This shoot was styled by and for Alicia Bautista to mark the occasion of her 30th birthday. It was shot in Big Sur, surrounded by nature to represent the balance and the choices in Alicia's life as she moves forward. What a treat it was to be invited to share this day with her! The last photo was a request to capture the three generations of women in her family on this special day. It's easy to see that beauty of spirit runs deep in this family. The Yoga separates and turquoise dress were designed and created by Domini Anne.
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I believe Every Child is beautiful and perfect. Just the way they are.
Over time I have worked with children with both miild-moderate and moderate-severe autism, cerebral palsy, Downs Syndrome, ADHD, processing disorders and behaviors. During this time, I saw a need for a different kind of photographer- one who understands the needs of special children. I'll never know everything. But this is the way I work: First, I meet with you and your child, or children. I can learn about your child, their likes, dislikes, any sensitivities (such as light or noise), fixations, ticks, and what motivates them. I'll learn about their developmental level, so I can relate to them. I will show them my camera, and allow them to get to know me. I am not above using bribes with a child to elicit a smile, so at this time I will ask you what is appropriate. I want to know what behavior to look for if your child is becoming over-stimulated. It is vitally important that we be on the same page, so both you and your child feel comfortable with me. On the day of the shoot, the first half hour or so is spent re-introducing myself and my camera, maybe letting them snap a few pictures of you, to get the feel of it. We will play! Sometimes a visual cue helps snap them back to me, particularly with autistic children. If they have a favorite toy, I may place it on my lens. I use props..., and silliness when necessary! In most cases, I set the shoot at your home, because it familiar and comfortable for your child. Also, you have everything you need at your fingertips, unlike having to carry special supplies with you to a studio. Family and pets are very welcome! In fact, I encourage you all to be available and ready for pictures. Not only will your child feel more at ease, but these images showing your relationship as a family and with your children are so priceless. I work very well with pets, too... and consider them family members. As long as they are comfortable with the proceedings, please feel free to include them! You never have to apologize for the behavior of your child. I understand, and even expect behaviors to arise! Heck, that's a given with almost any child. A shoot may take longer than than usual, but patience is the name of the game. It is much easier to flow with the child than to try to place them into a pre-determined story. My props are minimal, and we try to use the familiar, like bubbles. Parks are nice if it is one that you feel comfortable with. The idea is to be in a safe, worry-free environment. It is important that your child view the day's event as a fun experience so they want to do it again! Portfolio available upon request, at your appointment. Caitlin is a culinary student studying in Belgium. She speaks three languages! While visiting her family here in Pacific Grove, CA, we were able to squeeze in a quick shoot- the day before she went back to Belgium. Even though there wasn't much time for preparation, we managed to get a few good pictures to remind her of her home here. It's a small world!
So excited to announce a new item: Gift Certificates! There is no gift as personal as a photograph or custom painting. Give a Lena Max Photography gift certificate that allows the object of your affection to choose what they would like to have:
I'm saying goodbye to Corel Painter! I've finally conquered painting in Photoshop, and oh, the POWER! With brushes for everything, and a way to create intaglio (texture), I feel I can do anything. It's lovely to be able to do all of my strokes and adjustments without switching back and forth!
There is a family painting coming your way soon, but for now, this beautiful bride, whose spirit captivated my creative muse. It is so amazing to me, how through a glance, an un-shuttered moment, we gain a glimpse into the heart of another being. This is one of those pictures. I had to paint it. It is my wedding gift to the couple. I love digital painting- Although I confess I do love the smell of oils...digital painting feels the same. Each brush stroke is laid down in the same way, along with the flow of creative thought. But no drying time! Art for the wall or an iphone cover? The choices are endless. Gotta love it. I think this all the time: How did I get so lucky as to be able to do what I love every day? Women trust me with their hearts and spirits, their physical bodies as well, and together, we make magic. I cannot take all the credit here- the compliment belongs to Madeline. This work is always a a collaboration, a little dance. Madeline looks beautiful because she is beautiful. It is not simply a matter of photography, or even the stunning makeup and hair performed by talented MUA Rose Alanis. What we do here transcends all of the elements to become something unique and truly representational of the spirit of the person being photographed. I am lucky to be a part of it.
If you are considering me as your photographer, know this: I will give 1000% to earn your trust and together we will create art that truly represents you. Isn't she Magnificent? More images to come! I was honored to photograph the wedding of this beautiful couple and the christening of their little boy. On the day of the wedding details began unraveling, yet the bride held herself with such grace I was almost in awe. Everyone worked together, and a fairy tale wedding ensued, regardless of the previous glitches. It was intimate, and I LOVED photographing this wedding, meeting the family, being entrusted with capturing their closeness. I loved being one of the things that went right that day. To the bride and groom: I will always remember this wedding, and I will always be grateful that I met you and your beautiful family and friends. I'm so glad I got to know them! What a beautiful family they are. More pics coming ASAP. What happens when you book a baby and a two-year-old at the same time? I chose to shoot them separately, though we did do a few together. The timer on little guys is short! We bolted for the outdoors as soon as I was done photographing Olive. There, Matthew met Nelson and Pride, two horses that are fascinated with young children. All three were in their element. Essentially, a two-year-old boy is a very busy person! As for Olive, at 3 months, she has a mind of her own, so newborn poses only work if the baby is sleeping, which she wasn't. We concentrated on her personality and what she was willing to give us instead. Here is a preview... We had a lot of fun with this shoot: Feather eyelashes, wild makeup and big hair. Alicia was amazing- she does yoga and is a very spiritual being. This is just a peak at what we did. Conceptual Portraiture iinvolves creating images that speak to who the subject is as a person. The pictures we make might be simple, or as in this case, very artsy. Stay tuned for more to come!
My most favorite thing to do! I've been an artist all my life, so digital painting was a natural for me.
I take a photo (I love it when it's mine, but I can use any photo of good quality) and paint from it digitally in oils, using a combination of Photoshop to edit it in the first place, then Corel Painter 12 to bring it to life. I paint each stroke in oils, just like I would on canvas... except for one thing: it's digital! Instant delivery, and no smears! Also more affordable... Print for a painting on your wall, or make it an iphone cover. Christmas gifts, made easy! Even better: I can work globally. One caveat: If you send me a digital image for painting, and it's a professional image, we need to get the photographer's permission. If you want to learn more, just send me an email! |
Lena MAXThrough playful interaction we get to a place where you can be yourself. That's all you ever need to be! Archives
July 2015
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