* You will now find our family portrait work at https://rebeccamabeyphotography.com/

As photographers, there are dreamy moments that you may attempt to plan on or they sneak up on you as a surprise.  These light rays coming through the trees at Chrissy fields next to Golden Gate Bridge were one of them.  With all the salty humid air hanging about, and some pollution, the rays of light broken up through the trees at just that right angle shone down on my subjects beautifully. 

Similarly, inside, dust, smoke, pollution, and incense are just a few things that might hang in the air similarly and catch that beautiful light.  In the all film era, it was not uncommon for smoke to linger in so many buildings and therefore often make rays of light in the photographs, anyway, just one contributing factor.  Another factor is that film has a wider dynamic range, so it tends to capture present light rays easier, as digital can blow out easier. Interestingly enough, back then it was seen as more of a flaw.  Isn't it interesting how we look at things differently now?

Naturally, there are limitations to many of the settings we work in, but here are some ideas to help catch the rays.

1. Atmosphere Aerosol

As a cleaner option for adding the haze into your setting, these cans spray a light mist that will linger long enough for you to grab a few shots.  For a successful ray effect, you have to have direct morning or afternoon sunlight coming in through the window.

2. Consider the Gaps

As you are setting up your shot, look for are arrange to have the light come through a narrower entrance.  Whether that means adjusting the drapes in a formal setting or moving your couple over to the gaps of wood in the barn where the light is coming in.  Look for the spots on the floor for quick hints.

3. Shoot directly into the Sun

This can create a beautiful image with rays of light coming down on or around your subject.  But be sure to obstruct that direct light, so you do not actually see the sun, such as with your subject, the trees etc.

4. Kick up the dust

Inside, that may just take shaking a few sheets, outside on a country dirt road.  I've run a around behind my clients (I'm sure I look insane) to bring up light, fine, dry dirt into the rays already coming down through the trees.  Or have an assistant of a friend tagging along do it as the dirt will not hang in the air for long.

5.  Clap flour

This one is obviously messier, but a budget-friendly route.  Not recommended to bring flour to a bride's hotel room getting ready.  But perhaps in a home lifestyle setting or an afternoon sitting under the trees, this is best used. 

6. Look for contrast

You can have all the aerosol and other dust in the air you want, but if you do not have the right amount of contrast with the way you angel your photo and expose it, then it will go unnoticed. Look for shadows in the room, or create them with what windows are open and which aren't.  Think of those rays as the spotlight that needs to be noticed.

7. Diffusion Filters

Try out these diffusion filters to help bring out the haze and emphasize those rays' elegance.  Mix with a Black Pro Mist filter 1/8 or 1/4.

8. Dodge and Burn

When you have played with and are not getting enough of the contrast you were hoping for naturally for your sunrays, enhance them in photoshop or the darkroom with the dodge and burn technique.

9. Strobes

Of course, most of us photographers would take natural light over the strobes, but when you want to have control and create "rays" of light coming in naturally, you can combine the aerosol, filters, and strobe light coming in from a window.

10. Harsh Light

While we may avoid this in so many instances allowing that light to come into the background of your photo, but avoiding those overly blown-out areas, it can add a beautiful contrast.

11. Fog Machine/ Haze Machine

If you shoot inside often in settings for portraits, this may very well be an ideal investment.  Maybe turn off those smoke alarms first!  I still recall the fun adventure of a wedding I shot at where they enjoyed blasting the fog machine on the dance floor and the reception was suddenly interrupted with the fire alarms going off.  Guess it added to a memorial moment of their day. I've used Chauvet DJ Haze Fluid. You can do an H2O Haze, water-based mist. Obviously, these are popular for the dance floors and band concerts to really add that atmosphere and give the lights and lasers life. Just make sure you are getting the right fluid for the machine you use.

12. Bend the Light

Similar to breaking up the light, shooting at an angle that will help the light ray bend around something before it reaches you will help create that star effect of light rays that are skinnier, rather than one bulky chunk of light.

13. Close your Aperture

You can accentuate that "particle" effect a bit by closing your aperture.  For example from f1.8 or f2.8 to f4-f5.6.  Simply play with your aperture taking pictures of that same shot to try it out and compare.

14. Angle the Light

If you are shooting indoors and there are blinds, you may be in luck! We already mentioned breaking up and narrowing the light.  Play with the blinds, or take it further and use a slab of cardboard/ tagboard and a box cutter to experiment with shapes and sizes to get the results you want.

