Baby Portraits | Jessica Lloyd Photography | Newborn portraits | Salt Lake City Utah

I'm still just getting the hang of little babies.  Isn't he a cutie?!  So glad his mom let him come over to play with me.  I'm really glad I have that sliding glass door to use as my softbox.

10 Recommendations for What to Wear | Jessica Lloyd Photography | Family portraits

What to wear?


I get asked this question a lot! So today’s portrait tip is a few guidelines on what to wear. One thing I would like you to remember as you read this is that rules are meant to be broken, but first you gotta know the rules to know how to break them properly.

What you wear will have a big impact on the final portrait product. Feel free to bring along several different outfits to your session. If we are shooting on location (which most of my sessions are) you may either change in a vehicle, in a public bathroom, or let me know you want it and I’ll bring along my changing tent. If you aren’t comfortable with any of those options, you can always wear something basic and bring along accessories to change it up. You can also schedule a What to Wear Consultation where I will come to your home and help you choose what you should wear to the session.

First thing that I recommend is that you wear something that you are comfortable wearing. If you don’t like the way you look in say a T-Shirt, don’t wear it. If you favorite shoes hurt after 5 minutes of walking, bring a second pair to wear between shots. But, on the other hand…wearing something that is a bit out of your comfort zone can be a fun way to break the rules. If you are normally a very casual person and you want a fun, out of the ordinary portrait, then wear something dressy.

Second is that I recommend that you wear something that puts the portrait in context. For example, the bride should wear the wedding gown and the groom should wear the tux. If you are on the football team, bring your letterman jacket and the ball. If you are in the military, wear your uniform.

Third dark and plain tops are the most flattering. This allows the focus to be on your face and not on your clothing. So even if you want to wear something fun it’s always a good idea to bring along something plain and dark. Avoid crazy patterns, graphics, lines, large print, writing, dots, logos (hey, they aren’t paying you to advertise for them) or bright colors. By being understated it allows you to shine through. Exceptions to this rule: vary fair skinned/light haired and it will be too much contrast or vary dark skinned/dark haired and it won’t be enough. Kids can also get away with breaking this rule, just don’t do it in the family shot. Monochromatic is nice in big family shots, but not necessary. Stick to similar colors in the same value (darks with darks, lights with lights, or occasionally half light and half dark.) Another plus to dark is that it can be slimming.

Fourth is necklines. Men should wear a collar. It frames the face very nicely. Not a necessity, but it’s just really nice. V necks are slimming. Turtlenecks, thick scarves, sweaters all add pounds to your appearance.

Fifth is to avoid short sleeves and shorts. Weather permitting. The skin on your arms and legs will detract from your face. (I rarely follow this rule for myself. LOL I have claustrophobic wrists. I can’t stand long sleeved shirts/blouses, unless I’m really cold. I’m trying to get myself to wear a watch again…I hate having to pull out my phone to see how much time we have left to finish a session.)

Sixth is that is should fit properly. If your shirt is stretching across your tummy, it will show in the picture and the only time that can even be remotely cute is when you are hugely pregnant. Baggy clothing will add pounds and make you look sloppy. Wear something sleek and close fitting, but not snug.

Seventh is Classic vs. Contemporary. Classic clothing with simple lines will create a timeless masterpiece that you can hang on your wall for years. Contemporary is fun! Teen love contemporary!

Eighth is to wear simple jewelry. A large or bright piece of jewelry will draw attention away from you and to it. Similarly, hair and makeup should be done simple and tasteful for most portraits.

Ninth recommendation is for glasses. If you are shooting outside and you have transition lenses they will look like sunglasses in the portraits. (Unless you have an awesome photographer like me who can remove the tint in post processing!) Glasses also tend to create glare. So if you can, either wear your contacts, get frames without lenses, or be prepared to take a few more weird posing directions from your photographer to help prevent the glare. Some glare can be removed post processing, but not all.

Tenth is to wear dark simple shoes. Honestly nothing dates a picture faster than hair and shoes. I recommend blacks and browns for shoes and socks.

New Borns | Jessica Lloyd Photography

So, I'm not very experienced at new born photography.  I've heard other photogs say that you really need to get their pics done in the first 10 - 14 days or you loose that new born "curl" that they have.  Wasn't sure what they were talking about...I learned yesterday.  The baby I photographed in November was about 12 days old, the one I did yesterday was almost 3 weeks.  It was gone.  Sad.  Got some cute pics of him, but not the kind I really wanted to do.  I'll have them edited soon, but I need to get approval from mom before I get to share them with you.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow.  We have a family Christmas Party tomorrow at my house.  I'm hosting, but I'm not in charge, so I'm gonna use all those tips I posted for you earlier and see if I can remember them all and get some better Christmas pics this year.

In Home Studio | Jessica Lloyd Photography

A friend had a baby a few weeks ago.  Sounds like the perfect opportunity to try my hand a baby pictures again.  I just finished setting up my studio (ha, pvc pipe and a huge piece of white fabric) in my dining room, by the sliding glass door.  I'm pooped!  I remember why I don't want to do this in my home.  It's just exhausting.  I had to move the living room furniture to make room for the dining room furniture to make room for the studio.  Man, I wish this Crohn's didn't interfere so much with my energy levels. 

Anyway, coming soon...Baby Pictures!

Are you ready for Christmas yet? | Jessica Lloyd Photography | free session

Are you ready for Christmas yet?  I'm not.  I'm still working on my crazy, huge Mom's presents.  But the kids are done (besides the candy from Santa, if I buy that now, I'll be too tempted to eat it for them), my hubby is done, all the other relative are done, the angel tree gift just needs to be delivered.  I'm getting there.

