​We are going to give you 5 very simple tips on how to photograph the adorable children in your life!
Scroll down to read all five tips.

Watch this funny video where I talk about avoiding mergers in your pictures.

Tip #1  -  Don't have your subject face the sun!
Meet my grandson Brady, age 3.  Brady is the oldest child of my son Brian and his wife Sam.  I was visiting them in NC while Sam gave birth to their third son, Riley.  Three boys, age 3 and under!!

Tip #2  -  Do put the sun behind your subject, but be careful the camera doesn't make their faces too dark.
​I turned Brady around and now he isn't squinting.  The leaves are reflecting some of the sunlight back into his face, so that he is nicely lit.

This photo looks hazy because the sunlight is coming directly at my iPhone camera.  It's easy to fix by blocking the direct sunlight with a tree (or building).

Tip #3  -  Watch out for mergers.
So now Brady is in soft light (and saluting me with the Spidey hand signal).  Different than the harsh light I had him in before, but now I have a tree growing out of his head!  Mergers can be vertical like this tree or they can be horizontal like a fence or even the horizon.

Tip #4  -  Find shade.
​So handsome!!  At 3:30 in the afternoon, I found open shade (which provides flattering light) and I moved him in front of a nice dark bush, which allows Brady to stand out from the background.

Tip #5  -  Use Portrait Mode on your iPhone.
If (and this is a big if!) your subject is still, use portrait mode to take the picture.  It allows you to get the blurry background.  Friends will think you are a professional!!

In today’s digital world, your online presence is often the first way others get to know you. Whether it’s a potential employer, a client, or someone in your professional network, the image you project matters. One of the most crucial elements of that image is your headshot.

A professional headshot is far more than just a photo; it’s an investment in your personal brand and a powerful tool for making lasting first impressions. But why is it so important?



​​1. First Impressions Matter
​You’ve heard the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” and it’s true—especially in the digital age. Your headshot is often the first thing people see when they visit your LinkedIn profile, your website, or your social media pages. Whether you're applying for a job or showcasing your expertise, a polished and professional image creates a strong initial impact. It tells others you take your career seriously, and it sets the tone for how they will perceive you.
That’s where I come in. I specialize in making you look your best—quickly, comfortably, and effortlessly. I work with you to capture a headshot that highlights your personality and professionalism, ensuring that the first impression you make is unforgettable.

2. Build Your Personal Brand
Your headshot is one of the most powerful tools in building your personal brand. It’s a reflection of your style, personality, and the level of professionalism you bring to your field. A high-quality headshot helps communicate who you are in a way that words alone can’t. It makes you memorable and relatable.
I help you develop a headshot that represents the best version of yourself. With my attention to detail in lighting, posing, and background, I ensure your image conveys confidence and credibility, leaving a lasting impression on potential employers, clients, and collaborators.

3. Believe in Yourself and Your Abilities
Investing in a professional headshot is more than just paying for a photo—it's a statement. It’s a way to show that you believe in yourself and your potential. When an employer or client sees that you’ve made the effort to present yourself professionally, they notice. A well-done headshot demonstrates your commitment to quality and your readiness to take on new challenges. It sets you apart from other candidates who may not have taken the time or care to invest in their image.

During our session, I guide you every step of the way to make sure you feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera. I take care of everything—posing, lighting, and the technical details—so you can focus on being yourself. And with my satisfaction guarantee, you’ll leave with a headshot you’ll be proud to showcase, no matter your career or business goals.

Who Needs a Professional Headshot?

A professional headshot isn’t just for executives or business owners—it's for anyone looking to make a great impression. Whether you’re a student starting your career or a seasoned professional updating your image, here’s who can benefit:

• High School Students: If you're applying to colleges or universities, a polished headshot adds a personal touch to your application and can help you stand out.
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At the end of the day, it’s not just about having a photo—it’s about having a photo that communicates confidence, professionalism, and trust. With my expertise and easy, comfortable approach, you’ll leave the session feeling confident and ready to tackle the world. If you're ready to take your personal brand to the next level, a professional headshot is the perfect place to start.

​Their story didn’t just stop at finding snow—it turned into so much more. Through a remarkable twist of fate, their vacation rental happened to be just a few doors down from the home on East Quaker where all three of our boys grew up. Even more serendipitous, the dad and Brian have served together in the army.

​As soon as I heard they were in town, I knew I wanted to gift them a portrait session. It’s something I do for anyone who serves or has served alongside my sons in the military—it’s my way of honoring their service. Capturing their family’s laughter and love in the studio was such a joy, and they left with a set of timeless black-and-white portraits that will always remind them of their snowy adventure.

​This family’s visit was a beautiful reminder of how small the world can be and how important it is to treasure the moments we share with those we love. It’s not every day that snow, service, and serendipity come together in such a meaningful way, but I’m so grateful they did.

Do you know what is the first thing I look for when I want to take a good photo?  Beautiful light.

Many people will choose the spot to take a picture based on the background.  A nice, uncluttered background is important, but not as important as the type of light that is illuminating your subject.

That's why I love photographing children in my studio, because I control the light!  We don't have to worry about time of day or weather.  It's a luxury to have professional studio lights.  

But when I go visit my grandchildren, I don't want to lug heavy equipment on the plane, so I have to find the best light and it's not as hard as you think.

Sam and I took Brady into the bedroom, smoothed out their white comforter and opened the curtains!  I stood with my back to the large window and captured this of Brady.

In this situation, time of day and weather conditions will affect the amount of light coming in through the window.  So pay attention and find the most optimal time.

If you have questions or would like to share a photo, I would love to hear from you!

Click below if you would like to see a couple more examples of from this photo shoot of Brady and Baker!​
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Window Light
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Let's first to check to see if you are taking LIVE photos. 

Look in the upper left corner of your picture and if it says LIVE you are all set.

​If not, you will need to turn it on in Settings.

Next click on Edit in upper right corner of picture and this is what you will see.

On the bottom toolbar, Adjust will be highlighted.  
Click on Live, which is to the left of Adjust.

​Now you can slide the timeline with your finger to the left and right to view other images included in your Live picture.

Lastly, when you find the image you like, remove your finger and you will see "Make Key Photo" and click on those words.

So now we can see little Emmy and my son Shaun with Luke!  I love it!!

Which do you prefer?   The 2nd shot is with my iPhone set to the default Photo Mode.  For the 3rd shot, I set my iPhone to Portrait Mode by clicking on Portrait, which you will find to the right of Photo.

The difference is how the background appears.  In the 2nd shot, everything is sharp and in the 3rd, the background is a little blurred, which makes the sign stand out more.

3rd and Final Shot

I went for my morning walk on the boardwalk when I saw this girl coming towards me, carrying her surfboard on her head.

Most of the surfers I see are male and they carry their board under their arm.  So this was different.

I waited until she turned right, on this path to the ocean, so that I would be behind her.  

As you can see from my other two shots, it's much more impactful when she is in the middle of the path, rather than up against the side railing, especially  because this is a silhouette picture.

The other correction I made to my first image is to zoom in with my iPhone.  I would have had to run to get in position, and that would have looked ridiculous!!