15. Calm the air

Having a fan blowing, the AC on, or a window open will certainly disperse whatever atmosphere you attempt to create before you can frame and capture your shot! Use assistance or eliminate those unwanted breezes for the shot.

When you are done, especially inside, always clear the air!

When you are done playing and just haven't achieved the light rays you were hoping for, then it is time to play a bit in photoshop.  We will cover adding digital light rays in another post.

Years ago, before I started Effervescent Media Works, before it was even an idea to start doing photography and film and doing what I love, I was working as a hostess.  My husband found a job that was closer to him for me at a baby clothing store shop in retail.  It was an assistant management position.

Since he knew the shop owners he helped me get my foot in the door for an interview and in a whirlwind I quite my hostess job after being hired and put on a trail period.  How awesome was this!  I was thrilled.  As a newlywed, I loved the idea of being close to my husband and commuting for work with our shared car would be AWESOME.  I could help pay bills while my hubby worked part time and finished school.  Win win!  So I was happy.  I hadn't started college again since we had just moved and I was in the process of transferring credits from my previous school up to the University of Utah.

Every job has a bit of a learning curb right?  I mean I was nervous starting and even brought a notebook to take notes (because notes are huge for me) and I did have previous retail experience ... but there was this shock.  I suddenly realized... I have NO idea what I am doing, aside from being a clerk... and yet these guys are willing to give me shot!


One thing that I have learned as that time as a super naive 19 year old, is when I am super out of my element, and crazy nervous on the inside, doubting my abilities and trying to keep it cool on the outside.... I acted... well... like I knew it all. Why, I don't know, perhaps to convince myself and hope I could learn along the way in the process.  Everything was great! Until that didn't last long and they told me it wasn't working out after about a week, that I needed to learn some humility, and should go back to finish school! WHAT?! I was hurt, confused and felt crazy belittled... but I learned a great lesson at that time.

Well... I learned... acting like a know it all is going to get you nowhere!  Not asking questions and having the humility to learn and acknowledge that you have made a mistake and are trying to improve upon them is HUGE!  Not to mention being a know it all gets OLD fast.  I was young, and though acted professional and had some experience (hence landed the job), one mistake I made was to try to put on this face of something I was not.  I mean, I think that is ok to a certain degree.  But to put on a face, even though on the inside you might be screaming, "HELP I HAVE NO IDEA what I am doing! But I don't want to admit it!" yep, this is a read flag! And it was not just on a professional level, but just the conversations the other women in the shop would have were in a world that I really could not relate to.  Regardless, I had a hard time just acting like myself.




When they hired me I was so anxious and out of my element that I put on a front of acting like, "I got this, I don't need your help".. and you know what?  I am sure it came off SUPER rude!  Rude to the individuals that were trying to train me and rude that I was not simply showing enough gratitude for the opportunity they had given me! Thinking back, almost 10 years ago, I still seem to remember my young naive brain thinking that if I were over thankful, that that would make me appear desperate or needy or something.  As a professional now, I can tell you one thing, gratitude from those you work with is one of the most professional things I can receive! A thank you note, an email, a sincere handshake or hug, you name it.  It is a compliment.  Showing gratitude to others compliments them for the sacrifices that have made, like that manager giving an opportunity and taking a risk on me.

What is important here is, to be honest with yourself with where you are at but be willing to step out of that comfort zone and make mistakes, ask questions and take the next step after you learn each new thing.  Otherwise, you will be stuck!  So move forward with humility in your learning process and show a professional gratitude for those you can help you on your way! Mentors, teachers, parents, friends...

Without humility, we cannot grow.  It's like trying to grow in rock hard soil that's changing into rock.  It requires watering, churning the soil by occasionally taking on that new perspective, softening it.  I had to take a little detour at that time in my life and honestly, as I look back, getting fired was a blessing in disguise.

Shortly after being let go, I was stuck and feeling put out.  At this point in time, I started to really ask myself, what is it that I want to do?  What do I love to do? What makes me happy?

I started doing an Arts in the Park camp for young children and I loved sharing my talents doing that and being involved doing something that brought others joy. I loved being outside in nature. And I loved bringing a smile to the little one's faces.

