Hadley Spagna Photography

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Five, four, three, two, one...

© 2006 Hadley Spagna Photography
*** This is not my daughter, but Baby R looks just like her! It's an uncanny resemblance! ***

Sounds like a countdown, right? Well, those are the respective ages of the adorable cousins above. I've never seen a group of kids (never mind five kids five and under) that played as nicely and enjoyed each other's company as much as these kids. I arrived at my client's home prepared for what happens when my kids get together with their cousins ( i.e. packed some Excedrin in the camera bag). Can you believe I didn't need it? This is an amazing, special group of children. Not only are they close in age, but they all have a close relationship with one-another.

Leaving the shoot I was disappointed because I wanted to stay and take more photographs. The toughest part of this session was wanting to devote the whole session to each individual child. They're all so unique, and all so photogenic. I left (sans headache and) still wanting to take more photographs!

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NEW!

Since I'm almost completely booked for 2006, I've got to starting planning for next year. I'll be offering something new in 2007, but I'm not going to dish until 2007! (Okay, maybe December 2006.)

That's not the only new news! In the next few months I'll be unveiling a brand new, shiny website. I promise I'll keep the blog posted with updates.

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NO BIB? NO WORRIES!

How many times have you left the house and forgotten to pack a bib for the baby? If you're like me, you've done it once or twice (a week). Have you seen or heard of Kipiis? If not, click on Kipiis to visit their website. Kipiis are brightly colored adjustable clips that will turn a napkin, dishtowel, cloth diaper or any piece of fabric into a bib. I love these things!

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ON DISPLAY

Stop by the Fairfield Borders in October and check out my work in person! If you walk in the back door, you can check out some of my husband's work too. Yep, Neil and I are trying to take over Borders. Neil's my husband and a mortgage finance executive by day. By night, he's a sports writer. His first book, Welcome to Pottersville, is on the shelf so to speak. It's actually on a table. Be sure to check out that handsome headshot on the back!

The first person to email me with their favorite photograph from my October Border's display will get a brand new autographed copy of Welcome to Pottersville.

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CONFESSION

I've been keeping a secret from you guys. I walk under ladders, am not affected by black cats and don't toss salt over my shoulder when I spill it. When it comes to photography, I become superstitious. Black just so happens to be a staple in my wardrobe. Black's downfall is that, it absorbs light. So, you'll never see me wear black on a photo shoot. As a natural light photographer I feel absorbing any light is criminal! What will you see me wear? A white shirt and jeans. White is a great reflector! I felt obligated to share this for the people who have booked me 3 or more times this year and are probably thinking I only own one white tee shirt!

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Wednesday, August 23, 2006

There's only one thing better than a shoot in my client's home...

© 2006 Hadley Spagna Photography

... it's a shoot in my client's summer home!

Traveling to this family's summer home in East Hampton was a breeze, but the photos from our shoot would have been worth the worst traffic that Route 27 could muster.

It was an early Saturday morning, and just us girls, Baby Girl, Mom, Grandma and Me. Shortly after I arrived I learned that our sweet little subject had a very early start to her day and had fallen back to sleep. I can't tell you how many babies get so excited for their big day that they decide to wake up at 4:30 in the morning! It was a wonderful opportunity to get to know Mom and Grandma a little better over a delicious cup of coffee.

Later, Mom led a tour of the home and our last room was Baby's. She woke up happy and was not concerned about having me in her room. Baby's sweet laid back and relaxed attitude coupled with her incredible good looks yielded some of my favorite photographs from this summer. Doesn't she look like a Gerber Baby? (Gerber, if you're reading this contact me and I'll pass your information along to her Mom. You don't want to let this one go!)

Here's what this Mom had to say after receiving her photographs:

"The photos came today!! They are UNBELIEVABLE!!!! Thank you so, so, so, so much! I can’t express just how happy we are with these photos. They brought tears to my eyes. You did an amazing job. I have already emailed ALL my friends with new babies, telling them they HAVE TO hire you. ... The 11x16 came out so beautiful I am handling it like it’s a Faberge egg – I don’t even know how to frame it. I know my mother is going to DIE when she gets her order – I am waiting for the day!
I look forward to many more photo sessions with you as [Baby] grows – you have spoiled us with your unique talent. I am so happy I found you!!"

I really liked this client before she wrote this email, but now I adore her! I love emails like this! I save them and re-read them when I'm doing a marathon proofing session.

