Baby Eleanor {Denver Newborn Photography}

I love returning clients! Sweet faced Eleanor visited my studio this week and brought along her big sister, mommy, and daddy.  I had the please of capturing their family photos a year ago, before this angel was created.  I'm so blessed I get to do this...what an amazing job!

Please visit me on Facebook and My Site.  To book a session email me at brionyhopephotography@gmail.com or call 303.870.4771.

What to Wear {Denver Family Photography}

And another What to Wear post.  Since my last post I've been asked a TON of times, "what should we wear?!?"  I said it in my last post, I have a simple strategy that works for me.  This may not work for everyone, or every family, but so far it's helped many families find the perfect outfits for their session.

The key is not to match but coordinate.  Pick and color scheme and stick to it.  Not every member of the family has to be wearing each other, and not every color needs to be worn.  But this strategy allows more freedom in choosing what to wear and gives each member of the family a chance to wear what works for them.

I've been searching for my own family's outfits for our upcoming family session (yes I DO pay a professional photographer money to take my family's pictures, and I do this EVERY YEAR).  I picked very similar colors to this What to Wear post as all these are in season right now and readily available.   But if you are stuck and need some help, I LURVE to style!

*just a note, there are a lot of photographers who do their own version of What to Wear.  I want to put a disclaimer out there that I collected these images and designed this, and the previous post, by myself.  In the photography world there have been a lot of ethical issues with regards to stealing other photographer's work.   

What to Wear { Family Photography }

I get asked all the time, "what should we wear?"  More often then not this is the number one stresser for photo sessions.  I've known clients who went to the ends of the earth to find the most perfect outfits (and I am first to admit that I am guilty of obsessing over outfits).  It really is much more simple than you think. So I decided to start a post called What to Wear.

I'm not an expert, but I have a system that works for me, so I thought I'd share it with all of you.  Hopefully it will give you some ideas for your next photography session.  I like to start with a simple color pallet.  Usually one that's in trend for the season, but one that I will look back on in ten years and still like (I know you all have those photos that you look at and wonder, "what was I thinking?").  There are a ton of resources online for finding color pallets that will work for you and your family.  Keep in mind that just because it's fall, it doesn't mean that you have to wear boring colors like brown and tan.  Pops of color really make a difference in a photograph.  Also remember that picking a color pallet that's in season will help you find clothes for the entire family. 

So how do I find the fashions?  One of the greatest resources is Gap Inc, which includes Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Piperlime.  The first two are readily available at any mall and in most cases priced fairly well.  The fashions you will see in these posts are suggestions and merely a guide.  All of the pieces will be current and available should you want to purchase exactly what is posted. 

I hope you enjoy these What to Wear posts, and hopefully get some inspiration. 

 

Photoshop Magic {Denver Family Photography}

Sometimes all it takes is a little boost to make a good image a great one.  Below is one of my favorite images from a recent session.  The image on the left is straight out of the camera.  It's pretty good, but could use a little help.  Two seconds in Photoshop and the good image turns into something worthy of a wall canvas. 

Photoshop Magic and Newborn Safety {Denver Newborn Photography}

I've been asked so many times "how did you do that" or "is that real".  One of the best parts of being a photographer is having a vision and knowing that I can actually make it happen.  Photoshop is an amazing tool and I have had such a fun time learning how to use it.  I don't by any means know everything there is to know, but I do think that part of being a professional photographer is knowing how to utilize programs that will help enhance your pictures.

Photoshop is also a huge part of newborn photography safety.  There are a lot of photographers who see a picture in a magazine or online and think they know how to do it.  It takes a lot of time learning the appropriate and safe ways to pose and photograph newborns.  I know I'm not the photographer for everyone, but regardless of who you choose to do your photography, never ever let them take any photos of your sweet little one unsupported.  It's as simple and a hand on the head, or supporting the hands, but a newborn should never be left "hanging out there" for lack of a better phrase.


I decided that I needed to start educating my clients and making sure that other photographers out there know the appropriate ways to handle and photograph a newborn.  There are a lot of secrets to great images, and I don't intend to give away all my tricks.  But I do think it's important to place a disclaimer where one is needed.  From here on out if you see a composite image on a blog post or on Facebook, it will have the Pro Photographers for Newborn Safety stamp on it.   Hopefully I can educate parents and other photographers about newborn safety.  There is no image, however amazing it may be, that is worth risking the safety of a precious bundle of joy.

300 Fan Giveaway!

Thank you all who have become a fan of my page.  I feel honored that you like and appreciate my work, and am thankful to those of you who continue to spread the word about Briony Hope Photography.

As promised I have a HUGE giveaway to celebrate reaching 300 fans, as well as some exciting news.  I have officially made a studio in my home and cannot wait to use it. That is, using it for clients, and not my own children who are sick of me taking pictures all the time.

The 300 Fan Giveaway will begin November 5 and end November 25 at 12:00am.  I will be giving away six sessions on November 26.  Yes, you read that right…SIX sessions.  I know I’m crazy but I’m just so excited. 