When we went to family parties I would take my camera. I LOVED taking pictures and documenting the love that was shared there. There is something about documenting life that helps us to look back on it and appreciate the little things.  Helping us to count our blessings.

For fun with friends and family I started a portfolio with various portraiture, as I started to learn my camera, and we had fun together, laughing, joking, posing, experimenting with what worked and didn't work. At that point in time I had a LOT to learn.  But I kept learning slowly.

At a family event a relative asked if I would come photograph her family pictures.  And I did.  First paying client, which that part was actually a surprise.  And you know what.  I had a LOT to learn.  But this time I was a little more open about it and grateful to her for giving my the opportunity.

It was around this time that I found my love for pursuing photography and knew that is was what I wanted to do. To tell other's stories to help them count their blessings and strengthen those family bonds.

Now when I look back to that job in the retail shop, I could cry ... that I don't work there and instead am following my dream.

I am still learning, growing, moving forward. There is always more to learn.  Otherwise, I guess this would get old pretty quick! With each mistake or challenge whether with photography or in my personal life, I have tried to think back on that experience and that making mistakes are a learning opportunity. And in that way can become our strengths in the knowledge they give us.

Photo Credit : Diana Clements

These pictures are me and my two kiddos on an outing with my mom. In the beautiful big basin trees of Northern California.  Really when it comes down to it, you may not have a plan until you find yourself at a cross roads like I did and really have to start asking yourself what you you love to do!

Photo credit: My mom.  Yep:) Diana Clements

So the next time you fail at something. Don't forget to just have a little humility and be teachable as you pick yourself back up.  Learn from the lesson.  After all F.A.I.L stands for "First Attempt At Learning."

What's your dream?  Let me know about it in the comments below.

Photographers! Join our Facebook Group for Photographers support and encouragement!

Happy dreaming!

So you've booked with the bride and groom and now you are working on where you will go for their engagement or bridal session. Or you are working with a mom on the perfect location for their family pictures.

Or perhaps you are a bride or groom reading this.  It will give you some of the insight of what goes into planning a photography session.

Anything might come at you when you are out on a shoot, Mother Nature herself!  But if you plan in advance you will be a little more prepared.  Snakes, ant hills, mushy mud, too many BUGS, are the flowers going to be in bloom at that elevation?  Will the snow be melted by then?  Your client EXPECTS you to know these things and to be on top of this kind of information.  Unless it might be the bride's families private property or a friends in which she does the arranging, then you will be responsible for it.

Here are some tips to help you from getting into a snag.

Research and Planning:

Consider the fact that... a great deal of planning will be necessary, especially if you have not yet photographed at a specific location!  So be prepared! The boy scout motto should be yours too.
I will go into each of these more specifically, but you will need to research: Cost, distance, conditions, conflicts or possible complications.

1. Fees and Permits

Unless the bride is getting married at the venue, if you are just coming for a bridal or formal session, then is is pretty much a guarantee there will be a fee.

Most any other private run land will also have fees.  So for starters head to the website.  Sometimes it is made clear, as it is a popular venue for bridal portraits, such as the beautiful Thanksgiving Point Gardens lists on their website.  Other venues will not have it listed in which case you will just need to email or call in person to inquire as to what their fee is.

Permits.  This is a hidden one!  And you may not even be aware that you need one in making the assumption that it is public space etc.  Nature preserves and national parks for example often require special permits and a heads up of when you will be there and how many cars are coming with you.  Part of this is for safety and part of it insurance. Some permits will be per session, ranging from $20-200+, others will be for that network of parks for the year somewhere around $100+.

Other fees are those that you should also inform your client of.  For example, a fee to get into a nature preserve or pay for parking etc.

2. Reservations

If your bride can only do a specific Saturday, in the evening, and wishes to have her bridals done at a specific venue... then you might be out of luck!  Most venues will have a week day only, or morning only availability as they will already have an event going on. Check their website first, then call, or in some cases you may have to physically go there and see if a number is posted.  This may be the case of a private owned land that allows photography in a smaller way.

3. Policies

Read through, be aware of and informed of any specific locations policies!  They are there for a reason.  For example, the Utah State Capitol, does not allow light stands anymore or allow you to stand or sit on the outside stone structures.  This is for safety, insurance, damage, etc.

4. Conflicting Events

Make it a rule to NEVER assume that just because your location, such as a park or nature area will be available!  Check in advance! And always have a backup location in mind in case for whatever reason it might not work out.



