4 Quick Steps to pick a Family Portrait Photographer

and this is when many folks start thinking about portraits. I often get questions like, “How do I pick a Family Portrait Photographer?” So, here ar:

“4 Quick Steps to pick a Family Portrait Photographer”

Step 1: Recommendations from friends can be a good way to go. But a caveat:  just like people have different tastes and budgets for clothing and decor, they will also have wildly different styles in photography. Some people just want a photo that is one step above a snapshot. Others just want one really good family photo. Others want a high-end, boutique experience with a full gallery of WOW images. If you have a friend who has a similar taste and budget in interior decor and clothes, that can be a good indicator that you might like the photographer they use. Step 2: Then check their website. Their photos should grab you, you should feel right away – “Wow! I love these!” Step 3: Videos – I also always suggest that clients look at an entire photo session before booking their photographer. That way, they can see if the photographer can deliver a consistent and full gallery of WOW images.  This means different angles, close up and wide-angle, each person alone, kids together, kids with parents, both posed and casual, different expressions, etc. That’s much more reliable than seeing just one or two good images. On my video page, you’ll see about 30 different sessions, to give you an idea of my style. A few of them even have BTS (behind the scenes) and client interviews, which gives you even more of an idea on what it’s like to work with me. Of course, if you want the quick read, my testimonial page can provide that. Step 4: Contact the photographer. Do they get back to you within one business day? Do they seem to know what they are doing? Do they ask lots of questions to make sure they understand what you are looking for, and you understand what they offer? Do they explain things clearly? So, there you have it. A complicated process simplified to four key steps. I hope this helps you pick your family photographer. And whether you pick me, or someone else, please do have family photos taken this year! Every year your children change sooo much – these precious times deserve to be captured. Oh, and if you are doing holiday cards ….please please include you and your spouse/co-parent if you are together. Your friends love seeing your kids, but even more than that – they want to see YOU! I feel so passionately about this, I should probably do an entire blog post on “Make sure you appear on your holiday card!” Here is a sample session taken in the Boulder mountains. I can’t wait to photograph this family again this weekend, this time with their newest family addition!

Session in Boulder, Colorado (with guest appearance by family dog)

Westminster Family Portraits Outdoors in the Boulder Mountains from N Lee on Vimeo.

*Your dogs are part of your family! And we often include them in portraits. There are a few steps to follow to make sure we get the best photos possible, and one of the key  things is to have someone who can take over the dogs once we are done photographing them. A neighbor, a friend, etc. It’s also a good idea to have them groomed a couple days before, and bring them a little bit hungry so they will pay attention. Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save]]>

Denver Family Photography – New "Explainer" Video (TBT)

Natascha Lee Studios 2016 Explainer Video from N Lee on Vimeo.

If you are looking for family portraits, that video gives you a super quick overview of me, the kind of photos I create, and my style. Below are a few more key links that people like to have, when they are looking for a Denver family photographer and considering working with me. Feel free to check them out. And, if you aren’t in the area looking for a Denver family photographer, ask your local photographer if they have similar links available for you to check out. In addition to pricing and their gallery, be sure to see a video or a sample of a full session – I always recommend seeing an entire session by your photographer. Because anyone can take one or two good photos, but you want a photographer that will deliver and entire gallery of great images for you to select from. Not all photographers have a studio, but if they do have one, you’ll want to ask where it is and what it is like. Their studio is a great meeting place, you can see their product samples and it also provides a back up shooting location if your outdoor location gets rained/snowed out. (Although it can be very fun to shoot in the rain and snow! 1. What people say about working with me 2. My photo galleries, (one for each of my specialties so you can see my photography style) 3. Videos to see what an entire session would look like  4. Pricing Overview 5. A bit about me 6. My N Denver Studio Tour Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save]]>

Video – Denver HS Senior Portraits

Ever wonder what a Denver highschool senior portrait session looks like? Here is a video from a Premier Highschool Senior Session – two locations, 5 outfit changes, 30 amazing images:

Cherry Creek Highschool Senior Photo Session by Natascha Lee Studios from N Lee on Vimeo.

