The Best Beauty Tips for the Best Family Pictures {Gilbert, AZ Photography}

 

 

So excited to announce my fabulous guest bloggers today!!  Courtney and Hillary from the Beauty Mark Girls, based here in Mesa AZ, are here to give us the lowdown on how to look chic and fab for our awesome family photos this year.

 

Fact:  We all want to have amazing family photographs on the wall that make us smile every time we look at them.  This is achievable!!  But that smile ain't gonna happen if we don't make the time to look and feel beautiful the day of the photo shoot.  That's a challenge when we're the only one that's able to make our kiddos and hubbies cute too.  So how do we make it happen?  With some help from the experts, of course!

 

So here's a little Q&A with the Beauty Mark Girls on how to make the most of our family pictures prep time.

 

Q: What is the most important beauty step a Mom should take for family  pictures?

A:  Being prepared. Have everything laid out and start getting ready in  advance. Get yourself ready before the kids. If Mama is in a bad mood, no one is in a good mood! (from Elena:  I suggest hiring a babysitter/friend to get those kiddoes all spiffied up while you take your time getting yourself ready.  They'll probably do the girls' hair cuter than you would anyway.  :)

Q:  Pinterest holds conflicting information. Should makeup be stronger for photos (with a digital camera) or more mild?
A:  I always think that when you do makeup for pictures it should be  stronger than usual. That said, it doesn't necessarily need to be MORE  makeup. Just stronger colors. Focus on doing more on your cheeks and  lips. Peachy-pink is a universally flattering shade that looks great in  pictures.

Q:  Is there a common mistake that you see Moms committing in their family photos?
A:  Being too matchy-matchy in photos is a no-no. Also, choose styles that represent your family. Now is not a time to try something super trendy or out of the box. Also, focus just as much attention on YOUR outfit as your family's!! Pick your outfit first and everyone else's after. You don't want to be stuck with nothing to wear.  (E:  Amen Sista!  Preach on!)

Q:  What products do you recommend to keep my hair from going completely flat before I even get the photo shoot?
A:  First, you need a good blowout using a round brush for volume. Texturizing/mattifying powder  in the roots with a little bit of tease will prolong the volume.


Q:  Can you recommend any tutorials that can help me practice my look beforehand? Good hairstyles or highlighting and contouring makeup application?
A:  On our blog we have several videos that will help you achieve classic
but fun looks! (http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW_B1COmAK3nSA6e4asMQ7A)

Q:  How do you get lipstick to stay on for awhile?
A:  For lipstick to stay better use a more matte formula and don't use
gloss.

Q:  Can you recommend a good concealer for red blemishes?
A:  I like MAC Studio Finish concealer. It has great coverage while still being creamy and blendable.

Q:  When to use/not use fake eyelashes?
A:  I always recommend fake lashes for pictures. They will make your eyes look big and bright!!

Q:  How can I get my entire family looking cute, while getting myself to look pretty enough for a photograph that will hang on the wall for a long time?
A:  PREPARE everything in advance! Put yourself as the priority. If you don't like how you look in pictures ,you will never be happy with them on  the wall. Lay out clothes, accessories and anything else you will need to get ready for pictures. (Pack snacks and drinks for the kids and candy for bribery if needed!)

Q:  What would it cost (ballpark) to utilize a professional's service, makeup, hair, and/or styling, so that I just don't have to worry about it?
A:  To hire The Beauty Mark girls to beautify for family pictures it is $50 for hair and $50 for makeup (plus $5 for fake lashes). We can also style and pick out the outfits for your family for a fee based on family size. We know how overwhelming family pictures can be and we love to help make the day a little bit more stress free! If mama feels her best, her family will follow suit!

 

 

 

That's what I'm talking about!  Aren't they fabulous?  Hopefully these tips help make your family pictures go even smoother.  If you're going to make the investment into custom family photography, it's worth it to do it right.  The right photographer, the right styling, the right location.  If you're gonna do it, kill it.  Am I right?!

 

If you're interested in utilizing their services, contact the Beauty Mark girls at hello@thebeautymarkgirls.com

If you haven't scheduled your family photographs for the fall yet, hello?!  Email me at ejtcat@hotmail.com, like pronto. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Urban Location Options {Gilbert, AZ}

This is my counterpart to the Natural Locations post.  Those locations seem to be our default choice here in AZ.  I think it has a lot to do with the fact that we are just getting out of a long and hot summer during which we were stuck inside for months.  By the time Fall rolls around, all we want to do is hang out outside and enjoy nature.

But when you've done the pretty nature family photographs thing for a few years in a row, you're ready for something new.  Something modern and fresh and a little different.  That's when it's time to try some Urban family picture locations.

Many times the best part of the urban photography location is that you can get so many different looks in one small area. 

 

The senior boy above and the family below are in the same location.  In fact, just around the corner from each other.  But you'd never guess.  When variety is paramount (mostly senior photos) an urban location is just the ticket.

 

Sometimes all you need is a great wall.  It can be any solid color you want.  Or if your photographer is really tricky, it can even be a totally different material.  Hello brick!

