Family Portraiture

5 Tips for an Epic Family Photo Session!

Planning your annual family photo session can be stressful. So stressful that some parents choose not to do it. I’m here to show you that it does not have to be that way! Here are my top 5 tips for guaranteeing you have an enjoyable experience so you can start saving your pennies and book a session for those dreamy family photos you’ve always imagined!

Tip #1 - What do we wear?

When you find the Photographer that you want to work with, ask questions. One of your first questions should be “what should we wear?”. You know you’ve found the right person if they provide you detailed information and suggestions on where to look for clothing options. Some photographers also have a Client Wardrobe with a variety of options for every member of your family. Trust them! Mamas, if you are comfortable wearing jeans then by all means see what you can do to dress up your best Levi’s. However, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and opt for the flowy dress! At first you may feel uncomfortable and awkward but give it 10 minutes and you will see why your Photographer suggested the DRESS. Jeans or pants (at least for the ladies) are stiff and your images will feel as such. Dresses offer movement from the elements and you interacting with your kiddos. Trust your Photographer! If your Photographer has no suggestions then you might rethink who you are working with. ;)

Tip #2 - Choose the right location

Do you want to travel and have views of the mountain peaks? Or do you want wide open sun soaked tall grassy fields? The choice is yours but do ask your Photographer if they have location suggestions in mind that will align with your vision. Keep in mind that we as Photographers have a goal to create imagery that you will want to display on your walls. So, keep that in mind as well. What will look great with your home decor? There are several factors that need to be considered before deciding on a location but the most important of those is how the lighting will affect the outcome of your portraits. Often times clients will have a special location in mind for their family portraits and that is perfectly fine, just run it by your photographer or ask them if they have places they can suggest. Plan on a little bit of travel if you opt for your professional’s locations as we love the epic scenery!

Tip #3 - Timing is everything!

Check the weather a couple of days before your scheduled session. Your photographer will be checking as well. Ask your photographer what type of skies they prefer. There is nothing worse that totally overcast and cloudy days, IMO. I personally prefer sunshine and a few clouds for a dramatic sky! Weather is a big factor and so is the time of day. Always plan on a late evening session usually about an hour before sunset for the best lighting conditions. If your Photographer wants to shoot at noon then you may wan to request samples of their work that they’ve taken at that time of day. If late evening poses a problem for the babies or kiddos then throw in a late afternoon nap so you can make the schedule happen.

Tip #4 - We are here to play!

While most of us Photographers will definitely grab a few posed smiling looking at the camera photos, for the most part we love the candids! Be ready to play with your kiddos and really interact with them. Another of our goals is to capture the love and emotion of you and your family. Ignore the camera and adventure with your kiddos and your spouse. Relax and enjoy the moment.

Tip #5 - Have Fun!

As parents we always want our children to be on their best behavior. We want them to listen, behave, sit still, and impress the strangers. I’m here to tell you that all rules are out when it comes to your family photo session! We are here to have fun! Relax and let the kids run wild! Your Photographer will have games to play and prompts to reel the kiddos back in. Please don’t stress. If you relax then your babies will relax and have some fun. Let the kids be, don’t scold them for not behaving to your standards. Your photos will reflect the love you have as a family if you just have fun!

Call me when you’re ready to schedule your family photo adventure!

Allie and Henny Penny | A Day in the Life

My sweet little Niece, Allie, loves her chickens! She’s got her very own “Hen House” and flock of ladies to collect eggs from daily. We went to visit Allie and her family for my Brother and Dad’s birthday party this past weekend. I have been wanting to photograph little Al with her chickens so I took a dress and my camera gear along. After dinner I asked Al if I could take her picture and she told me “NO” in true Allie fashion. It took little bit of convincing and bribery before she finally said yes, haha!

The mini photoshoot didn’t last long but we had a lot of fun. Even more fun chasing the chicken back to the coop!

Love you, Al Pal!

