Ever wonder how photographers get such awesome photos in ways that seem impossible? The truth is, they really aren't that impossible after all. Many times, a photographer has to be very innovative to get the shot he/she wants. The trick is being creative and picturing the image you want in your head before you snap the camera. I have often times used whatever I had on hand to get the image I want.

Yes, this includes using an assistant's back pocket to hold up the backdrop. However, you would have never been able to tell by just looking at the image I took of the baby, would you? 

Taking pictures doesn't have to be a dream out of reach. And it definitely doesn't have to done in a fancy studio with expensive materials. Here, we shot in the client's doorway simply because it offered the best lighting. I used materials I had at home (colorful bead necklaces, a play crown, a simple scarf, and a fluffy blanket) to make this image a true and original composition. 

To make this shoot even more personal I asked the client if they had any props they would like to add or use. She happened to have this sweet girl's first stuffed bunny, which you see in the image. It helps to make the photographs unique to that particular client. Plus, the clients like the personal touches that go into their photo shoot with you! 

Don't be afraid to get on a personal level with your clients. Chances are they're more nervous than you are! If your client seems stiff, take a moment to simply talk to your client. Discuss things that are personal and specific to them ("I love this jacket you are wearing! Where did you get it?") Anything to help them take their mind off of being in front of the camera for a moment. 

Now I'm not saying you have to find out their life story and every intimate detail, but many clients just want to know you are more than just a person behind this camera clicking away. With children, this can be very important. Some can be very shy at first. As a teacher, I know that many times children feel awkward around strange adults until you show interest in something they're interested in. Don't be afraid of acting a little silly just to get them to smile. Your smile will probably make them smile! And don't forget an important asset you have at your finger-tips: the parents! Parents are usually more than willing to help you in any way. All you need to do is ask!

I hope this helps any photographer, novice or otherwise. And just remember, you can become a great photographer with a little creativity and a lot of practice! Good luck and if you have any questions, shoot me an email under the 'contact me' tab at the top. 
                                                              
 -Amy

Borrowed this wonderful article from Magdalena D Photography @ 
https://www.facebook.com/notes/magdalena-d-photography/photography-tip-of-the-day/399889316727554  and simply added in a few of my own bits of photography..just because reading is so much better with pictures!

Tips For Your Outdoor Couples Shoot

Indoor- well you can do whatever you want as long as you have the ultimate package...

but for engagement shoots, anniversary, or darn we need good pics done to send to Gradma here are some tips...

STYLE

• Color coordinate your outfits. Ok, for this one, don't be nerds and dress exactly the same. But keep in in the same family of colors. Blues, greys, blacks and whites go well. Browns, beige, white, and blues go well. Also a pop of color looks good on her. Something really pink, red or yellow as long as the rest is neutral. For more ideas look at magazines. Art directors get paid a lot of money to coordinate outfits on shoots. 

• DO NOT WEAR BUSY PATTERNS! yes I am shouting this one. Keep it simple.
• Wear something that you've tried and tested. I has to be comfortable, it has to fit, it has to boost your confidence. It shows in the picture.

POSING
We are aiming for natural and casual but have some things in consideration.

When kissing ( I will bark a: now kiss! often, you've been warned) church tongue. Just a bit. Do not squash your face against each other, keep it light and playful. Who ever has the best profile gets to have their nose on the camera side. This will make sense in the pictures, trust me.

Also a good one, leaning into each other, one person looking at the camera, the other smelling the temple. Sounds so weird but it works. Keep it touchy-feely, look into each other, remove strands of hair... all the corny stuff :) And the most important one smile ! smile tons!  

Photographing in the Rain: How to get Great Photos While Protecting Your CameraPaul Cook found @ http://www.tocofi.com/how-to-photograph-in-the-rain/ 

Most photographers do not like taking pictures on a rainy day because of the problems that arise in their images and camera. Unaware to many of them is the breath-taking world that exists during the rain.

The rain provides photographers an opportunity to let their creativity run wild and capture some of the most stunning pictures. Many professionals consider photography in the rain to be a form of fine art photography as it requires skill and patience to capture remarkable images.

Photographing in the rain is very exciting. Photographers are able to capture shapes, shadows and colors that cannot be captured on a normal sunny day. For example, raindrops hitting the surface of an object, raindrops falling, rain falling onto petals and leaves, water droplets on grass, the different reflection and colors cast by wet objects. These are only some image ideas that you can undertake in your photo project when it’s raining.

Taking photos in the rain can be a bit tricky. Images can come out blurred if certain photography techniques are not used. To get great looking photographs in the rain, follow the tips mentioned below.

Adjust Shutter SpeedIn the rain, the DSLR camera’s shutter speed needs to be fairly increased in order to prevent the images from becoming blurry. Depending on the intensity of rain, the shutter speed should be at least 1/250 or higher.  Sometimes that can be hard to achieve and get a well exposed photo, but that is the fun of photographing in the rain.  Sometimes you get moody darker photos.  It really all depends on what you want to photograph.

ApertureSet the camera to use the aperture priority mode. Under this mode, the pictures will come out in more depth and with clearer light. Ideally, a wide camera aperture (f/4 or f/1.4) should be used when taking photos in the rain.

Macro ModeTurning on the macro mode on the DSLR camera is a great way to get interesting and captivating photos while it’s raining. This mode is ideal if close-up photographs are going to be taken. For example, taking a photo of a blade of grass with water droplets in macro mode will bring out sharper and clearer color. Make sure that the background is blurred out so that the viewer focuses on the object you captured.

When photographing in the rain, it is equally important to protect camera equipment as you would protect yourself. Camera equipment is very sensitive. Although a few droplets of water will not do any harm, prolonged exposure under the rain without any protection can damage the camera.

Below are a few tips that can help protect the camera when photographing in the rain.

Change Lenses under Shelter-
Changing the lens while under the rain can cause water to seep into the camera housing and cause damage. When the camera lens needs to be changed, look for shelter. This way, the camera is protected and you get a moment to dry your hair.

Wear a Raincoat-
Place the camera under your raincoat whenever you are moving around to find a photo location or if the camera is not in use.

Waterproof Casing-
If you plan on taking photographs in the rain, purchasing waterproof housing for the camera is essential. The housing will stop any water from seeping into the camera. It will also help to somewhat improve picture quality as the lens will be under the casing. A simple wipe to the lens area of the casing with a dry cloth will help bring out clearer images.

Lens Shade-
Typically a Lens shade is used to prevent glare and sunlight from affecting image quality. These shades can also be used to keep rain off the camera lens so that you can capture blur-free pictures in the rain.

Digital photography in the rain maybe a little tricky but the quality and creativity of the images are well worth the trouble.

http://www.thephotoargus.com/tips/great-tips-for-shooting-in-the-rain/

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/how-to-capture-rain-in-photography2.htm

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/camera-exposure.htm