Christmas and New Year Mini Sessions – Family Photographer the Woodlands

I’m now booking Winter Minis! For a limited time only, I offer a special *mini* mini in additional to my year round sessions. Locations will be in the Spring and Woodlands only.

It’s not too late to get great portraits of your family! Between full family sessions, mini sessions are a great way to get a few amazing photographs of your family and for a limited time only every winter they will be offered at a special price!

This Mini is available only from December to March,  and includes:
15 minute session for up to 5 people at one determined location
5 images of your choice from your gallery
download with print release
option to upgrade and purchase print collections
Cost: $200+tx

I also offer year round mini sessions that include:
30 minute session for up to 5 people at one determined location
15 images of your choice from your gallery
download with print release
option to upgrade and purchase print collections
Cost: $400+tx
For more information click here.

 

 

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

Family Collections and Prints – The Woodlands Photographer

Add on to your digital Collections for your family and senior sessions with customizable print packages! To get exactly the combination of sizes you need, my clients can purchase sets of prints at a special price.

Choose from several print packages, such as the ever popular set of 5 gift prints. Choose the same 5 sizes or choose 5 different print sizes – sets of wallets,  5×7 or 8×10 — no restrictions on size combinations!

If you need wallet size prints, pick up a value package of wallet prints for senior announcements or for sharing with family. I also offer several  larger family packages that include small prints for framing and sharing, and a larger print for the wall.

When it comes to preserving your family photos, nothing beats a beautiful print framed or mounted, to last generations. #printsareforever

Extended Family Portraits – The Woodlands Photography

Family reunions and anniversary parties are wonderful opportunities to get updated family portraits taken with everyone together. Everyone is having fun, catching up on family news, and dressed up for the special event, and it’s easy to catch the family laughter and connection! This large family was a lot of fun to photograph at their family reunion, celebrating a very special anniversary. You could just see how they enjoyed being together as a family!

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

Family Warmth -The Woodlands Family Photographer

Being a family photographer in the Woodlands and Spring area means I get to meet some fantastic families for their family pictures, like this beautiful family full of warmth. We met as part of an extended family session, and did breakouts with each family unit, to make sure each family gets their own special family portraits. I love the poses here, with them holding hands, you can just feel their connection and love!

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

The 5 Essential Steps to Surviving a Family Photoshoot – The Woodlands Photographer

You are excited to book a photographer. You are crazy excited to get those beautiful portraits of your family. You’re beyond excited to get those prints back to hang on your wall. Then you start to realize … it’s coming soon. And you have no idea how you are going to survive!


You’ve seen beautiful, happy, smiling photos of other families and their kids, and think “That will never be us!”. I’m here to tell you — it *will* be you *if* you follow a few simple steps that lead to success!

TRUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
Straight out of the gate, this is your first step, full stop. From the moment you arrive at the location, let your photographer take the lead. Let her guide you and the kids into natural poses. Let her grab the children’s attention. Let her follow the kids when they start to run. Those make great shots! Trust that she is a pro, and knows how to handle it. Let her make the children laugh, to get real, authentic emotions from them.

TIME IT RIGHT
This starts from the night before the shoot. Have outfits laid out ready, no morning rush. Have kids sleep and wake up on time (no oversleeping!). Have a timely breakfast and lunch, with snacks, to keep the crankiness away. Keep everything normal, so they’re less likely to skip naps. And make sure your photoshoot is scheduled for when the kids are at their happiest – not hungry or tired

ABOUT THOSE SNACKS
Be *very* careful when it comes to snacks and bribes. Do not start out immediately bribing your child with candy or promises of fun later. Let the photographer use her tricks and talent, and save the bribes for truly desperate moments. Your photographer will let you know when it’s time to pull out the big guns. And make sure those snacks don’t leave stains and crumbs – sugar free gummy bears and pretzels are better choices than cheesy crackers and ice cream.