Roaring Fork Family Photographer | Williams Clan

The transition from summer to fall is this Roaring Fork Family Photographer's FAVORITE time of the year!  Temps are cooling, we finally got a bit of rain, and the kiddos are back in school.  Now is the time to think about getting those family photos updated!  Whether you are one of those who gets them taken annually or maybe you haven't had them done since your kiddos were babies (I'm not judging!).  NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME because tomorrow those babies are another day older and yesterday is much too late.  Document this time in your lives while you can :) 

Schedule your FUN family session TODAY! 

Bohemian Summer Sessions

Carrie Johnson Photography and D. Willey Photography have teamed up to offer our first EVER

BOHEMIAN SUMMER SESSIONS

for your little ones, high school seniors, mommy & me, or the whole family! 

September 8th in Silt/Rifle, colorado! 

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These sessions are one of a kind!  Featuring "Bella" the beautiful gray mare who loves kids.  We will also have a second backdrop for your portrait experience with our adorable teepee complete with vibrant floral arrangements and a guitar!  Your kiddos are sure to receive a unique experience and you will gain some amazing artwork and keepsakes to adorn your walls! 

Choose from a variety of Boho style dresses in various sizes and we even have a little something for the boys if they want to partake in the fun.  Or you are welcome to provide your own wardrobe!  These sessions are designed to have a light, airy and ethereal look and feel so if you plan to bring your own clothing then know that whites or ivories will look the best.  

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The details:

Bohemian Summer Limited Edition Session

$150

Sessions are 20 minutes (plenty of time for a ton of photo opps!)

These are perfect for children of all ages, Mommy/Daughters, high school seniors, families and we even have a little something for the boys!  

Session fee includes access to our custom wardrobes, props and Bella the beautiful and EXTREMELY gentle horse!

2 digital images of your choice will be included and delivered via download from our website

Additional prints, products and digital images will be available to purchase once the photos have been retouched.  Please contact us for a detailed price list! 

Tap the link below to schedule your Bohemian Summer Session!

 

 

Talk Thirty To Me! | Leah

You're never too old for a cake smash!  Not even when you are turning 30!  Hey, I may even attempt this for my 40th, haha!  The best part about a Grown-up cake smash is you get to have wine and Champagne, hell yes!!

Leah is a good friend who was one of the many medical professionals at Children's hospital who took care of my daughter, Hannah.  I'd do just about anything for Leah ;) 

And if anyone wants to do photos in Boulder, hit me up because Chautauqua Park is AMAZING!!  

Happiest of birthdays to you , LEAH!!  

FREE Family and Senior Session GIVEAWAY

2016 is going out with a BANG!  Last year I gave away a free family photo session by yours truly and I'd like to do it again!  This time around there will be 2 Winners!  You have a choice of a Family session or a High School Senior Session.

The contest is simple and will run from Dec. 23 through Dec. 31st @ 11:59 pm.  Winners will be announced on January 1st, 2017

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Silt Colorado Family Photographer | The Herrera's

Finally!  We are moved and settled and I can officially call myself your Silt Colorado Family Photographer!  I am so happy to be living in a new town that has me surrounded by so much beauty.  Don't get me wrong, I love the scenery of GJ but there is something about exploring a new home that is so exciting!

Here is a sneak peek at my first family session in Silt, CO.  I am in love!!  The family, the lighting, the scenery!  Thank you to the Herrera family for taking a chance and choosing the new kid in town as your photographer!  I enjoyed every minute of it and I can't wait to work with you all again in the future!

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Be sure to follow me on Instagram and snapchat (carriejphotos) to see more of our new journey!

The Yeagers | Colorado Fall Family Portraits

Fall is my favorite season for two reasons... 1. The Colorado colors are breathtaking and provide incredible natural backdrops for those outdoor photo sessions!  2. It is a family Photographer's busiest time of the year!  Fall also means that I get to see my favorite clients year after year and nothing makes me more happy than to reconnect and see how those babies have grown!

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