8 Quick Tips To Portrait Photography, by Ezekiel

Have you ever wanted to learn how the professionals take a photo? I searched high and low and found just the person to demonstrate proper use of a camera. ; ) He may stand only 2 feet tall and be a mere 2.5 years old, but he's got the vocabulary of 3.5 year old and camera skilz like nobody's biznaz. (yes, I do a poor job at talking gangsta)

So with no further ado, let me introduce Ezekiel (hereinafter referred to as 'Zeeky") my nephew who's about to teach us all how to use our camera, mind, heart, and whim to utilize 8 tips to portrait photography.

1. Before you start clicking your shutter, get to know your subject. Notice their expressions; excitement, nervous, joy. Engage in conversation and establish common interests to make them more comfortable.

2. As you're talking, start envisioning what shots you'll take. Hold your eye up to the viewfinder and take some 'test shots.' Zeeky's got some really creative ways to look through your viewfinder, I may just try these myself. ; )

3. It's good to check your photos periodically as you go to ensure exposure is correct, but NEVER review each image and become more engaged with your playback than your subject. This can make them nervous and wonder if their photos are turning out.

Again, some creative ways to look through the viewfinder. : )

4. Still having trouble braking the ice with your subject? Give them a prop, something to focus on other than how to hold their hands. I like to find something either relevant to the subject or an object that I find aesthetically appealing, like this vintage bingo basket I found. Zeeky loves playing with this, and I find the concentration on his face perfectly represents where he's at in his developmental process.

5. Take time to photograph the details. Surroundings, props, eyes, hair, every part that represents them. Focusing in on one little part of your subject is a great way to really command the viewer's attention to that feature. Like Zeeky's hands. We may have missed how little and cute his little fingers were, or how dexterous he's becoming as he spins the bingo basket had I not focused in on just his hand.


6. Give your subject verbal prompts. As candid as these next few shots may look, I actually asked him to laugh at the camera. I'm all about a natural and un-posed photo, but sometimes a little acting goes a long way. Try to get as many natural smiles and giggles as you can, but don't be afraid to simply ask for the look you want.

7. Get on the same level. This is especially important when photographing small children. Being on the same level as your subject gives them more significance and power in your photo, and relates more intimately with them. There are times to get lower or higher, but don't always stand in place and shoot. Play with perspective and capture the world as they see it, from 2 feet tall.

8. Be true to yourself and your interests when you get behind the camera. Invest your whole mind and heart as you connect with your subject and dare to see things a new fresh way.


Alright, that's a wrap. Let's hear it for Zeeky, he did a splendid job!

The Story Of Our Engagement / Guest Blogger on Luxe

I couldn't be more excited to share that I am guest blogging on the ever so cute Luxe Event Production's Blog. If you're wanting inspiration, tips and the scoop on local wedding buzz, Luxe is the place to go! I'll be sharing twice a month about my wedding, beginning to end, so you can read here or head on over to Luxe's blog for my story and a whole heap of wedding ideas!

I am so thrilled to share my personal journey of engagement, planning, and how I, with the amazing help of Misty with Luxe Event Productions pull it off! I’ve got all sorts of blog subjects in my head, and all are geared toward inspiring, uplifting, and equipping YOU as a bride in training to have a fabulous wedding, and enjoy the process right along with me. I’m like you in many ways, anticipating that day I’ve dreamed of all my life, but wondering how the heck I’m going to pull it off (on a budget) without stressing myself and those around me. I’ll be sharing twice a month on Friday, and am of course available by email for any questions.

My advice is to pause, fix coffee, take some deep breaths and use this time as a relaxing indulgence!

Here’s a shot of me minutes before the proposal.

This photo of Ryan I took last summer.

So a little back story on me, how I met my fiancé, and the PROPOSAL! Ever since I was three I’ve dreamt of my wedding, renaming myself ‘fancy-girl wedding girl’. I am now grown up and a full time photographer, running my business, Ashley Sturm Photography here in Salem, OR. I love my job mostly because of the people I get to meet and their stories I tell through photography. I adore art, coffee, deep friendships, and my family is as good as it gets! I have unruly curly hair, a love for good food, too many gray sweaters, and I rarely read, which is lame.

Ryan and I met through a mutual friend, and despite our ‘just friends’ approach, it become apparent after spending over 3 months of coffee, movies, thrift store runs, photo trips, and one amazing beach day that we were perfect for one another. We’ve been dating now for a little over a year, and engaged for about three weeks!

Ryan couldn’t have picked a sunnier, more happy day to pop the question. I had wanted some updated photos of myself to use on my website, so we trekked out to the field next to my house and started doing what we did from the beginning, capture memories on camera. It’s crazy now to look back at those photos and think I had NO idea he was about to propose! We had finished our little photo sesh and I was ahead of him, carrying some props when I heard him say, “Ash,” in a bit of a shaky voice. I turned back to face him and he was on his knee with all his emotions and love for me bursting from his face. I knew, this was it. He fidgeted to get out the ring while telling me what a blessing God has given him in me, and tears were flowing from my eyes.

These are moments after he proposed, so special!

I couldn’t imagine a more special, intimate way to ask me than this field, next to my house, which we’ve shared so many memories in already. I said yes. : ) It felt amazing, like the happiness I felt Christmas morning as a child.

Take a look at my beautiful ring he picked out...couldn't have done any better!

So here I am, gushing and telling my story but I know mine’s not the only one.

How did your man pop the question?

Have you started planning?

What’s the most exciting and most scary part of pulling off your perfect day?

Share your thoughts and let’s walk this journey together!

Casey & Racquel Previews - Salem, OR Engagement Photographer

Had to throw a few shots from Racquel & Casey's Engagement sesh. More to come soon!

Kathleen P - Salem, OR Senior Photographer

I've been needing some spokes models for this next school year's graduating class of 2010 to be Senior Reps, and remembered my pal Kathleen who I know from youth group. Although she's not quite a senior (she's gonna be a sophomore, but who would have known?) I figured she was the girl to talk to. I called her and she was delighted at the idea of having her photos done, so we booked a session in the evening at Bush Park. Little did we know the bugs would be equally excited about our being there.

Kathleen was such a natural in front of the camera, and thankfully is one of those people who is easily amused, and laughs at everything. We really had a fun time, and although we left with more than a few bug-bites, it was worth it...look for yourself!

Love the hair and bangs....I'm so happy these are 'in' again!

Last photo of the night, we couldn't stand the bugs any more...so I guess they won.

Kathleen has such pretty eyes!

www.ashleysturmphotography.com