So what am I giving away?

2 Newborn Studio Sessions

This session takes place in my home studio with the use my vast collection of sweet baby props.  For up to three hours I will gently and safely pose your sweet little one with you right by my side.  I will capture all their tiny features, from their little puckered lips to their itty bitty toes.  A comfortable glider is provided for feeding, as well as refreshments to get through the session. $150

2 Basic Studio Sessions

This one hour studio session is perfect for children and maternity.  Document a special time in your baby’s life or capture some beautiful images of your ever changing belly. $125 Value

2 Basic Sessions

This one hour outdoor session is a great choice for children six months and older, seniors, families, or portraits.   Pick a location that you love, or we can work together to find the perfect backdrop for your session.  $125 Value

Now here’s the part where I lay out all the rules for the giveaway.  I know that rules are sometimes no fun, but it will help keep things easy for me and fair for everyone.  Please read through all the rules and make sure you understand them all.  Those who don’t play by them won’t have a chance to win, and that would just be a shame. 

1. You must be a fan of Briony Hope Photography to be eligible for the giveaway.  If you aren’t a fan you can become on here and just click “like” at the top of the page. Briony Hope Photography on Facebook 
2. Fill out the “Contact Us” form on the left hand column.
• Please give a valid email address and phone number.  This is how I will notify the winners.
3. In the “Type of photography needed” box please type in "300 FAN GIVEAWAY and state which session you would like to win.
4. If someone referred you to Briony Hope Photography please let me know!  Just type their name in the “How did you hear about Briony Hope Photography”. 
5. Share the link to this blog post on your wall at least one time before November 25.  Comment on my facebook page when you do.

Want more chances to win a session?  Refer, post, and share!  The more people you refer the more chances you have to win.  For every person who mentions your name on the facebook contact form, I will you one more chance for a session. 

Teeny tiny print that you should probably read so that you don’t miss out on winning a great photo session with Briony Hope Photography

• Winners will be contacted November 26, 2011 by 12:00 am via email

• Winners have 24 hours to respond to Briony Hope Photography and confirm

• If a winner does not respond within 24 hours a new contest winner will be chosen and the previous winner forfeits their won session.

• Won session must be completed by June 25, 2012

• NEWBORN SESSION WINNERS-value of session may be applied to a Belly to Baby package or a Grow with Me plan.

• Session winners must sign a photography contract and are bound by all policies in the contract. 

B..E..A..Utiful!

Emma is so stunning, her pictures were very easy to take.  We had to trudge through 10 inches of standing water to get to our location, but it was totally worth it!

Urban Senior

Downtown...check...rain...check...lighting...check....great session...CHECK!

Seniors and horses

Yes, that's right.  Seniors and horses!  I'm not afraid of horses, but let's just say that I don't have a lot of experience with them.  This was a definite first for me and luckily I had a great family to work with.  Lewis was a wonderful model Meagan was just as great.  Meagan being the senior and Lewis being the horse : ).  We were able to travel to another location and get some beautiful shots of Meagan.  I just love the green and pink!

Six Month Fun!

I love this kid!  Sweet little Felix is so easy to photograph, and so is his silly brother (who snuck into a picture or two).  So much green and blue, it's definitely summer.  I've had the pleasure of capturing Mr. Felix since the day he was born.  My first photograph was when he was just a few hours old.  So excited to follow him while he grows up and becomes a big boy. 

Let's make a mess!!!

Oh silly James Emmett.  He was just a crackup.  His laugh killed me and I could barely take the pictures I was laughing so hard.  But he had a blast making a mess and smashing his chocolate cake.  His sister was a big "help" with the cake also...well she definitely helped him eat it!

Tavin James

Little Tavin was just adorable.  Of course he was nice and sleepy all day and then when we wanted to take some pictures he was wide awake. But we managed to get some super cut ones. 

TWINS!

These sweet little twins were my first.  Boy was it an adventure...but a good one.  Beatrice and George were four weeks early, and when I did their session they were 14 days old.  Still teeny tiny and sweet to hold.  Beatrice lucked out with more pictures than George because she was in a better mood, but I was able to snap a few sweet ones of him before the session was over.

Fun with the McKeans

This little girl stole my heart.  What a sweetheart and her family was just as wonderful.  I couldn't help putting on the little pink wings and letting her play.  The pink bow just added to her sweetness.  And not to forget about her grandma and uncle, who I've known for a few years.  Amy was in the delivery room as my doula when I delivered Lilah, she helped me through a very loooong labor.  I had Jacob in my very first 1st first grade class six years ago.  Now he's a middle schooler and I feel old!

two of my favorite boys

I had the pleasure of taking sweet baby Felix's three month pictures this week.  I'm excited to be able to see him grow and change.  The first photos I captured of him were just hours after he was born.  Of course his big brother Xander was ready to say "cheese" for the camera.  That kid is such a silly monkey!  I love these boys.