Thursday, March 28, 2013

Derrin and Stephanie| Couples by Erin Kent Photography

When Stephanie e-mailed me and said that she had a fun, Pin-spired idea for hers and Derrin's couple session, I was thrilled! Pinterest is the photographer's dream, in case you didn't know. It FUELS creativity. I'm all about using Pinterest as a tool and then "Erinizing" it! ;)
 
Stephanie had read about paint sessions and was ON it and, so was I! As soon as she mentioned it, I was thrilled and began brainstorming. But, you wanna know something? All that brainstorming went, "Poof!" on the day of. We just let the "war" run its course and I played paparazzi.
 
Some of the looks we received from innocent bystanders were priceless. Here's a glimpse into our Paint War Session. :)
 
 
 
 
 
Sweet and cuddly. Before things got ugly. ;)
 
 
 
 

 And, then it began!
 
 
 
 
 
I mean, it wouldn't be a paint war if she hadn't of left a mark! ;) Handprints on the tush it was!
 

 
 

Stephanie and Derrin, thanks for choosing me, again! I have loved our sessions together and I'm looking forward to many, many more!

Monday, March 25, 2013

Because I Just Had to Give My Two Cents...

So, in the spirit of giving an opinion (and I'm pretty good at that); I figured I'd weigh in on the whole image of the child holding the bunny by the ear-fire the photographer-call PETA-yell at the kid's parents-hoopla that's filling up my news feed on Facebook. :)
 
I had live chicks at my mini sessions. And they were CUH-YUTE!!!

 
 
Just like a child's safety is of the HIGHEST priority when I'm photographing you and your family, the safety of any animals that are used in sessions (including your pet) is always central in my mind. Throwing out blinded accusations that the use of animals "at all" in photo sessions is "cruel" and "inappropriate" is a little... well, absurd.
 
So, since it's so easy for photographers and others to simply "Share" photos on Facebook and cyber bully the photographer whose actions have shocked them (because that's exactly what's happening), I figured I'd throw out a little something to "Share." :)

Was the photographer wrong? Absolutely!
 
Should she have been approached and asked to take the image down and suggested appropriate ways to handle live, undomesticated animals on set? Oh, yes!
 
Should she continually be bashed for making a mistake? No.
 
Don't we all make mistakes? Well, unless you're immune; I'm guessing that you have at some point in time. I know I have!

I have seen the criticizing of this photographer go from pinpointing the mistreatment of the animal to labeling her a "faux-tographer" (which I have a completely separate issue with. Ask me about it sometime.) Her skill as a photographer and the issue at hand are two completely, separate entities.

With all that being said, here are a few suggestions that I have in mind when planning to host cute little fluffies on set. Cuz' let me tell ya! You get LOTS of darling smiles when you bring those little critters out.

1) Give a notice to the parents! Send out newsletters and announcements prior to your sessions, briefing the parents on the type of animal(s) that you plan to have on set and preparing them so that they can give a heads up to the kiddos.
 
2) Do your research on the animal! Don't just go out and buy Little Peter Cottontail because he's cute and has a fluffy white tail that makes your heart go pitter-patter. Figure out the appropriate way to house them, research the appropriate diet for your critter and buy all the supplies that you'll need, upfront, to care for your little guy.
 
3) Figure out the game plan for after your finished loving on your fuzz ball. Are you planning to keep him/her? If not, make safe arrangements for them for after your sessions are complete. My two gals, Mabel and Ethel are their names (cuz' you know you gotta name 'em!) are heading out to a farm in the next couple of days. :)
 
4) Bring the animals out LAST! Kids are generally hyper at the start of sessions. It's a new scene and there's a lot going on. Throwing in a chick or bunny during the "WOO!! THERE'S A CHAIR MY SIZE!" moment in time is probably not the best decision. Give the kiddos time to adjust and use the animals as an incentive.
 
5) When you bring out the critters, talk in a gentle voice, both for the critter and for the little ones. Tell the kiddos your animal(s)' name(s), encourage them to gently pet them and allow them time to get used to them. For older children who are comfortable, ask if they'd like to hold the animal on their own. If they're comfortable, coach them on the correct way to hold the animal and sit in close distance until they learn how they feel and react. For smaller children, I suggest applying the "Look! Don't touch" method and simply instructing them that you're going to let the little critters "sit beside them."
 
6) If you don't have an assistant on set, (like me) make sure parents are right up there with you, so that they can grab the child if it looks as if they might be wanting to "love on" your little animal.
 
7) Pets are messy. They poop and they pee. That's just life. So, have Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer on set! Be sure to wipe down your set if there are accidents and encourage the little ones to clean their hands with sanitizer after petting the fur balls.
 
 
It's pretty simple and basic. But, I figured, rather than fueling the fire, spreading the anger, blazing the torch and running after the poor woman who made a mistake (that I'm sure she's regretting now), I would spread some helpful information that might keep a situation, such as this, from happening again.

