Sometimes home is best.  Let’s face it.  When you’re a mom, everything takes at least twice as long as it used to.  Just getting everything out the door can result in sweating, crying and possibly a melt-down.  So, when you’re thinking about booking a photo session, consider your home.

Your home doesn’t have to magazine quality to be a good candidate for a photo shoot location.  What I look for is good light (most important!) and a neutral background.  Do you have windows?  Then you have good light.  The time of day might be a key factor as to getting the best light.  You don’t want bright sunlight streaming directly into your home and you don’t want it all dark either.  The nice indirect light happens when it’s light inside your home, but you don’t see harsh shadows on the floor.  Just pay attention to what your home looks like at different times of day and you’ll know what time the photo session should take place.

Less is more.  When it comes to photos, I like less.  All white bedding is great.  Solid color bedding is second best.  I also love floors.  Hardwood floors are my favorite, but tile is another second best.  I might even ask you to clear clutter around the corner, so the focus is on the kids.  Hey, I know how many toys kids have, so no judgement here!

The kids are back to school, which means that September is in full swing, which also means that the holidays are around the corner.  Agh!  Like how I turned that corner on you?  I love to be prepared.  I’m a planner.  It just makes life a little less stressful.  So, give yourself a head start this year and book your photo session now, instead of waiting until November.  Stress-free Christmas cards!

I’ll be offering several different mini-sessions throughout the fall.  This year, the location is at a park in Lakewood.  Think winding paths, low trees for the light to filter through and patches of long grass.  Perfection.

Here are the details:

$100 (+tax) for the 20 minute mini-session

-includes a pre-consultation (via phone or email), shooting time, 15-25 edited and retouched images presented in an online gallery

-all prints and digital images are ordered separately

Over the summer, I added new digital packages.  These have been a popular item and will be great for this Christmas season!  5 images for $300, 10 images for $500 and all your images for $1200.  They are high-resolution and ready to print as many and as large as you like!  Think gifts and cards!!

September 25:  5:00, 5:20, 5:40, 6:00

September 30:  9:00, 9:20, 9:40, 10:00

Email info@kristineldridge.com to book your session or call 562-980-6480

I love it when you come to me with an idea.  Don’t worry, it’s okay if you don’t have one.  But, when you call me to book your session and you mention that you have a favorite spot, I do a little excited dance.  It tells me that you are invested in this.  You’re excited about photos and you’ve envisioned where you want your family to be.

This family drove and walked by these walls every day and thought maybe, MAY-BE, they would look good in pictures.  We talked over the phone and via email.  I assured them that this was a great idea!  They love color.  I love color!  And, they were okay with their baby crawling on the sidewalk.  Talk about being invested.

It’s newborn season and I’m driving near and far to photograph babes as they announce themselves to the world.  Baby Maverick joined his spunky big sister and I have no doubt that he will be her equal.  He’ll follow her around on adventures until he’s big enough to lead in exploring the world.  I can just see at all unfold!

I loved being able to visit with the family before they head up to the bay area.  New adventures ahead for everyone!

In other news…don’t forget about Rascals to Rebels Back to School photo sessions.  I’ll be at the store this coming weekend, September 8 and 9.  The photo session itself is free and the prints can be purchased a la carte.  We have a few more spots on Sunday, so let me know if you want to sign up!!