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6 Family-Friendly Holiday Events in Orange County

It’s that time of year for many of us to get in the holiday spirit, and more than gifts, time together is the greatest present of all. So pack up the kids and head out for some local holiday fun. Here’s a compilation of some of fun family holiday events I’ve found in Orange County. I truly hope you enjoy this season with your loved ones!  And don’t forget to take some snapshots that you’ll treasure for years to come.

Sawdust Winter FantasySawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy | Laguna Beach, CA  | weekends through Dec. 18th

This festival is a one-of-a kind annual holiday arts and crafts festival, discover unique gifts in an enchanting winter wonderland. Petting zoo, Santa, food and drinks, thousands of holiday decorations make this a fun event for both parents and kids.

More Info >  | Adults $7, Children 6-12 $4, Seniors $6, Ages 5 & Under Free

spectrumDisney Magical Holiday Lights  | Irvine Spectrum Center | Dec. 7 – Jan. 3

Every night in the Edwards Courtyard a special “magical” tree lighting showtimes start at 5:30pm and occur every hour until 9:30pm.

More Info > | Free

candlelight

Candlelight Walk  |  Heritage Hill Historic Park  | Dec. 12-13, 2015 5:30pm – 8:30pm

Experience this historic park in a new way! Over 1,000 luminarias will light the park’s pathways. Strolling carolers and musicians will set the holiday mood. Santa will also be there. Hot cider, hot chocolate and cookies will be available for purchase.

More Info >>   | Admission: $5 for ages 3 & over. Tickets sold onsite.

zoo

Winter Wonderland at the Zoo | Santa Ana Zoo | Dec. 7-Dec. 31st

The zoo has been transformed into a Winter Zoobilation with magical decorations, lights and falling snow.

More Info > | $10 Adults, $7 Seniors and Children 3-12 yrs old. The Zoofari Express & Conservation Carousel rides are $3 each. 

snoopyhouse

Snoopy House | Costa Mesa City Hall | Dec. 12-23rd.

The sprawling Snoopy House display has long been a Costa Mesa tradition (for almost 50 years). See life-size scenes recreated from the “Peanuts” characters. Santa will also be there from 7pm to 9pm at night.

More Info>> | Free

Winter Fest (OC Fair & Event Center)  | Dec. 18 – Jan. 3.

winterfestWho says it doesn’t snow in Southern California? For a little over two weeks the OC Fairgrounds will be converted into a Winter Wonderland.

Enjoy ice tubing down Snowflake summit, carnival rides and games, indoor ice-rink, reindeer, the world’s largest walk-thru ornament, nightly Christmas tree lighting with snowfall, crafts and exhibits, Santa & Mrs. Caluse and daily entertainment.

Tickets: www.winterfestoc.com   |  $15-45/pp.  Tip: Scroll to the bottom of their homepage to enter to WIN free tickets.

 

For more holiday events visit:  http://www.planadayout.com/Holiday-Celebrations-for-kids-in-Orange-County-54

South County Holiday Events: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/dec-695247-center-saddleback.html

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What to Wear: Family Photos

What to wear in a family photo–this seemingly simple question grows complex when you realize whatever you and your family wear will be on display for years to come. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right family ensemble.

Nix the matching white shirts and jeans.  The days of matching outfits for family portraits are gone. As an alternative incorporate a color palette like this family photo (colors: white, denim, beige, gray, brown):

earth tone family outfits
from OneGoodThingbyJillee.com

 

Consider your home. These photos will hopefully be on display in your home, picking colors and styles that go well with your home’s aesthetic will tie everything together. In fact, we can even shoot in your home, like this family:

family photo in your home

from Blue Sky’s Studio

Think layers. Layering a few items like jewelry, sweaters, vests, etc. add texture and realism to your family photos.

wear layers for family photos
from babble.com

Classic style. Of course you want your family photo to reflect your unique fashion sense, but remember how some trends can look tacky just a few years later. Bell bottoms or fluorescent hi-tops anyone?

classic styles for family photos

from Blue Sky’s Studio

Color collaborations. Avoid dressing all in the same colors, but accent each other’s unique style by using a complimentary palette of colors and subtle patterns.

complimentary colors & patterns

from Blue Sky’s Studio

Don’t forget the shoes. Remember, your shoes will often be in the shot so buy shoes that go together and fit the overall style you’re trying to achieve. 

