used my 6 ft. tall reflector to bounce and feather the light back into her face to make sure she had proper modeling to the face along with light in the eyes. I used a bush in the foreground for added feeling of depth in the portrait.

     

    vegas headshots realty busienss

    I was updating this realtor’s headshots at her home and decided an outdoors setting would be fun. This, like the previous image, was created with natural light only. The side of her home was lit by the sun which added a beautiful light to her face but I added my 6 ft. reflector give it a little extra pop.

     

    las vegas family photographer

    This family wanted something edgy and different for their home to match their style and decor. While I did create a few “safer” family photos to get a nice variety, this ended up being their favorite.Β  The low angle is definitely not traditional. The color tone is cool/blue which is a fun departure from my usual warm, vibrant and inviting colors that a lot of my work includes. The wide angle lens made the two kids in the front look gigantic in comparison to the group which is something I usually make a HUGE priority not to do in my most of my more classical family portraits.

    The lighting was 3 lights—one key light to camera right to light the group and two lights behind the group (one aimed at the family to add highlights to them and the ground behind them and another aimed somewhat angled at the ceiling to create an interesting bright light behind them. Smiling with teeth would not have fit the mood for this portrait so I asked them to be a little more intense. πŸ™‚ So much fun!

     

    I hope that was helpful! Thanks for reading!

     

    Nate

    – Your favorite Las Vegas senior photographer πŸ™‚

     

  • Senior portraits: why you need them and why you’ll love them more than your phone…

    January 30, 2014

    Dear Class of 2014,

     

    It’s not quite February yet but at some point in the next few weeks, you’re going to have to decide who you are going to trust with your senior photos. Big deal right? Actually, YES! This is a HUGE deal! Aside from your future wedding photos and maybe a jail mugshot or two (I kid, I kid πŸ™‚ ) there is no other set of photos or images of you that are going to be seen by more people. I repeat: A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE GOING TO SEE HOW YOU LOOK. This was true before the internet and it’s even more true these days with Instagram, Twitter, Facebook (a.k.a. MomBook), phones, and ultimately, your final prints that will be displayed until an angry mob has to force your mom to take off her wall one day.

     

    So………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

     

    DO YOU WANT TO LOOK GOOD OR WHAT???

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    las vegas senior photos

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    las vegas senior photos

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    Here’s what I promise you:

    You’re going to look better than you ever thought you’d look in a portrait. No joke. Your mom is going to cry (happy tears of course)Β  when she sees these and you’re gonna be showing everyone how great you look. I don’t ever want seniors to all look the same — BORING! I’m going to make sure you look amazing and you aren’t going to look corny.

    I know your busy so head over to my Las vegas senior site here: http://www.TNGseniors.com

    The first 6 seniors to callΒ  or text (702)809-9763 , mention this blog and get 2- FREE MOVIE TICKETS when you book your session!

    las vegas senior photos

  • Outdoor Senior Photos in Las Vegas

    May 2, 2013

    I had a few really fun sessions recently. It’s senior season again and this is when my mind switches to overdrive! Seniors are challenging portraits for many reasons–each person has a unique personality to convey, different body types to flatter, and lighting in the warming desert is always a challenge, just to name a few. I was thinking the other night about how senior photos will be seen by more people than any other portrait except maybe your wedding photos. There’s a lot of pressure for seniors to look good to their friends and their classmates. No one wants to look unnatural, corny or embarrassing…luckily, and this is going to sound cocky but, I’m extremely good at making sure seniors WON’T be embarrassed. πŸ™‚ Enjoy the portraits!

    SENIORS: The time is now to get your portraits taken! Call (702)809-9763 and read more at TNGseniors.com for more info!

    prom photography las vegas

    Ok, so these aren’t really seniors but I couldn’t resist posting it! These are actually juniors who were only about an hour away from heading to their prom and they wanted some nice images created of themselves in this beautiful location. After we took some portraits by the fountain, I hopped into the bed of this young man’s truck and he drove us down the street a few blocks to this great area right in the middle of the neighborhood. I was a little nervous here and there though because sprinklers kept turning on and off in the hedges across the street from us so we made our escape plans with each other just in case the water turned on where we were. Luckily, we made it out alive and no sprinklers laid a hand on us. πŸ™‚

    lacrosse player photography las vegas

    I had a ton of fun with this lacrosse player’s senior portraits! Along with all of the nice portraits of smiles, teeth and different outfits, I always try to make sure I try something different, artistic, funky or just plain fun. In this situation, the young man brought the eyes on his helmet to my attention and told me he wanted to find a way to show it off. I was happy with the dramatic feel of this one.

