Portland Studio Photography

Black and White

Sometimes it is really elegant to take a really good photo and make it even better, by just switching it to black and white. I think black and white photos look a lot more artistic and can take a photo and make it into a photograph.

Shooting Close In

I always like getting really close in to faces. Even more so with babies. I just feel like I want to be as close in as I can to those little soft beauties. I am notoriously cutting off heads, which I do not mind, but sometimes I don't think all Moms love this idea. But I was shooting this little cutie pie at Washington Park,
and I had the thought, well maybe the mom would like a further away shot? So I backed up. The result for me is, I love images close up, far away the child looks like a pretty object, (to me) close in they look like how they feel, open, and lovely.
See what you think.

www.JenniferMurdockPhotography.com

Find a Interesting Place.

I like to take young children to places that have something to offer  them. I know duck ponds are a sure thing, anything with water is a great place to create focus. If children can stay still with their eyes in one area, it is a space of time where I can capture them.
I also like natural areas that have flowers, or tall grass. Both of these provide interaction, and great variations for backdrops.

www.JenniferMurdockPhotography.com

Props

Sometimes bringing a toy to a photo shoot is a good idea, but then a child may not look at the camera.
I also don't want anything in the photo that is big and bright and ugly. I love a flower as a prop. Whenever I think of it is always seems a bit cliche, but it always works out really well. For younger children, six months old, it gives them something to do while sitting. There is always a lot to explore in those flowers!
I really love it when I pick something out, and it seems to be the perfect fit, the last time I forgot if it was a boy or girl, and I picked out this great fuchsia peonie, and it was so great. I love how it looks it the photo, it kept her occupied for quite a while, and it matched her outfit!!!

www.JenniferMurdockPhotography.com

Maternity Photographs

I have been thinking about maternity photography lately. I think it is so amazing that women are honoring this time in such a way that really allows pregnancy to be celebrated. What a difference from only a few years ago. What I like about woman asking to be photographed is the process. Uncovering, connecting, feeling beautiful, this can be really healing. I also have been noticing that I like these photos I am taking of only the belly. So it can become the symbolic image, to be displayed as a piece of art.

Full portraits are beautiful as well, a much different feel. But so lovely to see such a beautiful mama, at peace with this daunting position.

Jennifer Murdock Photography

What to Wear?

I love answering this question. It is great to answer, and there is no real correct answer. Usually I always say, a plain shirt. What I like to capture is the face, and the more you can be drawn into that lovely space, those precious lips. I think it cuts down on the distraction, if there is no strips or prints. I do think the parents know what color is best for their child. That is a intuitive decision. I love to see how the orange just shines with the hint of strawberry blond, or that amazing sky blue on the extreme blond.
Of course I love the plain white, and black. Elegant.

Jennifer Murdock Photography