At the Beach, Family Photography, In home

How to make the most of your summer family photos on a hot day

Don’t let Hot Days get in the way of your Summer Family Photos.

There are many options in Sunny SoCal to take advantage of in summer!

Imagine capturing timeless moments of a vibrant family, basking in the warmth of a scorching summer day. These photographs encapsulate the pure joy and infectious laughter as they frolic by the pool or splash around at the beach.

Because if you can’t beat the heat, why not join it?

Here’s some tips and locations on how to make the most of your photo shoot on a hot day:

Summer Family Photos | Family Fun by the Pool

Poolside: There’s nothing quite like spending a delightful summer day with your loved ones by the cool and refreshing pool. If your family spends summers poolside, why not capture you family photos in your element? Plus, the kids will love it. Grab your sunscreen and prepare for a day filled with laughter, splashes and joy by the poolside oasis.

Summer Family Photos | Summer Beach Day

Beach Day: A memorable and joyful summer day awaits you as you plan a picture-perfect beach outing in the charming coastal town of Laguna Beach. Immerse yourselves in the sound of crashing waves, golden sand between your toes, and the sea breeze kissing your skin. Capture priceless moments in your summer family photos as you bask in the sun, build sandcastles and splash around in the waves.

Summer Family Photos | A Golden Hour Family Picnic

Picnic: After the sun has settled down, seat your family on a cozy blanket spread out and have a picnic. Imagine your family photos with a sunset and blooming flowers in the background. Bring some snacks for the little ones and imagine adorable photos of melting popsicles in their hands (we’ll save that for last!) and other tasty treats.

Summer Family Photos | Air Conditioned Bliss

Stay inside: Where does your family escape to when it’s too hot to go outside? Maybe it’s the movie theaters, playing a board game at home or doing some crafts. If you don’t want to face the heat during your summer family photo session, let’s go inside and have some fun instead. Think of eating popcorn while watching a movie together, getting competitive over your favorite game, or getting creative while making a piece of art together.

Don’t let the summer heat get in the way of booking your family photo session, instead take advantage of it! Follow us on Instagram at @blueskysstudio, on Facebook at facebook.com/blueskysstudio, and follow along for more photography tips and tricks by signing up for our newsletter below.

To learn more, you can watch this video:

Get even more tips and tricks from our family style guide below.

Family Photography, In a field, In home

Posing Ideas with Pets for your next Family Photography Session

Your Blue Sky’s Studio portraits as art for your walls

Did you know that there are several studies showing that children’s self esteem is improved by seeing portraits on themselves and their families on the wall?

A revealing study was conducted in 1975 with a group of fourth graders at a Tennessee school by Tulane University. During a five week period, the children took Polaroid instant photos of themselves with provided cameras in a variety of assigned poses, compositions and expressing various emotions. The children worked with the printed images of themselves and created scrapbooks once a week over those five weeks. Testing of the students and teachers at the conclusion of study revealed a significant increase of 37 percent in the students’ average self-esteem behaviors. This Murfreesboro Study shows some evidence personal photography of children seen and enjoyed in a specific way can help boost a child’s self-esteem. This according to an article published on Design Aglows blog.

“It lets children learn who they are and where they fit,” says Judy Weiser. a psychologist, art therapist and author based in Vancouver. “They learn their genealogy and the the uniqueness of their own family and its story. When a child sees a family portrait with them included in the photograph they say to themselves: ‘These people have me as part of what they are, that’s why I belong here. This is where I come from.‘”

For some reason, this does not translate for digital images and seems to really be focused on tangible images on themselves and their families.

One of the reason I am so passionate about photography is that our time with our children is so fleeting and really it passes in a blink of an eye. I really can’t believe my son is already out in the world on his own. It seems like only yesterday he was crawling into my bed in the middle of the night pleading with Bob and me to let him stay with us.

That is why we want to show all of our clients what their portraits will look like as art on their walls. Believe me, it is easier than you think to have an actual picture mocked up on your wall with our software

Take an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper and take it to any wall you think will work for portrait art.

2. Take a picture of your wall with your iPhone and text it to us. Just make sure you are standing straight in front of the wall and not at an angle (that makes it more difficult to line everything up).

3. Select a picture, or two or three and we will mock up several examples on your wall with everything at the appropriate size to show off in your home!Order the product and we will have it shipped directly to your home. We will even come and help you install your wall art. So now there is no excuse not to have beautiful walls covered with your amazing family! To book an appointment email us a kristin@blueskysstudio.com.

At the Beach, At the Park, Family Photography, In a field, In home, Orange County Photography

The Best Orange County Locations for Photos (Part 2)

In my years as an Orange County photographer I have more than a handful of amazing locations up my sleeve. So here’s part two of my best Orange County Photography Locations. (The first 10 locations are here.)

Rancho Las Lomas

This resort and zoological garden is a little known Orange County setting for great photography. Located in Silvarado Canyon, it’s lush setting is perfect for family photos.

San Clemente State Beach

Traveling a little further down the coast San Clemente State Beach is a less crowded, more varied seaside backdrop for a stunning photography session.

Nellie Gail Trails

Nestled in south Orange County are the 26 miles of trails of the Nellie Gail Ranch. The native California greenery gives way to beautiful grasses and trees, making this an especially unique photography location.

Your Home

Sometimes you don’t need to travel at all to find the perfect setting for your family photos. Sometimes you need only stay at home. At home photo shoots can be especially fun as they not only show your family’s story, but your home as well, adding an especially unique element to look back on.

Downtown Laguna Beach

I’m lucky enough to live in one of the most beautiful beach communities in Southern California and my studio, in Laguna Canyon is just minutes from one of the best “downtowns” in the county as well. This location is a treasure trove for a variety of shooting possibilities. (Read even more in this recent post about Laguna Beach Photography)

Los Rios Historic District

San Juan Capistrano boast several great photography locations, but one of the most fun is the Los Rios District, just across the train tracks from the Capistrano Depot. You can even stop for a bite to eat or tea time after your shoot.

At the Beach, At the Park, Creative sessions, In a field, In home, kids modeling, Kids Photography, Orange County Photography, Portrait Photography

Fun Valentine’s Day Photo Ideas

I’m having so much fun shooting Valentine’s Day themed photos this season. These kids (most of them are kids anyway) are just too adorable. It makes you realize how precious and pure the love of a child is. Below is some inspiration for your Valentine’s Day photos.

Check out these ideas (and photos) by yours truly. And get ready for cuteness overload. ;)

Kisses & Hugs

It’s so fun to get siblings to show some love, their character shows through in wonderful candid shots. These first two are my babies.

You’ve got my heart on a string…

The beautiful sisters above are a great segway to “hearts!” Hanging some glittering hearts all around in the studio gives Valentine’s photos a fun, whimsical feel.