Have you ever wondered what is involved or what it means when a photographer edits and/or retouches the images after your photoshoot? Simply stated, below is a short explanation of how I use editing and/or retouching for images after a photoshoot.

Editing
 
Editing basically could involve correcting lighting, exposure, colors, cropping, even just converting a color image to a black and white image as well as creating my own signature touches to the images.
 
First, I will cull the images.  I go through each and every image and determine which images are worthy of delivering.  Those that won’t pass my test could be images with eyes closed, out of focus, etc.

I probably can speak for all photographers that we try to get the perfect settings at the time we are taking the photos to save time on editing; however, that may not always happen because of the environment we may be in or the lighting is not the best, etc. and, therefore, will need to edit and/or retouch the images. 
 
Retouching
 
If editing won’t correct what I want in order to create the most gorgeous images, I may do a little retouching. Retouching may involve removing blemishes, whitening of teeth, smoothing out skin or removing a distraction that may be in the background, such as a pole or wire.
 
In Summary
 
Editing and retouching could mean different things to different photographers. From my perspective as your photographer, I just wanted you to understand that it’s important to know that what I will be delivering to you will be absolutely perfect and the most gorgeous images you will cherish forever.

Patti specializes in lifestyle Maternity, Fresh 48, Newborn and Family photography.  If you are ready to book or chat about your photo session with Patti at DreamWorld Photography, click the button below or call Patti directly at 941.405.3309.  Patti only takes a limited number of clients each month.  Will you be one of them?  She hopes so.  Patti looks forward to hearing from you soon.

It has been awhile since I have taken photos because of the Covid-19 situation, so I was very happy to get back behind the camera again.

I had the pleasure of documenting this little guy's 9th birthday by capturing this special day for him in photos.

I was excited to do these photos at the Celery Fields in Sarasota. As the name implies, this was a former celery field consisting of 360+ acres.  It is a wetlands site on the Great Florida Birding Trail.  It is dog-friendly. You can fish, have a picnic, walk various trails and view plenty of wildlife. It is also a popular site for photographers. I had never been there before and had been wanting to visit and shoot there for quite awhile.  It did not disappoint.  We didn't even get to cover half the area.  I definitely want to go back and explore it more.  It was the perfect place to take these photos.

I'm ready to take your photos here or any local outdoor area to capture you and your family enjoying the beauty of Florida's natural environments.

​Patti specializes in lifestyle Maternity, Fresh 48, Newborn and family photography. If you are ready to book or chat about your photo session with Patti at DreamWorld Photography, click the "Inquire Now" button below or call Patti directly at 941.405.3309. We only take a limited number of clients each month. Will you be one of them?  We hope so.  We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Concerned about your photo session with your toddler(s)?  You might be thinking:

• I know my toddler will not sit still during the photo session
• I know my toddler acts a little crazy - constantly on the go and probably won't smile
• I know my toddler will want to hide behind me and will be hard to warm up to the camera

As a Sarasota family photographer, I can understand your concerns with having family photos taken with toddlers. As a young grandmother of six grandchildren (with the seventh on the way), four of them being 3 years old and younger, I know exactly how you feel.  You might be stressing that we won't get any great images with your toddler staying still or smiling at all. If this will be your first time working with me, you may be wondering exactly what to expect.  

Since I am a lifestyle photographer, it won't bother me one bit if your toddler just wants to be a toddler. Whether that's running around, digging in the dirt, or playing in the water.  They are being who they are at that moment, and that is what is important to capture and you will treasure forever.  It does not make sense to me to EVER try and make a child be anything other than themselves, except how they are feeling at the moment I am capturing them. I don't photograph with everyone stiffly posed, forcing smiles looking at the camera. I may get one or two of those shots, but it will mostly be capturing emotions, connection and true life.  I love candid moments.  By hiring me as your photographer, this is what you want captured for you and your family.  Capturing those genuine, raw, authentic emotions are what you are after.  This may mean running around with your children, playing games or snuggling up on a blanket.  I always strive to keep your toddler interacting and happy.  This will, of course, mean you'll be happy which, in turn, will result in incredible images and a memorable photo session.

I will let the toddler sort of and/or let them think they are in charge of the session.  If they want to sit down and play, we'll do that.  If they want to run, we'll run.  If they want to be all lovey and snuggly, we'll do that.  May I suggest you not say, "no" or offer bribes?  This may actually spoil the session.  If you truly want authentic emotion and connection, this probably won't be the best way.  I just try to keep it fun and laid back.  I just want you to be with your children as if you are on an outing and I'm not even there, at least, for the most part. :-)  I absolutely want to finish the session seeing how much you and your children had fun.

Excited to experience a relaxed, fun lifestyle photography session?  Contact me.  I'm ready to have fun.  Are you?

Many Bradenton/Sarasota, Florida families wonder when is the most opportune time to take family photos outdoors.

We are so fortunate to live on the West Coast of Florida where there are beaches, parks, trails, you name it, in which to choose the best location for an outdoor family photoshoot.  All these places and more are so photogenic.  However, since this is Florida, the time of day does matter when you want to capture the best and the most flattering natural light, as well as not get too roasted in the heat.

