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  • About JWilsonPix
  • Services Info
    • Remote Photography Info
    • Headshots Only
    • Branding Pix
    • Product Pix Only
    • Family Portraits & More
    • Reviews
  • Blog
  • Client Galleries
  • Free Resources
    • SD Card Saver pdf
    • Personal Branding Tips pdf
    • Family Photo Challenge
    • 3 ways to stand out above the crowd no matter your industry

Background Tips

1/30/2023

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When it comes to choosing backgrounds for a photo session, it's important to remember that the background can make or break an image.
A well-chosen background can help to create a sense of depth, movement, and emotion in your photos, while a poorly-chosen background can detract from the overall impact of the image. One of the most important things to consider when choosing a background is the overall aesthetic of the image you're trying to create.
For example, if you're looking to create a dramatic and moody image, you might choose a dark and moody background, while if you're looking to create a bright and cheerful image, you might choose a light and airy background.
Another important thing to consider is how the background will interact with your subject. For example, if you're shooting a portrait, you'll want to choose a background that will complement your subject's skin tone and clothing, while if you're shooting a product, you'll want to choose a background that will showcase your product in the best possible light.


Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different backgrounds and see what works best for your subject. Sometimes the most unexpected backgrounds can create the most striking and memorable images. In short, choose backgrounds that align with the overall aesthetic, that complement your subject, and be willing to experiment.
With the right background choices, you'll be able to create photos that are both beautiful and impactful.
​If you found any of this post helpful please like/comment/share!
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What is the best way to store and back up my photos?

1/28/2023

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This is just my opinion and how I do it. This does not mean it is the be all do all and only way. :) 

I organize my camera roll albums... I have one for reels, one for my family stuff and then my content bucket albums. I have my camera roll synced to my cloud storage. Then I also have an account on Smug Mug  that I use for my extra online storage space. Once a month I do a clean up using the iphone app called clean up to go thru and optimize my camera roll/cloud storage. 

When it comes to clients images... I save on my hard drive and also on smug mug. 

It is always a good rule of thumb to be saving your pictures somewhere local (hard drive) as well as in one or two spots external (online/cloud). I say this because if something happens to your computer at least you still have access to them all on your online storage space. Then if something happens on one platform (remember when FB & IG went down!!) you have a secondary place to access your images. Better safe then sorry!!

 If you found any of this post helpful please like/comment/share!
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A few headshot prep tips

1/28/2023

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Professional headshots are the first introduction to you, your business and your personal brand.

Around 93% of HR professionals and recruiters turn to LinkedIn to find quality candidates, 2 in 3 turn to Facebook and more than half utilize Twitter. This just proves that a headshot plays an important role in your professional life. Your headshot should be a powerful, compelling and confidence-instilling headshot that makes prospective clients, employers and partners want to reach out and connect with you. Your headshot should "look" like you! 

Before you head off for your professional headshot photo session, think about the things that you want others to see when they glance at your profile page. Think about some of the characteristics that embody your personal brand.

Are you a chef, an educator, a writer? Write down some keywords and phrases. If there are certain props that could help tell your story, bring them along to your session too.  Do you use specific brand colors and if so how can we incorporate them?

We will usually take a few different shots using 2-3 outfits so that you have a good selection to choose from. If you’re going to be using your headshot on a specific social media platform, you might even want to tailor it to fit that site. We will discuss all of this beforehand or during our time together. 

It’s important that your look matches the image you’re trying to convey.  What you wear on a daily basis is a great place to start. Solid colors are always a good choice, as are tops with strong collars and necklines. We suggest that you wear clothing that compliments your skin and eye tones. I like to always recommend at least one outfit or one set of accessories for one outfit be in your brand colors if possible. Even though you’ll only be photographed from the shoulders up, it’s important for your entire outfit is professional as you may want a shot or two that is taken further away and incorporates more of your body.

Professional headshots can be done in a traditional way (think solid color backgrounds) OR environmental. Again this would be something we will discuss beforehand if you are working with me and is a great option for those who want a professional feel that is NOT corporate.  

If your profile images are a few years old... it is time to start thinking about updating them. I would love to be your photographer and help you with that! Let's get you on the calendar! 
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If you find these tips helpful, please like/comment/share! Happy Shooting!
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Travel Pix Tips

1/28/2023

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If you are anything like me, you like to take pictures of all of your adventures. But it is important to make sure you're LIVING in the moment and not just CAPTURING it. 

Here are my top 5 tips for getting beautiful, fun images while still being fully in the moment of the adventure itself.  

1. Do your research!
When we go on a trip, I always try to research and find out what is in or around the area we are visiting. Is there anything historical and ancient? Beautiful viewpoints? What is the history of the area and how can we check it all out? I will literally map out a whole days' worth of events starting with breakfast, then hitting any sight-seeing spots, historical spots, museums, nature spots and such. If there are any sorts of shows going on (for example if we were visiting a ghost town and there were gun fight shows that were put on there) I find out the times so we can be there to watch. GO into it with a plan and know what you want to do.

