Helpful Tips for Flattering Engagement Photos

Before the big day and all of the major wedding planning begins, it is common for newly engaged couples to schedule engagement photo sessions. During these special photo sessions, happy couples pose for pictures that will not only be shared with family and friends, but that will also be used for their save-the-dates, newspaper announcements and other wedding-related items. Since these photos will be seen and used for many occasions up until the big wedding day, many couples go to great lengths to ensure that they will look their best in these portraits.

For couples who are not sure where to begin their engagement photo session preparation, here are some helpful tips they can use to get started and hopefully reduce their stress:

• Start planning outfits in advance. Although this may seem like a simple thing to do, many couples find it challenging to pick outfits that not only coordinate with each other, but that are also comfortable to wear. A good idea is to start with clothes that are already in your closet as these already represent you and your personality. Then, mix and match different outfits to see which pairs you like best. By starting this process early couples will still have time to run to the mall to buy another top or bottom if they feel it is necessary.

• One of the most common insecurities people have when they go to have their pictures taken is that they do not have a bright, white smile. To help prevent this, couples should make sure they are brush their teeth at least twice a day with some type of whitening toothpaste and mouth rise. If there are severe stains, couples can always look into at-home teeth whitening kits or they can visit their dentists for help.

• If couples are worried about their physiques they should start eating healthy and exercising regularly to help themselves get in better shape. Even small changes, such as replacing sugary soda drinks with water, can have a significant impact.

• Get a good night of sleep the night before the photo session. By getting a full night of rest couples will feel and look better.

• Couples should give themselves plenty of time to get ready before their engagement photo session. Being calm and relaxed is the key to flattering engagement photos so couples should give themselves enough time to shower, get dressed, do their hair and makeup, or do whatever else they need to do before their photo sessions.

• Another great way to prevent stress before an engagement photo session is for couples to use a glamour photography studio for their portraits. For example, instead of couples complaining and stressing that they did not have time to do their hair or makeup exactly how they wanted it, the photography studio Glamour Shots can have their professional hairstylists and makeup artists take care of all this for them. This way couples can relax and know that they will be looking their best in their engagement photos.

Capture Precious Firsts with Newborn Photography

Raising newborn children is an amazing and exciting time for parents as they get to watch their children grow and learn brand new things each and every day. But before their children grow older and learn how to walk and talk, many parents try to capture their newborn's precious first moments in professional photographs. Newborn photography can be challenging for even the most experienced photographer simply because babies are unpredictable. Newborns can move and cry frequently, and even when they are calm it is difficult to get them to smile or look directly into the camera.

This does not mean newborn photography is impossible. In fact, by knowing what to expect ahead of time parents can prepare themselves and help make the photo session much easier. Here are a few tips parents can keep in mind when planning a newborn photo session for their babies:

• Schedule a photo session as soon as possible. For a true "newborn" look it is best for parents to schedule their photo sessions within the first couple of weeks of a child's birth.
• Keep clothing and accessories minimal. The attention of the photos should be on the baby, so it is best not to dress them in lots of distracting, pattern clothes. Although many parents chose to have their newborns photographed in diapers, white onesies also work well too. Feel free to add a simple flower headband or woven cap to complete the look too.
• One of the biggest newborn glamour photography complaints parents have is that their child cried the entire session. To avoid this from occurring try to schedule photo sessions earlier in the day or when newborns are typically awake. Although every child is different, often the later the session, the more likely newborns will be sleepy and irritable.
• Parents should pack toys, formula, extra diapers or other items they may need to keep their newborns happy during the photo session. Besides calming the baby, a favorite blanket or stuffed animal placed in the photos can add a more personalized touch to the photographs.
• Parents should also be prepared to get involved in the photos. Oftentimes, photos of the parents cradling their newborns are the most precious because they truly capture the family's love for the child.

Give a Glamour Shots Gift Card for the Holidays

The holidays can often be a stressful time due to the fact that you are unsure what to buy your friends and family. Whether it's a sibling, friend, parent, or significant other, finding the perfect gift isn't always so easy. Rather than fighting the crowds during the busy season at stores and malls four hours in search of that special gift, gift cards are a great option for those who are tough to buy for. Glamour Shots offers gift cards are available at participating locations, so you don't have to worry about any Glamour Shots locations scams. 

Glamour Shots gift cards are available in a variety of different amounts for your loved one to spend as they please, making them the perfect gift for everyone on your list. With a gift card, you don't have to second guess yourself or worry about if they will like what you've gotten them, or worse, that they already have it. Glamour Shots gift cards come packaged in amounts ranging from $25 to $500 dollars. These gift cards also make perfect stocking stuffers for the kids. Your loved one can choose to have headshots, a boudoir session, or perhaps a family portrait with the gift cards – the decision is all theirs! 

If you’re looking for the perfect gift that will give you peace of mind during the holiday season, grab a Glamour Shots gift card. Whether you're searching for the perfect gift for a friend, relative, or loved one, all ages can enjoy a photography session and enjoy the gift of Glamour Shots.