A Little About Me and How I Serve You! PLUS BONUS FREEBIE

August 21, 2020

Hey everyone I’m Kim Steward, Portrait Photographer/Educator/Entrepreneur. 

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Today I want to tell you a little about me and how I serve you!!

I’ve been a photographer since 2013.  Before that photography was only my hobby.  Growing up, my father was also a hobby photographer.  He had a Nikon film camera and even developed his own images.  I was never interested in the craft until I had my own kids and family.  

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Back then, my father always took pictures of us but he was never in them.  He never pulled out a tripod and joined us in photos.  I don't even think he owned a tripod.  Now that he's passed away we look at all the images he took of us but don't have many images of him.  That's the reason I began taking pictures.  I wanted to document my children as they grow and capture all of us together as a family enjoying life.  I love photography so much and all the memories I've captured of my own family and others. 

Portraits are family heirlooms and increase in value as time goes on.  Photos remain when our loved ones have not.  Family memories in the form of imagery are truly an important legacy to cherish.  

 

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So whether you have a professional camera or use your cell phone to take pictures, download my seven simple photography tips that can make YOU a better photographer starting TODAY!!!  

Go head, scroll down, IT'S FREE!

 

Enjoy and you're welcome!

 

Kim

 

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Professional Photo Restrictions You Should Know!

August 13, 2020

A Brief Guide to Professional Photo Restrictions

 

The photos that a photographer hands over to you are part of their life’s work. It has their name or branding attached to it so there are a few important restrictions to note when it comes to the professional digital images that you receive. 

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1) Copyright. The digital images that your photographer provides you with have a copyright, which means the photographer has the option to use those photos to market their work and services anytime in the future. We are however also respectful of our clients so if there are any images that you would prefer to keep private, it’s best to let us know about it ahead of time so that we can honor your wishes.  

 

2) Image type. We aren’t able to provide you with the original files or raw images. All images given to the client have been cropped, enhanced and edited. If you do require further touch ups let us know.  

 

3) Image altering. While we appreciate your business and welcome the sharing of our photos on social media platforms, we ask that the images not be altered in any way as this is against our copyright policies. 

 

What constitutes image altering? 

  • Adding filters or editing photos in Photoshop

  • Removing our logo or studio name

  • Color correcting or including transitions from color to black and white

  • Clipping people or objects out of the original shot

 

So why do we have this as a restriction? Our photos are a representation of our work so when a customer alters an image it directly impacts our name and brand in the industry. When we present you with final images, they have already been through our editing process and don’t require further alterations.  When images are altered, the results are not always reflective of our original work and can then be mistaken for ours. We greatly appreciate your loyalty and cooperation in this matter. 

 

We are happy to give a quote if you want images to be edited in a specific or certain way and we can always make additional alterations and edits, to an extent, if asked.

 

So let me know if this post is helpful!! I hope so!!

 

Kim  


 


Fun Alternatives for Displaying Your Photos

August 03, 2020

Fun Alternatives for Displaying Your Photos

 

Hey Everyone!

Amazing photos deserve an equally amazing display but this doesn’t mean you always have

to use a traditional frame to showcase them in your home.

Below I've listed a little inspiration for deciding how to display your favorite memories!

 

If your home décor is very contemporary you might want to consider canvas gallery wraps,

image blocks or standout mounts to showcase your photos. Going frameless is also a great

option if you’re looking for something truly sleek and modern.

 

If rustic and chic is more your style, then why not turn old pieces of wood into stained photo

clipboards, using binder clips to hang the photos against the wood. Another unique option is

to hang your photos on a thin cable to make it look like a clothesline. Binder clips also work

perfectly for this.

 

If you’re the creative type and have some extra time on your hands then there is the option

of creating frames out of washi tape. This way you can incorporate different colors and

designs around your photos to really make your walls pop.

 

 

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If you are a fan of frames (like me), why not buy different sizes, colors and styles and create one big

photo wall that displays a variety of memories. There are so many shapes and designs that

you can use to create your photo wall and really make it your own.