 

One my favorite family photo locations, super popular as well.  But so many fun, modern looks in one spot.

 

Vintage meets modern.  One downtown location.  It can really make your family and their styling POP!

When modern for you is a mid-century look, this location can steal the show.  Love this spot for some fun family photography!

 

Using a single prop, an awesome fedora, as the inspiration for your family pictures is an excellent idea!  It can lead you to such a fun and memorable location.

 

So what do you think?  Which location will it be for your family pictures this year?

Natural Location Options {Gilbert AZ Photographer}

As we get cranked up and ready for the fall family photo season, it's time to get organized!  When my clients and I start talking location options, I first ask them to decide between "natural" and "urban". 

Many times this is dictated by the clothing choices they've already made (because who do we dress first?  altogether now:  MOM!).  If we're going with boots and scarves and fall colors, you better believe your photographs will look best in a natural setting.  If we've got motorcycle jackets, funky jewelry, and sunglasses, only urban will really work.  (been there, tried that.  The orchard just doesn't make leather and chrome look good, friends.)

So here's a round up of some of my favorite and best au natural photography locations here in Gilbert and the surrounding areas.

(If you're looking for the Urban choices, check them out here.)

This awesome orchard is totally green in the summer and dead in the winter.  Sometimes the leaves are still on the ground, sometimes not.  No fee but they do ask for a donation.

This beautiful spot with the young lady and the cute family below is the same location.  It's huge so there are lots of different options.  No fee.

This one with the little boy is a lovely little area but it needs the exact right light.  When you get it, it's just yummy.  No fee.

This location is absolutely amazing for family portraits, truly one of the best in the area.  There is a reasonable fee, which you can also pay by buying dinner at the local (super yummy) restaurant.  This family hauled in their own couch. 

This location is stunning, mostly in the Spring though when the yellow flowers are out.  It feels like a lush desert with a gorgeous stream, waterfall, and lake.  No fee.

This is a favorite of mine.  woodsy, and beautiful, near a river.  Both sunset and sunrise light are just stunning there.  Small fee.  So beautiful. 

This place is lovely but tiny.  Be prepared to jockey for a spot with other families.  It looks so out of the way but it's really close and easy to get to.  No fee.

And my very best photography spot for families is..... well, it deserves it's own post, right here. 

 

The best kind of newborn photography {Gilbert AZ}

Does this story sound familiar?  The pregnancy which you thought would take forever, went by in a blink of an eye and all the sudden she's here.  And then all the sudden, she's three weeks old and the photos of her only exist on a cell phone, because hello?!  There's three other kiddos running around and their world has been rocked too!

That's where lifestyle newborn photography comes in.  A super nice photographer comes to your home.  She plays with your kids while Baby finishes her nap and eats her next meal.  Instead of growls from the three year old, you hear "Take my picture too!".  Everyone has fun for an hour and then she leaves, and you wonder "Was that really family pictures?  That was too easy." 

Even better.  Those are photographs that you wish you could take while you're busy living life.  You try to burn them in your brain:  how your son looks with his favorite Superman cape on, how your daughter looks twirling in the sunlight, how your oldest boy scrunches his eyebrows when he's playing Star Wars on the piano.  Those are the scenes that you feel slipping through your fingers as time marches on.

But now they're caught.  Now you have them forever and ever.  You know, teenage blackmail if needed.  But more likely, that wedding video when Superman is all grown up and wearing a much different kind of suit.

 

 

 

 This photo shoot was done as assignment for an awesome class I took through Chic Critique forum with the amazing Lindsay Silsby (Pied Piper Photography) and Summer Murdock Photography. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Best Family Photography Location {Gilbert AZ}

I love the busy fall photo season.  It's a huge kick in the pants but it reminds me of "doing reps" (re: the Jon Acuff book, Start.  Ah-mazing!)  You learn so much by doing shoot after shoot in such a small period of time.  Your photography muscles really start to buff out by December.  :)

The only thing I hate, and I mean hate, is that the locations are over-run by other photographers and families just trying to do the same thing you are.  "Who cares?" you say.  Well, Dad cares.

It is so stinkin' hard to get Dad on board with those photos, and you know it!  He hates the expense, he hates the clothing, he hates how much Mom screams at him while she's trying to make all the kids and herself look cute so it can be documented for the next year.  He hates me pointing the camera at him.  And most especially, he hates that other people are wandering around, watching him feel so uncomfortable. 

Now, if I can get a nice, private location, I can have Dad won over within 15 minutes of him getting out of the care.  The majority of my Dads will say at the end, and I quote, "That was almost fun!" or "That wasn't total torture!".  But even I can't make a Dad comfortable if there are 20 other families and photographers wandering around, staring at him. 

Last year I had a family that truly needed a peaceful location.  And thank goodness we found it.  It's private and quiet and just lovely.  Within 10 minutes of walking away from your car, you feel like you're removed from life, the screaming of the last hour is gone and in it's place, children are running and giggling through wildflowers.  I know it sounds hokey, but it's true!!

