Why I don't like prints.

By prints, I mean photographic prints, of course.  The physical, hold-in-your-hand prints.  And considering I come from an analog background (I learned photography on film and developed my own photos) this might come as a surprise.

I think I need to clarify.  I don't like small prints.  For the most part, anything under 16x20 is small to me.  Most typically, I think of the 4x6, 5x7, and 8x10s that we've all seen at some time or another (school pictures, anyone?).  With the growing popularity of online photo sharing, the need for small prints is diminishing. And even for those not using online options, what happens? Many times, the photo ends up on the refrigerator, or in a box. That might be okay for everyday snapshots, but beautiful portraits? They deserve better.

Giving prints with the precedence or stipulation of using a frame seems a bit impolite. I don't think gifts should have strings attached.  Now you could give a print with a frame, however that always gives the option to remove the print (and put it in a box). Personally, I feel if you want/need a small picture (because grandma has nine other grandchildren and no room on her walls for a 20x30 of your little doodle) then you should choose a photo GIFT.  And I don't mean a photo mug-although those are cute.

Here's an example:  I'm in LOVE with prints on metal.  Not metallic prints, where the photo paper itself is shimmery (I do love these too), but where the photo is directly printed on a sheet of metal, usually aluminum. This is a very unique display option, that looks great on a wall, no frame required.  But guess what?  It also looks great as a little 5x5 with a built in stand to put on your desk/dresser/counter top.  It will last longer than a print, and it feels more like a gift.  It's solid, three-dimensional, and says more than just a copy of an image.

While I love big portraits, I  do not have endless wall space, or an endless wallet.  So I get little photo gifts, mostly of my son, and sprinkle them around the house.  One on his dresser, another on a bookshelf, one I sent with my husband for his desk at work, you get the idea.

Okay, here's my disclaimer.  I'm not trying to knock the print, or judge anyone that uses/gives them.  Heck, I still buy and give them on occasion.  However, I do notice that I don't display them- they end up in a box. This is not doing the photograph justice.

So what should YOU do?  Anything you want!  It really comes down to personal preference.  But I do recommend spending your money on something you value, because then, you'll always be happy with your decision.


XO-Stefanie

Baby Cosplay, the inspiration.

If you read my previous post then you may be wondering where I got the idea to do baby cosplay portraits.  The answer is easy enough...my son!  Well, a combo of my son and husband.  My hubs has a huge love of comics, and comic conventions.  He sells his art at several conventions every year, and you see a LOT of cosplay there, which was my first introduction to it.  Enter Sebastian, adorable awesome baby, and daddy wants to dress him up like any and every super hero.  

These are a few instagram shots from my husband and I.  And while these are cute, and very in the moment, I felt I could take it a step further by adding in some planning and great locations to create beautiful portraits.  Now that Sebastian is more inclined to wear a mask or hat for longer than 2 seconds, the timing is perfect. 

This project is going to be my top photographic priority and I have SEVERAL ideas that I can't wait to play with.  Keep posted, and by the way, follow me on Instagram, too- stefcannonphoto

Stefanie

Doctor Who Baby Cosplay

Oh yes, here it is!  My first of [hopefully] many baby cosplay (short for costume play) portraits!  This is a new project that I'm pursuing, and I am SO*FLIPPING*EXCITED!

The idea behind this project is to take beautiful baby portraits, that happen to be cosplay.  I don't want anything "costume-y."  I also don't want to take the cosplay aspect too seriously...these are portraits of little ones, they should be fun.

The first cosplay features none other than the 11th Doctor (or is it technically the 12th, since the airing of the 50th anniversary?) of Doctor Who, played on the show by Matt Smith.  He's my favorite Doctor, and the upcoming Christmas special will be his departing show.  My son is the model (so handsome!) and will probably be in most of the cosplay portraits to come.  Take a look!

In the future I want to do a Supernatural cosplay with Bubs (that's my guy) as Dean Winchester, and I need another little dude as Sam.  What would you like to see in baby cosplay?  Comment your ideas!

Thanks for looking everyone!

-Stefanie

Sebastian's 1 Year Photo Session

First photo post, with my son's one year photos!  Seems appropriate to me!  I love love LOVE shooting in fun locations with great backdrops, and this session was no exception.  His little surfer outfit inspired me for a boardwalk theme, so we headed over to John's Pass (Maderia Beach).  The colors are amazing! I'm so glad we got there earlier in the morning...less people, and it was a LOT cooler.  

Photographing a mobile baby, by yourself, can be -ahem- challenging.  I try to go with the flow, not forcing the perfect pose or expression, but being ready for those cute moments that happen on their own.  Babies and kids have a short attention span, so being ready for them, rather than the other way around, is key.  

Thanks for stopping by!  Remember you can add me on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram with the links below.


-Stefanie

It's blogging time!

And it's about time, too.  Gotta JFDI...my new mantra for my photography biz.  So welcome!  I'm sure this blog will become an ever evolving organism, and they are bound to be some bumps along the way.  But I'm still VERY excited!  I'm going to be posting images from new sessions, as well as other photography related news and information.  I welcome your feedback and hope you have fun along the way.  

Stefanie