In the past 8+ years I have had sporting events conflict with either the location itself, or sometimes, getting to a location.  One that really snuck up on me for years was the Salt Lake Marathon.  I would be on my way to an brides session and be stuck again and again because I did not plan for this delay!  Had I planned, and eventually did, I learned to take a route around.  It might sound silly, but so worth it to not have that unprofessional moment on you. A rally, protest, art show, craft show, parade, concert, expo, marathon. food truck event etc could be going on in these local places that are usually empty and catch you be surprise with a lot of difficulty with parking, too many people, unexpected traffic (which could interfere with when you planned for the good light) etc.

If this is what you plan on though and the event is going on, you can always make the most out of it too.  For example, the couple can kiss as craziness of a crowd rushes in front of them with a slow shutter speed, the world can be a blur around them, as they and their love stand still.  It is always a moving shot. (no pun intended:)

5. Be Prepared to get your Indiana Jones On!

This really comes down to good shoes!  STURDY!  Photography is dirty work, sweaty hard core work sometimes!  In the years that I have done this, I have traveled over just about every terrain you can imagine!  And for some of those, I have learned the hard way!

When I was first starting out, I went to a park session in flip flops.  I was standing on a small hill.  Like very small, but somewhat slippery and steep.  And guess what... my flip flop broke and I slipped and fell and acquired a nasty bruise.  And while I could finish the session, I ended up having to replace the camera too! Lesson learned!  Wear the shoes and clothes that get the job done.

Let me put this idea of being Nature Ready in a little perspective for you...

Years ago I had a bride that wanted to have that Salt Flats look, but not go the distance, and so we went out to the great salt lake to an area that looked out into the flat zone.  But guess what.... I did NOT consider how much is had rained recently and what that meant for the water level and the condition of the sand/ mud!  IT WAS AWFUL!  And embarrassing.  What I did not do, what come to the location in advance and test it out.  It was feet stuck in the mud bad.  Fortunately my bride has a sense of humor and we quickly.... slowly retreated and found a spot at higher ground.

In the future I made note of the challenges of this location and to be more cognizant of when it was best to photograph out at the Salt Lake.

THE BUGS OH THE BUGS!





And other creepy crawly things. You can see more of this engagement session at Antelope Island here.

One of the things you don't think of when you see a elegant bride standing in a beautiful green long grassy field with the wild flowers surrounding her in this most elegant beauty... is.... I wonder if she saw any snakes, had to walk past a few ant hills to find a good spot.  Or, I wonder if bugs got in the dress and were snagged in the netting of her veil.

It is at out best interest to prepare our clients for the possibilities and generally see if they are up for the outdoors or would be better off at another location!  Bug Spray!  GOOD shoes, a sheet for standing or sitting on.  Those elegant laying in the grass shots are best to be on a white sheet that is tucked away just so, so that this beautiful expensive dress does not get muddy or wet!

But OH I haven't even gotten to the creepy and crawlies part yet.

One time I arrived at a location with my client, and while they were getting situated, I walked out into the field to scout out the best ground.  Ant hill free, hole free etc.  If I want to have my couple "frolick", I want to be aware of where I am having them walk and what obstacles might be in their way!

Well... lo and behold what am I to come across but a slithering snake before my feet!  EKKKK... So guess what.  I went away from the snake and found a better spot.  I gave my clients a heads up to be aware, but in a way that didn't stress them out too much. When you are in nature.. guess what, you have to deal with nature!  No surprise there.  I guess we just often don't mentally prepare ourselves for it.

And it is moments like this that you think... am I insured!??  Which I am.  Be cautious of your surroundings and be safe!

Second Indiana Jones story.

I loved to get out with my family, and my hubby is big on hiking, so we were hiking in the hills by the Bay.  It was October.  Dry grounds. But beautiful rolling hills, the occasional sun filled tree and overlook.  Naturally, I was taking pictures.  Pretty much every where I am traveling I am thinking about a possible future photography session to plan there.

My husband had the kids a ways up the trail and suddenly.... I almost stepped on a TARANTULA!  EEEKKKK.  I shrieked, jumped back... regained my Indiana Jones... and... took pictures and video.  Haha.  As long as it wasn't going to lunge or jump anywhere I was good.  As this little furry friend made its way in stealth like fashion across the dirt (serious camouflage) I thought... hmmm, I don't think I want to have a couple standing out in the field this time of year at this location.

