Monthly Birthday Minis

As a child the one thing I vividly remember were birthday celebrations. We were always made to feel loved and extra special on our big day. Once I became a mom I continued this with my children. It’s not always a big, extravagant party, but it’s most definitely a day where they get to choose their special meal and dessert, and we make sure to surround them with all the people who love them.

This got the wheels spinning. I have decided that I would like to host birthday minis. So, each month, I would love to schedule a day where I can photograph your littles (and bigs) in their birthday month. I probably should have started this in January but I can’t control when my brain decides to develop ideas, but I do want to make this a long term service should it be successful.

I am still working on dates, but I’m planning on doing a weekday/evening during the summer months (July to August) and a weekend date from January to June and again from September to December. Some will be held outside, while others will be in the studio, and each theme may be different from the last. There may even be times where there’s no theme at all. Everything is still up in the air.

I will announce all of the dates and sign ups through my newsletter in the coming weeks, so if you would like to take part in these events, please sign up for my newsletter HERE.

Birthday Photos with Batavia, N.Y. Photographer

Happy 3rd birthday, Stephen!

I met Stephen and his family 2 years ago when he was about 9 or 10 months old. He always gives me a run for my money, but he’s the most fun! He loves Peppa Pig and his mommy and daddy- but he’s definitely a mama’s boy! He’s the sweetest, happiest little guy I have ever met. He’s easy to temper but when he’s happy HE’S OH, SO HAPPY, and has a smile that is so infectious.

Over the years working with Stephen I have learned that when he finds something that soothes him, you just go with it. As you can see here he is holding his Mom’s cell phone in one image and a water bottle in the other. The shot with the cell phone was when mom and dad were in the studio with them, but I wasn’t able to connect with Stephen on a personal level while his parents were in sight, so I kicked them out-along with the cell phone, LOL! He did fuss for a minute but, then, found a nearby water bottle that calmed him right down. I decided that I was just going to photograph him with these items because 1- he was able to control his emotions with them and 2- it shows who he is at this stage of life. Is it ideal? No, but I will do whatever I need to do to get the shot, and “the shot” here is him smiling and engaging with me.

I usually tell parents that showing a child their favorite cartoon on their phone over my head is not ideal because it makes them zone-out. In turn they look like a zombie for their photos. It also doesn’t allow me to get that connection that every parent wants from their photos. However, I make an exception for Stephen because the phone actually helps calm and center him, but I can still get that connection and keep him in the area of the studio I need him in. I rarely get eye contact from him but when I do it’s magical. His sweet little face, big brown eyes, and adorable smile make all the work worth it when I can capture it.

Portrait photography is not always about getting the most perfectly posed shot. It’s about meeting people where they’re at and photographing them as they are. It’s about pulling out their personality and showing it to the world. You’re a storyteller.

Family Photo Wardrobe Ideas- Spring Edition

Spring 2023 Wardrobe Ideas

March 1st has finally arrived, so I thought it would be a perfect time to discuss clothing ideas for the upcoming Spring Photo Season. We are at the point now where we will begin to get more warm days than cold…..I know I might be overly optimistic here because….N.Y., but I’m ready for the great thaw.

In the Spring you’re going to start to see more softer color palettes; think pastels and neutrals! While the color palette will shift from season-to-season, you’re still going to follow the basics: Dress for the weather (if you have an outdoor session), incorporate layers, and don’t forget about patterns and textures. In the winter you’re typically looking for heavier textures such as knit, wool, and fur, but in the spring you want to find something a little lighter (weather dependent, of course). Linen and lace are great ways to add light weight textures to your wardrobe, but you may need to add knit if the temps are a little on the chilly side.

