Joanne Lee Photo Blog

A Beautiful Family - Family Portraits by Joanne Lee Photography

One of the best parts of being a photographer, is seeing my client's families grow. I have photographed this family since the very first year I was a photographer. At that point, they had one child. I remember their first photo session, at Kettle Cove, in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Since then, I have photographed them a number of times. It is such a compliment to be the 'go to person' when they have out of state family visiting, or want to update their current family portrait. Their home is adorned with framed portraits from years of memories. I love that!! Their portraits do not sit on a disc beside a computer, but are proudly displayed in their home.

Their most recent session was a multi-generational event. In addition to the grandparent photos, I did what are known as 'break outs", where we photograph each individual family. The first photo above is their family portrait from the break out. I also try to do an individual of the children, too. The entire evening was perfect! We lucked out on the weather (rain had looked inevitable all day). The families were happy, cooperative and I love connecting with the children and making the session FUN!

Thank you, so much for having me as your photographer!!

Maternity Portraits, Beautiful Expectant Mother Portrait by Joanne Lee Photography

Having a beautiful maternity portrait created is something I recommend to every expectant mother. This STUNNING woman, is in her last weeks of pregnancy. She came to the studio and we created a variety of looks. Having photographed engagement and wedding photos for this couple, I was very excited to be able to help them create a fine art portrait while they are expectant parents.

Expectant mothers sometimes tell me they don't feel 'photo worthy' in the last weeks of pregnancy. It is my job to make every woman look beautiful in their portraits. Scheduling maternity sessions during the 8th month is also helpful.

Another concern is that they may be tired or feel as though they look too tired for a portrait. Being pregnant is EXHAUSTING! Having had two children, I can certainly understand. In this image, however, the face isn't visible. Now, that's not to say every image is that way, but we will work with a mother on poses that flatter.

One other concern that's brought to our attention is skin. A pregnant mom may not want to show her belly. Let's just say, we are able to make your skin look like porcelain in your portrait. Lighting is very important. Many years of study and working in photography have allowed me a good understanding of flattering light.

"What would I ever do with the pictures??" Now, not every woman is Kim Zolciak from Real Housewives of Atlanta fame, and has a 30x40 canvas of their pregnancy portrait displayed in their home. (Although there is NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT..you GO Kim!). Albums, and photo books are often the choice most couples make in their purchase. I am also a fan of a canvas hung over a crib with a sweet verse as a display of a maternity portrait. Here's one that I think would look stunning. I would even add a baby portrait canvas beside it once baby arrived.

Here's to all of the Joanne Lee Photography couples who have recently welcomed a baby to their family or are waiting for their little miracle to arrive! We are proud to be a part of your family's history through the portraits we create.

 

Maine Pet Photographer, Joanne Lee Photography, HAVE YOU HAD YOUR PETS PHOTOGRAPHED LATELY?

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to photograph these two ADORABLE English Bulldog Puppies for a studio session. I LOVE photographing puppies! Their 'human' mom, Missi, and I are friends on FB. It's funny, we can't seem to remember how that connection happened, but I am so glad it did! When I saw that she had two pups, (which are for sale, BTW), I immediately contacted her and asked if she would be willing to let me photograph them. When I get the chance, I work on personal photography projects. As a working professional photographer, there isn't always a lot of extra time to work on my own things. But, when there are adorable puppies to photograph...YOU BET I MAKE TIME FOR THAT!

If you read the blog or follow me on Facebook you know that I am a HUGE dog lover. Yesterday, was just so much fun capturing these puppy images!

I thought you might be interested to know that...

• About 62 percent of all households in the United States have a pet. (Source: APPA)

Is your home one of the 62% that has a pet? When was the last time you had a portrait created of your furry friend? Why not?

I wasn't able to find any data on how many of those households have portraits taken of their pets, though. It boggles my mind sometimes, that pets are such a HUGE part of our lives, and yet so many folks have never had a portrait created of their furry friend. Or even included them in a family portrait.

Here are some of the things I hear from people about the potential of having the pet's portrait taken:

"OH, my dog is crazy. He would never still long enough."

We have lots of creative, fun ways to get your pet's attention during a session. It's fun for both the pet and the owner!

"My dog doesn't behave. I just know there wouldn't be a single image from the session."

I have lots of experience photographing pets. In addition to volunteering my time to photograph dogs in foster care for a local rescue (Lucky Pup Rescue does AMAZING work!) , I've also had experience in training and showing dogs. Plus...if (by some rare chance) we weren't able to get an image of your pet, you won't pay a thing.

And besides, if I was able to get this image of 6 Boxer puppies... what makes you think I can't create an incredible image of your pet?

How to Make Sure Your Holiday Cards are the TALK OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD! {Holiday Portraits by Joanne Lee Photography}

 

Do you wait until the last minute to create your holiday cards? Are you struggling to get a picture of the kids to send out at the last minute before Christmas? Did you even send out cards last year?

