Some Pretty Snow Pictures

Isabel, who is my 5-year-old, is one of my favorite girls to photograph. Since today the kids were off school, I was glad I had a few minutes to get some shots of her outside in the snow. I love snow photos- they are so pretty and calming, but they are hard to get. The day needs to be not TOO cold and the sun needs to be not TOO bright. :) Today the stars aligned and we got it done. Thanks Isabel!

Meet Miss {M}

I just love newborn sessions- I discovered that in 2009 I photographed about 250 newborns, so I'm getting pretty comfortable with these little ones! For you moms out there who want to get some great pictures... here is what I have learned:
1) They are in charge! You have to have all the time (and patience) in the world. They are ready when they are ready and not a moment before. :)
2) Crank up the heat! The warmer you can get your home, the better. I usually ask clients to kick up the heat before I arrive to make sure the babes are super comfortable.
3) Strip 'em down! Lots of times we want to dress our babies up in the prettiest outfits, but really what you want to capture in the photo is just simply your baby. They can get lost in those pretty outfits (that never really fit right anyway), so just wrap them up in the softest blanket you can find- and you have the perfect shot.
4) Let 'em sleep! Although we love to have pictures of babies wide awake- I think the most beautiful shots are ones where babies are sound asleep. They look so peaceful and snugglie! You'll have plenty of years ahead when they are wide awake (all too many hours in the day).
5) I love photos of babies in their home; their new nursery, their daddy's arms, sleeping on mommy's shoulder. Don't forget to capture all their favorite spots to rest at this age.
6) Last, but certainly not least. Turn that flash off! Anytime you can get them near a window with some nice natural light, you are going to love your photo. Don't put them directly facing the light, but rather have the light coming in on the side of their face. This just makes for nice soft lighting and really appeals to our eyes.

Ok- so on to the photos! I was thrilled to meet this new baby girl- a first for her mom and dad. They did it all right! Had her fed, heat cranked up, and allowed lots of time for me to do my work. As happens frequently, I was there about 45 minutes before we ever got a shot in, and that's OK! I wait until the baby is completely happy and ready to go... and as you mom's understand- we just never know when that will happen! This alert little girl decided she didn't want to miss a moment, so we worked a bit to get her to really fall asleep. :) I knew I wasn't leaving before getting those sleeping shots~ she is so beautiful, I just love 'em!

Ok, I'm still rambling... without further adieu... here she is!

Head Shots Anyone?

Well, after "practicing" on my husband (see post below) I was ready to meet Richard and have the honor of taking his head shot photos. He is auditioning for the Lyrical Opera and needed a nice picture to submit. I had the greatest time with him- he was a joy to work with. Lucky for me he had a great sense of humor so we could laugh while we worked.
Good luck at your audition Richard. If they choose you by your handsome photo alone- you are set!

The Perfect Age to Catch That Grin!

This is the fourth time I've been able to photograph this sweet little boy. He just turned 3 months old and it has been so fun to watch his personality form over our photo sessions. This month his mom wanted to make sure we got a shot of his smile- not easy to do before 3 months old. She said he smiles all the time... that is, until she brings out her camera. Well, I was determined to catch it- even if it took me all morning! He gave us some very serious (yet adorable) looks for almost the entire session. Then finally at the end- we caught it! It was like he had figured out I wasn't giving up and it would be easier to just appease me than to listen to me beg for a smile any longer.
He was so worth the begging though- isn't he just straight out of a Gerber baby ad!?

Yep- we worn him out!

A Shoot Staring My Hubby!? :)

So I've been asked more and more frequently if I'd do adult "head shots". I've done several for women, but only a few for men (and they are usually the boring suit and tie kind-of-shot). So when I was asked to do some more artistic head shots for a male client (pics soon to come), I needed a practice model. So I found the best one I know- my husband Carlos. Now, he isn't best choice because he loves having his photos taken, BUT he is best because I knew right where to find him (the livingroom,) and I knew he probably wouldn't charge a modeling fee. Of course the end result is that I finally have some nice photos of the one I love! Do you think he'd mind if I hung a big print of him in our livingroom? Ummm, yeah- not a chance. :)
Anyway, I just had to share them with all of you! If you know of adults looking for headshots to use for business cards, websites, etc. please feel free to pass along my name!

Here is his, "Seriously? Are we done yet" look...

This is one of my favorites because that is how he often looks. The big smile was helped along by our 5-year-old Isabel. She was doing a good job of entertaining him.

Miss {G} is 6 Months!

Oh I just love this chunky monkey. I've had the joy and privilege of taking her photos 3 times now and I swear she just keeps getting cuter!

I adore the grin on this one! Doesn't she just look like she's ready for some trouble? :)

Ready for her first calendar spread... ;)

See you again in 3 months Miss {G}!

Thank-you!!

Thank-you for an amazing 2009!

For all my 2009 customers:

Now that 2010 has arrived, I wanted to take a moment (or two) and thank all of my customers who have trusted me with their photos this year. I am so grateful for such an amazing 2009. When I started "Emily Hernandez Photography" in the Fall of 2008, I had no idea what 2009 would bring and quite honestly it was scary! It exceeded all my hopes and all of you kept me busy! Thank you for the referrals, repeat business and patience and understanding while I worked out all the kinks that a new business can bring. I feel so lucky to have the best customers around who keep me pumped up and inspired about my business.

A big "shout out" to my small group who have kept me encouraged this past year. You believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself. Without you this business wouldn't have ever been started. You are all amazing!

An even bigger shout out to my hubby and kids who have put up with a lot this year. My husband has worked many a late night with me, talking through all of my computer woes (and then fixing them for me). I'm so glad he is a "can-do" guy when sometimes I'm a "can't be done gal". When I was drowning in work my family let me shut myself in my office and work away, guilt free. The good news? My husband has picked up some cooking and housekeeping tools along the way. :)

I'm so excited for what 2010 can bring! I learn more everyday and lay awake many nights dreaming of the next shot I want to try. I look forward to being a part of your family's milestones, special events, and just the regular everyday moments this year will bring.

Many Blessings,
Emily

The Newest Miracle...

What a dream this baby was to photograph. I was so excited to have the whole afternoon to work with her, we decided maybe child-labor laws should go in effect. :) However when you see the pictures I'll think you'll agree she doesn't look too unhappy about her first modeling gig. What a special time for this family after this long awaited angel has finally arrived!

Her Daddy is a doctor, so he had this cool antique baby scale- I loved it!

She couldn't have asked for a sweeter Mommy- she has no idea how lucky she is!

I think this is one of my favs- makes me laugh each time. :) Love the cheeks!