shutterbug

photography

Underwater Pregnancy Photos: Ga Ga or Gag?

We've recently become converts when it comes to pregnancy photo shoots, but when San Francisco-area photographer Erena Shimoda told us about her maternity specialty — underwater photography — we didn't quite know what to think of it.

We've recently become converts when it comes to pregnancy photo shoots, but when San Francisco-area photographer Erena Shimoda told us about her maternity specialty — underwater photography — we didn't quite know what to think of it. Your baby spends nine months surrounded by fluid, so we can kind of see the connection, and yes, Erena's photography (shown above) is pretty amazing, but even she admits it can be a struggle to get moms-to-be to relax in the water. "It is a huge challenge to make them feel comfortable, look natural, show their beauty, and do all fun poses all at once!" the photographer says. "My goal is to see all my clients gain confidence and smile as they hold their final image in their hands."

As you can see, the results are lovely, but would you hop in the water for a pregnancy shoot? Weigh in below!

Source: Erena Shimoda

photography

Shutterbug: 8 Tips For Photographing Your Tot's Favorite Activity

Don't blink or you might miss your tot's favorite activity of the week.

Don't blink or you might miss your tot's favorite activity of the week. Kids are a fickle bunch and their favorites quickly change in what feels like the blink of an eye. If you don't capture them while they're doing it, you're sure to forget it was a favorite before long. I turned to mom and photographer Jennifer Little, founder of Sugar Photography in Fort Collins, CO, for tips on photographing your lil one doing her favorite things. Keep reading for some not-to-miss photo opportunities you'll definitely want to shoot!

Toys

Snap! 10 Fun Finds For Your Little Shutterbug

Snap-happy parents who want to inspire lil ones to follow in their footsteps are in luck — cameras are a hot trend in kids' toys, gear, and more.

Snap-happy parents who want to inspire lil ones to follow in their footsteps are in luck — cameras are a hot trend in kids' toys, gear, and more. From infant toys and onesies to fully functional digital cameras made especially for little fingers, there's a way to nurture your child's inner shutterbug at every stage of their development. Check out 10 of our favorite photog-friendly finds here . . . and don't forget to say "cheese!"

Food and Fun

Shutterbug: 10 Tips For Photographing Your Child's Birthday

It's party time! We love looking at all of the beautiful parties parents throw for their kids, but what really makes the parties stand out is the way they are photographed.

It's party time! We love looking at all of the beautiful parties parents throw for their kids, but what really makes the parties stand out is the way they are photographed. Some mamas just know exactly what to capture to create a permanent record of their lil one's big day. While dessert tables are nice, there's more to a party than the sweets! We turned to mom and photographer Jennifer Little, founder of Fort Collins, CO-based Sugar Photography, for some tips on photographing your tot's birthday celebration. Check them out!

Editor's Pick

Shutterbug: 7 Tips For Photographing Your Kids This Spring

If your camera spent the Winter hidden in the back of the closet just like your warm weather clothes, it's time to dust it off and get to work.

If your camera spent the Winter hidden in the back of the closet just like your warm weather clothes, it's time to dust it off and get to work. Warm weather, budding plants, and blooming flowers provide the perfect backdrop for beautiful photos of your tots. Mom and photographer Jennifer Little, founder of Fort Collins, CO-based Sugar Photography (no relation), has plenty of suggestions for capturing memorable images of your lil ones this season. Keep reading to see her tips and some beautiful Spring photos she's taken.

All photos courtesy of: Jennifer Little | Sugar Photography

photography

How to Look Like a Celeb at Your Own Pregnancy Photo Shoot

Jessica Simpson did it well.

Jessica Simpson did it well. So did Demi, Britney, and Cindy, but could you pull off a naked pregnant photo shoot? Absolutely, as long as you follow the tips we scored from Chicago photographer Maria Ponce, who's turned shooting pregnant noncelebrities into a beautiful art form.

I was lucky enough to score a session with Maria during my pregnancy (that's me, seven months pregnant with my daughter, on the right). At first, I was skeptical about the idea. Did I really want to commemorate my pregnancy experience? I had gained almost 40 pounds, had pregnancy acne, and felt terrible — why would I want a permanent record of that? But Maria talked me through the shoot, and in the end, it ended up being one of the best experiences of my pregnancy. Seeing my big-bellied self through Maria's lens made me feel like one of those powerful, beautiful pregnant women — not like the schlumpy, yoga-pant wearing, miserable prego who could barely walk around the block without Braxton Hicks contractions forcing me home that I really was.

Now, a year after giving birth, I've (almost) forgotten about how huge and uncomfortable I felt, and I'm happily left with those superwoman photos, which are just inspiring enough to tempt me to do it all over again. I highly recommend a pregnancy photo shoot, and Maria has some great tips on how to make it a success. Keep reading to get the most of your pregnancy photo shoot, and get ready to bring out your inner, belly exalting Jessica Simpson in the (near) buff.

Source: Ponce Photography

Editor's Pick

Shutterbug: 5 Unique Places to Photograph Your Kids

Point and shoot! Every day with your kids is full of memories, but we don't always remember to pull out the camera and capture them for posterity.

Point and shoot! Every day with your kids is full of memories, but we don't always remember to pull out the camera and capture them for posterity. Mom and photographer Jennifer Little, founder of Fort Collins, CO-based Sugar Photography (no relation), believes it is these little, everyday moments that families love to look back on. She says, "It's about emotions and capturing the full range of your child in unique but natural environments." Keep reading to see some of the unusual places she recommends snapping some shots, as well as beautiful examples of her work!

All photos courtesy of: Jennifer Little | Sugar Photography

Editor's Pick

Shutterbug: How to Photograph Your Family at Home

Grab your camera and get ready to shoot!

Grab your camera and get ready to shoot! After baby's born, many mamas fashion themselves into the family photographer, but how much do you really know about capturing the perfect shot? With DSLR cameras on the top of many moms' wish lists, I turned to an expert to get a crash course in recording a family's daily activities — and doing it well! Fort Collins, CO-based Jennifer Little started Sugar Photography (no relation) with the goal of capturing the connection between people and their moments. Keep reading to see her tips for doing the same on your own, as well as beautiful examples of her work!

All photos courtesy of: Jennifer Little | Sugar Photography

Holiday

Tips For Capturing Fabulous Candid Shots For Holiday Cards

Still haven't taken that perfect shot of the kids for your holiday card?

Still haven't taken that perfect shot of the kids for your holiday card? Skip the traditional group shot and go candid to create a memorable card! On-the-go shutterbug, Lauri Levenfeld teaches moms how to capture interesting images of their tots in her Zoom Mommy-Snap and Stroll workshops. "Holiday cards are all about reaching out to the people you love and sharing a little bit about where you are in your life and how you've been," she said. "Instead of writing a novel, the easiest way to tell your loved ones about your family is to create an image that is about your life," Levenfeld added. Check out her five fabulous tips.

All photos courtesy of: Zoom Photography

photography

Shutterbug: Photo Props Help Create Beyond-Adorable Holiday Pictures!

'Tis the season to say "cheese!"

'Tis the season to say "cheese!" Mamas love to take photos during the holidays — or any day of the year, for that matter, but getting lil ones to ham it up for the camera takes some work. Take a cue from pro photogs and bring on the photo props to take your holiday family photos from festive to fabulous!

Click through to check out our favorite holiday photo prop finds — and get inspired to create an impromptu photo booth at your upcoming holiday party!