Rochester, MN Photographer: What is the difference between studio and natural light?

You may have heard people talk about photos in terms of “studio” or “lifestyle” or “natural light” Light makes a big difference in photography. The wrong light can ruin a photo and the right light can make you feel for a photo. Many times if you are searching for a photographer you may have an idea of the photos you like looking at but you may not know why. I want to explain some options that I offer to give you a better idea of what types of images you can expect.

Studio light

Studio light images are very common in my work. I use a one light PLM system. That may not mean a lot to you, but what you can expect is lighting that comes from one side of your face or subject. Some studio photographers use up to 4 or even 5 lights. I prefer the simple one light look for my images. It’s also much easier to use with a moving child! I use a series of backdrops and backgrounds to give variety to your gallery. With newborns I use the floor and also a posing table for images, but still using that one studio light.

Natural light

If we are doing photos outside I will be using natural light (the light provided by the sun) If in studio, we have some options between studio light and natural light. My studio light work happens in my main studio area. Natural light occurs in a separate room. Because having a natural light studio option is newer (2022) to me you will see less examples, but I’m hoping to add as I have more! My natural light studio has one window that we will use in a variety of ways. This studio is much smaller, so isn’t appropriate for a larger group. This studio is powered by the sun, so you will see changes on a cloudy day vs a sunny day. We also need to schedule natural light images during the daytime hours. Natural light gives darker shadows and I tend to do more lifestyle and natural posing in this area.

Rochester, MN Photographer: What to wear for an Extended family session

Coordinating a large group family session can be quite the undertaking. Once you have everyone committed to showing up to the same location on the same day now you are hoping they will look good too!

Here are some tips to helping:

1. Create a color palette. Where will you want these pictures to hang in your home? Do you have a decor style you’d like to compliment? Do you like subtle earth tones or do you love bold colors?

2. Be direct but flexible. Give your family some guidance by showing them the colors you’d like them to choose clothing from. Some people create Pinterest pages for suggestions or just give a simple color palette. I’ve even helped families by having them send me photos and reacting to them to help narrow down the selections. For small children, I have a variety of clothing that I can bring to the session.

3. Try to coordinate not match. If you love the outdated look of all white shirts and blue jeans, try to move your thoughts forward to current trends of coordination vs. matching. Having all the girl cousins in the same dress is fun, but then build off of that for others in the group.

4. Make sure everyone is comfortable. If grandpa is in a tux and and he is used to wearing overalls then he will be very uncomfortable. Same with babies. Skip the frilly dresses if if will just make them uncomfortable in photos.

5. What is your background. If you plan to be together outside with all greens, consider not choosing green as your main color so you don’t blend in.

6. Overall, the best part is that you are all together for photos. These memories will always be there!

Rochester, MN Milestone photographer: Ben 4months

I love when newborn families choose the first year package. Watching them grow, is the best!

Rochester, MN Family photographer

FAQ: Family sessions

As a Minnesota family photographer based in Rochester. I have seen a lot in my 17 years in business. I have worked with families of all shapes, colors, orientations, temperaments and sizes. I’m proud to say that my experience gives me a unique perspective into working with your family. Did you know that my educational background is in social work and organizational leadership? Fun fact. I grew up in a home where my parents were foster parents and counselors. I’ve have experienced a lot of chaos in my years and some will say I do my best in chaotic situations.

Family sessions are a lot to prepare for. You take the time to select great clothing (I’m always happy to help with this!) Make sure those clothes fit and your kids put up with them! Then you select nap times to work out and snacks on hand. For older kids or adults, you work around busy schedules and then hope that the weather works out!

Sometimes these things don’t go as planned. That perfect dress is backordered, your sunny day turns cloudy, a work event comes up, your 2 year old chooses that day to not nap. I do family photos every year myself so I know how it feels. I know the stress involved. I also know that in the end capturing their face is what is important. If they won’t keep their bow in their hair, or they end up choosing their dress, you have that memory. That imperfect time is captured and is realistic!

