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How to Welcome Interruptions this Summer

Interruptions can be unnerving if we let them. Unpredictable interruptions as the urgent needs of children at home during the Summer can be challenging to say the least. I thrive when I have a schedule. I seem to find comfort in a scheduled predictable day. Now is a time of transition, when we are getting ready for our children to be out of school, Summer activities, etc. For some of us, this can bring feelings of uneasiness. We creatures like order. Hey, even birds seem to get up and sing at the same time in the morning. I know some of us cannot wait for Summer and that’s great! You thrive on the unpredictable. I, on the other hand like a plan, like the predictable. I thrive on creativity, yet creativity within known boundaries. There is hope.
If you have a similar bent as mine, I have a suggestion: Each evening write out a plan for the next day. Put on it hourly details, for instance, “breakfast: 7-8am, emails: 8-9am, break: 9-10am”, etc. This will bring a feeling of order. Now, inevitably, the kids will alter this schedule, but take heart, at least you have a plan. Your kids take precedence, so lets enjoy their interruptions this Summer. Lets realize we don’t get to have them home forever. Our daughter is going into senior year next year and I so realize I need to enjoy her while I can.
Still learning that, yes, even in changing times, daily changing times, there is a beautiful PURPOSE at this time and space. As much as we try to control, we do not know our future, not even what will really happen in this here and now day. I do not know what my future holds, yet I do know Who holds the future. Be encouraged that even in the seeming chaos of Summer, there still is a specific PURPOSE for this minute, this hour, this day in your life. You have PURPOSE. You are BEAUTIFUL. Keep PURSUING your dream, but enjoy the interruptions for we learn, we grow, if only growing in patience within those interruptions. (who through faith and patience inherit the promises. -Heb. 6:12b).

Realize that interruptions are the stories we will have tomorrow. I think on my life and realize the interruptions are the very things I talk about years later. The funny stories, the fond memories, the realized blessings I encountered through those interruptions. Growth and blessings from interruptions–Who would have thought? (“Everything works out for good to them who love God…” Rom. 8:28)

For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:  a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;  a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;  a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;  a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;  a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

Eccles. 3:1-8

First Baby!!!

March ’21, What a privilege to capture the fun of Cort, Laura and baby Atticus!
Location: Frontier Park, StC Mo

5 Tips on Indoor Natural Light for Photos

A1- Lighting-Only light was the two windows on a corner of the house. This is usually the preferred lighting….one window in front of Stacy and baby Izzy and one window on the side front.

Its all about light when it comes to photos. Here are a few tips when it comes to natural lighting indoors.

  1. Find natural light with two windows. Two windows on a corner of the house is ideal.
  2. Use reflectors if you can only find one window. If you cannot find that, then, with one window, use a “reflector”, a white card such as a white piece of cardboard or typing paper.
  3. Bounce the light from the window off the bounce card. Position the subject between window and bounce card. Using window as background, bounce into subject’s face. (see image A2)
  4. Use flash if there’s no “bounce light”. If bounce light is not available, i.e. sometimes you cannot angle “reflector” in the right angle to catch the natural light, then use a fill flash.
  5. If you want a silhouette don’t use a reflector. Sometimes you intentionally want a silhouette look. Use light from window to do this. Overcast days are great for this look.
A2- To catch a “catch light” in Stuart’s eyes I used a bounce card (reflector”). A2- To catch a reflection in Vesta’s eyes I used a bounce card (reflector”). I had my assistant hold the reflector in front of him.
A2- To get “catch light” in Vesta’s eyes I used a bounce card (reflector”). I had my assistant hold the reflector in front of her face.
A2- To get “catch light” in the Harrier’s eyes I used a bounce card (reflector”). I had my assistant hold the reflector in front of her face.
A2- To get a silhouette only use light directly in front of the dancer and the camera.

Danc’n In The City

Such a fun time with Hope and taking picts of her favorite sport…. dance!
She is dreaming big, but enjoying the fun of the photo session. Grand Opera House on StC Main St is a picturesque place. Although this was right after lunch with sunshine overhead, it worked because we had the shade of a tree. The best time is really around 7am, though…. much less traffic!

I so enjoy putting a symbol of the individual’s dream in pictures. It adds a dimension that one can see them self in and thus have HOPE (confident and joyful expectation) to fulfill in their future. KEEP DREAMING!

Why not schedule a DREAM SESSION with me and bring out your favorite symbol of what you want in life? We’ll get some great pictures to help you envision yourself being there!