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Since I work with so many creative vendors who offer a wide variety of traditional framing and display options, I am able to help you pick a unique option that suites your home and style. Whether you order form my website or want to tackle your own DIY project, I am always here to help!

No matter which method you choose, get creative and have fun! 

 

Filling your walls with a lifetime of memories is one of the most special and visual ways to tell the story of your family, so get

hanging!  LOL

 

With Love, 

Kim

 


Photo Shoot Locations

July 04, 2020

How to Find the Perfect Photo Shoot Location

 

Choosing a photo shoot location might seem like a big deal but it really doesn't have to be difficult. A location usually drives some of the other decisions you will need to make about your shoot so it’s important to choose the right place. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you decide on a location.

 

What kind of theme do I want? 

If a particular building or natural backdrop would work well with your theme, look around your area for spots that meet your requirements. If you don't know what kind of backdrop you want, take an afternoon drive around your city for inspiration. It's easy to overlook beautiful spots that are practically in your backyard. Ask family, friends or your photographer for ideas too. 

Are you allowed to take pictures there? 

Make sure that you can legally take pictures at the location that you have in mind. If it's not public property or available to the public you will need to get permission first. 

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Is it accessible? 

Consider that not all outdoor locations may be available all year round or you might not be able to get to them at all. Your safety is also an important aspect to think about before you decide on a location. Taking pictures on a mountain ledge may look neat but it’s best not to put yourself in harm’s way.  

How do you get to your location? 

Will it be easy to walk to the session location and if not, are you able to change your clothing and touch up your hair and makeup before the shoot? You should also find out whether there is a restroom that’s close enough in case you need it.

Will the photo session be in a public place? 

If the location you have chosen has a lot of foot traffic, you need to ask yourself whether you are comfortable being photographed in front of others. If not, you might want to rethink your choice in location
Make sure that your location doesn’t become a distraction and that there is shelter nearby if you need it. Your location tells a story so it’s worthwhile to choose a meaningful spot.

 

And of course, if you choose me as your photographer you can pick your favorite location or utilize my studio for beautiful indoor and outdoor shots!

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A Guide to Posing for Your Family Photos

June 28, 2020

A Guide to Posing for Your Family Photos

The key to taking genuine and authentic family photos, professionally or on your cell phone,  is knowing how to pose in front of the camera.

If you’ve never taken professional family photos before or if you simply want to improve on your last session, here is some advice on how to pose that will leave you with exceptional images. Yay!

Ready?!?! Here it goes!!

 

Get Close

The last thing you want is a family portrait that looks stiff and awkward. The secret to creating a beautiful, intimate family photo is to get close. Snuggle up with the people you love if you want the best photos. If there are people of varying heights in the photo, take a few photos on the same level so that you can get your heads close together too.

 

Have Fun

Your photos always look more authentic when your family is genuinely having fun and laughing. Spend time talking about your favorite vacation or a memory that makes you all laugh out loud. These candid moments always make for the best photos.

 

Keep it Natural

When you overthink posing, it takes away from the genuineness of your photos, which is why it helps to shoot your family photos in a setting where you’re all comfortable and where you can go about your lives as naturally as possible. For example, if you’re in an outdoor setting, take your little one for a walk. If you’re shooting at home, bake something together or snuggle up for a story. 

 

Use Your Surroundings

Very often, standing upright in the middle of a room or garden will make your photos look and feel stiff. Use your surroundings to make yourselves more comfortable. For example, if there’s a wall in the vicinity, lean up against it. If there’s a couch available, pose on that for a few shots.

 

Make Use of Props

I always utilize props in my sessions.  If you would like to change things up a bit or give a younger child something to do, you can also always incorporate a few basic props into your photos to get a few non-standard shots. 

If you still have questions about your shoot and how to make the most of it, let me know and I will be happy to assist you with additional tips. 

 

 

That’s it for now! Be safe and God Bless!

~Kim~

 

 

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