Below is a sample wardrobe I put together based on my own family. I have 3 boys: 15, 11, and 7. Now, this dress is not something I would choose for myself, but it works for the purpose of my post. The dress would be considered the “hero piece” here since it holds all of the colors I wish to use. Doing this takes a lot of the guess work out of picking colors for everyone. For my oldest, who only wears joggers and hoodies because…teenagers, I picked something that would be super simple with bit of texture to add interest. For my middle son, I picked a blazer because it’s something he likes to wear; he’s a total gentleman sometimes, but I also paired it with a simple button down linen shirt to contrast the green in the blazer. I chose a crew neck for added comfort. For my youngest son I chose pink shorts because he’s still at an age where he isn’t overly opinionated about what her wears. The top I chose because I thought it was fun, but I probably wouldn’t choose this specific green as it looks more like a lime green over a soft, moss green but, by choosing this shirt, I have opened up an opportunity to teach you something. I always tell clients to take a couple of pieces that they plan to use for their wardrobe with them so that they can compare the colors side-by-side with potential pieces. Even a small color shift like this can make or break your wardrobe. Finally, for my husband I chose a soft blue sweater and paired it with a button down flannel. He can wear just the flannel like the man in the photo, or he can layer it under the sweater and just have the color showing. This is a nice way to be fully prepared for any weather you might get because he can layer it if it’s going to be a little chilly or just do one or the other if the temps are warmer.

Below I did another wardrobe sample, but I did a family of 4 with 2 girls.

In this wardrobe selection I kept a similar color palette as above but omitted the green, but you could totally add green in here if you wanted to and it would still work. First I saw this adorable scalloped sweater and built the colors around that, so don’t think that your hero piece has to be the one with all the colors. It just has to be a piece you absolutely love and have to use for your wardrobe. Also, I opted for an outfit for Mom that wasn’t a dress. So often I have people ask what they can wear instead of a dress, and this is a great option! I love the textures on the top and to warm it up I added a brown flat. Flats are a great choice for a lifestyle session. They are comfortable and easy to walk in. For Dad I wanted to bring back some of that pink, but I paired it with a darker blue slack. By adding the dark blue here instead of the same light blue on the top, it adds another level of contrast to the wardrobe. You can absolutely add in other shades of colors so long as the tone is similar.

And that’s it! If you’re still needing to book your Spring Mini Session with your Batavia, N.Y. Photographer, you can do that HERE.

Let’s summarize what we did here for preparing a great Spring Family Session Wardrobe

1. Soft Color palette

2. lightweight fabrics: linen, lace, and tulle. Cotton + knit should you need a little warmth on a chilly spring day.

3. Layers are a great way to add interest to your wardrobe, but it also serves as an extra layer if you need clothing for a cold day.

4. Pick clothing that fits your child’s personality and will make them feel comfortable and confident for photo day.

5. Wear clothing and fabrics that are comfortable.

6 Tips To Prepare Your Pet For Family Photos

Meet Charlie.

Charlie is about as well behaved as they come. If I had the choice to photograph one pup for the rest of my career as a photographer, he would be my first choice. He also has a baby sister named cricket, and she’s pretty amazing, too! First off, look at how cute he is! The only “flaw” he has is that he’s incredibly awkward when asked to “smile” for the camera. He is trained well, but we have found that his best photos are during play. I guess the same could be said for the majority of people who are not used to being photographed professionally.

working with pets during your family photos is similar to working with infants and toddlers; they have the attention span of an ant and a mind of their own and it’s up to us to rein them in. there are a few things we can do to prepare them to be their best during your family photo session. Below are just a few tips on how to ready your pet.

1. Pamper them: You get your hair, nails, and make-up done for your photos. Why not do the same for your pet. Give them a little spa day so they look their best on photo day. You can do this with a professional or do it yourself.

2. Include them in the questionnaire: I send a questionnaire over to my clients to let me know who is being photographed and tell me a little bit about each person. If your pet is being photographed, please don’t exclude them from this questionnaire.

3. Feed them: Again, your pets are just like children. You don’t want them to show up to a session with an empty belly.

4. Walk them: Dogs can get pretty excited when meeting new people. This is normal, but it’s important that you expend a little energy before your session. I wouldn’t tire them out completely, but by giving them a 15 minute walk prior to your session time will allow them to be more calm at the start of your session. Plan to arrive to your session about 20 minutes early so that you can let them do this.

5. Treats & toys: Reward your pet when they’ve done a job well done, but try to not overuse these; we don’t want sick animals. Toys can be used by the photographer to catch the attention of the pet.

6. Be patient and have fun! Remember that we also want to capture playful moments and the genuine personality of your pet, so don’t be afraid to love on them just like your kiddos.

That’s it! That’s all I have. If you have any additional tips/tricks or questions for your pet in particular, please drop them in the comment section below and I will answer them as soon as I can. Happy Monday, y’all.

What to Expect from your Batavia, N.Y. Photographer in 2023

Happy Friday, y’all!

