As a photojournalist-style photographer, I am enamored with real moments in time.  I love photographing kids because they’re so spontaneous!  We adults can learn a lot from their free-spiritedness.  I see a lot of moms who want their kids’ hair to be brushed just so, for their clothes to be perfect, and for their smiles to be practiced.  However, none of those things speak to me of childhood.  So, I encourage the kids to giggle, to run, and to explore.  Yes, I have to chase them around a lot.  But when they stop and catch their breath, I am ready with my camera.  And, they’re usually beaming.

If you want to take better photos of your family (and set your child up to be more photogenic for life), think of yourself as a documentarian.  Document what you want, yes.  But don’t manipulate.  Don’t ask for poses.  And, don’t fuss!  Let the kids enjoy themselves, and what you hold dear about this time in your life will show through in the moments you capture.

The iPhone is an incredible tool for moms, dads, and business owners alike.  I recommend you turn the flash off, and pay attention to natural light sources in the environment you’re shooting in.  Make sure to arrange yourself so that light is falling on your subject.  In other words, if you’re facing a lamp and the baby is silhouetted in between you and it, don’t expect the camera to give you a good exposure.  And, be sure you get low to the ground – you want to be on your subject’s level.

Plus, the iPhone is something you already take everywhere you go, so using it for social networking and marketing is a no-brainer.  It’s an invaluable tool for giving your audience that coveted glimpse behind the scenes.

iPhonegraphy tips for documenting your family and business marketing:

1. Get on Instagram!  If you haven’t already, sign up for an Instagram account.  It’s free!  Just go to the app store and install.  If you want to use it for marketing, select a username that corresponds with your brand.  For instance, my Instagram name is sloboda.

2. Apply filters to your images before you share them.  If you also install other photography apps, you’ll have a whole bunch of one-click PhotoShop-like settings at your fingertips.  My favorites include Hipstamatic, Snapseed, Camera+, Iris, and Filterstorm.  They range from $1.99 to $5.99, and can seriously enhance just about any image you take. 

3. Mix and match multiple filters from various programs by saving to your photo library and then opening in a new program.  When you’re pleased with your flashy new picture, open Instagram and click on “share,” to upload.

4. Get tagging! Hashtags are a great way to get followers of similar interests on Instgram.  Use @[username] tags to respond to someone who has commented on yours or another’s photo.  Link your profile to twitter and automatically tweet your photo (with capture and hashtags – up to 140 characters, of course).  To be really savvy, use twitter tags in Instagram so your intended audience sees your image across platforms.

5. Be yourself.  Share your interests, and your day-to-day.  Document moments with your family.  Get involved in an activity!  Frame your shot and be ready to snap when natural smiles (and all kinds of expressions) occur. 

Sharing photos of genuine moments goes a long way towards communicating your values to your audience.  A picture’s worth a thousand words, right?  That’s like 41 tweets!

I am eager to announce that I will be coming to southern California for child, baby, and family photo sessions from February 24-28, 2012.  I love the light in California — the original Hollywood filmmakers knew what they were doing when they set up shop there.  I previously spent a good amount of time there, during my stint as production coordinator of The People’s Choice Awards.  It’s always wonderful to go back and capture people in that glorious California sunlight. 

I’ve already had the pleasure of photographing weddings and families from Malibu to Pasadena to LA, and now I’ll be adding San Diego to that list.  The last time I was in California was July of 2009, when I got to witness my friends’ wedding in Pasadena.  These photos are from that trip (I wasn’t their official wedding photographer, but I snapped a few shots on film that day).

If you’re in the area, and you’d like to set up a session, email rsvp [at] sarahsloboda.com for pricing, availability, and information.  And, if you know any families there, please be sure to send them my way!

For more details, click here.

For dates in NYC, click here.

In NYC, Sarah’s sessions typically completely sell out!  So, she’s coming out to southern California, by popular demand.

Sessions will take place on location or at your home in San Diego or Los Angeles. 

Los Angeles: Friday & Saturday, 2/24-2/25

San Diego: Sunday & Monday, 2/26-2/27

About her work, in Sarah’s words:

You won’t see heavy photoshopping or effects in my work, nor will you see “cheese.”  Your photos will be utterly unique to the moment and the individual child’s life they capture.  They might very well be unlike any photos you’re accustomed to.  But I hope you’ll get accustomed to the artistic quality and the love I aim to capture.