Match shoes for family photos
from Project Inspired

 

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Fun Themed Portait Ideas, Part 2

We had so much fun compiling our previous Fun Themed Portrait Ideas post that we just had to do another!

ENDLESS SUMMER

When creating a vintage themed session like this period props are key. What better props could we have had than an authentic VW van, surfboards, and a guitar? Wardrobe is also essential and for this shoot the family dressed boho/casual.

endless summer family photo

 

FALL IS IN THE AIR

If autumn is your favorite season, why not play it up in your photo session? From leaves, to pumpkins, squash or open fields, fall is a great season for warm, family photos.

fall is in the air

 

LOVE STORY

A few good books, some Photoshop effects and you’ve got a whimsical portrait they’ll never forget.love story

 

GYPSY SUMMER

Old world style meets the modern girl. This is a great way to give a colorful fun feel to your portraits.

gypsy

 

AT THE BOARDWALK

Capture the carefree fun of the beach boardwalk. Dressing in pastels or bright colors add to the playful feel of these photos.boardwalk themed photos

 

MUSCLE CARS & BICYCLES

Go vintage with black, white, red and vintage–add in a classic car, or maybe a retro bicycle for a unique photo.muscle car family portraits

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8 Easy Fashion Tips for Girls Senior Pictures

girls-senior-photo-fashion-tipsHere are a few ways you can prepare for your best senior pictures portrait session:

  • Come to the session clean faced, with clean, dry hair.  Our professional makeup artist will do the rest.  It is also a great idea to bring a picture of makeup you really love so we can give you that perfect look that represents.. YOU!
  • Avoid being overly tan, sunburned or having obvious tan lines. They are harder to color-correct and process, which will add to your cost.
  • Don’t hesitate to rock your favorite accessories and shoes. They are a fun way to show your personality.
  • Make a personalized Pinterest board with images you love and share them with Blue Sky’s.  We want to capture images that you totally love!
  • Vary your necklines and sleeve lengths for different looks.
  • Check those bra straps; correcting strap lines later on is time-consuming and costly.
  • Avoid wearing busy, striped clothing as they tend not to photograph well. 
  • Be hydrated!  Bring water and drink plenty of water prior to your session.  We want you skin to glow!
  • Make sure you get a good night’s sleep the night before, so you look your best.
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Fun Themed Portrait Ideas

There are many fun ways to stay creative as a family portrait photographer.  One of my favorites, is to plan a styled session.  This goes beyond cute clothing and fun locations!  It begins with a story!

1. Ship Wreck

I am inspired by so many things.  Looking at beautiful advertising campaigns, art work and music videos provide me with tons of ideas.  Over time, I became inspired by the ocean, vintage clothes and being stranded.   What would that look like as an editorial session?  So, I asked my good friend Denyse to help me come up with some fun clothing and props and the perfect models for a ship wrecked session.  We ended up at sunrise on the beach with all of our props and clothing.  The session was amazing. (See more photos from the shoot)

portrait theme ship wreck

2. Princesses

Styled sessions are often inspired by my client’s kids.  Young girls so often go through the phase of being obsessed with Disney Princesses.  This gorgeous gal wanted to wear a different princess outfit every day… she literally owned them all.  In order to capture this fleeting time in her young life, we decided to do a style session with a Princess hanging her laundry up to dry.princess theme photo shoot

 

3. Vintage 

Vintage nostalgia often provide a fun, classic look. As most of you know, I am obsessed with vintage cars and clothing!  Here is both a family vintage portrait and beautiful high school senior photo. In both cases props, styling, and wardrobe is key. We can help with all of it.

theme-vintage-family

 

4. The Art of Memory

Other sessions have been motivated by a family memory.  One of my clients who is an artist wanted to paint a picture of her grandmother hanging her laundry (don’t know why laundry has been a theme)… We created a set to look like her grandma’s house and took lots of great images.  She then turned them into a painting.art themed photography

5. Classic Childhood

These are some of the most fun sessions! The kids get to be themselves and pretend all at the same time.  The result is relaxed, unique shots.

childhood themed portaits

6. Natural Beauties.

Juxtaposing classic, vintage indoor furniture, beautiful gowns and the beauty of nature creates stunning results.

nature glamour gowns

Inspiration can come from anywhere!  A favorite book, a painting, a song… you name it.  These portraits are amazing because they are unique to your family.  I love for the client to be really involved in telling their story through images, so we capture exactly what they imagined.