UT visit

Posted on Mar 18, 2010

Hey all!

I’m glad so many of you enjoyed the post about what to wear for family photos. If you have any questions let me know.

Now down to business. I’m heading to UT at the end of April, the 19th to the 24th. I would love to shcedule a shoot with you if you’re up for it so please let me know ASAP when you’d like to schedule yours. I’m nailing my plans down now so make sure I get you in! I will not be shooting on Saturday the 24th due to a family event and my drive back to the LV.

I’ll primarily be spending my time in Provo but will be staying in South Jordan and visiting Lehi, so shoot me an email and let me know if you want to have some fun! meganruthstay (at) gmail (dot) com,

And here’s a preview of a post soon to come… nothing like a garden gnome and a race to get things fired up!

What NOT to Wear

Posted on Mar 13, 2010

Deciding what to wear for a family photo shoot can be super daunting. There are so many mistakes that people make that can take away from the purpose of family photos, YOUR FAMILY!

The first big mistake is text. Any written words in photographs end up being read, first and foremost. That means people aren’t looking at faces in photos, they’re reading words. I prefer not to have text in my backgrounds either unless it really adds to the photograph.

These photos of Anna and Packy’s wedding were taken at the Neon Graveyard in Las Vegas. The neon signs were there to add more meaning to the moment, not distract you from the couple I want you, the viewer, to focus on.
Second mistake, everyone wears white shirts and jeans or black shirts and khakis. Basic faux pas is wearing the same color shirts and same color pants/skirts. These photos can make you and your family look like one giant blob, especially when you’re all wearing exactly the same top. Who wants to be a blob? One thing that can help break this up, if you’re really dying to wear one solid color is texture. Ruffles, corduroy, satin finish, plaid, cotton, etc. Making each person standout in their own texture can help break up the monotony of one color. 
 
In this photo you can see the difference in texture that Caroline and Clayton chose. Both wearing plum colored shirts but with the different textures; they aren’t blending in with each other.
Ok so now I’ve told you what you should avoid, how about what you should shoot for. I would say first go through everyone’s closets and pick out something fun; one thing you like THE BEST from everyone’s closet. None of them have to work together I just want you to pick the article of clothing you like best from each person’s wardrobe. Now pick which one you like best. This will be your starting point. If the article of clothing is colorful pull different colors from it to coordinate with the rest of the family. You never have to buy anything new for photos, although sometimes it’s a nice excuse. Make sure you’ve got a mixture of solids and prints between the group. If the baby in your bunch is wearing print, it’s a safe bet mom or dad could get away with wearing print also, but use an editing eye when deciding. 
 
I’m a huge fan of layers. Layering in clothing and accessories make for great interest and can allow for a diversity in photographs. Don’t be afraid to bring more than one outfit to the shoot and change if the photographer thinks something else will be better, just realize you’re paying for their time and if you waste it changing you’ll have less time for photos. There is nothing wrong with taking a photo of your choices and emailing your photographer if you’re unsure. They can help let you know if something will work or totally clash.

Have any questions? Need more advise? Leave a comment or email me!

Instaproofs SALE!

Posted on Mar 1, 2010

Today through the 5th of March MegRuth Photography is having a 15% off sale on all prints on the Instaproofs Storefront!

Take advantage of the sale to pick up some fine art prints OR pick up some prints from one of your sessions/events!

As always, thanks so much for your support!

More Cancun?

Posted on Feb 25, 2010

If you’re interested in a detailed account of our trip to Cancun you should check out my personal blog The Mrs. MRS.

I hope you enjoy it!

Cancun

Posted on Feb 14, 2010

This is one of my favorites from our trip to Cancun.

I’m hoping to make this a giant print on my dining room wall. If you want to order a print you can click here.

More to come!

Dear Evie,

Posted on Feb 13, 2010

Yesterday three of my images from Tamara and Evan’s wedding were featured in an inspiration board on the bog Dear Evie. Can you spot my images? Kelly, who runs the blog, is a graphic designer with a great little shop on Etsy that’s not quite open yet.

Thanks for the love Kelly!