Taking Photos in Harsh Light: Desert Edition Photography is an art form heavily dependent on light.  We all prefer to shoot when the light is soft and diffused.  Still, there are times when harsh light becomes inevitable, especially when shooting outdoors during midday—think weddings, elopements, or even portrait sessions. So how do we create imagery that is still breathtaking despite the “difficult light"?  Let’s take a look at what I have learned throughout my career.  And this is the "desert edition," so there are no trees to hide behind! What Do I Mean When I Say: Har ..read more

How to Photograph the 2024 Solar Eclipse Witnessing a total solar eclipse is an awe-inspiring experience that transcends mere observation—it’s a celestial ballet, where the moon and the sun align perfectly, shrouding the day in an otherworldly twilight.  This rare and mesmerizing event captivates not just astronomers, but anyone fortunate enough to stand in its shadow. The next opportunity to be part of this cosmic spectacle unfolds on Monday, April 8, 2024, when the path of totality for the solar eclipse sweeps across North America, gracing skies from Mexico, through the United States ..read more

Top 15 Ideas to Inspire Your Maternity Photoshoot Are you embarking on the magical journey of pregnancy and dreaming of capturing these once-in-a-lifetime moments in a way that speaks volumes about your joy, anticipation, and the unique love story of your soon-to-arrive little one? Whether it’s the anticipation of meeting your first child or the joy of welcoming another beautiful addition to your family, a maternity photoshoot is more than a trend—it's a celebration of life, love, and the beginning of an unforgettable adventure! With so many ideas out there, it can feel overwhelming to pinpoi ..read more

Photo by Tina Auten.  Edited with presets from the Salted Evolution Collection 4 Key Reasons to Attend a Photography Retreat Imagine standing atop a serene hill, camera in hand, as the golden hour casts a perfect glow over a landscape you’ve only dreamed of capturing.  Around you, a group of photographers—once strangers connected only by an online forum, now fellow adventurers sharing in this moment of pure photographic bliss! This was the scene at one of my first photography retreats.  It was a moment that transformed online connections into lifelong friendships ..read more

10 Stylish Outfit Ideas for Your Next Photoshoot Choosing the right outfit for a photoshoot can be a daunting task, but it's also an opportunity to showcase your personal style and make a statement. Whether you're planning a professional portrait session, a fashion blog shoot, or capturing memories with loved ones, selecting the right attire is crucial for creating stunning images. To help you navigate through the multitude of fashion choices and ensure you look your absolute best, here are 10 stylish outfit ideas to use as inspiration for your next photoshoot. And to trul ..read more

Guest Post by Maryssa Lewis - All images edited with Pretty Presets 6 Family Photo Session Tips to Capture Amazing Family Photos If we are honest with ourselves, family sessions can be so stressful and hectic for the entire family.  Can you relate? We’ve all been there, on the other side of the camera.  As the parent, you’ve spent hours picking out the perfect coordinating outfits, stressed about the weather and location, and searched for hours on Pinterest for shot ideas.  You’re desperate to capture just one decent image.  And for the kids, they ..read more

Top 30 Photo Poses for Groups Photographing groups is fun, but it can also be challenging.  You need to find poses that suit different genders, body types, ages, etc.  Additionally, the context in which the group photo is taken should be taken into account, as the scenarios can range from cozy family gatherings to professional corporate photos. In this article, you will find a great selection of poses to use as inspiration for your next group portrait photoshoot. Family Group Poses These poses are especially suited for groups that include both children and adults.  H ..read more

Guide to Lifestyle Family Photography (And How to Capture Timeless Moments) In the dynamic world of photography, lifestyle family photography stands out as a unique art form, one that thrives on the beauty of the unpredictable.  It's not about chasing perfection but about capturing the magic of everyday moments, turning mundane scenes into cherished memories.  This genre celebrates the "slice of life" filled with laughter, love, and the real essence of each family. To excel in this field requires not just a keen eye but also practice and experience, particularly because of its focus ..read more

Window Lighting Tips for Photographers If you were to ask me what my absolute go-to, all-time-favorite type of lighting was for pretty much any situation, I’d answer with a resounding and heartfelt, “Window light!” It’s true.  No other natural lighting source I’ve found is as versatile and as flattering.  Whether illuminating a soft portrait or creating a moody look with heavy shadows, window light can meet your every need. That’s not to say that all windows are created equal because they’re not. Generally speaking, windows that face either north or south will provide the mos ..read more

Photography Mini Sessions (Ideas to Make Extra Money) Themed mini-sessions are a great way to attract many clients at once.  Mini sessions are short sessions, usually averaging between 15 and 30 minutes.  They are typically low-cost sessions, so they fit most budgets.  The benefit to these is that you can set aside one day or a weekend and book clients back to back all day while remaining at one outdoor location. Throwing a theme in is an excellent way to keep all of the sessions coherent based on some basic props or a specific background.  Here are some ide ..read more