This past Sunday, I had the great opportunity to photograph Alexander Soren.  He’s just 10 days into life at this point, and is such a little bundle of joy.  His personality is already showing through, even though he slept through most of the session.

Sleeping soundly at the beginning of the session.

His adorable little toes

The Proud Parents

My Personal Favorite … I love that he fits perfectly into his “little throne”.

It’s that time of year again!  The family is all gathered together and you’ve got that brandy new shiny camera just waiting to take great photos for you.  Only, the camera alone isn’t going to do it.  You actually need to know how to use it!   Whether it’s a point and shoot or a brand new DSLR, there are a few things you can do to make sure you get those timeless photos you desire.

1) Read your camera’s manual.  I know, I know – who actually reads the manuals for ANYTHING these days?  You don’t actually have to read the whole thing, but you should read the “important” parts.  What are the important parts?  The section on your camera’s controls is a must.  Just knowing what you can and can’t do with the camera will help a lot.  Knowing how to use the self-timer so you can be in the photos is a really useful thing to know, and the controls aren’t always obvious.  Plus it will save you some frustration, and your family members some frustration as well.  I mean, no one really likes sitting around waiting for a family photo while you learn how to use the camera, right?

2) Try not to use the on-camera flash. What? no flash?  Yes, if there’s enough light in the room, that natural light will be much more flattering.  The on-camera flash is generally pretty harsh and direct.  It often results in red-eye,  or closed eyes if the red-eye reduction is on.  If your photos are coming out blurry, try turning on the lamps and overhead lights before resorting to the on-camera flash.  If you have a DSLR, with a hot-shoe flash, try and get that flash off the camera, or bounce the flash off the ceiling.  If possible diffuse the flash (i.e. make the light go through something) with a napkin, white sheet, or something like that.  I’ve used napkins, sheets, pillow-cases … whatever I can get my hands on if I don’t have the tools I need, just make sure it’s thin enough for the light to actually get through.

3) Get in close. The number one lesson that’s stuck with me over the years is to get in closer than you think.  The human eye tends to focus on the subject of your photo when you’re taking it.  Only after you get it on the computer afterwards, do you notice all the clutter and you have to crop it out.  Zoom in and check the edges of the viewfinder or screen to make sure there’s no strange items in the frame.  This is also referred to by many as “fill the frame” technique. If you need to, use your feet to zoom! )

4) Get down on the kid’s level. When the kids are opening gifts, don’t be afraid to sit on the floor with them!  Photos taken from above tend not to be as flattering, and you can really get a kid’s eye perspective.  Plus, they love it when you sit with them. If you stay on the couch or stand over them, the intimacy of the moment is not only lost, but the photo  isn’t really anything different than what everyone in the room sees anyways.

5) Charge your batteries and clear your memory cards. There’s nothing worse than running out of batteries, except for maybe running out of space on your memory card.   Nothing makes the batteries go faster than using flash, so pay attention to tip #2 as well.  Charge them the night before, and while you’re at it, clear and format your card, or change it out for a new one.

6) Know when to use a tripod. A tripod, large or small, isn’t necessarily needed, but it’s important to know when you should use one.  Taking photos of the holiday lights, candles, etc requires a steady hand to reduce blur.  The easiest way to do this is to use a tripod, so your shakey hands aren’t involved.  Including yourself in group shots is also a good use for a tripod, in combination with the self-timer.  Make sure you set up the composition knowing where you’ll be, and exactly how much time is on the timer.

Samuel Alain – born October 12, 2011.  Photographed October 21st, 2011

Last Friday, April 8th was the 85th Annual Junior League of San Francisco’s Fashion Show.  I put together a quick slideshow of some of my photos from this fabulous event, sponsored by Macy’s, Paypal, The Fairmont (which hosted the event), and Shreve and Company. I also donated a session and product credit for the silent auction, which I hope to make as an annual contribution. The Junior League of San Francisco is one chapter of a nationwide women’s charitable organization dedicated to volunteering, developing leadership, and improving the community. This year the Junior League is celebrating is 100th year in existence. From their website:

“Since its inception in 1911, the JLSF has provided the community with an estimated six million volunteer hours and more than $24 million through direct community grants, advocacy, and membership training and development.

As a problem surfaces within the community, the JLSF is frequently the first organization to recognize and address the issue, providing volunteer energy, financial assistance, and public support. Often in collaboration with other community groups and/or the public sector, the JLSF designs and launches a program, then works to achieve community impact and measurable results.”

My wife has been involved in many ways and for many years with the Junior League and I’m proud to be a supporter of such a great organization. They have a wide array of community programs, including Compass Family Service, the Child Abuse Prevention Center, and the Janet Pomeroy Center.  All of these programs and the women involved with them make a huge difference in our community.   They have a fantastic cookbook, with recipes provided by members as well as local chefs. Their next big fundraising event is the annual home tour program, usually in the fall.  I haven’t heard which neighborhood will be spotlighted, but it’s a great opportunity to see the interiors of some of the wonderful San Francisco homes that are usually only admired from the outside.

If you are interested in becoming a member, please visit their page for prospective members.  They have many prospective member workshops where you can learn more about the organization.

Photos of the 85th Annual Junior League of San Francisco Fashion Show can be viewed on Moanalani’s Jeffrey’s site.  If you’re interested in my photos, write a comment or contact me, and I’d be happy to share them with you.

The two sweetest little girls I know.

This photo is quintessial them.  One a little angel, the other doing her own thing …

I love her big beautiful eyes.

I love the playfulness of this one:

This one was totally her idea, and it paid off.  She wanted to look like she was flying …

Again, those eyes, and a priceless expression.