Packages may be purchased a la carte, or to include the full collection on disk.  Please inquire about options to suit your desires.

Email rsvp@sarahsloboda.com to reserve your time slot.

These portrait sessions notoriously sell out!  Be sure to book early for the best selection of time slots.

Sessions will take place in Manhattan and Brooklyn.  Sarah will recommend a cool location to show off in the background, making the shoot fun and the photos exciting.  Or, choose to have a sweet session in the comfort of your own home. 

About her work, in Sarah’s words:

I loathe “perfection,” and prefer to surprise people with beautiful glimpses of reality.  You won’t see heavy photoshopping or phony effects in my work, nor will you see “cheese.”  Your photos will be utterly unique to the moment and the individual child’s life they capture.  They might very well be unlike any photos you’re accustomed to.  But I hope you’ll get accustomed to the artistic quality and the love I aim to capture.

Packages may be purchased a la carte, or to include the full collection on disk.  Please inquire about options to suit your desires.

Email rsvp@sarahsloboda.com to reserve your time slot.

This lesson was shot on an iPhone 4S, in order to focus on composition, without getting bogged down by manual camera settings.  I recommend you complete this project with a point-and-shoot camera, and focus on getting the best shot you can with a simple tool.

Composing your shot by deliberately using the four sides of the rectangular frame is a key component to creating a great photograph.  You will want to pay attention to the way things are arranged in the frame, as well as ensure than anything unwanted is left out of the frame, by moving the camera slightly, or changing your distance to the subject.  Let’s get started on this simple exercise that will improve your composition skills instantly!

Step 1: Find three objects around the house.  Objects similar in size and color work well.  To make an heirloom-like version of this photo, use your child’s cherished toys, or mementos from your wedding or recent vacation.  Snap a quick photo on your first instinct when you first gather the objects (be sure to remove all other objects from the frame).

 Step 2: Clear the background.  Ideally, you want a neutral background for your objects — white, tan, black, grey, etc.  A table against a wall, a bedspread, or a sheet thrown over your couch will work well.  You want to give yourself the ability to change the angle of the camera, and still keep the background neutral, in order to keep the focus on your objects.  Pay attention to the direction of the light.  You can tell the direction of the light by noticing which side of the objects is lighter.  In this example, the objects cast a long shadow, giving a major clue as to which direction the light was coming from.  If you need to, adjust the objects to make sure they are getting good light.

 Step 3: Explore your compositional instincts.  Do you like the objects all lined up in a row?  What happens if you get lower — bringing the camera to the side of the objects?  What happens if you stand over them?  Which angle demonstrates the essence of the objects in your mind?  Do they appear to be different from their actual size, if you photograph them from a certain angle?  Can you create an unusual composition by pushing yourself to try different angles and rearranging the objects?  The goal is to get THREE distinct photographs of your three objects on the neutral background.

 I found that the first image (#1 of 4 in this post) was my favorite, compositionally.  I liked the imperfect balance of the two similar objects on one side of the frame, with the third object balancing them on the other.  The side view revealed the truer shape of the objects, than the shots from above.  (However, if the focus of the photos was to show that they could hold candles, an “aerial” view might work well.)  Did you find you were pleasantly surprised that by pushing yourself to do three different photos of this tableau, you came up with the best composition of all?

Please feel free to share your comments and links to photos below.  I’d love to hear how this experiment opened up your creative ideas!

If you would like to join for my Cleveland photo workshop on January 24th and 26th 2012, please click here to register.  If you would like to stay informed of upcoming workshops, or how to purchase my photo workbook, sign up for my mailing list.

Explore the Tremont Art Walk tonight and pick up a complimentary magnet!  It features my shot of the Snæfellsjökull Glacier on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland, shot on 120mm redscale film.  You can claim your magnet at one of three of my favorite Tremont shops: Lilly Chocolates, Visible Voice Books, and Banyan Tree.

Supplies are very limited so make sure you stop by early.

Look for the little blue display:

In October and November, Sarah’s sessions completely sold out!  Be sure to book early for the best selection of time slots.