Now because it's private, it comes with a very small fee and it has to be reserved.  Like now.  Just sayin', people.  Don't say I didn't warn you. 

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to do some reps.  With my Sonic cup.  hahahaha!

Free Lifestyle Photo Shoot!! (Gilbert AZ Photography)

Hi everyone!  So I am mentoring with two amazing photographers right now.  This week's assignment is the last and it's pretty dang specific.  A portfolio of the type of photography you absolutely love.  For me, that's documenting families in their own home, enjoying each other and their comfortable space. 

Given the very specific timeframe I have to work with, I have decided to offer this photoshoot for FREE to one lucky family.  It's normally $250, includes 25-35 fully edited photos, on a disk with printing rights. 

So if you or someone you know is interested and available this Saturday morning, at 9 am, EMAIL ME!  ejtcat@hotmail.com  I need info like ages of family members and where you live.

Thank you so so so much!!

Family Photography to support Prescott Firefighter Families

Hello all.  As you can see by my last post, I was just in Prescott, photographing the most wonderful little family.  My hubby and I made a getaway of it, escaping the Phoenix heat for the weekend.  We decided to take the long way home, driving through cute small towns, including Yarnell.

Two days ago we learned of the fire there, and of the 19 Prescott firefighters who perished in the fight.  Feeling heartbroken for their families, I racked my brain trying to figure out additional ways I could help.

So here we go:  the majority of my clients want their family photos done in the fall.  My basic package is an entire family photo shoot; whole group, individuals, mom and dad, mom and kids, etc..  usually 35-45 photos.  My package includes those, fully edited, and high resolution files PLUS a $75 print credit.

I will take four clients who want to pay for their package now and cash it in anytime before the end of the year.  Every penny they pay will be donated to the fund set up for the families of those that passed away, so many of them young fathers.  Hopefully that means an extra $1,000 for those families, and my clients get beautiful photographs of their own families.

Let me know ASAP if you're interested in being a part of this.  And please spread the word.  Thank you so much!!

Hartley Family Photographs

A not so long time ago, a beautiful maiden met her match in a faraway kingdom called Idaho. While her family long maintained that no one would be good enough for this fair maiden, the dashing knight somehow convinced them that he was worthy of her brains, her smiles, and even her love. Which, of course, brought us to this....

 

 

And you can only go for so long with all of that, and you end up with a little of this....

 

Enter grad school, finals, homework, internship interviews, and oh yeah, a brand new baby. Throw in some adjustment to life as a stay at home mom in the dead of winter, minus a husband who's just grinding away at that degree. Luckily summer time always comes in this kingdom. And with it, a completion of coursework and an easy summer waiting for that final internship to start.

 

A family has begun. They've passed trials already and are stronger and more resilient because of it. Soon, the fair maiden and her knight will look back and think "We were so young! We had no idea what we were doing!" Yet, they will be proud of all they've accomplished together and the incredible family they have created.

 

 

And so it begins; Their Story.

The M Family - Mesa Family Photography

Three boys came, boom, boom, BOOM.  (That's Briggie Joe, there's nothing mild about that boy).  Smart as a whip, all of them.  I've known Mom since she was 19.  She always wanted to be a mother and we all knew she would be amazing.  And somehow with every baby boy, her Supermom powers grew. 

She got more organized, not more frenzied like the rest of us.  I watched her grow into herself, settled and centered and really dang successful raising boys.  I'm sure it had a lot to do with Dad.  I went on a double date with them, a month or two before he proposed.  I had never seen Mama smile like that.  She might have glowed just a little. 

The Hubs and I looked at each other with eyes wide and watched as she laughed and teased and just smiled.  True love can do that kind of thing.  But after three boys, you could tell she really, really wanted that baby girl.

Baby Girl 1 came exactly how Mama wanted, calm and sweet and LOVING everything girlie.  The more pink and bling, the better!  And then to top off the clan, Baby Girl 2.  A little spit fire just like her brothers, maybe even with a little more fire.  That girl is giving Mama a run for her money. 

And it is so fun to watch!!  You can't be gorgeous, organized, calm, AND have 5 angel kids.  SOMEONE's gotta make you sweat!  :)

The W Family

I remember the day, many years ago.  We had just moved into our first home, surrounded by boxes and crazy toddler boys.  She knocked on the door and with her was this tall drink of water we had only met a couple times before. 

But she couldn't stop smiling so we knew something was up.  A pretty ring on her finger made it official.  The Hubs' baby sister was getting married. 

I remember I made a fool out of myself (are we surprised?)  Right before the wedding began, I saw Tall Drink of Water in the audience with us and I questioned him sarcastically, why wasn't he getting ready with his Bride?  Turns out TDW is an identical twin and I was grilling the twin.  Awesome.  :)

They have been through a lot together already, earning degrees, finding vocations, working second together.  And having beautiful babies, of course.  Their girls are stunning, which means the next baby will make me swoon.  And I can't wait!

This is the W Family.  And a little bit of their story.  I'm so grateful I was able to capture it.