Addy is a very determined toddler.
She would not let us finish our walk in peace until she got to hold Shadow’s leash.
We got scolded trying to help her hold the leash. Apparently, we’re not allowed to hold the leash.
She loves doing things for herself and I admire her for it, but also, I’m hovering close by worried that Shadow will take off and drag her down the street.
Parenting.
🐾
Props: Christmas lights and ornaments, bed sheets, NYE party hats
Happy New Year! 🐾
For both 2016 and 2017, one of our holiday photos taken by Wise by Nicole Photography was featured on an interactive by Shutterfly: a set of 100 Christmas photo ideas. Filter for “kids” to find Addy.
Moms and Dads, it’s that time of year again: HOLIDAY PHOTOS with your family (cue dramatic music). (Updated, Original Post 10/17/16)
While I love the idea of family photos it’s easy to let the stress of putting everything together get in the way of fun and enjoyment – that holiday feeling! Well, I won’t let the stress of taking bad photos, finding a location, getting everyone together or grumpy kids stop me, and neither should you. Tips from my good friend and family photographer, Nicole Wise will help you set up an easy session with fantastic photos to show for it.
Note:
1. This year, we got a late start so we are booking our session in December in hopes of having a new set of family photos for the new year.
2. Don’t let deadlines and due dates stop you from taking family photos. You can take them anytime you feel up to it!
As I think back to last year when I set up our October photo session, my thoughts were focused on the great year we had as a family – we conquered the year, we overcame problems, we welcomed a new addition to our family, and even celebrated a few milestones. There was no better way to wrap up the year than to permanently capture my family’s memories and milestones into amazing photographs.
Professional photographer, Nicole Wise has given me some golden pieces of wisdom, and I’m happy to share them with you here.
Photographer Nicole suggests having your photo shoot outside this year. She is personally drawn to scenic locations with beautiful trees. They provide an interesting background and also great lighting.
“Locations that are filled with greenery and nature give a beautiful sense of adventure. For me, they give the photos a sense of wonder and magic to make your moments a little more special!” – Nicole Wise
Bonus Tip: Bring some props, cozy blankets, and special family items to your session. According to Nicole, “it could add a personal touch and unique feature to your photographs.”
The things that I love most about winter are scarves, coats, blankets and anything else that will keep me comfortable and warm. So I didn’t stray far from my comforts for last year’s holiday photos. My family had our holiday pajamas on and Nicole took pictures of us in our living room like it was Christmas morning.
“I have been loving the cute and cozy winter shoots! As someone who lives in Southern California and doesn’t quite experience ‘winter’ I love when clients bring their own warmth to our sessions.” – Nicole Wise
For your holiday photos why not try sitting down by the fire in your living room, sip some cocoa, or check on the chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven? Plus, you get to eat the cookies afterwards!
There’s also something about these cute and cozy family settings that naturally bring out our fun and silly sides. From personal experience the sessions could get ridiculously giggly.
“One thing I always tell people during sessions is to enjoy the experience. People often stress too much about photoshoots and the best shots I get are when my clients relax and goof around with their spouse, their kids, their pets.” – Nicole Wise
Bonus Tip: To ensure the best photos, be in the moment. Don’t focus too much on posing and smiling. Engage with your family; tell jokes, play and tease each other. Nicole says that “nothing beats a real laugh in a photo.”
Many of Nicole’s clients want to match outfits in their sessions, but she advises against this.
“Photos often look better when you set a color theme and each person fits the guidelines but doesn’t match completely.” – Nicole Wise
Having just a “pop” of the same color is very pleasing to the eye in photographs, and instead of being identical everyone can show off their personal style. It shows in the photograph when everyone is comfortable and proud of what they’re wearing.
Like me you’re probably extremely busy. Most of us have packed schedules filled with errands and commitments such as piano lessons or sports practice. It’s important to try and avoid scheduling something before your session. Nicole warns us, “I have had some grumpy kids in front of my camera and it seems that it usually happens when they have had a full day before the shoot.”
A suggestion if you can’t keep your schedule light is to set your photo session for first thing in the morning, and it might work better for your little ones!