Sessions will take place in Manhattan and Brooklyn.  Sarah will recommend a cool location to show off in the background, making the shoot fun and the photos exciting.  Or, choose to have a sweet session in the comfort of your own home. 

About her work, in Sarah’s words:

I loathe “perfection,” and prefer to surprise people with beautiful glimpses of reality.  You won’t see heavy photoshopping or phony effects in my work, nor will you see “cheese.”  Your photos will be utterly unique to the moment and the individual child’s life they capture.  They might very well be unlike any photos you’re accustomed to.  But I hope you’ll get accustomed to the artistic quality and the love I aim to capture.

Packages may be purchased a la carte, or to include the full collection on disk.  Please inquire about options to suit your desires.

Email rsvp@sarahsloboda.com to reserve your time slot.

The arrival of your baby is monumental — it’s one of the few times in your life that practically everything is put on hold so that you can prepare the way for this precious new life to begin.  While this time will inevitably be ripe with questions and newness, it is important to make a point to try to drink in the experience, no matter how sleep-deprived you are.  Your child will only be a few days old this one time; the days will quickly turn to months and years.  Everyone should get a document of when they were counting the days and hours, measuring the moments, when all else in life is on “pause.”

For the months of January and February 2012, I am offering a weekly drawing for a newborn session for a family in the Cleveland area.  The winner will receive an in-home shoot* of their newborn baby, online proofing, and one digital file of their choosing.  The drawing is for parents (new clients only) whose due date falls within that week, and the shoot must be scheduled within the first 12 days after the baby is born to qualify.  It’s my way of helping Cleveland families relish and savor one of the most glorious moments of their lives — the arrival of a precious new baby.

The shoot itself will be conducted in my signature style, aimed to be relaxed and fun for everyone, and with a patient pace to jive with baby’s needs.  I loathe “perfection,” and prefer to surprise people with beautiful glimpses of reality.  You won’t see heavy photoshopping or phony effects in my work, nor will you see “cheese.”  Your photos will have a freshness to them that reflects the real-life moments from which they were borne.  They’ll be utterly unique to the moment and the individual child’s life they capture.  They might very well be unlike any photos you’re accustomed to.  But I hope you’ll get accustomed to the artistic quality and the love I aim to capture.

Are you expecting this week?  Email rsvp@sarahsloboda.com with “This week’s newborn session contest,” in the subject line.  You’ll be added to my list for future information (you may opt out at any time), and you’ll be automatically entered in this week’s drawing.  Tweet about it, and email me again with a link to your tweet for a second chance to win!  (Baby later than expected?  Feel free to enter again!)

Just a friendly reminder: take lots of snapshots as your life transitions now.  You won’t know how important they’ll be to you until you can look back.  And, you can’t go back, so go forth with your camera.

If you’d like to learn more about photography, stay tuned to my blog for creative tricks to try at home.  Click here to learn more about upcoming photo workshops.

*Homes located over 25 miles from downtown Cleveland are subject to a nominal fee.

Creating Heirlooms Photo Workshop – Session A (Both A and B are included in price)

• Where: The Gallery at the Old Stone Church, downtown Cleveland
• When: January 24th & 26th, 6.30 – 8.30 p.m.
• Cost: $200.00/person
• Street parking is free downtown starting at 6.30!
• Questions: rsvp@sarahsloboda.com

REGISTER NOW

Who’s invited?

Expecting parents, current parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and anyone who owns a camera and wants to learn more.  Sarah has 10 years of NYC experience photographing families and kids, and the workshop will focus on documenting what is nearest and dearest to you, as you develop your own creative voice.

Your perspective on life inevitably evolves.  You realize how quickly time passes, and that things are constantly changing, as you watch your baby grow from an infant to a toddler and beyond.  The ability to document your family’s growth with spirit and emotion is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your family.  The full value won’t always be apparent right away; but once some time has passed, and you have a beautiful record of “the way things were,” the fruits of your efforts will be priceless.

Despite being an instantaneous medium (as opposed to painting or sculpting), photography requires time, attention, and practice, like any other.  This 2-session course is designed to give you the basic technical skills needed to make creative choices about taking photographs.  It will also deliberately focus on your vision – your role in the creative process of taking photos – and enable to you create images with intention.