I have a couple orders of business with this blog post: First, discuss what to expect when booking your session with Marie Bohn Photography in the New Year & 2023 Family Session Pricing.

I’ve been spending a lot of time trying to make my business a little more seamless during the booking process. Over the years I’ve spent so much time putting together emails with all of your session prep information, only to receive a message from a client saying it never came through. This year I am delegating a little space on my website just for you in hopes to avoid lost information. This is something that will take some time to get together because it’s all new to me, and there’s been a lot of trial an error along the way, but I’m super excited to have all the information in one area with just a link for you to click! It will include all pre-session prep, day- of session “what to expect”, and post session expectations. I have been trying to keep it as short and sweet as possible, but there’s a lot of information that needs to be shared to fully prepare you and your family for your family session, but I will do my best to simplify it for you because I know life can be crazy, and who has time to read long-winded articles.

Next order of business- 2023 Family Session Pricing

Every year the rent at my studio increases. I’ve kept my pricing the same for 7 years (with the exception of my mini session pricing). This year I am at the point where I am finding I need to make the increase to cover the rising cost of my studio space. I have done my best to keep the same pricing, but as the world changes, I need to, too. I hope that you all still continue to come to me as the price change is “only” $50, but I do understand if you need to go elsewhere. I did run 2022 with the pricing for my new inquiries only and it went well, so ALL clients booking in 2023 will be subject to this new pricing. If you have any questions regarding this price change, feel free to message me.

Thank you for your continued support, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Your Batavia, N.Y Family Photographer and Her "Home" Studio

Welcome to my “home”.

The decision to sign a lease on a family photography studio space in Batavia, N.Y. was not an easy one. I was in my 2nd year of business after moving back home from T.N. My position as a photographer in the community had not been fully established yet, and I am actually still working on that! However, I realized how difficult it was in that 1st year to offer my clientele what they were requesting during the cold and snowy winter months here in Western, N.Y. A studio space separate from my house was the only thing that made sense, so I took the plunge and it has been the best decision I have made.

The next hurdle that came my way was how I make this dingy, old industrial building feel cozy and inviting, as though it was your home! I started by painting everything, I mean, EVERYTHING white, because that’s what trendy, upscale photography studio spaces look like, right?! I used it that 1st year and I just couldn’t find my groove in there. Any setup I created just always felt like it was missing something. I wanted it to feel cozy and invited like a home, but also a space that could be used for professional family portraits. Something was missing. Finally, after much soul searching, I finally realized that it was “ME” that was missing! But, how do I go about finding “me” in my style?

I decided to reflect on the clothing I wear and the decor I have in my home, and what I realized is I love drama! I love bold, rich colors! I’m not that feminine; I don’t love lace and frills. That said, I do have floral curtains in my dining room, but I have paired them with an emerald green bar with brass handles and wooden shelves. I quickly realized that I am not that “light & airy” photographer that I was trying to be in my studio space. It was time I stopped following “the trend” and started to be me. This is the 1st year since painting the walls black that I have enjoyed being in my family photography studio. It feels just like home. My home, specifically. My Limited Edition Holiday Setup was a bit specific, but I love it, and I am so glad other families saw and loved my vision, too!

And, you know, it’s so funny to meet families at the front doors of the building my studio is located in- I immediately greet them, and I can just see their eyes whirling around inspecting every corner of the front entrance. I then bring them up the questionable elevator (that is often locked for service), and down this long, dark and cold hallway to reach my studio. All the while wondering what might be going through their minds. Usually the kiddos are pretty vocal with their opinions, but parents are not so much. I’ve heard from children, “why is it so dark in here?”, “why is the elevator so scary?”, “where are you taking us?” ETC…

Then, I open my studio door. It almost feels like I’ve opened the gates to heaven, based on the sense of calm from everyone. Which is immediately followed by a “WOW! This is not what I expected. It’s so cute in here.” I don’t know if I have ever said this, but I love hearing those words. My sister (we share this space) and I have put so much time, hard work, and money into creating a space that feels like home, and I am so grateful that the families I work with feel that, too!

Have a little looksey inside….