KEEP CLOTHING AND PROPS SIMPLE
You don’t need a lot of props to make a family photoshoot special and unique. In fact, less is definitely better and will look less dated as time goes by. Pick something special to your family, like an heirloom blanket, and ditch the moustaches-on-a-stick/theme-outfits/insert-trend-here for more authentic photos of you as you are. Coordinate your outfits into a colour family (think shades of blue and purple, or everyone in neutrals) instead of matching outfits for everyone.

BE OKAY WITH LESS THAN THEIR BEST BEHAVIOUR
For many parents, the end goal of the session is the frame worthy shot of the family, and children, smiling happily into the camera while everyone hugs in bliss. It’s a gorgeous shot. But it’s not the only, or even the *best* shot, of your family. If the happy posed shot isn’t happening, just let it go. Embrace the beauty of the unposed shots. It’s far better to have happy shots of everyone running or walking together, than stress out the fam and get miserable shots of everyone staring glumly into the camera. This is about YOU too. Just have fun with it, and we’ll naturally get great shots!


Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

The 5 Essential Photos From Your Family Session – The Woodlands Photographer

If you’re looking for a family photographer here in the Woodlands, you’ve probably done a lot of research and are ready to book and get excited about your family portraits! On the big day, these are the 5 essential, absolute “must have” portraits that you will want to get from your family photoshoot. These pictures are the necessary shots you need to have a well rounded family session, to tell the story of your family.

PORTRAITS OF THE WHOLE FAMILY TOGETHER, SMILING
Your family photoshoot should be a really fun event! Everyone will be excited, happy, smiling, and having fun hugging and laughing together. These are the beautiful moments that you absolutely must capture, the carefree “being you” moments that show our family unity.

EACH PARENT ALONE WITH THE CHILDREN
Each parent should have their photos taken with all the children AND with each child individually. Children love to see photos of themselves with their parents, and nothing is more special to them than a framed photo of their mom and dad hugging them, on display where they can see it every day. Take a photo with each child, and have them printed for the children’s rooms!

EACH INDIVIDUAL CHILD, ALONE
Celebrate the unique character and personality of each child by letting her get some one-on-one time with the photographer! Kids love the freedom and the attention, and they’ll give you all kinds of fun, serious, silly, and downright beautiful looks when they have the stage to themselves. Don’t force them to smile – trust the photographer to draw their smiles out naturally!

ALL THE CHILDREN TOGETHER
The shot we’re all hoping will lead to more smiles and laughs, than shoves and tears! Really, kids to love to play with their siblings, so let them play! Get them smiling and in no time you’ll have that one great shot of them looking at the camera, all smiles. This is the photo you’ll be sharing on Facebook later!

THE TWO OF YOU, TOGETHER, THE FOUNDATION OF THE FAMILY
This family all started with you, and the love you share. Don’t even think about walking away from your family photoshoot before you get an updated shot of you two lovebirds, the rock upon which your family love is built.

Are you ready to to capture those essential pictures of your family? Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.


Planning Your Family Portraits – The Woodlands Photographer

I really love being a family photographer here in the Woodlands, where I get the chance to meet so many wonderful families for their family portraits!

This well dressed family was part of an extended family session, and we broke into groups to photograph each family unit and each child. This family had such a great sense of style, and we had a beautiful day for family pictures with sunshine and even temperatures.

Their styling is a perfect “how to do it right” when planning your family portraits. Their outfits coordinate, without being too “matchy”, and the hues compliment the environment they chose for the backdrop – rich colours, perfect for the greenery and flowers, and portrait ready without being too formal, with button ups in checkered flannel.

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

Family Mini Sessions – Keepsake Portraits

It’s always a special opportunity for me to photograph families here in the Woodlands, for portraits that families will cherish forever! Meeting new families in the Spring and Woodlands area is always fun, especially when the clients are as fun as these ladies were. We had a great time capturing their family pictures!

