Matthew in Chroma Green

For some of the photographs of Matthew we used Chroma Green (like the weatherman uses) so that we could swap out the background. I told Matthew that I was going to put him in a cookie jar -- so I did :-) and then some ;-)

Matthew was a great model, quite the young man!

The wonderful world of Chroma

Most of us know that there is nothing behind the weatherman when he gives his report, he stand in front of a 'Chroma' screen and the background is put in behind him. Tom and I have been using this system for about two years now. Here are a few examples of children and 'chroma' backgrounds. They are great because we can photograph the baby or child comfortably and then later change the background. We have several examples of this type of editing on our website (www.TLC.smugmug.com/children), especially in Peyton, Sydney and Eleanor's galleries.

Here is Erika reading to her son Peyton in front of our Chroma blue screen. The background is OK and this photo looks very good in Black and White, but see below what we can do with this...



Peyton has been removed and it now sitting on a toadstool...



Eleanore on a leaf...



Eleanore on a flower...



Eleanore in a nest...



Eleanore on a lily pad...


We have lots of these photographs with almost infinite potential. I enjoy these immensely although I am still awed by the simplicity of a B&W photo of five tiny fingers wrapped around their parent's finger or ten tiny toes.





I believe that sometimes simple B&W photography just allows the soul of the people to show thru more.



But it's still great to have the ability to give these little angels wings...

Grow with me -- Two years

Here is a composite of Peyton's first two years...

Grow with me...At no time in your child's life will physical changes occur so rapidly. In what seems like the blink of an eye, a tiny, helpless bundle is transformed into an active, robust and inquisitive youngster.

Plan to visit us, your photographer, at least three times during your baby's first year. The first visit preferably should be when you baby is sleeping, all curled up. The littler the better. Then again when they are crawling, and then again when they are walking. At Six Months . . . babies are so loveable! Cuddly and responsive, yet still dependent. Strengthened muscles let them sit up and take part in the world around them. Often happy-go-lucky, they crave attention and delight in having an audience. Portraits at this age are a perfect time to reveal chubby little arms and legs and even backsides!

At Nine Months . . . Many babies begin to strike out on their own. Still dependent on their parents, but starting to explore an ever-expanding world . . .well on the way to becoming a real little person and letting everyone know . . . "You won't hold on to me for long!"

One Year . . . The permanent facial characteristics begin to reveal a family likeness and individual character . . . still a baby, yet emerging as a robust and inquisitive child who is ready to meet the world. For the child who is now walking, the perfect message of the portrait is "I'm free!"


Around the second birthday, a major milestone is achieved. The toddler now responds to reason, humor, and action. Totally unpredictable, but always adorable... expect them to be loveable, shy, rowdy, or reserved as they begin to explore the world around them... here one minute and gone the next!


Still toddlers, most three-year-olds have discovered how to entertain themselves.
The world of toddlers is filled with portrait opportunities that capture the mystery and fantasy that are so much a part of these joyful days of discovery and make-believe that fade so soon.


A Birthday cake session also makes for great first birthday 'Thank You' cards.