    senior girl outdoor photo las vegas

    This is a more traditional portrait of this senior. I remember while I was photographing her here, I knew I wanted this to be black and white. The beautiful soft, natural light coming in from the right side of the image is very flattering and I didn’t need to even add a reflector or subtract light from her at all. It was just as flattering as light comes at the time. I loved the way the background is so bright (but still visible and distinguishable) and her clothes are dark so she really pops out at you here!

    LEAVE A COMMENT AND TELL ME YOUR THOUGHTS!

    Oh, by the way, we’re on Facebook, Twitter, and now Instagram! Like us, follow us, cyber stock us, whatever! πŸ™‚

    -Nate

  • How it was done– tips from a Las Vegas professional photographer

    April 3, 2013

    “LIFE’S BETTER AT THE BEACH” PHOTO DAY WEEKEND IS IN MAY! CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!

     

    Just for fun, I wanted to show a few images and talk a little bit about how they were made, post processing and what my thought process was in the creation of the image. I’m sure there are plenty of you out there that like to hear about these kind of specifics and some of you probably have no interest at all but just like seeing some nice portraits. Either way, it’s win-win! πŸ™‚

    PLEASE LEAVE ME A COMMENT AND TELL ME WHETHER OR NOT YOU LIKE THESE KINDS OF POSTS SO I CAN MAKE MORE OR NOT. ENJOY!

    las vegas senior portraits

    This senior portrait was taken on the top level of the Bellagio parking lot. Whenever I’m on the strip, I am always gazing upward at the tall buildings and I thought it would be fun to convey the same feeling with the senior. I glanced around and saw nowhere for him to stand so I had him stand on top of my car as I sat on the ground. The blue shirt, blue sky and reflections made for a great color harmony.

    senior photography in las vegas

    One thing I’ve become known for is my use of lighting and shadows to make extremely life-like, colorful and vibrant images that aren’t easy to replicate. Lighting is one of my favorite aspects of photography as every situation calls for a different type of lighting to be used. For this portrait, I wanted shadowless lighting and striking eyes on a high key background. Four lights were used. Two lights were placed about 135 degrees behind her on either side, skimming across her hair to bring out the texture in her dark hair. These two lights were relatively small because smaller lights are harsher and therefore can bring out more texture in dark hair–if she was a blonde I probably would have used larger, softer lights. There was also a light shining on my white background so that it would be completely white. For her face, I set up a strobe directly above her and placed my DIY large curved reflector directly beneath her. The strobe above her reflected off of this reflector which filled in any shadows that would be under her nose, lips, etc. The reflector is curved/arched shaped because I wanted it to reflect somewhat on the sides of her face and to add a unique catchlight on the lower hemispheres of her eyes (that’s not photoshop, just good ole photography!). The results were quite nice.

    best family photography in las vegas

    When it comes to family portraits, there are many rules I follow for myself to ensure a quality image. One of them being, if I were to remove every single person from the portrait except for one, would that person look good? If I took everyone out except this other person, would that person look good? In other words, everyone in the entire image MUST look fantastic! For this image, I was able to interact with the kids in a way that got them happy, relaxed and at ease with me–parents always seem to appreciate this– and I also was able to get a beautiful view in Zion canyon. I love being able to show off the scenery and location. As a finishing touch, I had the dad here hold his daughter on his shoulders. I did this for a few reasons:

    • It kept the girl from running away and losing interest of the photos
    • It helped the composition of the group. Notice how it is daughter with son and father with daughter. Also, their faces being where they are creates a diagonal in the image. Everything is vertical in the image–bodies, mountains, the low perspective– so the diagonal creates a contrast for your eyes.
    • The sun was behind them and the dad has a shaved head. The little girl’s body blocked the sun from making his head glow.

    STILL WITH ME? PHEW! THANK GOODNESS! I LOVE THIS STUFF AND COULD TALK ABOUT IT ALL DAY (BUT I WON’T)! THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!

     

    If you haven’t taken the time to LIKE our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter, just click the links and you’ll get some fun updates from me!

     

    Thanks!

     

    Nate

    TNG Photography

     

     

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