I had quite a few facebook posts from people that are interested in helping me learn how to use my Christmas presents.  I'm offering a free session and one 8x10 for anyone willing to go out and play in the cold with me after Christmas.  If you are interested, email me at jessicatlloyd@gmail.com.  Tell me who you are, who I will be photographing, your phone number, best time to call, and when you are available after Christmas.

My Birthday | Jessica Lloyd Photography | Magna Utah

 I just recently had a birthday.  As is typical for a birthday, I got out the camera, but since I can't take my own birthday pictures I offered it up to the family.  My eleven year old stepped in as family photographer for me.

 I love how she filled the frame with the bag...Great example of getting the details of an event!

 Money!  I got enough money that I'll probably be able to get a graphics tablet!!  Tough part is picking one!

That shiny blob is an earring.  I lost my favorite pair of earrings, so my mom bought me a pair that was very similar.  Guess what? Two days later I found the lost pair!  LOL!  Isn't that just how life is?

The settings I use on my camera for my super shaky daughter are usually geared toward higher shutter speeds than what you'd usually use.  She set it this time.  She used the portrait mode (low shutter speed, big aperture) and the flash compensated for her shake.  I have a Gary Fong diffuser on my pop up flash.

Oh, oh, oh, my Christmas present from my mom came yesterday!  I'm getting a 5 in one reflector, 42 inch and an arm to attach it to my light stands!!  Woohoo!  Too bad I have to wait until Christmas to use it.  My mom hates shopping on the internet, but usually that's where you can get the best deals on photography supplies, so I ordered it for her and had it shipped here, so that I could make sure what came was what was right (and so I could check it out :-D).  She's coming to get it and wrap it. Can't wait to try it out!  Anyone want to schedule a session?  I have no idea how to really use the beast and I'm gonna need practice. 

Halloween Winner's Session | Family Portraits | Murray UT

Such a cute family!  I loved working with the Ostler family.  Hunter was a blast...that kid doesn't like to sit still, so curious and full of energy!  It was so easy to see how much these brother's love each other.

How to take pictures of puppies | Photo tips |Jessica Lloyd Photography

Yesterday's post brought up a request for how to take pictures of a puppy.  Well, since I've got rather limited experience with puppies, I thought I'd just give you the little bit of info I did pick up when I took dog pictures and add a few links for you to go read up.

First I recommend that you use a fast shutter speed.  If you are shooting in automatic, then the best way to insure that you are using a fast shutter speed is to take the pictures in really well lit space.

Second, have someone stand behind you to draw the animals attention.  They should be holding a treat or a favorite toy that can be used to reward the dog when it behaves the way you want it.

Remember puppies and babies/toddlers are really similar and you can use just about any trick you would use on a toddler on a puppy.  Have someone hold the puppy, follow the puppy and snap pics as you can and hope for a good one, distract them with treats/toys/funny noises.

Here are a few links to web articles by people who know more about this than I do.
Puppy Photo Tips
More Puppy Photo Tips
And one more

Tips for Successful Holiday photographs | Jessica Lloyd Photography | Photo Tips | How To

It's getting really close to Christmas, so I thought I'd share a few tips to help you get better pics.


1. Take the camera with you. :)  Be sure to have the battery charged or take extras.  Same goes for memory cards. Most of our Holiday pictures are taken inside or out in the dark night.  Be sure you have a flash and use it (bounce it if you can or use a diffuser to soften it).

2. Assign someone to take pictures.  You know how you divide up the food assignments and activities?  Do the same with pictures.

3. White Balance.  Do you ever get pictures where the color is just off?  Maybe the walls are yellow or blue instead of the white they really are.  It's the white balance.  Most cameras have a setting for white balance and the icons typically look like a sun, clouds, a light bulb, etc. That's your white balance.  If your auto white balance isn't getting the colors right you need to set it manually.  So if you are in a house with incandescent lighting, choose the corresponding setting.  If you are in an office/church with florescent lighting, pick that one.  If it still doesn't work out, you can always fix it in post processing, but that's a whole other tutorial.

4. What to photograph?  Besides everyone at the party?  The food.  The preparations.  The decorations (use the macro setting).  The gifts. The baby throwing a tantrum.  Declutter you images by choosing one thing to be the focal point and fill the frame.  Christmas pictures can be overwhelming because there is so much going on in them.  Instead of taking a picture of the whole event taking place, get the parts individually.  When you take pictures of opening presents, use the burst setting to take multiple shots at once, that way you won't miss those great fleeting expressions.

5. Christmas lights are fun, but they can be tricky to get them to look good in pictures.  The time of the day is key here.  Too late and all you get are the lights and everything else goes black.  Too early and the lights don't show up at all. Sunset is prime. Compose so that you get lots of sky and shoot from a low angle (lay in the snow and have someone take a picture of you taking a picture LOL).  Use the Tungsten white balance setting, if you have one.  It will make the lights pop and give your sky an beautiful royal blue color.  You'll need to use a long shutter speed and no flash, so a tripod or a bean bag to balance the camera on will be helpful. If that's not available, use both hands and brace yourself on something.  Once you've got the setup all right, take shots about every two minutes until the light is just right. It will happen somewhere between when sunset starts and dark.  That's a very short window of time, so you'll need to get set up either a bit before sunset, or really quickly.  The best time to get this shot is before when they look the best to your eye, so don't worry about missing out on the view because you've been messing with your camera, you'll get to see the best lights.

6. Group photos are best taken at the beginning of an event when everyone is fresh and still cooperative, before the kids are tired and cranky.

Happy Shooting!

I love my new phone!

I finally talked my husband into upgrading our phones and plan.  I'm loving it!  I'm sure I'm not gonna love the bill, but this is fun having the internet on my phone.