With love,
Theresa L

3 Tips to Natural Family Pics

Want to get pictures you’ll remember for a lifetime? Get creative! Over my 20 plus years of photographing families, there are 3 tips I’ve learned that will ensure pictures you’ll be happy with. Read on.

1. Catch them in their element.
Want to get someone looking natural and happy? Catch them doing something they love. Whether its painting, playing ball or dancing or climbing trees. She/he looks their best when they’re comfortable, happy, content. I like people to bring a prop that represents their interest. This way its a conversation piece when looking at the picture years from now. And a nice memory as well.

2. Play
Ask junior to “attack” Dad. Ask a teen to dream, tackle or tickle their younger brother. Get them to tell whisper in the other’s ear. Anything to get them to interact. Pose behind a tree and get images of the kids playing. Ask your toddler to “attack” Dad. Make a funny face or tell them to act silly.

3. Catch the Eyes.
Remember eyes are key! Posing your subject and positioning yourself to make your subject’s eyes the main part of the photo gives a very pleasing result. Two ways I’ve found to do this is having them sit lower than you or standing on something to raise yourself higher than them. Have them sit down, lean forward and look up at you. This will also have slimming effects as their face is the largest thing in the picture.

Trust your instincts. Be creative.

Aim to get images of people you love in their element, playing and pose them so their eyes are key. If so, you’ll see great results!

And when you want professional portraits with an authentic flare, contact me. I celebrate family in photos and count it a privilege to serve my clients. Read what some have said about their experience.

You matter. Your life matters. Your loved ones matter. You ought to be in pictures!

Cheers!
-Theresa Lintzenich

I do family photography and events in St Charles and Chesterfield, MO. I live to serve and celebrate families in photos!


http://www.TheresaLPhoto.com
TheresaLPhotog1@gmail.com
FB & IG:  @TheresaLPhoto
636-219-0249

Colors to Wear for Photos

What colors to wear for the photo shoot? Not to worry. Below are suggestions.
I’ve found that casual is always in. Personally I like button down shirts or shirts that show your neck, NOT t-shirts with a round neckline.

(below article is from Shutterfly website)

Family Photo Color Schemes

There’s plenty of common color combinations, leaving plenty of options for the perfect family photo. So if you’re looking for the right outfit color combination that will make your framed prints pop, check out the popular options below:

  • Denim and Tan
  • Brown and Maroon
  • Denim, Yellow, Crimson
  • Navy, Tan, Cream
  • Glitter and White
  • Crimson, Tan, Denim
  • Red, Grey, Black
  • Navy and Crimson
  • Blush and Teal
  • Blush and White
  • Light Blue, Tan, White
  • Navy, Yellow, White
  • Tan and White
  • Orange and Teal
  • Light Blue, Tan, White
  • Blue, Green, Yellow

For Black And White Family Photos

If you’re trying to find the perfect color combination and style for a formal black and white family photo, make sure to check out our guide on the dress code for a black and white photoshoot.

Best Colors To Wear For Professional Photos

When it comes to professional photos, the most important thing to keep in mind with colors is that the focus is kept on your family. You also want your chosen color palette to set the right tone for your professional photos. Read some of our top tips below before your photo session:

Black and dark color combinations work perfect for more formal, indoor photography sessions. Keep this in mind when planning your family’s outfits.

Do your best to avoid patterned colors in clothing, as this looks distracting and at times, overly casual.

When dressing children, make sure they’re not overly uncomfortable in their chosen outfit. If they’re unhappy, it’ll show through in the family picture.

He celebrated the AVERAGE MAN (& woman) in his art.

Thomas Hart Benton is one of my favorite artists! I so enjoy his featuring average people in average situations! He painted a whole room in the MO Capital. Legislators wanted to paint over his murals because he portrayed various things such as sins of MO like lynchings, political corruption as well as “unmentionable daily actions” such as changing a baby’s diaper.
His painting style, in my opinion, is second to none except perhaps Michael Angelo (painted Sistine Chapel) and Norman Rockwell (Saturday Evening Post). I was soo inspired by the murals that day in 2017, actually, ever since 4th grade when I saw this room for the first time.

https://historicmissourians.shsmo.org/historicmissourians/name/b/benton/

Posing For Pictures

Want a natural look and appealing in your pictures? This article gives us hints to just that. Having years of experience, and aiming to get the most natural yet flattering shots of people, many of my clients have commented how pleased they are with the results!
To get you ready for the session, this article will help you understand some “pose posh”.
-Theresa L

Taken from Real Simple magazine, “How to Look Good in Pictures” written by Stacey Colino Updated August 29, 2014, photos by Andy Mayr

Picture of Perfection

Posing

Show your “good” side. Chances are, one side really is better, says Peter Hurley, a Los Angeles–based portrait photographer. To find yours, hold a piece of paper vertically over one side of your face, then the other, says Ian Spanier, a photographer in New York City. Your better side is the one with more upturned features—for example, the corners of your eyes and lips.

