Peggy Garbus' Photography Blog

Making Mother’s Day Memborable: Photography Tips to Capture a Special Day in Honor of Mom

Peggy Garbus — Fri, 11 May 2012 01:50:20 +0000

When my children were preschoolers, my husband Rick would pile the kids in the car in search of the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Knowing my love for the garden, he invariably headed for a local nursery and asked each child to select their favorite blooming annual as their gift to me. Brightly colored yellow marigolds, eye-popping fuchsia petunias and glaring red dahlias made their way into my gardening scheme for the season. Not that this is about gardening. It’s about starting something new for your family that will last longer than the blossoms, breakfast in bed or the day spent at the spa. Photograph the moment; capture the gift, the presentation, the hug, and start saving each image yearly as your children grow. Remember their sweet intention of honoring Mom.

Here are a few simple tips for taking some great photos this weekend.

1. Hand the camera off to your significant other and have them record the moment of giving. Moms typically act as the family photographer—this time, feature Mom too. It’s her special day!
2. If your child or children are small—get down to their level for an intimate shot. Set your focal point to the eyes and recompose.
3. When you’re outside, keep the sun behind you and position your subjects in light shade to avoid squinting. And if you’re inside, have your child face a window. You’ll love how beautiful the indoor natural light will look.
4. Most important: print your images! Start an album filled with family memories in celebration of Mother’s Day.

Tiki Time

Peggy Garbus — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:02:30 +0000

A living room chair, no matter how special, is not off limits to a mighty dog like Tiki. Love her scruffy face!

Winter fun

Peggy Garbus — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:33:52 +0000

Many clients tend to schedule sessions during warmer weather but in celebration of a 10 month-old milestone and the life of a loved pet, we had a lot of fun photographing this family playing in the snow and later, inside their cozy antique home. There's something to be said for capturing playful, unstructured moments as they happen–especially when a family like this one loves the outdoors so much.

Sweet Sisters

Peggy Garbus — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:00:00 +0000

The stars aligned for a solid day of photographing two sets of beautiful sisters, one in the morning and the other-later afternoon. Both had so much energy, starting with serious and posed to finish in pure silliness head to head on the ground. Can we have one of everything please?

Togetherness

Peggy Garbus — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 14:39:00 +0000

Five teens, two parents and a dog named Zack add up to one dynamic family gathered for an at-home photo shoot. When the day starts with a formal group pose and concludes with the kids lying face-up on the ground, we've clearly made the most of our time together. Enjoy!

Catwalk

Peggy Garbus — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:11:00 +0000

This says quite a bit! I was taken with the sweet nature of such a protective cat walker and love this shot. We collected for a few family shots and one-on-one time with each parent and child too. Enjoy.

Five days new–Newborn Baby Girl

Peggy Garbus — Sun, 24 May 2009 19:40:32 +0000

How sweet it is, especially after wrangling a half-dozen furry dogs on Wednesday in our bustin' out Dog's Delight Day. Feast your eyes on this most 'perfect and delicious' (quoting her Mom) angel, just five days new.

Hot Diggity

Peggy Garbus — Sun, 17 May 2009 22:33:52 +0000

Dog's Delight Special Session days have just been extended through June! Here's the official word on what's offered: Twenty-minute quick-take sessions taking place on May 20th, 27th, June 3rd and 16th at Rockwell Galleries, Wilton . The cost for the dates listed is $75 and it includes one 5 x 7 or 5 x 5 print. You may book on an alternate date anytime throughout the month for $150. Please call 203.761.9816 to make an appointment or send us an email to let us know what works for you. Ruff!

New Baby in Town

Peggy Garbus — Fri, 15 May 2009 22:14:00 +0000

The swaddle was the secret weapon for this newborn shoot. I've never seen a new mother achieve a wrap so tight and neat at the same time. I think they're in for many a peaceful night.

Beauty

Peggy Garbus — Thu, 07 May 2009 17:49:12 +0000

There's nothing like a freshly cut bouquet of lilacs, variegated solomon's seal, bleeding heart and fern to brighten my desktop—the aroma is intoxicating too. It makes post-processing work a delight!