And here is a collage with their favorite images. I’m really enjoying the dual nature of sharing both video and photos:

Denver High School Senior Portraits by Natascha Lee Studios - Bella Collage - CCHS These images were done at one of my satellite studio locations in Downtown Denver, and also at the very beautiful and always fun Washington Park. Bella brought a variety of clothes, and did her own hair and make up. Her mother came for the session, but stayed out of the way so that her daughter would be super relaxed and comfortable. This is one of those families that I love to shoot for year after year.

Denver Highschool Senior Photography

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Denver Child Model of the Month Presley

Headshots with Personality(sm)  for his business – he’s an entrepreneur. Presley’s mother has the very best style! Plus, as fellow tech geeks, we have a “May the Fourth” tradition. I love how Presley’s aunt comes to the shoots, and the viewing sessions, etc. One of my favorite BTS images ever, which came from this shoot,  is here. A very close knit family! And I can’t wait to do their family portraits later this year! 😉

  1. Tell us about you, mom:
My name is Seonah, born in South Korea,  lived in New York for 25 years but now living in and loving Coloardo. When I’m by myself, I enjoy creating/crafting things. I love working on scrapbooks for Presley, or working in my green house. I don’t have the best “green thumb”, but there’s a lot of satisfaction watching something you planted bear fruit. As a family, we love taking road trips together. The longest trip we took was to Chicago, 14 plus hours in the car, we had a lot of quality time without TV or Internet. Presley is a little thrill seeker, so for the summer we bought season passes to Elitch Gardens. She’s just tall enough to ride all the kiddie ride!
  1. Tell us about your child model:
Presley will be  turning 3 in July. She loves to read, one of her favorite is “Go, Dog. Go!” by Dr. Seuss. She reads it cover to cover a few times before bed. She’s very into the original Star Wars Trilogy. She asked to have a Star Wars theme birthday party this year, and requested the presence of Hans Solo and Chewbacca. However, she also loves Disney princesses like Elsa, Mulan and Ariel. She loves playing with clay, and creating meals for everyone. She’s extremely active, and loves to run, play sports and dance.
3. What is something about your child that surprises people?
People are surprised to find out how “tomboyish” Presley can be. She loves to be tossed up in the air and free fall down. Jumps off of everything and see if she can fly like a super hero. She’s also very independent. She seems to enjoy her “alone” time, sitting on the couch with a book, while “The Big Bang Theory” is playing in the background.
4. What made you/your child interesting in modeling?  What sort of experience have you had so far?
I thought it would be a fun experience for Presley. She’s such a little ham, and loves to put on a show for fun. She booked her first magazine shoot in March, and it was an amazing time. I don’t think she fully grasps the idea of being a “model” and taking pictures of the clothes. I just told her she was going on a play date, and she had a blast.
5. This is your second time working with Natascha Lee Studios for your modeling headshots…why did you pick her for your Denver Child Model Headshots?
The first time I searched for a photographer, I  Googled online and used key words like “Child” “Model” “Headshots”, and Natascha’s name constantly came up first. After researching Natascha, I learned that she was a main photographer for a reputable children’s modeling agency. I was a complete newbie to professional photos and modeling agencies, so I wanted to go with a photographer that had knowledge about both worlds. The first time I spoke with Natascha, I knew she was the right photographer for us. She was so friendly, welcoming and informative. I didn’t feel intimidated, and she put me at ease. Presley was 1.5 years old the first time Natascha took her pictures, and the final results left me speechless. She captured all the beautiful smiles, big laughs and serene looks. Wowever she was also able to capture Presley’s spirit, and true essence. I went with Natascha for the second time, because she did such wonderful job the first time, I knew she would do the same again.
6. Was there anything you were nervous or worried about before the session?
For parents with toddlers, you know your child’s mood can change on a whim. Presley for the most part is a well behaved, go with the flow kind of girl, however a week prior to the shoot, it’s as if she learned the meaning of a tantrum. I was worried she would not be into taking pictures that day. To my relief, not only did she want to take pictures, she was excited for it. I think that had a lot to do with Natascha’s fun vibe.
7. How did the actual photo session go? What was your favorite part of your session?
The session was fun and exciting.  My favorite part was re-enacting a shot from her previous session. The photo Natascha captured was perfect. It showed how my little girl has changed so much in a year. One of my favorite shots. Literally gave me chills when I saw it.
8. Any advice to other models before their photo sessions?
The morning of the photo session, we were running a little late so I asked my husband to feed Presley breakfast as I got ready. My husband gave her sugary cereal and sugary yogurt. I would’ve opted for some eggs and toast. By the time we got to the studio, Presley was already bouncing off the walls. She was so full of energy, it was hard to keep her still. My advise would be to eat a healthy, balanced breakfast so you have a good amount of energy in your system, without jittery sugar blasts. 🙂
9. How did you feel/what did you think when received your images?
Delighted and fortunate. I was so grateful that Natascha captured Presley perfectly. I also felt fortunate to have these pictures to look back on when she’s all grown up.
10. And the most fun question of all – If you could have any superpower, which one would it be and why?
My super power would be to help people see the brighter side of things, or reveal their compassionate side. ie: When individuals are riled up, and about to get into a fight, or just filled with anger. I would help them see their softer, compassionate, loving side, and they’ll see how “ugly” they’re being towards themselves and others. Once we’re able to see kindness within ourselves, it’s when we’re able to share it with others. I would call this “Hippie power”.
You can check out Presley’s full modeling portfolio at:       http://profiles.wilhelminadenver.com/model/2979/presley
 