2. Don't rush!
This has to do with LIVING in the moment. For example, we went to Vegas and on the way home stopped at the Hoover Dam. Instead of just taking a pic as we went by, we stopped and took several hours exploring. We walked across it, read all the plaques, checked out the museum and gift shop, and then hiked up to the new bridge and walked across it. Take the time to really check everything out. Don't just go to one spot, snap your pic and then say ok done! You will miss out on so much doing that. Taking the time to really explore, leads to unexpected conversations with loved ones, finding cool spots you would have missed, learning something new about the area you're visiting. There are so many advantages to taking your time and really enjoying it all!

3. Know your equipment if you're taking it with you
This one is a big one! IF you are taking your equipment with you... know what lens you will be using for what and when. There is nothing worse than planning a perfect shot only to have it messed up because you used the wrong lens and had to change it and missed the moment. On the flip side of this... sometimes it's best to leave the equipment at home. At least 95% of the general population has a phone with a camera on it. Challenge yourself to use it instead of your big camera. It makes it easier to be in the moment, still capture it, and maybe learn some new tricks as well since you're using a smaller camera set up. This can be a fun way to capture your adventure without having to lug around an extra 10 pounds.

4. Trust your gut
Depending on where you are traveling and what you are taking pictures of, make sure you are safe. Some places in the world are not as safe as they should be. Always be aware of your surroundings, do not get lulled into a sense of security. Keep your eyes and ears open and if you are in a spot or situation where your radar starts to go off telling you something isn't quite right, trust it. Better safe than sorry and no image is worth your safety.

5. Have fun!!  
Yes, getting that shot may be of utmost importance to you, but stop and be aware. Be thankful that you have the opportunity to even be where you are at that moment. Pinch yourself if needed, take a really good look around, and add this experience to your memory catalog. Remembering to have fun and be in the moment will help you stay relaxed and the pictures and stories you have from your adventure will be all the better for it.         
                                                              
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Why are Family Pictures important?

1/28/2023

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Reasons to get pictures done! 
There is nothing quite like capturing memories with your loved ones.
Are you someone who enjoys taking beautiful pictures of you and your family? 
Then you are probably always on the lookout for inspiration for your next photo session.
Below are some photo ideas that you’ll love. Have an idea that's not on the list? Give me a call and let's do it! 


  • Family history. Are you a fan of the photos that your grandparents or even great grandparents have taken? Why not replicate them yourself? All it takes is a bit of editing and you can achieve the same look and feel.
  • First and last day of school. For the first day of school, get some fun pictures of your child getting ready. You can then do the same on the day that they graduate from high school so that you can create an amazing “before and after” picture. You can even choose to add on college photos later.
  • Generational photos. Photos are one of those items that are passed down through generations so why not create one that future family members can treasure. Take a photo with your daughter, mom and grandma to show the generations of women in your family or any other mix of family members that you want to place in a picture together.
  • Pregnancy pictures. There are many fun ways to show your progress through pregnancy and documenting it with photos is the perfect way to capture this time in your life. Years from now you’ll be able to take your child through your journey before you got to meet them and share that special moment with them.
  • Pet portraits. If your pet is a member of your family then capturing memories with them is just as important.  There are so many great ways to take some amazing photos whether it’s outside at a park or in the comfort of your own home.
  • Save the date. Getting married in the near future? Taking a quirky couple photo where your wedding date is displayed is a lovely way to invite people to your wedding. You can do anything from writing the date on the bottom of your shoes to using chalkboards or balloons to display the date.
  • Gender reveal. Why not make finding out the gender of your baby a fun surprise for everyone by turning it into a fun photo that you can send around. Some cute ideas include releasing pink or blue balloons out of a box or you could incorporate a cute color frame to hold around your belly.
  • Best Friends/Cousins. Take pictures of your kids with their best friends or favorite cousins doing something fun together. Never hurts to document the important people in the different stages of life they go through.  

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Be ready to take pix anywhere!

1/28/2023

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 Whether you have your own DSLR camera or love taking photos on your phone, there is always an abundance of photo opportunities in your day-to-day life.
If you don’t have a Pinterest-perfect home, this shouldn’t deter you from taking more photos. There are ways to take unique and eye-catching photos in everyday places and situations, you just need to change your approach.


