Le Top and Rabbitmoon Casting Call!

We are looking for models for our upcoming photo shoot. If you think your child may have what it takes bring them to our go-see. Click on the flyer for a larger version.

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITES BY CLICKING ON THE LINKS BELOW!

www.letop-usa.com
www.rabbitmoon-usa.com

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Does your child love the camera? Le Top Casting Call.

Le Top is looking for models for an upcoming photo shoot. If you think your child may have what it takes bring them to our go-see.

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Photographer Marcy Maloy Interview – Part 2

We hope you enjoyed part one of our Marcy Maloy interview on our blog from February 16th. Marcy just returned from her fabulous trip from Paris and was able to speak to us further about some of reader questions about how she found her talent for photography, getting a “D” in art class, her inspiration, and some of the rewarding factors in photographing children. Read more to find out!

www.marcymaloy.com

What is the most rewarding factor in photographing children’s fashion?
Marcy: I realized fairly quickly that I had a special rapport with kids…we seem to speak the same language. I can look into the eyes of a baby and make a wordless connection. That is very cool and rewarding. I love to play. I love making up non-sensical scenes and stories with kids and it doesn’t matter to them (or to me) if they don’t make sense. So that is fun.

I like making people happy, and when it all works and the child feels confident and empowered, the parents are proud, my client is happy, my crew feels tight and proud of a job well done, it’s really wonderful — the exhilarating euphoric sense we all have at the end of a shoot…and that is rewarding!

Tell us about yourself – how did you get into photography or what was your calling? And how many years have you been a photographer?
Marcy: It’s odd because I didn’t realize I was “artistic” or visually inclined in any way till I was almost 30! I took a required art class in high school, but got a “D” because I talked too much in class! I had no interest in painting or light…it’s strange because I have such a passion for it now. I was a stewardess with American Airlines for 5 years and then worked at the US Embassy in Paris for the DIA. It was there that a friend loaned me his camera for a whole day and told me to just go shoot and “play”…a strange concept for me because growing up, my parents would only take 1 or 2 pictures at a time on special occasions. I shot 2 rolls of film and I was hooked! I’ll never forget the moment when I went to pick up my film at the Photo Lab on Boulevard St. Germain and the French woman said in her very thick accent. “I sink you have a verrrry gooooode eye!” that was it…that was my turning point…From that moment on I decided I was now going  to be a photographer…whatever that meant…I wasn’t sure…but I definitely decided it was for me!

I spent 3 years at the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara and came to San Francisco to begin my new life…but that is another chapter.

Give us an inside look into your studio – can you share a picture of your studio and can you describe it?
Marcy: Up until about 10 years ago I had a 2,000 square foot studio, but then because of the .com industry, my studio rent doubled overnight and I realized I didn’t really need a big studio. Now I run my business out of my office out of my home in San Francisco and I rent a large studio when I need one. I have a full time studio manager and I hire freelancers to be my photo assistants on an as needed basis.

For very small jobs I have a large room with high ceilings in my house that works fine.

This photo was taken in my living room/studio.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a professional photographer today?
Marcy: Stick to the part of photography that makes you most happy because passion for something really does give you the fuel you need to keep going…and keep a positive attitude.

When we are preparing the lighting in the studio I use a stand-in…here is my assistant Charles throwing “Bridget” up in the air. The ramp he is sitting on is to create a feeling of a hill for the little boy (top photo) to run down.

 My Dad always told me that the key to success was just to “get out of bed in the morning and get to work! Keep at it!”

www.marcymaloy.com

 

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SMILE! Quick Tips on Photographing Children

Like any mom I’m always on the lookout for tricks to make the photos I take of my child truly reflect how cute and special she can be. Children just don’t always cooperate, do they? I thought I would share a few pointers I have gathered to improve those home photos.

Lighting:
The best light is natural light, especially the time just after sunrise or right before sunset. The midday sun causes harsh shadows, and a squinting child is not as cute!  For indoor shots try placing your child near a window, or setting up additional lights to reduce shadows.

Preparing the space:
When taking a ‘posed’ shot keep the area clear, so you and your baby can move around easily.  Keep it simple; using a solid color blanket is always a good backdrop.

Personality:
No matter what your child’s personality might be, you always want to capture a moment that truly reflects your child.  If you have a stubborn youngster (like mine) a smile may not be in the cards. Try for that perfect candid shot, when your baby is truly engaged with an activity.  You may not get a shot looking directly at the camera, but the lens might capture that peaceful little angel you know and love. When children are really excited you may catch the smile, but watch those quick movers you might get an image that is blurry.  Many point-and-click cameras have a setting for action – you get a better chance to truly ‘capture the moment!’ For little babies try catching them while sleeping, you can even pose them and really catch a sweet expression.  For older children pull out the camera when it is their ‘best time of day’ – don’t wait until they are tired.

Practice:
Great photographers take many photos to get the perfect shot. As an amateur you need to keep on clicking – including shots from all different angles, with different lighting and experimenting with setting you haven’t tried out on your camera. Zoom in on hands, feet and eyes or try coaxing a natural expression by asking them to show you a favorite toy.

Just remember…Have Fun!

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