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Since we're on the topic of shooting in my clients' homes, I've been asked a lot lately why I love working in a home environment. Photographing people in their environment is the foundation of a successful shoot. No matter what your age, having your photograph taken is not always easy. Like a conversation, it is an exchange. Sometimes, the subject can feel vulnerable. As a subject, you can't see what the photographer sees. You're on the spot. Sheesh, even the name subject treats you like an outside party to the process. Any wrong move, and forever more it is captured on digital sensor (unless your photographer shoots film).

Working in my clients homes levels the playing field. My subjects are on their own turf. They've got an advantage. It gives them back some control. Allows them to be knowledgeable and most importantly comfortable. As a matter of fact, the last two clients that I talked out of doing beach shots had the most amazing homes and I loved the photographs from their sessions.

Children do not have the same exact concerns as adults (Did she capture my good side? I hope I didn't crinkle my eyes up too much...). However, they do have an awareness that someone is asking something great from them (sit still) and in return their only reward is the process. (well, their parents get photographs, but when have you heard of a 2 year old that really cares about finally get a decent picture of himself). It doesn't matter if I'm shooting children or adults. My approach is the same. I try to make the process of having your photograph both fun and relaxed. I always have an awareness that I am asking something great of my subjects.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT

Thank you dear clients for all your wonderful referrals! This has been a very busy summer here and there are a limited number of appointments available in 2006. There are even less weekend appointments available. The next available weekend date is in October.

The best time to book your maternity session is when you're approximately 25 weeks pregnant. The ideal time to conduct a maternity session is around your 33rd week. Why 33? For starters, at 33 weeks you have a belly TO photograph! At 33 weeks you're still able to move around with relative ease and you're not completely exhausted, yet.

The best time to book your newborn session is also around 33 weeks. When booking a newborn session, a retainer is accepted to reserve an appointment. Babies are unpredictable (even with scheduled c-sections) so, we wait and see. Newborn sessions are conducted during the week and I highly recommend doing them when the baby is 5 days old (or less).

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ANDREW?

Hi! If you're the Andrew that left me the nicest message about photographing your lovely family I can't call you. For some reason your message got cut off before you left your phone number. I would love to photograph your family and would love to call you back!

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Monday, July 31, 2006

Her Mamma is a Celebrity

© 2006 Hadley Spagna Photography

Around here this sleepy little girl's Mamma is certainly a celebrity. You may have seen her on TV when she was delivering my babies! It was a great privilege to have the opportunity to photograph this gorgeous little girl. Baby T's Mommy, I know you've been reading and waiting for her pictures to be posted on the blog. I'm sorry it's taken so long!

Precious Baby T sure had me fooled! I thought I would be photographing a typical sleepy newborn. Baby T is far from typical and it's obvious the moment you meet her. At five days old she is engaging. For the first hour and a half she didn't show any signs of being sleepy. Finally, after about two hours and one (or two) feedings she finally started to doze!

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NO MORE WORRIES ABOUT PAINTING THE NURSERY

It was about 15 days after learning I was pregnant with my son to start thinking about nursery decor. Furniture collections, fabric swatches and paint samples swirled around my head like the sweet aroma of cookies baking in the oven. Hey, speaking of sweet aromas, fresh paint is not one of them. If you're concerned about indoor air polution, check out Anna Sova'sHealthy Paint. It's free of the volatile organic compounds that make traditional wall paint so unhealthy and stinky too. Better yet, her colors are to dye (err.. die) for. Although picking a favorite color is tough, I'd say mine is Tibetan Tsi-Tog.

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AMERICAN PHOTO AGREES WITH ME!

I was a little reluctant to post about how much I loved the Panasonic DMC-FZ7. What happened if one of my clients purchased it and hated it? What if I had the only good version? What if there was a better buy out there? What if I was wrong? Thank you American Photo. Now, I will no longer lose sleep over the camera recommendation. (Okay, I never really lost sleep over it, but I came close two times.) In the July/August edition of American Photo Magazine, the FZ7 was selected as the editor's choice and a Best Buy. I guess that means you'll be taking my recommendations more seriously now. That's great because I know a great children's photographer if you're looking for one...

Sunday, July 09, 2006

Nauti-Boys

**DISCLAIMER: The phonetics of this blog title are misleading**

© 2006 Hadley Spagna Photography

The decision to title this blog entry, "Nauti-Boys" was difficult. I'm hoping that the disclaimer on this post will get me closer to redemption. These boys are the farthest thing from naughty, but they are very nauti! Their affinity for the beach was obvious. The boys' comfort and ease with the beach and sand (in addition to their absolute cuteness and good looks) created beautiful and fun photographs.

