Corporate Head Shots-Ann Arbor, MI Photographer-Pretty Ellen

If I haven't said it before, I'll say it now...working with adults every now and then is awesome. They listen, they pose the way you ask them to and they never run away from me. I donated a free session and 5 high res digital files to the Young Women's group at church for a fund raising event they had a few weeks ago. Ellen said she was in a bidding war with another woman but eventually won and today we did our session. Ellen is a beautiful lady and very, very intelligent. She is writing a book in fact and that is why she wanted her portrait taken. Here are a few of the first files I've finished tonight for a quick sneak peek.

I've never really done corporate head shots before so posing Ellen was a first for me. Plus she is an older sophisticated woman in a gorgeous suit so I couldn't have her sitting on the ground. Have you ever taken pictures for working professionals? If so, what are some of your tried and true poses and locations to do this sort of thing? More to come soon! =)

How to get your toddler to SMILE for the camera

Getting McKenna to sit still long enough for a picture is hard enough...getting her to smile for me is nearly impossible most of the time but she has finally gotten to the age where this little trick actually works. This is pretty much how the conversation went and the pictures correspond...

"Hey McKenna." Picture 1 (getting her attention)
"What is that you have there?" Picture 2 (looking at her fire truck)
"Oh I know...it's a hot dog!" Picture 3 (laughing at my dumb guess)
*I go through a series dumb guess that really get her going Picture 4 (head back in hilarity)

Tickling (or the threat of tickles) was a good trick when she was younger and the tried and true..."Don't you smile! Don't you do it! You better stop it!" They just can't resist that one.

Bribes are also a great incentive although the smiles aren't always as genuine.

Do you have any great tricks for getting your children to smile in pictures? Any favorite stuffed animals or noise toys to recommend? I'd love to hear about it!

Burton's-Ann Arbor, MI Family Photographer

I go to church with this awesome family and had the opportunity to take their family portraits. We visited several different spots including an old barn, a grassy field and a leafy neighborhood street. Enjoy!

It's been awhile-check out what I've been up to.

But here are some beautiful favorites I've taken recently.

These were taken at the U of M botanical gardens. They had a lovely kids garden that the girls loved.

Fun building blocks to stack. 

I have a couple of great shots just like this of Maggie. =)

Loved this shot of Ava playing in the stream. We all took our shoes and socks off to wade through the pools. Lots of fun. 

Thought this one was cute. Very playful. 

I really liked this shot too although I was frustrated by the dappled light. I guess it adds some interest though. 

Right in the middle of the pumpkin patch. 

Great action shot so that I can forever look back and remember those chubby little legs. 

This is a different venue. Domino's Petting Farm. 

Really liked the light in this shot. 

Love the colors. 

Love the story behind this shot. Ava and McKenna are best buddies. 

These shots were taken at the park right behind our house. The girls were playing ring around the roses. 

She never wants to smile for me anymore. I'm old news!

Caught her on the way to a nose picking I think. Liked the back light. 

Adorable expression.

Really love the depth of this picture. Very dimensional. 

These would be perfect if M's hair wasn't in her eyes. 

The smile makes this one a keeper. I don't capture these too often. 

Cooking in the kitchen after her nap. Still a bit sleepy. WB is a bit off but really loved the light.