Control your chin. When you pose, elongate your neck and push your forehead and chin forward a bit. It may feel awkward, but “this position helps define your jawline and gives your face a more angular, lifted look,” says Hurley.

Pass the cheese. Despite what we’ve told generations of kindergartners, saying “cheese” doesn’t create a genuine smile. “A real smile forces the muscles under the eyes to contract,” says Hurley. To make that happen, squint slightly with your lower lids, Clint Eastwood–style, as you smile. (You might want to practice this in the mirror.) And aim your gaze at “the top of the camera lens, which will draw your eyes up and make them look brighter and bigger,” says image consultant Holly Ernst, the owner of Sparkle!, an image-consulting firm in Minneapolis.

Angle Your Body

Angle Your Body

For full-body shots, don’t face the camera head-on. “It’s the least favorable stance, because you’ll see the widest parts of the body in the photo,” says portrait photographer Aaron Gil, the owner of FotoNuova, a photography studio in San Marino, California. Instead, assume the Oscars pose: Turn your body about 30 degrees to the right, then turn your head left in the direction of the camera, looking toward your left shoulder. (If your right side is better, reverse the direction.) To look your slimmest, put your weight on your back leg and turn your front foot toward the camera.

If you’re sitting, perch near the edge of the chair and sit up straight. Or, for a more casual pose, rest your elbows on your thighs and lean slightly forward. In a big group shot with people of different heights, avoid crouching, a position that flatters no one. If you can’t stand, try sitting on the floor with one knee up, crossing your legs yoga-style, or sweeping them to the side, like a mermaid’s tail.

Do something with your hands. If you’re standing, place the hand closest to the camera on your hip; this adds definition to your upper arm. If you’re sitting, clasp your hands in front of you (gently—no white knuckles) so your arms form a soft arc.

3, 2, 1, and… Right before the snap, “take a deep breath and release it,” says Gil. “This will bring a relaxed, ‘I’m loving this, really!’ look to your face.” Now go back to having fun.

Is Black and White Better?

by Theresa L

Is Black & White Better?

Some people think that since we have color, take advantage of the technology and have all pictures in color. I disagree! Actually, I try to display all black and white in my home. The ones in albums can be peppered with both b/w and color. There’s a time and place for both b/w and for color. Black and white reduces a photo to TONE and TEXTURE. When you remove color the emphasis shifts to the other compositional details of the image such as lines, shape and texture, tones and contrast. It doesn’t seduce you with color, so you focus on the subject of the image rather than all the riff-raff around the subject. I personally stick to the advice from famous photographer David DuChemin: if color doesn’t add anything to the image, you should convert it to black and white. Which will you choose… black and white or color? Choose wisely and you will enjoy the result for years to come. 

Here are a few reasons why I prefer black and white…

1. Black and white is classic and timeless. Black & white helps you see differently and is seen as photography in its purest form.

2. Prevents portraits from looking “dated”. Today teal is “in,” mauve was “in”during the 80s. Clothing colors will not matter in black & white. Only shades will. Prevent portraits looking “dated”. Ask for all black and white.

3. Eliminates Distractions. Color distracts from the essence of form in a photo. B&W helps us see the essence.

3. Dramatic look. People look a little more dramatic and classy! The differences in tonal ranges, rich blacks, and deep contrasts appeal to us in our brains. This creates a connection that makes us stop and pay attention to what is on the photograph.

4. Hides blemishes. Facial skin discolorations are deleted in black & white. And actually wrinkles look interesting rather than distracting!

5. Black and white focuses on faces. Color distracts from what you really want to see… faces, expression, essence of the person.

6. Goes with any color in your home decor. Don’t worry about if the colors of what you are wearing go with your decor colors. Black & white photos are so versatile don’t distract your attention from focusing on the actual people in front of you that you actually have in your home. You want to focus on them rather than just a photo of them. Black & white also looks classy!

7. Don’t have to buy new clothes. Even if your wardrobe colors don’t go together, they will still look good in black & white! When choosing colors, you only have to think of tones instead of color if you’re going totally black and white.

If you want a clean look with extra attention to the subjects in a photo, choose black & white.

And remember: If color doesn’t add anything to the image, you should convert it to black and white. -David DuChemin

-Theresa L

10% DISCOUNT when you ask for your photo session to go ALL BLACK & WHITE!