Amber Zbitnoff :: Photography Tips

A special thanks to Amber of Amber Zbitnoff Photograpy for sharing some tips and tricks to consider when planning for or taking pictures! Below are notes from her talk:

What is the best time to take photos?
-The "golden hour" is 1-2 hours after sunrise or before sunset. This makes for pretty light that is more dynamic & interesting.

What should we wear?
-Start with one piece & work around it
-Think classic & timeless
-Plan ahead for comfort & movement
-Coordinate color, not matchy-matchy
-Keep patterns to a minimum (good rule of thumb is 1-2 pieces max with patterns)
-Textures are your friend (ie. sweaters give depth)
-Avoid all-black or all-white
-Avoid characters & logos
-Layers are helpful - they add interest and you can change your look just by taking off a layer
-Consider your location
-Visualize your photos on display and what look you're going for
-Most importantly, BE YOU!

How do I choose a location?
Thing to Consider:
-A place that has special meaning
-Your own home (especially good for newborn pictures)
-Pretty locations
-Consider where the photos will be displayed in your own home to help think of locations

How do I choose a photographer?
Things to Consider:
-What are my priorities? Thinking through the following can help you narrow down: style & aesthetic, friend referral & review, how many images you get to keep, turn around time, investment.

How much should I invest?
You get what you pay for. Normal range in Seattle is $300-$1,000. It's common to have a session fee plus certain add-ons (for example some photographers include a certain amount of files to keep while with others you add-on for files you want).
Consider the most important of budget, quality & time. You can usually get 2/3 in a photographer.

Taking photos yourself vs. Hiring a Photographer:
Yourself:
-You control what you get
-You don't have to schedule
-Can do multiple attempts
-Can take the pressure off

Photographer:
-Get to experience the time as a family
-You'll be in the photo as a participant
-You get a variety of images
-Have someone posing and looking out for the details
-Less work for you!

Amber's favorite locations in the Seattle area to take pictures include:
1. Arboretum
2. Magnuson Park
3. Carkeek Park
4. Juanita Bay Park (on the eastside)