Welcome to your August 2017 newsletter!
It’s hard to believe that August is upon us and school starts in 5 days! Summer is always a welcome sight come May – when the days are long, the rushed, busy schedule gets pushed out the window, and having ice cream for dinner is just the norm.
Our summer started off rough, unfortunately, with our youngest being sick for most of June and spending four days in the hospital. July saw us flying home for 2.5 weeks of swimming, fishing, tons of food, and relaxing. We here at MMP hope your summer was full of memorable experiences, too!
But as the dog days of summer wind down, the cooler air of fall and the desire to return to some sort of routine becomes beautiful, too. Always just in time.
Our 4th Annual Mommy & Me event was another huge success and we raised $200 for the Pregnancy Care Center of Richmond Hill. Thank you to all of you that came out to support this amazing local organization and receive some wonderful photography in the process!
Here are a few blog posts since our last newsletter that you might have missed:
School Begins – Monday, August 7
Labor Day – Monday, September 4
Back 2 School Portrait Event – Saturday, September 9
Friends of the Library Sale – Saturday, September 9
Halloween Sessions – Saturday, October 7
Santa Experience – November 17, 18 & 19
Would you love to have better pictures in your Instagram feed? It’s easy to improve your photos for Instagram and you can start by following these 5 simple steps.
- Lighting is the key. Make sure your subject is near a window if inside, but not in direct light. If you are outside, shoot in the shade to avoid harsh shadows. Avoid shooting at night when possible, the low light availability causes blurriness in your images.
- Don’t use the Instagram camera. Instead, take your pictures with your camera’s phone or even using the Camera+ app. Both will create better images that have more clarity. Then select them from your photo album once you are in Instagram.
- Use better editing apps. Instagram’s filters have been outdone by better apps including VSCO, Camera +, Photoshop Express, and many more. If you want to up your photography game, then you need better filters and editing options.
- Get creative. Use different angles, compositions, and even vary the distance from your subject. Don’t be afraid to take many pictures and just choose one. Playing around will stretch your creativity and help you develop more originality.
- Add blur. Using the blur function within Instagram is a great mimic to the “shallow depth of field” that can only be created with DSLR cameras. But if you’re not shooting with a DSLR, then just add blur.
Many parents (including our clients!) are using the school photographer less and less. They find that using a professional photography studio, like MMP, offers more value than the school photographer. The limited options of the school photographer make it not even worth the packages. Here are some of the things many parents enjoy about using a professional photographer.
- Any background is better than a cheesy school photo background! MMP selects fun, unique backgrounds for all of our studio sessions, including school portraiture.
- More natural smiles. Wouldn’t you rather have a picture of your child laughing than a pushed smile? We spend up to 10 minutes with your student(s) to ensure we are capturing more than just “say cheese.”
- Props. Many parents like to include some of their child’s “favorites” in their photos with them. We encourage parents to bring their child’s backpack, school supplies, even a favorite toy to their Back 2 School session.
- Multiple Poses. Get more than just one headshot and one pose. Full length shots are great for a memory (record) of their growth. Your online gallery will offer you 3-5 different poses of your student to choose from.
- Custom designed packages for you. Order just what you need and want with MMP.
- More product options. Love canvas? Ever seen a metal print? Both are amazing and something you will love having as a product choice. You have the option to purchase more than just prints with MMP.
- Digital copies. Who doesn’t need or want a digital copy of their keepsake pictures? It also makes sharing on social media that much easier! Digital images can be added on to any of our school portrait packages, or select or digital only package.
I have been photographing preschoolers (and their siblings) for the past 6 years and, after years of parents asking, we are pleased to offer our school portraiture to children aged PreK-8th grade. The event will be taking place on Saturday, September 9th. Packages start at $30. Watch your email and social media for more information, coming soon!
Figuring out how to better manage your time can be a constant battle. At the end of the day the list only has 2 things checked off, you’ve missed an appointment that you swear you had on your calendar, and your late to just about everything. Does this sound like you? If so, you are not alone. Here we share some favorite habits that may make your life a bit easier:
- Write everything down. It’s been said that the faintest pen is stronger than the best memory. By writing it down, it won’t be forgotten. A great idea to stay on task is to keep a piece of paper (or digital notes) nearby so when a new idea or a task that you need to complete pops into your head, write it down, then stick with your original task until it’s complete. You can tackle the new one idea without losing focus on your first task. I’ve actually jumped on the Bullet Journal train and will be blogging about the experience.
- Use only one calendar. With today’s technology, digital calendars can be in your pocket, at your work station, and in the kitchen. They can be wherever and whenever you need them. So don’t leave the soccer schedule taped to the fridge, get all your activities and events on one central calendar! That way you don’t overlap planning activities and events.
- Don’t underestimate your time. This is a huge one for me as I’m always trying to squeeze the most out of every minute. If you feel like you are late to everything, then maybe it takes you longer to get ready than you think. Or maybe you don’t calculate the correct travel time. Sometimes just getting into the car can take a good 5 minutes. Start planning for more time than you think and plan to arrive early. This not only helps you to be on time, but allows for unplanned road blocks as well.
Here’s hoping you all enjoy the last few days of summer and that your children have a wonderful first week of school!!