Talking to a local friend later, they mentioned that those hills are crawling with those creatures that time of year.  Yikes a bee!

And last Indiana Jones story.

So I was on my way to Antelope Island for an engagement session several years ago.  And running late due to traffic and another consultation running much longer than I anticipated.  On the way out there I looked to my right and saw a pretty park and thought a brief, oh that looks pretty... And that was it (as I mentioned, I am always scouting in the back of my head) we will get to that later.



I arrive, meet my couple and we get out to do pictures.  Having photographed at Antelope Island before I was aware that it could get a little buggy.  So I did mention this to my client in previous communicating.

And keep in mind as I tell this story, I very adamantly make it clear to my clients, that if at any time they are feeling too uncomfortable, too cold, too anything, we can make adjustments and take a break etc however needed.  My more adventurous clients will choose specific locations and be up for the challenges, mess, bugs etc.

That being said... we got out of our cars... and it was really buggy!  But they were ok with it and we still went for it.  We started on one side of the island and moved fast, from pose to pose to location....

In between we were swatting and shoeing bugs away almost constantly!  These two were so cute and in love they laughed through it all.






Then we drove to the other side of the island parked and got out.  Because of the way the wind was and I guess the other side of the island was protecting or something, the way the wind went around... the bugs on this side of the island were AWFUL!  Thousands of little terrible knats!

The couple laughed but I could tell were loosing patience. We seriously could not stop moving or our arms would be covered.  IT WAS SO INDIANA JONES!

We saw another photographer there with her couple and they were running too.

We were probably out of the car for a total of 10 minutes and then ran back to the car and headed to the less buggy part of the island.

We did a few more pictures on the beach area there and then headed off the island completely to that other park (remember my back of my mind location scouting?)

This was a cute park and within a short distance so we could get there and catch the sunset in time.

So what is the moral of that story!  Plan, prepare, have a back up location, brace yourself.

What could I have done differently?  Study up on that location better, call and ask the park attendant how the bugs are lately.... See, I am not a bug expert.  Kudos to you if you are... so learning that as it gets warmer and has been wetter recently, that the bugs start hatching like crazy and come out.... GOOD to know!  If I was more aware of that I could have given my clients a better heads up and either come with bug spray ( but believe me, even with all the bug spray those bugs were CRAZY) anyway, being in the know and giving the heads up will better add to your professionalism.  I could have offered some suggestions of the time of year that is better for that location or offer similar alternatives.

6. Be Safe

This should be a no brainer but accidents do happen. When planning the spot, always consider the risks and any ways to avoid those risks.

If someone is placed too close to a drop off, don't assume they will have the best control.  Perhaps the ground will be slippery or the rocks loose.  While the shot may be great don't ever put someone at risk.

This may be applied in nature settings.  I once read of a photographer who posed his bride and groom on the edge of a cliff. Yes, you can imagine it.  Those green rolling hills of beautiful Ireland, or those vibrant red cliffs of southern Utah.  Well in the saddest of accidents, the bride slipped and fell to her death.

1. Test out the spot for yourself first. 2. NEVER place someone in a dangerous situation and 3. ALWAYS be sure your client is comfortable.

A professionally done setup, for example, such as a baby on a tree swing.... is a composite shot made up of different images, safely done with the help of an assistant, a beanbag and no risk.  A couple can just as well be far back from danger in the same lighting and moved digitally if you are going for a specific edgy look.

Also ask yourself if the location you have chosen will make you and your client feel safe?  Graffiti walls in a shady part of town near sundown.... errr maybe not.  Always use your instincts.

7. Be Insured

Those topics we discussed earlier, bugs, snakes, a twisted ankle. You name it! Personally I am insured with HISCOX insurance. Be covered!

This also applies to sometimes even being able to photograph at certain locations.  While it is an important business decision to carry insurance in the first place, you may find you get the breaks before getting to photograph at places, like the beach, national parks, venues, a hotel lobby etc.

8. Elevation and Terrain

Say what now?  We aren't climbing Everest!  Yes.... but you are planning pictures.  High elevations will take longer to have the snow melt, for it to get greener, warmer, AND for flowers and trees to blossom.  AND this will tend to vary a little depending on how the season has gone with the snow/ rain etc.