Golden Hour is Our Friend for Being the Best Time of Day

When is golden hour?  It is the time of day about an hour before sunset where the light is absolutely gorgeous and "golden."  This type of light ensures everyone will look fantastic!  I LOVE scheduling outdoor family sessions during the golden hour.  If your family session will include little ones (two months and older), I highly recommend they take a late afternoon nap, if at all possible, and feed them snacks or dinner prior to the session.  This will help them be in their best mood possible.

However, you may ask, "What if I can't be out that late with my little ones?"  No problem.  I will be happy to accommodate you in whatever way is necessary.

If We Can't Do Golden Hour, Morning Time Comes in Second for the Best Time

I can certainly serve your family and still capture beautiful images no matter the time of day.  So, if golden hour won't work for you, we can schedule your session during the morning hours, usually around 10 a.m. when the sun isn't up too high yet and the light isn't too harsh.  The morning hours actually work best for newborns and toddlers.


Let me know when you are ready to capture your lifestyle outdoor family session.  I would love to see you at the golden hour.

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​Next week, I’ll be able to photograph again.  Yay!  Outdoors only for now. So, you may be wondering what you should wear to your outdoor photoshoot.
 
There is no absolute right or wrong answer to what to wear.  However, there are certain choices that will allow your images to look fabulous!
 
Read on for my suggestions:

Even though our area has begun Phase 1 of re-opening business during the Covid-19 situation, photography restrictions have not been officially lifted yet.

With the anticipation of possibly being able to re-open in June, I have written up my safety and precautions guideline for outdoor photoshoots.  Click on the picture above to view the guideline or download it here.  Not sure if by then we will be allowed in-home photoshoots, but will keep you posted.

If you are itching to get outdoors and get some great photographs of you and your family, I will start scheduling outdoor photoshoots beginning June 1 and beyond.  Click on the button below to inquire about the details.

I can't wait to get back out there and start photographing again.

Patti specializes in lifestyle Maternity, Fresh 48, Newborn and family photography. If you are ready to book or chat about your photo session with Patti at DreamWorld Photography, click the "Inquire Now" button above or call Patti directly at 941.405.3309. We only take a limited number of clients each month. Will you be one of them?  We hope so.  We look forward to hearing from you soon.

In a previous blog post, I wrote about what extra safety precautions I was going to take when taking photos of you, your baby and/or family.  That was when all of this was just beginning and before the stay-at-home order was in place and I could no longer photograph.

Now, that we are getting prepared for the lockdown to gradually phase out and photographers will be allowed to photograph again, I wanted to inform you of additional safety precautions I will be taking at your photoshoot.

I want to ensure that you and I both take the maximum care and precautions to protect all of us as much as possible.  Please take a few minutes to read the guidelines below:

In-Home Photoshoot

• I will remove my shoes before entering your home
• I will wear a face mask and gloves
• I will wash my hands after entering your house and/or use hand sanitizer
• If I am photographing a baby, I will limit my handling of your baby as much as possible
• I ask that we all remain at least 6' away from each other
• Only immediate family being photographed will be allowed

Outdoor Photoshoot

• We will remain at least 6' away from each other
• Depending upon the outdoor location we are shooting, I will wear a face mask, if deemed necessary for protection, i.e., if we are in a park and other people are out and about that may be near us
• Only immediate family being photographed will be allowed at your photoshoot

For your part, please follow the steps listed below to ensure my well being as well as your own:

• I ask that no one living outside of your home has visited your home within the 48 hours prior to the day of your photoshoot
• Please cancel your appointment within 24 hours if you have experienced any of the following symptoms:
  • Fever, cough, dizziness, lack of taste/smell, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue (not from lack of sleep)

In the meantime, I hope you get a little chuckle from my photoshoot with Little Miss Clorox - it's their first pandemic!

Thank you so much!  Stay safe, stay strong!

Patti specializes in lifestyle Maternity, Fresh 48, Newborn and family photography. If you are ready to book a future session when restrictions are lifted or chat about your photo session with Patti at DreamWorld Photography, click the "Book A Future Session" box below or call Patti directly at 941.405.3309. We only take a limited number of clients each month. Will you be one of them?  We hope so.  We look forward to hearing from you soon.

This is for all you mamas-to-be out there ready to give birth during this quarantine time.  I want to extend my support by sharing with you some tips on how you can take your own Fresh 48 photos since professional photographers aren't allowed at this time.

You can easily take these with your iPhone or other smartphone.
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1. Whether you are giving birth in the hospital, birthing center or at home, turn off all artificial lights
2. Position baby close to a window.  Natural light is the best.
3. Don't forget to take all the tiny details - feet, hands, face
4. Take photos at all different angles - above, side, head
5. Make sure you get in some of the photos with your baby, too.  Have the father or nurse take them.  While you're at it, have the nurse take a few with you, the father, the baby and any siblings.

After the quarantine has been lifted and photographers can work again by it being safe to come into your home, I can take your newborn photos, even if baby is a little older.  That's the beauty of lifestyle photography.  You will have the first priority to get on my schedule.

For now, rest, relax and cherish these last days of pregnancy.

Please feel free to share this with any of your pregnant friends so they can have these tips as well.

Take care, stay safe, stay strong.

Patti specializes in lifestyle Maternity, Fresh 48, Newborn and family photography. During this quarantine time, you can book a future session now.  Contact Patti at DreamWorld Photography, click "Book A Future Session" box below or call Patti directly at 941.405.3309. We only take a limited number of clients each month. Will you be one of them?  We hope so.  We look forward to hearing from you soon.