Tips for Taking Unique Photos in Any Location
  • Shift Your Point of View
If you spot a good photo but all of the imperfections are putting you off, change your perspective. Just a small shift in your point of view can make a massive difference. For one, changing the angle of your photo can immediately turn things around. Shooting a photo from above instantly creates a whole different photo without you having to move things around to clear away clutter and distractions. Taking a low angle can also make for an interesting photo plus it will allow you to work around specific objects.
  • Let the Subject Fill the Frame
Another way that you can easily cut out anything that you don’t want to include in your photo is to fill the entire frame with your subject. Filling the frame allows you to capture all of the finer details such as your child’s cheeky smile or his dimples. Just make sure that your focus is super sharp if you want this attempt to work.
  • Clean Up the Space
If it’s not too much of a mission, there is always the option of actually clearing away the objects that are taking away from the subject of your photo. You may even find that you only need to move one or two things for the photo to look 10x better.
  • Darken the Background
By bringing your subject closer to a source of light, the background will automatically become darker, which is another excellent way to cut out any noise or distractions in your photo. Basically, you want to underexpose the background to create that dark effect.
When it comes to photography, it’s important to keep in mind that some of the best photos aren’t perfect. Life is messy and beautiful at the same time, so sometimes you just need to embrace that to perfectly capture a moment. 

Finding these tips helpful? Please like/comment/share!


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Family Portrait Posing Tips

1/28/2023

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The key to taking genuine and authentic family photos is knowing how to pose in front of the camera.
If you’ve never taken professional family photos before or if you simply want to improve on your last session, here is some advice on how to pose that will leave you with exceptional images. This tips can be used for remote or in person sessions, with a professional or with Uncle Kents girlfriend being behind the camera/phone. 
Get Close
The last thing you want is a family portrait that looks stiff and awkward. The secret to creating a beautiful, intimate family photo is to get close. Snuggle up with the people you love if you want the best photos. If there are people of varying heights in the photo, take a few photos on the same level so that you can get your heads close together too.
Have Fun
Your photos always look more authentic when your family is genuinely having fun and laughing. Spend time talking about your favorite vacation or a memory that makes you all laugh out loud. These candid moments always make for the best photos. This is usually when I will start cracking taco bell jokes etc. 
Keep it Natural
When you overthink posing, it takes away from the genuineness of your photos, which is why it helps to shoot your family photos in a setting where you’re all comfortable and where you can go about your lives as naturally as possible. For example, if you’re in an outdoor setting, take your little one for a walk. If you’re shooting at home, bake something together or snuggle up for a story.
Use Your Surroundings
Very often, standing upright in the middle of a room or garden will make your photos look and feel stiff. Use your surroundings to make yourselves more comfortable. For example, if there’s a wall in the vicinity, lean up against it. If there’s a couch available, pose on that for a few shots. My personal preference is to play with angles here with the camera at eye level, maybe a little lower and maybe a little higher. Figure out what one works best for the location you choose to use and roll with it! 
Make Use of Props
If you would like to change things up a bit or give a younger child something to do, you can also always incorporate a few basic props into your photos to get a few non-standard shots.
The more thought and effort you put into your photo shoot being a fun adventure for all involved, the better the images will turn out. It doesn't have to be picture perfect planned out, but have some sort of a plan and using some or all of these tips... I just know you will see a difference! :) 
If you found these tips helpful please like/comment/share!

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Shy kiddo Photo session tips

1/28/2023

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Not every child is rearing to meet new people and pose in front of a camera. This doesn’t mean you can’t schedule a family photo session with a professional photographer though. In fact, a family photo session is one of the best ways to get your child to feel more comfortable around other people.
Here is what you should know.
Your Photographer Has the Necessary Experience
Chances are, your photographer has worked with many different families – some with outgoing children, some with shy children. They understand how to get children to open up and it starts with not pressuring them. A family photo session is relaxed and involves spending time with your child. Your photographer is simply there to give some general guidance and do what they do best.
What’s more remote family sessions are DONE remotely! You will be all together in your own environment, giving your child the chance to relax and warm up to the idea of smiling, making faces, posing, sitting still for a minute.
Play and Fun are a Big Part of It
Keeping in mind remote sessions can be done from anywhere.... many family photo sessions take place at home or in a place like a park. This means your child gets the chance to explore and have some fun. After a while, your child will barely remember there’s a specific reason for this adventure! Plus, you get to enjoy making some fun memories that you can look back on for years thereafter.
Portraits are Not a Must
Family sessions traditionally include portraits, but this is not a must. If you want your child to feel comfortable in front of the camera, you are going to need to make some compromises. Telling a shy child that they don’t need to stand and pose if they don't want to, makes them far more willing to play along for the shoot. Think of this more as a family outing than anything else.
To ensure everything goes smoothly, take your time to find the right photographer. Bring the fact that your child is shy to their attention so that they can plan accordingly. Whatever you do, don’t skip out on a family photoshoot because you are afraid your child won’t enjoy it. There is always a way to make it work so that you can print those beautiful memories for your home. <3
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    Jess is a Mom, Grandma, Fire Wife, Thyroid Cancer Warrior and Professional Photographer of over 20+ years. 

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