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

Family Portraits With Style

I really love being a family photographer here in the Woodlands, where I get the chance to meet so many wondeful families for their portraits! This lovely family was part of an extended family session, and we broke into groups to photograph each family unit. This family had such a great sense of style, and we had a beautiful day for family pictures!

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

The Woodlands Child and Family Photographer – Texas

A special mini session to celebrate this little one’s fifth birthday! What a sweet smile he had, and so well behaved! We met at at pretty park in the Woodlands where we could have him seated, and also use the surrounding greenery.

I love being a part of your family’s celebrations, and look forward to meeting this little man and his family again!


Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

All Together – The Woodlands Family Portraits

One of the best gifts you can give your family is the gift of family pictures! This family had a ton of fun together, despite the summer heat, laughing and joking around together. Family pictures together can be a fun activity, stress free, when you’re all in it together!

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

Bright and Cheerful Family Portraits – Family Photographer the Woodlands

The smiliest baby ever! What a treat to photograph this lovely family to celebrate the birth of this handsome little one, the smiles on their faces say it all! Celebrate your family and important milestones by giving yourself the gift of  beautiful family portraits that your family will cherish for a lifetime, and leave behind for future generations to enjoy. Ask me about my special family print packages, so you get the wall portraits and gift prints you need!

 

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

Family Portraits in the Park – The Woodlands Outdoor Photographer

It’s been a couple years since I’ve seen this beautiful family, and look how much little girl has grown! I love seeing clients come back for renewed portraits, and it’s an important family milestone to be together as a family and document your lives with beautiful family pictures. I look forward to meeting this family again, next time around! Check out their previous session by clicking here.

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

Special Angels of the Woodlands – Fundraiser Auction

I’m very grateful and humbled that the very amazing Special Angels of the Woodlands has asked me to donate a session to their annual fundraiser. This organization has a very special place in the hearts of Spring and the Woodlands families, and is doing work that is changing the lives of everyone they touch. I wish them the best of luck with their Touched by an Angel gala and fund raising, be sure to check out their information page by clicking here.

touched by an angel auction shannon stroubakis photography offer

 

Baby’s First Photoshoot – The Woodlands Family Photographer

That very first photoshoot as a family with a new little one is such a special moment! I was very excited to meet this little girl and her family, to celebrate their first family portraits together. What a beautiful family, and I look forward to seeing them again!

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

Large Group Family Portraits – Extended Family Photographer The Woodlands

It can be challenging getting a whole group together and posed for a beautiful family portrait. The great advantage to hiring a pro for those tricky portraits is getting perfectly posed pictures, with a photographer who takes care to pose your group in a flattering way that isn’t cliche or too stiff. Staggering lines, posing arms, and grouping family units is important to getting natural posed portraits of your large extended family. And sometimes, using a prop like a neutral sofa or loveseat adds to the charm!

This family used their pretty loveseat to create family portraits with warmth, with everyone circled around each other. The two lines creates a nicer look for the portrait, like a warm family circle. It also helps if there’s a little one involved, to keep her seated and not squirming!

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

Do I Need to Order a Collection? – The Woodlands Photographer

You’ve decided the time is now to get some great pictures of your family  or high school senior, or perhaps you’re getting married or having a baby and are getting a photoshoot done to document this momentous event. It’s a great gift to yourself and your loved ones, and there is much to consider! The location, the time, your wardrobe, and what you will do after your pictures are ready.

So after the session you might be thinking…now what? Should I order just digitals or products? Do I have to order a Collection? What if it doesn’t fit into my needs or budget?

There is nothing quite like coming home to see the faces of the people you love most on the wall, where you can walk by it and smile every day! Or maybe you’re considering a family album, that everyone can sit together and look at. Albums are a great way to let your story unfold, and make wonderful keepsakes.

Shown below: a 20×30 fine art canvas

 

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH YOUR IMAGES?

