Out with the old, in with the new!

Out with old and in with the new!

What is the new you're wondering?  Online Galleries! 

A lot of you have asked me about the option to upload your images in an online gallery and I decided it was a great idea. Not only does online picture hosting allow you to view your images faster, it is also a more reliable method of image sharing because it eliminates nearly all technical difficulties that we have been having (not to mention mail delays!). Also, it makes picture sharing just a button click away.

In the past,  every session was accompanied with a CD of your images. Not only was it getting too costly (between burning and mailing), there were endless issues with them getting lost in transit and at home, or the CD simply not working. We have put an end to faulty, disappearing and blank CDs! Together we came up with a solution that is more convenient for all of us!

Going forward, with all new sessions:

I joined with ShootProof.com to provide you with an organized online gallery of your session. It's the easiest and fastest way to get your images and show them off to your loved ones. Not only is your online gallery viewable on ALL devices, you can digitally download any image right to your computer for a delivery made easy. You can also easily view, share, and order prints from their high quality online lab.

 

 

But I liked the CD idea better (some of you may be thinking...)

Good News! For those of you who prefer the old media, you can still get the CD for just $5 giving you the option to get your images the way you want them. (Until they go extinct of course LOL). What can I say, old habits die hard.

It was time to move forward and offer a faster smoother service.  :-)

Thank you for moving with me!
-Cara

 

 

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! I hope that you all had a delightful holiday season filled with family, friends, and beautiful memories. 

As we embark on a new year I would like to share some of my goals for 2014. My first resolution is to write more blog posts!! 2013 was so amazingly busy that I simply haven't had the time but I plan on changing that. 

As I contemplated the past year I was wondering how many sessions we had and was pleasantly shocked to discover that there were nearly 400 photo shoots for the entire year! How awesome is that?! 
The tally goes as follows:  60 newborns,  70 Family sessions,  50 First Birthday/Cake smashes,  30 Maternity sessions,  15 Weddings, 13 Engagement sessions,  15 Birthday Parties, and over 97 other sessions including Holiday Minis, Senior portraits, head shots, children, and more!

There are many exciting adventures that I anticipate for the coming year- so many  new projects and ideas! There are also many things I'd like to change to make this year even better than the last! I met so many wonderful families  last year and I cannot wait to work with all of you again and see how you've grown. 

Speaking of growth, my main resolution for 2014 is to keep growing but in order for me to do so I need your help! Please continue to provide me with feedback and ideas because I couldn't be where I am today without your support. 

Thanks to all of you for allowing Love Photography by Cara Inc. to capture all of your special moments. What an honor it has been and we look forward to the year ahead. 

Here's to a happy, healthy and photographic New Year! 

Newborn Session

  The Most Magical Sessions of Them All - Newborns! 

If there is one topic that always raises questions and concerns it's newborn sessions so I decided to make my next blog all about the ins and outs of these precious sessions. There is a lot that goes into the planning and execution of these sessions and the small details are what makes a perfect newborn shoot. 

Timing/When to book:

The first question that I often get is when is the ideal time to have the newborn session. When booking a newborn session, it is crucial to do the session within the first 10 days of the baby's life. Some people contact me when the baby is already 3 weeks old or older and I cannot stress how important it is to do the session while the baby is younger than 10 days old. After the first 10 days, the baby becomes more alert and less flexible with allowing us to do those cute fancy poses that we all adore so much. The baby's sleepy first days are perfect for a peaceful, magical shoot. 

The Day Of:

We normally have newborn sessions at the comfort of your home. Not only will this make you and the baby more at ease but it will also allow you to feed, cloth, and take care of the baby as necessary. On the day of the session you should feed the baby as close to the shoot itself as possible. This allow us to capture the baby in that "milk coma" stage. We want to have them asleep and content for the session. In order to ensure maximum comfort for the baby I provide a heater to keep the baby warm during photos. It can also help if you turn your AC off an hour before the session but that is optional. That extra warmth will contribute to the baby's sleepy stage which is well worth the heat! We can do some outdoors and indoors for variety. The session can last as long as 4 hours so be sure to clear your schedule so that we can so we can have adequate time to create a perfect shoot. We can't forget the baby has needs too! We are accommodating of every necessary food, fuss, or diaper break that you and the baby may need! It takes a lot of time, patience and care dealing with a newborns. Remember: A happy baby = A happy photo shoot! 