Denver Child Model PhotographerDenver Child Model Headshots

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Denver Family Photography – New "Explainer" Video

Here is mine, hot off the presses. Well, the digital presses that is:

Natascha Lee Studios 2016 Explainer Video from N Lee on Vimeo.

  If you are looking for family portraits, that video gives you a super quick overview of me, the kind of photos I create, and my style. Below are a few more key links that people like to have, when they are looking for a Denver family photographer and considering working with me. Feel free to check them out. And, if you aren’t in the area looking for a Denver family photographer, ask your local photographer if they have similar links available for you to check out. In addition to pricing and their gallery, be sure to see a video or a sample of a full session – I always recommend seeing an entire session by your photographer. Because anyone can take one or two good photos, but you want a photographer that will deliver and entire gallery of great images for you to select from. Not all photographers have a studio, but if they do have one, you’ll want to ask where it is and what it is like. Their studio is a great meeting place, you can see their product samples and it also provides a back up shooting location if your outdoor location gets rained/snowed out. (Although it can be very fun to shoot in the rain and snow! 1. What people say about working with me 2. My photo galleries, (one for each of my specialties so you can see my photography style) 3. Videos to see what an entire session would look like  4. Pricing Overview 5. A bit about me 6. My N Denver Studio Tour Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save]]>

Broomfield Family Photography – Fall Family Portraits | Natascha Lee Studios

fall family portrait. Their Sheltie dogs are super sweet, and we made sure to include them in many portraits.* In addition to the semi-posed images where everyone is looking @ the camera, I love capturing “lifestyle” images, which are like these below – it’s a peak into your life….of course, you all happen to be wearing impeccably coordinated outfits, not a hair out of place, and it’s a lovely fall day with the soft warm light from the setting sun behind you.  😉 BTW, do you see mom’s boots! They are soooo stylish. I want to go buy myself a pair. If you follow me on IG, you’ll see that I post images of cowboy boots there from time to time. I saw so many cool ones during a photography trip to Nashville. Broomfield Family and Pet Photography - with Dogs (Natascha Lee Studios)

Denver Family Photographer

*Your dogs are part of your family! And we often include them in portraits. There are a few steps to follow to make sure we get the best photos possible, and one of the key  things is to have someone who can take over the dogs once we are done photographing them. A neighbor, a friend, etc. It’s also a good idea to have them groomed a couple days before, and bring them a little bit hungry so they will pay attention. This clever family brought the dogs’ favorite treats and just the word “cookie” made them perk up! Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save]]>