Regarding seasonal locations at higher elevations, picnic grounds or parks up the canyon for example do not open until the warmer season, so be aware of when that is so you will be able to access it!

And as I mentioned with the flowers, it changes quickly.  I had photographed at a particular field and came back to that same field for a bridal session 2 weeks later... and with the weather, rain etc, guess what.. the wild flowers were gone!  So we had to creatively go on the hunt for flowers.

On this note, I should say, your pricing should reflect the TIME it takes you to scout out locations regularly.  Either you should be well informed of a select set of locations, or charge an additional fee for further custom locations (especially those that are far out of your way.) OR invite your client to scout out their own location.... but be cautious of that... they are likely not to think these things through the way you do and therefore you might end up in a pickle, so it is best to take the reigns on this one.  And with that, also note that this is exactly the reason you should not do a custom location for the less expensive mini sessions!

And then there is the terrain.

Prepare your clients for what shoes to wear, perhaps a bottle of water and a towel to wash off sticky sand feet at the beach (or be prepared yourself by bringing that along)... Closed shoes in a field (their feet hide in the grass anyway)

And be prepared for the grade of the terrain.  That amount of up or down and distance.  While the bride may be adventurous, her mom or sister tagging along may not be.  So communicate with those who will attend so they are aware.  I once scouted out a very specific beautiful location for a bride and didn't think enough of the distance.  It wasn't that far for me, maybe 12 minutes of walking.... but ended up taking 3x as long. Traveling with a crew is much different. Simply discuss this all with your crew in person and you are less likely to have any hiccups.  You can always recommend another location.

For families, choose locations that are both convenient and safe with the terrain.  A while ago I photographed a small family with a baby in arms (under 1) near the cliffs in Santa Cruz.  THIS WOULD NOT BE GOOD CHOICE FOR TODDLERS!  I just kept thinking how stressed I would be with a little one running about there. That much should be obvious, but  as beautiful as a location might be, always consider the people first.

For a large party portrait session, the location should be VERY convenient.  Especially concerning the terrain and weather conditions.   The larger the group the larger the variations will be in ages too.

For example, years ago I photographed a family who really wanted snow and aspen tree's.  I suggested a few locations and came back to my client with them.  We decided on this beautiful snowy location with mountain backdrops and aspens.  It was during Thanksgiving time, the perfect time of year when all the family was together.  I was very glad of the convenience of the parking lot within feet of where we were posing everyone for pictures.  It was CHILLY!  We did our large group shot of 20+ in some spots where the snow had previously be trodden down (though we still tromped through some snow to get there)  Then for doing the variation of smaller immediate families, the rest of the families could enjoy the warm comfort of their cars!  We still moved quickly with the session, but I was SO glad of the convenience of the parking lot.

9. Parking

Seems a funny question, but you should do everything you can to prepare your client for the location so that you can start the session and have things run smoothly.

Parking should of course be legal, safe, may require a fee, only have certain hours etc.  Be informed of these and how it may effect you.  If you are in a busy downtown area, give them a few options for parking and an estimate of what it will cost.  If they only accept cash, help your clients be prepared for that.... fortunately things are changing and most parking garages accept credit cards... but remember any stresses or frustrations related to the locations that YOU suggest will reflect on you.  Help inform your client how much time you recommend they come early to allow for parking etc.

One example of this, is the mini sessions I did at Temple Square in Salt Lake City one year with the Christmas lights.  THIS was an adventure.  I did portrait sessions back to back about 10 minutes each.  A great way to bond families for the holiday season.  Some were not prepared for how much time it would take to park and 2 ended up missing their sessions entirely as I had not helped them prepare enough.  So I waited and waited and moved onto the next client. Squeezed some in later... did what I could.

On that note be sure to help inform your client how long it will take to get to the location, with the estimate of traffic etc.  As well as a link with directions to get there.  Even digital maps can mess it up sometimes.  I once had a client take a completely different pass over the other side of the mountain but I could communicate with her because the location was out of cell service.  The perfect light I had planned on went down.  Do everything you can to prepare your client so things can go smoothly.

10. Lighting

It's funny, as a photographer, whenever we walk into possible new places to live, whenever we have moved, the very first thing I am looking at and thinking about is the quality of natural light.

As photographers we just learn to see light.  So should you when location scouting.