You’ll come away with exercises to practice, a workbook for reference, and experienced advice for further personal research.

Read more about the workshop series here: WORKSHOP INFO.

Use this link to sign up for yourself: REGISTRATION.

You’ll get an email confirmation and welcome packet with pertinent details to help you prepare for the course.  Should you need to follow up regarding your registration, please email rsvp@sarahsloboda.com.

The course makes an awesome gift!  Please inquire about gift certificates.

About the Instructor

Sarah Sloboda has been photographing babies, children, and families for 14 years, and has been an active creativity coach for 3 years.  Having accumulated 10 years of experience in NYC, she recently relocated back to her hometown of Cleveland, OH.  She loves being a cheerleader, and helping others to find their inspiration.  Her photography work has appeared in numerous parenting publications including Wondertime, A Child Grows in Brooklyn, Citibabes, Urban Baby, Baby Shop, and Mommy Poppins.  View her portfolio at http://sarahsloboda.com.

Creating Heirlooms Photo Workshop – Session A (Both A and B are included in price)

• Where: The Gallery at the Old Stone Church, downtown Cleveland
• When: January 24th & 26th, 6.30 – 8.30 p.m.
• Cost: $200.00/person
• Street parking is free downtown starting at 6.30!
• Questions: rsvp@sarahsloboda.com

REGISTER NOW

Who’s invited?

Expecting parents, current parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and anyone who owns a camera and wants to learn more.  Sarah has 10 years of NYC experience photographing families and kids, and the workshop will focus on documenting what is nearest and dearest to you, as you develop your own creative voice.

Your perspective on life inevitably evolves.  You realize how quickly time passes, and that things are constantly changing, as you watch your baby grow from an infant to a toddler and beyond.  The ability to document your family’s growth with spirit and emotion is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your family.  The full value won’t always be apparent right away; but once some time has passed, and you have a beautiful record of “the way things were,” the fruits of your efforts will be priceless.

Despite being an instantaneous medium (as opposed to painting or sculpting), photography requires time, attention, and practice, like any other.  This 2-session course is designed to give you the basic technical skills needed to make creative choices about taking photographs.  It will also deliberately focus on your vision – your role in the creative process of taking photos – and enable to you create images with intention.

You’ll come away with exercises to practice, a workbook for reference, and experienced advice for further personal research.

Read more about the workshop series here: WORKSHOP INFO.

Use this link to sign up for yourself: REGISTRATION.

You’ll get an email confirmation and welcome packet with pertinent details to help you prepare for the course.  Should you need to follow up regarding your registration, please email rsvp@sarahsloboda.com.

The course makes an awesome gift!  Please inquire about gift certificates.

About the Instructor

Sarah Sloboda has been photographing babies, children, and families for 14 years, and has been an active creativity coach for 3 years.  Having accumulated 10 years of experience in NYC, she recently relocated back to her hometown of Cleveland, OH.  She loves being a cheerleader, and helping others to find their inspiration.  Her photography work has appeared in numerous parenting publications including Wondertime, A Child Grows in Brooklyn, Citibabes, Urban Baby, Baby Shop, and Mommy Poppins.  View her portfolio at http://sarahsloboda.com.

What a fabulous holiday season!  I received bunches of gorgeous holiday cards sent from my clients using photos from our shoot together.  Some of my favorites are shown here. 

And, this year, I offered metal photo Christmas ornaments in a number of designs.  I’ve wanted to provide an ornament option for a long time, but wanted something cool and classy.  A plastic ball with a photo pasted on was not going to cut it, but it seemed to be all that was out there.  When I discovered these photographs printed on metal and then die-cut into various ornament shapes, I knew I had found something special enough for my esthetically discerning clientele.

Thanks to all of my clients, I had the opportunity to serve many families with the gift of photography this year.  I want all of you to know how much I appreciate your love of capturing and savoring your families on camera.  It makes it possible for me to have a career doing what I love.  I hope this wonderful time of year reconnects you with family and all that is important to you.  Looking forward to more photo adventures in 2012.

Visit iheartcleveland.com and follow the instructions to win a shoot with Sarah! 

Sessions must be claimed within 30 days, and can be scheduled for a later date.