Don’t worry about kids misbehaving, the regular rules don’t apply in photography. Let them run wild, let them be themselves! Nicole reassures us, “whenever I have shoots with little ones I plan to be running after them taking photos because these candids are the best! Don’t put too much stress on the shoot and let everyone enjoy it!”
Okay, so it was my fault this year that I couldn’t find time to set up a session early enough. Next year I’ll be more organized, I promise. Keep in mind that every photographer has a different schedule and different guidelines for scheduling appointments. Nicole’s week by week schedule is unpredictable, sometimes she only needs a couple of days’ notice, and other times she doesn’t have an opening for weeks. To be safe, Nicole recommends that you “always try to plan a few weeks ahead of time or check in with your photographer when you start thinking about scheduling your session.”
Bonus Tip: Keep in mind that your photographer also has to retouch before getting your photos back to you, so allow time for them to work on your images. Don’t try to book too close to any deadlines.
For even more ideas, take a look at Shutterfly’s 100 Festive Christmas Photo Ideas here: https://www.shutterfly.com/ideas/christmas-photo
Found the article helpful or interesting? Use the buttons below to share with friends and family, and don’t forget to leave me a comment!
A MESSAGE FROM NICOLE WISE, PHOTOGRAPHER
Hi all! My name is Nicole Wise, I am a photographer located in Ventura (Southern California, near Santa Barbara/Los Angeles). I fell in love with photography at a young age and couldn’t be happier that my passion blossomed into a business. I shoot a lot of different subjects and I LOVE it! Each day is different and with every shoot I learn something new. I am lucky to have a job and business I love! Let me share my knowledge and experience with you; from family moments to photography for your small business, I am here to help. Contact me at wisebynicole@gmail.com or check out my Instagram pages @WisebyNicole and @MomentsByNicole.
There was a phase when my 18-month old was obsessed with Popsicles. At one point she would have tantrums at dinnertime and wanted nothing else — screaming, crying and pointing in the direction of the freezer.
It took some work but I managed to switch her to Otter Pops, and then eventually to half of one.
Finally, I had her set up to introduce frozen Go-Gurts which had similar shape and size to Otter Pops. When she tasted it for the first time she appeared skeptical but continued eating and finished it! And she liked it!
Yes, it’s still sugary but it’s not too sweet (taste) and at least she gets some protein from it. Also, it didn’t seem to have the same addictive quality that Popsicle had. She didn’t have tantrums over it and could go days or weeks without having one or asking for one. A win for Mom!
My daughter’s first Scholastic haul, courtesy of her grandparents. What a trip down memory lane. Not just the books, but shopping for books from a Scholastic catalog. Not much has changed except you can now place orders online, but yes, the paper catalog and order forms are still around. And children are still carrying them home from school with hopeful hearts and a full wishlist ready to persuade an adult with a wallet.
What was your scholastic purchase as a child? My friend saw this on my Instagram Story on this and reminisced looking for books with stickers. I remember always searching for craft books, especially ones that came with kits or a free bracelet. And as an adult I still love a good how-to book (or blog)!
Shared via @rosalindprieto Instagram
Update: my daughter got sick so now we have to take her to the doctor in addition to everything else.
Visualizing the day’s events somehow makes it easier to go through a busy day hopping from work, daycare, school, and passing off my daughter to my husband in the school parking lot before attending evening class.
Since my orange fruit bowls were a hit at my daughter’s daycare, I decided to make them again for a family party. This time I attempted to make strawberry roses. I didn’t have a small pairing knife so my cuts weren’t as fine as they should be but there they were. Roses in my fruit tray!
I cut the oranges lengthwise this time which made it easier to take the oranges out for cutting. It also cut down prep time.
Sunday we decided to come out of hiding from our AC paradise. We ventured out into the heatwave to spend time with family. And we’re glad we did!
I took her home in time for her regular bath and sleep time, but before this Addy had an amazing time. She:
And finally ended her day by blowing everyone a kiss and saying a nice melodic “bye”.
More photos on Instagram @rosalindprieto
‘Our job as parents is to grow up children who are hardy. Not children who are hardened,’ she explained in an essay for The Huffington Post. ‘Children who are hardy can weather the storms of life. Children who are hardened cannot, and instead tend to shut down and have ineffective coping strategies.’