While it is important to be educated in working with all types of light, planning to work with the best kind of light is even better.  While this more so has to do with the time of day you plan a session
or wedding portraits (which we will discuss in another post), such as planning for the magic hour, it also applies to your location at that time of day.

However, a client may not have as much flexibility, but you can encourage a location that will have a more desired light.

Some examples will be the direction of light.  One mountain backdrop location I love for example, is only ideal for morning sessions.  Any other time of day the light would be too harsh and direct and of course the last thing you want it to have you subject squinting into the sun.

This canyon location is lovely with the light bending around the curve of the mountain. 2 hours later and the location falls in shadow.  Not quite the same rich and romantic vibe.  Planning is everything!

Love by the Lake - Jennifer and Curtis from Rebecca Mabey on Vimeo.


This may also apply at a church or temple grounds.  Tour the area in advance and take note of when and where the shades hit etc.

If your client is wanting a sunkissed look with light in the hair, be informed of when the light in the canyon you are photographing in may all fall in shadow, even though sunset is not for a few more hours.  You may have to plan a portion of the session up in the hills instead.

In conclusion, know where you are going before you get there, have a back out option (which you may plan and plan and sometimes there is just something less foreseeable). Inform your client and be prepared to roll with it should something about a location not work out.




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This is kind of a fun one.  How I find my inspiration as a photographer.  It really has become such a natural part of what I do each day, that I really am so intertwined in it, that I have to stop a minute and really think of how I do find my inspiration.  It is like asking someone how they walk.  You are so use to doing it that you have to stop and think of how exactly.

So here it is.  10 ways that I find inspiration as a photographer.

1. Watching chick flicks.

Matt and I trade this sort of thing off.  Star Trek one movie night and chick flick of some sort the next.  A girly movie like that can inspire me in several ways.  For example, posing.  A montage of a couple over time will often make me say, PAUSE!  I snap a shot with my phone as a reminder later to do something similar with the natural way the couple might be interacting together.  When I take pictures of a couple, I want them to look natural in what they are doing and having the right posing can be a huge part of that.

Another thing that watching a romantic movie might inspire me, is the various beautiful settings that scenes are placed in.  It could be Pride and Prejudice and a romantic estate scene with Mr. Darcy. And while I likely will not be dressing my clients up to such a time period any time soon, I might think of arranging a session that involves the mist rising over the grounds of a elegant garden setting in the earlier morning, or a stroll by the lake and the sparkle of the sun glistening on the water behind them when they kiss or a prop such as a wood rope swing hanging from a tree for a bride and groom is something fun and perfectly romantic.

2. Traveling

This does not mean hoping over to Europe.  Although our trip to Italy was a wonderfully culture filled artistic experience.  It can simply refer to driving around town or taking a hike in the mountains.  I am almost always constantly scouting out new and exciting locations as I ride or drive around and think, "I LOVE that! That view is stunning, that setting is perfect, the light is just perfect right now, I have to come back with a ____ session"  It may be a month or a year later, but I have documented in my phone the ideas and later have a treasure of ideas stored to be able to offer my clients to capture something beautiful and unique.

3. Watching other couples and families

It can be anywhere.  I can literally be sitting in church and see a family several pews up.  Four children mixed in with a mother and father.  A daughter leaning against her dad with his arm around her and the dad glancing over and the mother with the son on her lap asleep as they give each other that sweet look of love for each other and the family they have built.

It can be a stroll in the park and watching the way a couple is flirting with each other or walking holding hands.  The way she blushes and throws her head back as he says something funny that she can't help but shake her head and smile cheek to cheek giving him that look of bashful happiness.

4. Artwork

When my husband and I traveled through Italy and were able to take the tour through such places as The Vatican Museum,  I soaked in each painting, the way the characters interacted with each other.  The way a subject would grace a painting with the way she stood or sat in it.  The way a subject was made to look strong an heroic or delicate and graceful.

This is inspiration for posing, ideas of certain shoots, props that might be great for an engagement shoot set up, or a starting point of thinking how I can help my clients to relax and be natural in front of the camera.

5. Painting

This may sound a bit out of there in regards to photography but it is an art that I have studied having learned to actually paint and draw.  Not just viewing artwork but studying has helped me to be a better photographer.  The way I look at light, apply the rule of thirds, look at negative space in general have been some of the elements that have helped and inspired me.  I have been able to take what I have learned about movement and emotion of the brush on canvas to the movement and emotion applied for the subjects I photograph.  For example, a bride and the way her arm is posed, or the way she moves her dress.