Creating Heirlooms: Photo Workshop for Expecting Parents (and anyone who wants to get their camera off of “auto”)

• Where: Old Stone Church
• When: December 13 & 15, 6.30 – 8.30 p.m.
• Cost: $200.00/person (for both sessions)
• Questions: rsvp@sarahsloboda.com

REGISTER NOW

As a new parent, your perspective on life will inevitably evolve.  You’ll realize how quickly time passes, and that things are constantly changing, as you watch your baby grow from an infant to a toddler and beyond.  The ability to document your family’s growth with spirit and emotion is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your family.  The full value won’t always be apparent right away; but once some time has passed, and you have a beautiful record of “the way things were,” the fruits of your efforts will be priceless.

Despite being an instantaneous medium (as opposed to painting or sculpting), photography requires time, attention, and practice, like any other.  This 2-session course is designed to give you the basic technical skills needed to make creative choices about taking photographs.  It will also deliberately focus on your vision – your role in the creative process of taking photos – and enable to you create images with intention.

Read about the workshop series here: http://sarahsloboda.com/2011/11/creating-heirlooms-photo-workshop-for-expecting-parents/

Use this link to sign up for yourself: REGISTRATION.

The course makes an awesome gift!  Please inquire about gift certificates.

About the Instructor

Sarah Sloboda has been photographing babies, children, and families for 14 years, and has been an active creativity coach for 3 years.  Having accumulated 10 years of experience in NYC, she recently relocated back to her hometown of Cleveland, OH.  She loves being a cheerleader, and helping others to find their inspiration.  Her photography work has appeared in numerous parenting publications including Wondertime, A Child Grows in Brooklyn, Citibabes, Urban Baby, Baby Shop, and Mommy Poppins.  View her portfolio at http://sarahsloboda.com.

Creating Heirlooms: Photo Workshop for Expecting Parents (and anyone who wants to get their camera off of “auto”)

• Where: Old Stone Church
• When: December 13 & 15, 6.30 – 8.30 p.m.
• Cost: $200.00/person (for both sessions)
• Questions: rsvp@sarahsloboda.com

REGISTER NOW

As a new parent, your perspective on life will inevitably evolve.  You’ll realize how quickly time passes, and that things are constantly changing, as you watch your baby grow from an infant to a toddler and beyond.  The ability to document your family’s growth with spirit and emotion is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your family.  The full value won’t always be apparent right away; but once some time has passed, and you have a beautiful record of “the way things were,” the fruits of your efforts will be priceless.

Despite being an instantaneous medium (as opposed to painting or sculpting), photography requires time, attention, and practice, like any other.  This 2-session course is designed to give you the basic technical skills needed to make creative choices about taking photographs.  It will also deliberately focus on your vision – your role in the creative process of taking photos – and enable to you create images with intention.

Read about the workshop series here: http://sarahsloboda.com/2011/11/creating-heirlooms-photo-workshop-for-expecting-parents/

Use this link to sign up for yourself: REGISTRATION.

The course makes an awesome gift!  Please inquire about gift certificates.

About the Instructor

Sarah Sloboda has been photographing babies, children, and families for 14 years, and has been an active creativity coach for 3 years.  Having accumulated 10 years of experience in NYC, she recently relocated back to her hometown of Cleveland, OH.  She loves being a cheerleader, and helping others to find their inspiration.  Her photography work has appeared in numerous parenting publications including Wondertime, A Child Grows in Brooklyn, Citibabes, Urban Baby, Baby Shop, and Mommy Poppins.  View her portfolio at http://sarahsloboda.com.

The images shown here are a few of my favorite shots from my latest NYC trip, capturing expressive moments for my clients to share with their families and friends.  Having themselves captured on camera, they can share their sweet faces with everyone who cares about them, near and far, on their yearly holiday cards.  I’m enamoured with this tradition. I’ve set aside a special place in my home to showcase photo cards, as they start rolling in.

This year, I’m offering a unique, new product.  It’s a flat metal ornament featuring the photo of your choice.  I have to say, I believe this might very well be the perfect grandparent gift!  Price is $35.00.  Email rsvp@sarahsloboda.com to start customizing yours.

And, it’s not too late to book a session this year.  I’ll do my best to accommodate all I can before the holidays.  Email rsvp@sarahsloboda.com for availability.