Let's Talk TICKS {insert itching} | Batavia, N.Y. Family Photographer

As you all know I love me some unpolished foliage. Give me a field full of overgrown beautifulness and I am happy as a clam! Unfortunately, that also comes at a price. Winter is generally “off-season” for family photographers in Western, N.Y. simply because it just becomes too challenging to keep the little ones happy in the colder temps, so that means that everyone who is looking to update their family photos are typically having them done between the months of March and, at the latest, November. As you all know ticks are basically demons that live earth side and can cause some serious health issues. It is, as a mother and family photographer, incredibly important to me that I do everything in my power to protect the families who entrust me with the safety of their precious littles, and so I have decided to compile a list of things to do before and after your family photo session with your Batavia, N.Y. family photographer in attempts to prevent tick bites.

BEFORE

-Treat the clothing you will be wearing for your session with a repellant containing Permethrin. This product is typically good for up to 7 washes.

-(From the CDC website) Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellentsExternal containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone.

• Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months old.

• Do not use products containing OLE or PMD on children under 3 years old.

AFTER

-Take a lint roller (sticky kind) and run in all over yourself and your child(ren).

-Change your clothing asap!

-While I do suggest a constant check during your session, it is incredibly important to do a full body check right after your session. This means both yourself and your child(ren). In addition to the main areas of your body, be sure to check under your arms, in your hair, private region, and belly button. I would also suggest showering up to 2 hours post session as to remove any unattached ticks and to run your body check.

Also note: The transmission of Lyme Disease only occurs if the tick has been attached for 36-48 hours, so it is paramount you do an immediate check to prevent the spread of Lyme disease.

Now that I am all itchy just thinking about this, I hope that this post offers some valuable information for you and your family before, during, and after your next outdoor family photo session.

Why Your Batavia, N.Y. Family Photographer is so NOSEY!

Hilchey Family - Oakfield, N.Y. Family Portrait Session

Many of times I get inquiries for sessions that look like this-

“Hi there! How much for a session?”

Listen! I’m not “Portrait Innovations” or “The Picture People”. One price does not fit all. There are many elements involved to decide what price your specific session would be. When you book with me you are booking a CUSTOM portrait experience. Now, what does that mean exactly?

Well, for starters I am not selling you this pose and that setup. I am creating images that are unique to you and your family. That includes, but is not limited to, clothing, location, “props”, desired images, etc…. You will find that when booking with me I ask A LOT of questions. Not just before booking but even during the planning process. Even more-so if I’ve never met you before. Every family has different needs and expectations for their session. That said, not everyone knows what to expect from a session. It is my job to educate you on what experience I offer and vice versa- to find out what experience you are looking for. I don’t do in-person, pre-consultations and so it is very important for me, and I hope my clients value this part of my service as well, that I learn as much about your family as I can so that I can capture genuine and unique images that tell your story. Simply put, it’s like commissioning an artist or even an interior designer. It’s important that you are specific about what you are looking for so that they can see your vision and produce the product.

This photo is a great example- Had mom never mentioned that her husband wanted a photo done at his fire department, I would have never thought to incorporate it into their session. As the daughter of a service woman (veteran/EMT), I know the impact that images like this can have. God forbid anything were to happen to him during a call they now have this photo to remember his dedication to the department and to the community.

So, if you book a family photo session with your Batavia, NY Family Photographer, aka- ME, please be extra transparent with your specific needs/wants. These images are special, but let’s make them a little extra special just for you!

Why Your Color Photograph Doesn't Look as good in B&W | Batavia NY Family Photographer

Do you love Black & White photographs?

I know I do! There are times when I get special requests to convert a color photo to black and white. You see, when I edit my photos, I give every family their gallery in all color edits with the exception of a few that I will convert to Black & White, but only if I think the photo can handle the conversion. So, because of the way I edit and the requests I’ve received, I decided to do a little write up about my “why” I don’t convert all of my images to Black & White.

To start, we need to define Dynamic Range- Dynamic Range has to do with, but is not limited to, the light being captured in a photograph. Simply put, an image created with a lot of light and a lot of shadow would be considered an image with a great deal of dynamic range (high contrast). These types of images covert to Black & White beautifully!

If you look below I have shown 2 examples. One has great dynamic range while the other, even though it’s a great shot, is 1000% better in color!

With that said, I will do a Black & White conversion if requested but, if you truly love Black & Whites and want them in your gallery, please let your photographer know this before your family portrait session. This way they can be fully prepared to photograph your family for the Black & White conversion.

Black & Whites are created in camera with the light and the location.