One of the benefits of living in southern California is the beauty of shooting outside pretty much year round! I was hired to shoot these spring outfits for Little Skye Kids in the fall, so we planned a shoot at the Long Beach marina.
Children’s Commercial Photography
Commercial photography is so different from portraiture. But, because I’m good at working with kids (hello four years as a first grade teacher) they tend to run into the same vein.
Some of the differences I notice is that portrait work tends to focus on the connection between two people. Sometimes it’s a mother and newborn, other times it’s a brother and sister. The connection trumps everything else in the photo.
With commercial work, you want to convey a feeling. But you’re also focused on showing the clothing. Each photo should show movement in a way that makes the clothes appealing.
When I’m working outside for a commercial job, I can use natural or elements of architecture to add movement to the photo. When I’m in the studio on a white backdrop, I have to rely on the child. I’ll give direction and have them do a movement several times over to make sure I’m getting the expressions AND the flow of clothing I’m looking for.
*Images for Little Skye Kids
Today, I’m headed out with some cute kids to scout. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks of running a business. I get weighed down by the mundane, so this little experience of looking for new places that inspire me puts the wind back in my sail. I can’t wait to share new places with you that will have you ooohing and ahhing right along with me!
// This photo was recently taken at a commercial child photography session in Orange County.
Today I’m over on Modern Parents Messy Kids talking about moms getting into the picture. This definitely isn’t a new topic, but it’s worth re-visiting. I share a few tips that have helped me get out from behind the camera. And trust me, as a photographer…that’s where I’m most comfortable! But, I want to enjoy life with my family and have some photos to prove it!
Here’s the link to the Modern Parents Messy Kids post. I hope you’ll check it out!
In other news…last week was eventful!! We have a new family member. Her name is Pippa. This was the kids’ reaction when she came. *camera blurrrrr*
The other night I got home from a photo session and Brent was leaving to hang out with friends. The kids and I decided to go out for a burger and shakes! We took a moment for a selfie with the CameraTimer app on my iPhone.
The other day we were at the dentist office and Cooper brought me a magazine and pointed out a recipe he thought we should try. It’s not often that my 10 year makes recipe suggestions, so we made it last weekend. It was delicious! I tweaked the recipe a little and of course photographed it before we devoured it, so I’ll be sharing it soon on the blog.
On Sunday we were at the Galaxy game and they were kind enough to let the kids be in the high-five line before the game!
Brent and I waiting to see them down on the field. Oh and I really like Brent in his glasses, so I made this my new FB profile pic.
Annnd I worked a lot too. I’m shooting a catalog for Little Skye right now. (yay!) My friend Laura took this behind the scenes shot for me.
I hope this week is off to a good start for everyone! Happy Hump Day!
One of the fun perks of my job is getting to do commercial photography. That means playing dress up with cute models at a fun location. This time we were in Long Beach, photographing against a stone wall with chalk art. The photos are for Oilily (a children’s clothing company)…go check out their website!
I’ve been busy lately shooting fall lines for Little Skye Children’s Boutique. Which means it’s pretty hot and the models have to pretend they are loving the sweaters and hats and tights. But, Fiona rocked it out for me last week! We headed straight for Starbucks when the shoot was over and soaked up all the air conditioning we could! I’m lucky to have such cute models and a fun job that includes playing dress up. Even if it isn’t seasonally appropriate! 🙂
Don’t forget! Today…Friday October 28 (Rossmoor) and Monday October 31 (Huntington Beach) I’ll be at Rascals to Rebels to take pictures of your kids in their Halloween costumes! There are no appointments, so bring your kids by any time between 4 and 5pm on Friday and 3 and 5pm on Monday. It’s $20 (cash or check only) for 3 digital images (of my choice) that will be emailed to you the next day. Quick and easy..and an amazing deal!
In other news, last week I photographed a line from Sierra Julian. My models were so adorable and it was a first time for all of them! They all did so well!
I’m so excited to share a few places that I’m featured on the web!
First up is the “Just Spotted” blog. I’ve been nominated for this photography blog! The cool thing about this is that I’ve only been in business in the OC for 2 years. The award will go to the blog with the most votes, so pretty please throw a vote my way!!
To vote, click HERE and once you’re on the Just Spotted website (www.justspotted.com) click on the link to vote!
Remember Cooper’s birthday party a few weeks ago? Well, the party has been around the web! It’s featured on Sara’s Party Perfect.
And a Spanish website called Alguma Bossa. I’m not sure exactly what all the text says, but I think it’s good!!
Lastly, the website where I bought a lot of my party supplies at, Garnish, featured me on their blog!
Exciting news! So, don’t forget to spread a little blog love around and most importantly, DON’T FORGET TO VOTE FOR ME! http://www.just-spotted.com/2010/09/youve-just-been-spotted-oc-blog-award-nominees-2/
Have a great day!
Kristin
With shopping in full swing, I’ve decided to offer a December sale! For the rest of the month, I will double any amount you spend on a gift card. That’s a fabulous deal!!
The details:
The purchase must be made in December (2009) and must be used during the month of January (2010).
You can purchase the gift card for someone else or yourself. Use it to buy prints from a previous photo session or toward a new photo session. It can be used on prints or the session fee itself.
The minimum is $50 goes up in increments of $50. For example, if you pay $50, you will receive a $100 gift card. If you pay $100, you will receive a $200 gift card, etc.
What a great gift for Christmas and at huge savings!
And my favorite out-take from the recent photo sessions at Rascals to Rebels…
Email me… info@kristineldridge.com if you are interested in purchasing a gift card.
Thanks!
Kristin
Do your remember this baby?
You’re never going to believe this is her now…
I’m so lucky to get to see babies grow up…I’ll be able to say some day, I met you when you were just a week old!
Here’s Tessa and her mommy back then…
And now…
And a sweet family picture…
Ann and Michael…thanks for having me back! I loved seeing Tessa again…she keeps getting cuter. 🙂
-Kristin