Before the session, we’ll talk about how you plan to display your pictures, so when it comes time to do your in person viewing and ordering session we will have a good idea of what types of products you are looking for.  Clients have the option to purchase a Collection, or to choose products a la carte. So which is right for you?

COLLECTIONS: My Collections are for clients who want to have digital copies of their images. There are several Collections, depending on how many digital files you have chosen – all or 25. The top two Collections come with a monetary credit to spend on the a la carte menu, and the third is a digital only Collection. I prefer to give my clients this freedom, rather than create Collections that dictate the exact sizes and types of products my clients receive. This way you get exactly what you want, and your order fills your specific need. Check out some of the products you’ll take home in the PRODUCTS PAGE.

Shown below: mini desktop collages

A LA CARTE: If you do not need a large selection of digital files and would rather purchase products, you do not have to order a Collection. A la Carte ordering allows you to focus directly on the products that interest you,  to build your own perfect order. With the purchase of an album 8×8 or larger, or a wall portrait (canvas, metal or mounted print) 16×20 or larger, you also receive a complimentary copy of that digital file for sharing on social media with friends and family.  There is a minimum $500 a la carte ordering requirement, and lots of options available to maximize your purchasing power, such as print packages.

With my personal guidance during your ordering session, you’re guaranteed to walk away happy!

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

Family Trio – The Woodlands Family Photographer

It’s always great to see families who continue to take portraits with their children, as they continue to grow and enter high school! So often, life gets busy and schedules fill up and we forget to preserve these all too fleeting times in our times.  For high school teens, it’s a great time to get together and take portraits before they head out to university and you’ll have some special portraits of you together to frame and keep close to your heart. It’s also a pretty fun photoshoot! Without small children to wrangle and tantrums to soothe, family portraits will never be easier!

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

Perfectly Styled Family Portraits – The Woodlands Family Photographer

This beautiful family is a great example of what to wear for formal family portraits that really shine. With the rustic woods as a backdrop, the neutral cream, dark brown and beige, and that gorgeous pop of natural rose on the girls – wardrobe perfection!  With each family member coordinated, but not perfectly  matched, the whole ensemble comes together for a sophisticated overall look (love that jewelry on the ladies!!) that is formal and classy without being overwhelmingly stuffy. And those beautiful smiles are the icing on the cake!

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

How to Guide for Wall Portraits – The Woodlands Fine Art Photographer

Hanging family portraits on your wall turns your house into your home, your personal space where love and family reside. Having your family portraits taken and displayed on your wall is not about necessity, but about inviting love and beauty into your life, and celebrating family. It’s about happiness, and bringing joy to your world.

When you book your family, senior, maternity or engagement session, we’ll set a time to go over the most important aspects of your upcoming photo shoot so your pictures not only exceed your expectations but also are a perfect match for your home.

YOUR HOME DESIGN

Before the family photo shoot, we’ll discuss your home decorating style so that the entire look of the final portrait matches the overall style of your home.  From the colour of your wardrobe to the style you choose – casual, formal or fun and fresh – the overall style of the portraits should be in harmony with the home style you have curated.

MEASUREMENTS

Before your in person ordering session, it’s a good idea to take measurements of your wall space where you intend to hang your wall art. In the home entrance, above the mantle in the living room, or in the master bedroom are usually the most common places to hang your portraits.  After you’ve chosen your favourite image for display, I’ll show you how it will look in your chosen size and ratio. The common gift print size is 8×10 and it’s tempting to choose that size since it’s a popular ratio. However, that is not the size you want on your walls, that size is far too small for details to be seen at a distance. Go bigger! Here is a little article I wrote on the difference between gift prints and wall art.

COLOUR OR BLACK AND WHITE

Along with your home decor, your personal preference for colour or black and white photos is also something to consider. I convert some of the pictures in your gallery to monochrome, when the light is right and the background isn’t too busy to  be a distraction. I personally love black and white photography, and most of the large prints I have of my own children and for my family album have been converted. However, for my walls I just love full colour!  When you purchase a digital file, if there is a black and white copy, you keep them both! So it you are printing, we’ll go over the two options to decide which version is right for you.