Also, part of the reason I have listed painting is the study of color done has helped me to generally develop the taste of what colors look good together.  What will have that right contrast.  What will be too distracting from the subjects face and what will compliment their skin tone.

6. Magazines

I rarely pull physical magazines out anymore as we move more fully into the digital age, but I do find that having an actual magazine is refreshing in comparison to a screen.  The smell of the perfume samples that fill a fashion magazine invoke ideas and images in an of itself.  It is true.  That is way you will often find scents presented in clothing stores as they are working to invoke excitement, a feeling of youth etc.

Flipping through a magazine and taking a shot with my phone or ripping out and collecting images can inspire me for posing, settings, ideas for what to wear, ways to help me couples and families interact etc.

I could be looking at a picture of a model sitting somewhat dramatically in a library study booth modeling back to school clothes... but I might think, "Hey, this would be fun is a doorway or similar small setting that is a little different.."

And then there are pictures of celebrities together and I can look at a picture and ask myself what it says with their body language.  While I find it rather over the top for strangers to analyse celebrity strangers on their relationship based on their body language of a single millisecond of one picture being taken, I also find that be looking at pictures of couples in real time I can take what I like or don't like.  For example, the eye sight of the individuals can say more of where the attention is focused.  The fluidity of the hands or wrists can say sentences in and of themselves of the comfort of the couple and contentment...

7. Pinterest

This amazing tool is great but it has to be used in the right way or it can also be hindering.  I have even read articles before about the slowing of unique creative ideas since the introduction of Pinterest as it is used as a copy cat zone for artists and creators of all kinds rather than inspiration.  While pinterest can offer many great ideas for posing, setting etc, I want to create something that is more unique to my own ideas.

It can be something simple to get me started.  Such as seeing a chalkboard back to school sort of picture and taking that element with a new perspective, new props, different subject and adding some additional ideas of my own.

The best pictures come with more spontaneity with the help of a little planning too.  Cookie cutting just isn't inspiring so it is definitely a tool to be used with caution otherwise it can be hindering to the creative flow.

8. Old musicals

I have put this in its own category because it is not your average modern romantic movie but a black and white 1940's musical has couples that joyously parade about the stage with spins and jumps and poses that are fun and romantic and these elements are some of the ideas I get for anything from wedding party portraits to families interacting with the camera in a fun and unique way.

On the rare occasion, I do get to theater having seen a wonderful handful of plays and musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Wicked etc.

One of the things about theater, is that the characters "cheat out" to the audience.. which is a term used for simply facing out to the audience.  Having done a little theater myself, I have learned about this and apply it occasionally in my posing though couples occasionally give me a look of confusing when I say, "cheat out" and I quickly realize they never did theater in high school :)

Theater in general exposes one to hours of carefully choreographed movements and poses that are made for their audience.   It has inspired me to apply different characteristics and moods to the variety of couples and individuals I work with.

9. Observing every day life.

It could be my two sweet babies sharing Popsicle's on the back porch steps looking at each other. It could be how my toddler comes up to me excitedly about a dandelion that she found and the way she wants to show it to me. These moments all inspire me in how I may approach a family or child portrait session later on.

10. Shopping

I am certainly not saying to get out and get crazy with the wallet!  But simply getting out and experiencing new settings and surroundings and smells and tastes and styles.... you name it.  You are going to invoke new ideas while you are at it!  New ideas can be anywhere.  And I mean anywhere.

Once I was at the grocery store and I noticed this funny fruit in the produce department.  It was an alien fruit.  Anyway, I thought, "That is so interesting... I wonder how I could use that for a shoot."  That piece of fruit inspired a segment of shots for a couples engagement video I did a short time later.  The segment had the couple sharing different types of fruit together as a representation of the different stages and joys and trials they would share later in life.  The alien fruit was rather strong and had a sour in taste so basically we joked that it was representative of parenting teenagers down the road.


utah engagement videography-becca cole from Rebecca Mabey on Vimeo.

Thanks for reading!  I hope you have become inspired about being inspired.  What ways are you inspired as an artist.  Not just in regards to photography or film, but in art in general too!  Comment below and let me know!