Maybe I see the nautical connection as a result of their matching intarsia whale sweaters. More so I think it's their Mom's strong connection to the beautiful beaches of Amagansett. Is it possible that a love for the ocean can be hereditary?

(On the day of our shoot there was a carnival a short walk away from the beach. After our sandy shoot we strolled over to the carnival. The last two photographs were taken there.)

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Yoga Inspriration

© 2006 Hadley Spagna Photography

Short of over-indulging at Paci in Southport, it takes a lot to motivate me to exercise. Although I do enjoy it (especially spinning), finding the time can be a challenge. Well, shortly after taking a peek at this client's wedding album I was inspired to don my yoga wear and balance my energy.

After their fun and wet (well, wet for me) family session on the beach we headed back to their house. I casually snapped some more images and basked in the glory of knowing I had a CF card filled with beautiful images. I would love to say that the beautiful images were a result of my hard work and raw talent, but really, the images were a result of this family's amazing connection with each other. They're happy, positive and the type of people you want to be around.

Sitting on their couch I saw their wedding album and flipped through the pages. The same beauty and energy I saw in the photographs we created on the beach were in their wedding album. The photographs taken before the wedding were not of an anxious bride. The bride was gorgeous, radiant and at peace (and wearing, by the way, an exquisite gown with the most elegant detailing at the hem). No nerves, no worries, just happiness, bliss. To which I asked, "Weren't you nervous?" My client told me all about her morning that day which included listening to a great CD, making a trip to the beach and practicing yoga. That sealed my fate. Shortly after I arrived home that afternoon I was dusting off my mat and searching for my favorite pair of yoga pants.

This session was a favorite of mine because the photographs we created were the byproduct of this family's beautiful energy. They were so positive, loving and plain ol' fun people to hang out with on a Saturday morning. Any one of the images from this session I would love to put on this blog, or on my website. I had to pick a few, so here are four from that day.

© 2006 Hadley Spagna Photography

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FREE CHILDREN'S FILM FESTIVAL

Did you know the Crow Marquis Theaters in Wilton, Trumbull, Norwalk, Hartford and Stamford will be hosting a free film festival for children and their caregivers? You can see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Racing Stripes, Because of Winn Dixie, Cheaper by the Dozen 2, Madagascar, Dreamer, Nanny McPhee and Curious George. The festival starts on June 27th and is held on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10 am. Visit the Crown Theaters Website for more details.

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Happy Mother's Day

© 2006 Hadley Spagna Photography

Happy Mother's Day!

To start my Mother's Day celebration this year I photographed my children for a change. Here's Jack (almost 5) and Sophia (a fresh 3 - err.. although that is a facet of her personality "fresh" is supposed to mean she just turned three).

The picture of Jack encapsulates his sweet and somewhat reserved personality. The way his hand is perched so close to his face is one of his signature moves. I'm so happy that I was able to capture this moment.

I love this photo of Sophia because it illustrates a side of her I don't see much when I'm behind the camera. In this photo, she is still, contemplative and really looking at me. A typical photo session with Sophia involves a hip thrust (not mine!) and an impish grin.

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© 2006 J.Crew

A question I get asked frequently is, "What should my child wear?" That's when I give my typical answer, "...avoid distracting patterns and logos, try to limit clothing changes for young children and let me in your closets I'd love to pick something out." Well, next time I get asked that question I may just answer with anything from crewcuts.

Saturday was my first opportunity to visit the new crewcuts line at the J.Crew store in downtown Westport. The pint sized attire is for 2-8 year olds and the colors, patterns and logos will photograph beautifully. The best part is that the clothes are at a price point where you won't mind if your child actually plays and gets dirty in this stuff. (There's a good chance someone's going to get dirty on one of my photo sessions.)

You might not hear other photographers telling you this when helping you select your wardrobe for your shoot. But, I'll say it, "Bring on the madras!"

Friday, April 28, 2006

The Prince

© 2006 Hadley Spagna Photography

When this picture was taken the parents of this beautiful boy and I were laughing and having a good time. It was hard to imagine that just five days prior they were welcoming him into the world. We were laughing because Dad suggested what we were doing was ripped from book of "What Not To Do With Your Newborn". What you can't see is that Baby Boy was at end of the bed on the very edge. Thankfully, both Mom and Dad were close by keeping a careful watch over him.

(This is the picture I described in my previous blog entry.)