Props! Props! Props!

I provide all of the props and equipment needed for a successful newborn session. Hats, blankets, lighting, backgrounds, flooring, baskets; you name it, I have it! If you have anything that you want to include in the session we will incorporate it in :). I literally bring my entire studio with me and build one in your home in order to provide you and your baby with the ultimate photo shoot experience. 

The Cool Part (The Editing):

Safety always comes first. A baby is extremely fragile and safety is always the most important part of the session. When you see photos of the baby holding their chin up or hanging in a cocoon in the air don't be alarmed! This is all achieved through the magic of editing. Take a look at a few examples below. 

(Before and After)

And of course: Cost:
Many of you have asked me why newborn sessions are substantially more expensive than a regular family shoot. The information above should explain that to you. Photo shoots are more of an investment. In addition to the extra time that newborn sessions require, we also use more props, extensive editing and plenty of patience. Keep in mind that behind every hour of pictures that I take, there is at least 4 hours of editing! Although newborn sessions are so important and fun to do, there's a lot more time and work involved to make sure we make the baby's first photo session a success :)

This should cover everything you need to know about a Newborn Session! If you think of anything else that I have not included please do not hesitate to contact me. Babies are super fun and I cannot wait to photograph all of your little ones and watch them grow. After all, that is the best part about my job! xo

First Blog Post!!

Thanks for taking the time to check out my new blog!

I know some of you may be thinking FINALLY right? You're absolutely right- It's about time and I couldn't be any more excited! :-) My goal is to post weekly - keeping you all up to date with my recent work. I also want to use this an opportunity to discuss photography, post some cool before and afters, and provide you with mini photography lessons whenever possible.  I literally eat, sleep, and breath photography and this blog will allow me to share more of what I do, how I do it, and the passion I have while doing it. 

I want to use my first blog post to open up a little about myself and who I am. I will admit, I am horrible at talking about myself so bare with me! I am so lucky to share with you all your most special and beautiful family moments so I would love for you to get to know me as well. I love getting on a personal level with all of you and building relationships with each and every one of you during and outside of sessions.

As most of you already know, my name is Cara and I am the Photographer/Owner of Love Photography by Cara Inc. - And I wouldn't want it any other way!

                                                                           

What you probably don't know is that I am a Twin (Sara and Cara) and a sister of 4 more. I was always the one wanting to match and do things together but she was always opposite. I've always been the twin to talk too much in school and get moved to the back of the classroom! We are like night and day but I am so glad I had her by my side growing up <3. We have lived here in South Florida (Same house to be exact) my entire life. 

(My Twin)

I am pretty much obsessed with holidays- especially Fall and love turning that obsession into art. My house has decor up months before the holidays arrive! I've always wanted to live somewhere the seasons change and people go over the top with holiday decorations.  I am also an artist who loves to draw and paint and have won many awards in art fairs and school contests. Always doodling on my notebook. Growing up my Family has always been creative. Always making and creating something!

(Receiving Art awards - Oh how young I look!)

(A few of my paintings I have done awhile back)

I started photography for the first time about 5 years ago with my cool purple Olympus point and shoot camera and I must admit I felt like a pro from the start. (Ha - poor thing lays in a drawer somewhere). After taking some photography classes, I started using bed sheets with props scattered across the floor to take photo shoots. My sisters and friends would post my attempts online and slowly their friends began asking me what I'd charge them for a session.

(My FIRST "attempt" to trying photography! Yikes)

Well that's about it! I think I have covered a lot of my life and I hope you enjoyed reading it as well.

It is quite incredible to see how things took off and I am so very fortunate to be able to do what I love every day for work.

See you at the next post ;)