I am very understanding to all the pressures involved in family photos. There have been times I’ve called to say the weather may work out better on a day I’m not scheduled to work and then proceed to change my schedule so your day is awesome. In the end, I want your photos to be great. I also know that sometimes over tired kids light up for the camera and give the best smiles. I used to do photoshoots late at night to wear out my daughter for bedtime. :) I also know kids are flexible and adults are so happy to have those times captured. I would be rich if I had a nickel for everyone who was surprised I got so many photos from the session when it felt to them that the session was a wreck with their children. My camera is quick, I’m efficient and I know how to work with families. Let’s chat about your family session. I want you to have wonderful memories to hang on your walls, so let me help you create that!

Rochester, MN Family Photographer: T family

I love when I have the chance to collaborate on a session. We worked together to find the perfect outfits and I found a great location that complement this family/1 year session!

Rochester, MN Children's Photographer

Happy Birthday to my youngest, Micah! He turns the big 5 this week! He loves all things Transformers (especially his daddy’s old ones) and hanging out with friends (which isn’t easy when you are stuck in quarantine at home in a pandemic) He talks constantly but loves to love on you. His favorite phrase is “I like you and love you” He melts my heart and I’m so lucky I chose to have him.

Rochester, MN newborn photographer: Photographing your own newborn

During this crazy time of a pandemic due to Covid-19, you may be missing your newborn or baby portrait session. Until we are ready to be together again for professional photos, here are some tips that I put together that you may find helpful. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help in editing a special photo or help in taking these important milestone photos!

Tip: Use a long scarf with some stretch for a great swaddle, or jersey type fabric. Cutting up an old t-shirt can work great! For safety, make sure swaddle is loose around their neck.

Rochester, MN Response to Covid-19

As you have probably been aware from most every other business in your news feed and email, there is a lot going on in our world right now with Covid-19.

Since I work with babies and families, my first concern is that everyone continues to make the choices that keep themselves healthy and protect those around them. I am continuing to keep my space clean. Lots of hand washing, wiping down surfaces and keeping contact to a minimum.

Since I work with many medical families, I especially want to support you however I can so you can keep working and doing the great work our city is world known for. Let me know how I can help you so your life is easier. I'm great at baking bread, if it's needed, my home is available, I can make deliveries as able and I can help you behind the scenes too by connecting you to resources like pumped milk, extra formula etc. Social media can be wonderful in connecting others.

For my own business, here are some ways to continue working together.

1. Now is a great time to stock up on wall art from past sessions (you may have time to hang it all up and I can ship direct to you)

2. You are always welcome to plan ahead for sessions by booking now (I'll be setting specific dates for upcoming mini sessions)

3. You can give the gift of photos to a friend or colleague (I offer gift cards virtually or by mail)

4. I'm relaunching a fantastic art portrait you see in the photo below. ORDER YOUR OWN HERE

Reschedules are always an option if you feel it's best to stay home at this time. If you'd like to get more creative with in home sessions, I'm available for that as well.

Thank you again for your continued support, I know our community will be the leaders in dealing with this and we will begin to see some amazing helpers working together.

Rochester, MN First year Henry and Lily

Celebrating your child as they grow throughout the first year is a joy for me as a photographer. I enjoy seeing those little personalities begin to emerge. My first year plan covers the newborn session and 3 additional milestones. I like to see babies around 4/5 months when then are just learning to hold up their head and smile. The next stage is around 7-9months when they are sitting steady without falling over and maybe not yet crawling. Lastly, we celebrate their birthdays at 12 months! Many times families will include mom and dad on one or multiple sessions as well. Enjoy this album layout from Henry and LIly’s first year!

Osceola WI Cascade Falls travel session

I have clients all over the state, surrounding states and around the world. I love to travel and would love to find a new and inspiring place we can travel to together or I can meet you at. Contact me at Catharine@blissphotographymn.com and let’s dream together!

Southern MN Family Photos