 

I look forward to helping you get the perfect piece of wall art for your home!

Perfectly Posed Family Portraits – The Woodlands Photographer

When it comes to your family pictures, every family has their own style and their own idea for what makes the *perfect* family portrait. For some, it’s carefree, giggly, lifestyle portraits running around a field or hanging out at home. For others, it’s more formal and traditional, with perfect posing and eye contact with the camera. Whatever your style, I’ll work hard to make your family portrait vision a reality, so you are proud to display your family’s style around your home and with friends and family.  You pick the location, and we’ll curate a beautiful gallery of images you’ll treasure for years to come.

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

To Frame or Not to Frame – The Woodlands Photographer

The family portrait is an important investment, so it’s essential to ensure you have carefully considered the overall look, style and proportion for the final piece. When your family, senior, engagement or maternity portrait session is completed, I invite clients for an in person Viewing Appointment so I can personally help you choose the perfect size, ratio and medium for your wall portrait. I’ll show you samples of the products I offer, so you can inspect and touch the products yourself.

For gallery wrapped canvases, these come ready to hang and you do not need to frame them. Metals are designed to be hung without a frame to show off the superior gloss, and the sturdy waterproof and UV resistant design means you don’t have to worry about sun or water damage. For photographic prints I offer complimentary styrene mounting so you can mount your portrait on the wall without a frame, and it’s thin enough to put in wall frames.

WITH FRAMES

OPTION 1:  By using a larger frame, you can highlight your wall portrait with accent matting around a smaller size print. The portrait keeps  it’s original ratio and composition intact with matching coloured mat before being inserted into a  frame. The matted frame means you don’t have to crop the original shot. There is a wide variety of colors and styles to choose from, for custom or traditional matted frames.

OPTION 2: Without matting. This option zooms in larger on the image, and you can choose to crop the image to fit into a smaller frame ratio.

WITHOUT FRAMES

A mounted print, metal or canvas without the frame. The traditional camera ratio for older cameras was 4:5, which created the infamous 8×10 desk print. As a wall portrait, your image could be anything from a 16×20 to a 32×40 or larger. Since the camera shoots at a 2:3 ratio, this crops your image. You can also choose to retain the original ratio and print as a 16×24 or 32×48. This size works well for image of standing subjects, where you want to keep the surrounding environment. For this image, it’s the best choice for this particular image to keep the beautiful trees of the environment around the family.

 

Sunny Days – The Woodlands Family Photographer

Such beautiful light for this lovely family, how lucky! It was a perfect day to capture this family’s pictures in the park, full of sunlight and with a light breeze for some movement. Days like this are just so perfect for outdoor portraiture, exactly the kind of day you want for your family portraits! With this energetic little boy and his great big smile, it’s all sunshine and happiness.

Are you looking for a family photographer in the Woodlands, Spring, Oak Ridge or Conroe area?Please email me directly with this CONTACT FORM.

To learn more about full sessions CLICK HERE for session info and click to see my FAMILY PORTRAIT and CHILDREN galleries.

Wall and Desk Collages for Families – The Woodlands Photographer

When it comes to decorating your home and office with your family pictures from your family photo portrait session, I offer many ways to display your final images. With beautiful print and product options, you can choose to display  your family or  senior portraits on the wall as canvases or framed portraits, on your coffee table as beautiful leather albums, or around the house as framed prints for desks and mantles. One very popular option for senior or family portrait display is the 10×20 collage. This collage can be printed onto white polystyrene which makes it easy to put onto an easel for table display. It’s also thin enough to be put into a frame for hanging on the wall.

With several collage arrangement options, we can choose the best design for your fave photos, or make one customized just for you.

CLICK HERE to see some of the great products I offer clients. From gift prints, to albums, to wall canvases – there is something for everyone’s decorating style and needs.