Let's just use our heads when it comes to scheduling sessions with animals. And use our hearts when it comes to correcting others.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

In Your Skin| Boudoir by Erin Kent Photography

I'm BEYOND excited to write about my first "In Your Skin" session. Before I go too deep into detail about the absolute BLAST that Angele and I had, I wanted to make sure that everyone understands a few minor details about "In Your Skin" sessions.

Angele has given me permission to post some sneak peaks of her session with all of you! She wanted to help me give you an idea of what to expect so that you could see how relaxed and comfortable everything is. With that being said, photos from your personal "In Your Skin" session will never be shared without your consent. I understand that there are some who are uncomfortable with this.


Secondly, if you're here and viewing these images, it is your prerogative! I choose not to post boudoir images on Facebook because I don't want to offend anyone. Needless to say, "In Your Skin" sessions are as harmless as a bra and underwear commercial but I understand that there are fans who follow my page that would rather not see. If you're here now, I'm THRILLED that you wanted a little look-see into these sessions. If you feel that these photos might offend you, I ask that you kindly exit now. :)


I posted a little introduction of the "In Your Skin" sessions a few weeks ago. If you missed it, click here to read all about them! In summary, these sessions were my way of allowing women the ability to send a little, tasteful and classy piece of themselves to their husbands while they're away and serving our country! :) How thoughtful would it be for your Soldier or Marine to open up a care package with a gorgeous photo book filled with you?!

In addition, these session are meant to be a method of reaffirming your self confidence. I know "the beauty struggle." I've been there. We all have. I know what it feels like to think, "There is no way on green grass that I'd EVER have a boudoir session!" We women fall victim to viewing our thighs and our hips as a measurements of our worth. These sessions are a way to show you just how glamorous you are and to give you a glimpse of your beauty, the way the world sees it.


 
Angele and I had so much fun. Our couple of hours together were spent with lots of laughter and girl talk along with some talk of her wedding plans. Angele had such a fun spirit and personality. She truly made this first "In Your Skin" session a memorable one. She's beautiful on the inside and out and this shows through in each and every one of her photographs.
 
 
 
 
The future hubby (and Angele) are both Saints fans; so, of course, the jersey had to be incorporated! ;)
 
 
I love how vintage this photo is. When editing her set, I kept this in mind and strove to create images that had that antiquated feel.
 
 
 
 
Thank you, Angele, for choosing me to capture these moments for you!



Contact me today at erinkentphotography{at}gmail{dot}com, through the "Contact" tab on the Facebook page or right here on the blog to book your "In Your Skin" session!

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Tyler and Alex| Engagement by Erin Kent Photography

SAY CHEESE!!!

 
 
Okay. So, I normally don't start blog posts off with a photo. I normally chat your ears off, right? Well, you can't quite understand the soon to be Oates couple or any description I might give of them without first seeing this photograph. :)
 
They are full of life! And, an absolute BLAST to photograph, if I may say so myself. And, I totally can. Cuz' this is my blog and all. ;)
 
We laughed the entire time. At one point, I was even wiping away tears. :) It is clear that they were made for each other and I adore capturing that in photograph.
 
I love finding out how the mister pops the question and Tyler and Alex's story didn't let me down! He actually proposed to her at the end of a marathon that they had trained for together. How unique is that?! And, what a reward! I mean; if I'm running a marathon there better be something at the end... like a diamond... or chocolate. ;) And, Tyler had the diamond waiting for her! Not too shabby!
 

 
 
 
 
 
This may just be my favorite from the entire session. Gorgeous! :)
 
 
 
Stuh-ning.
 
 
 
 
I love this photo. Everything about it screams, "You shouldn't be here!" But it's so simple and sweet. The slight pop of her foot is perfection and their embrace is timelessly romantic. <3
 
 
Seriously?! How cute are they?!
 
 
 
 
 
Perfect. Couple.
 
 
And, how gorgeous is Alex? Flawless skin. Gorgeous eyes. Just lovely.
 

Tyler and Alex, thank you so much for choosing me! :) I so look forward to working with y'all again in the future. <3 

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Dan and Kate| Engagement by Erin Kent Photography

There are just some couples who radiate with love. I'm not talking about the public display of affection, type of love. I'm talking about the kind that just glows out of every part of the couple.

Dan and Kate defined this love. Newly engaged and just completely smitten with each other, they made photographing their engagement photos exceptionally easy. What you see in these photos is real, people. Real, giddy, happy love. As I worked my way through their session and retouched their photos, I found myself getting butterflies and being overcome with excitement to share their session with "the world." :)

I had a blast with them during our session and some of their silly conversation even sent me into giggles. I wish them all of the best on this new journey, their journey together. And, I hope that I'm able to work with them again in the future.

 
 
I just love how natural they were. Every part of our day together seemed, well... like a walk in the park!
 
 
 
 
Seriously?! Who looks this good in photos? Can we all say, "Models?!"
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chillbumps. That is all.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I was thrilled when Dan informed me of a couple of ideas he had. (I LOVE when couples do that! It's neat to put a personal spin on things!) :) His "Superman" and "Viking" pose ideas had all of us laughing and perfectly summed up their relationship.
 
Dan and Kate, thank you so much for choosing me for your engagement photos. <3