I HAVE THE SOLUTION!

This year let Joanne Lee Photography take the stress out of the holidays for you! Let me help you, and I promise the only worry you'll have is how to TOP this year's card NEXT YEAR! Send an amazing beach themed card this year and have a ball doing it!

(Imagine sleeping well the night before Christmas!)

For a very limited few (nine families),Joanne Lee Photography is offering Seas and Greetings sessions. I will meet you at a beautiful coastal Maine beach with a gorgeous seasonal set, and we will create an AMAZING portrait for your family. Imagine the phone ringing as people receive your card, telling you how much they LOVE your unique expression of holiday cheer!

Here's what one of our families from last year had to say...

"It was wonderful working with Joanne for our family photo last year.  Our boys don't typically like having their pictures taken, but she is so amazing with kids that not only did we get great photos, but they actually had fun. Because of the beautiful photos, our holiday card was amazing and we received countless compliments from friends and family.  We can't wait to work with Joanne again!"

 -Terri Patterson

So here's the 411 on this special event!

1.  Nine families will have this opportunity for Joanne create their once-in-a-lifetime portrait and holiday cards. Call today to be one of the lucky ones! (207) 450-9641

     2.   Our regular $149 beach session for only $129!

     3.   With your session fee, you'll receive 25 custom designed holiday cards!

     4.   Sessions will take place the evenings of August 10th and 11th.

And.... I will even include a free chat to help plan this special portrait, including clothing suggestions, hair and makeup tips, nothing left to chance!

Call today to reserve your session, this event is sure to sell out!

(207) 450-9641

17,155 Days, 47 Years - {Joanne Lee Photography}

47 Years. Forty-seven years....that's 17,155 days...2 children, four grandchildren and lots of love. Love of God, family, and friends.

My parents celebrate 47 years of marriage this week. I just love this portrait of the two of them. It was taken in late 2010 (and yes, mom...I know, I need to finish them up for you...sorry!). It's been said a picture is worth a thousand words. To me, this portrait is nothing short of that. But, to sum it up, it speaks volumes about love, loyalty and family.

I couldn't have asked for better parents. Mom and Dad, thank you. Thank you for your love, patience, and being a wonderful example of devotion to each other. Happy 47th Anniversary! Here's to many more happy years!

-Joanne - One very lucky daughter...

Joanne Lee Photography

Beach Portraits! Joanne Lee Photography, Maine Family Photographer

Hurray! It's SUMMER!! Are you loving this beautiful weather? I certainly am! It is perfect beach weather and an ideal time for beach portraits!

Extended family portrait sessions are very popular right now. Capturing the ever important multi-generational portrait is something I encourage everyone to do! Grandparents love seeing the beautiful faces of their children and grandchildren every day in a stunning portrait displayed on their wall!

The images above are from just such a session. The first image is the 'cousins' image. Capturing the cousins (grandchildren) in a portrait with big smiles like that? PRICELESS!!!!

At every extended family session, I try to capture images of the parents together...sans kids! Many tell me that they haven't had a portrait with their spouse since their wedding day. (Of course, not this couple...they are regular clients of mine who have lots of sweet portraits of the two them!).

And...I always love to include pets in the images! If you read the blog, you know I am a pet lover. This mini-Aussie has appeared on the blog before and she is an incredible dog!

Call me if you'd like to schedule your session! I have one opening left for July!

In case you're wondering what a family session like....take a peek!

 

 

Southern Maine Baby Photographer, Joanne Lee Photography

Welcome, Baby L! This beautiful baby was in the studio recently for her newborn portraits. Her wonderful mom and dad are long time clients of mine. Their engagement portraits, wedding portraits, and first child's portraits have all appeared on the blog! Now, they have welcomed a beautiful daughter to their family. She was only 7 days only in these portraits!!!

I am so honored to have photographed their family for these important milestones!

I can't resist sharing one more....

More From the Other Side of the Camera...

Sorry I sort of disappeared for a bit. Lots of sessions and school vacation had thrown me a curve ball! Oh yeah, and a trip to Fenway, too. :)

Back to the trip to Cape Cod...here is one of the images created by Ed Pedi for his workshop. My son is such a handsome model!!

We also had a GORGEOUS family image created by David Deutsch. I LOVE this family portrait. :)

It was fun to be on the otehr side of what was happening during a session!! I can't wait to do more family portraits this spring!! Have you scheduled yours yet????

On the other side of the lens....Tales from a photographer! Joanne Lee Photography

This past week, my family and I were in Hyannis, MA (Cape Cod) for the New England Institute of Professional Photography. This is a week long conference where a variety of industry leaders teach other photographers. A colleague of mine was in charge of booking the models for the workshops and when the opportunity presented itself, I jumped at the chance for my children to model for other photographers. Well, the plan changed a bit and lo and behold, I also had to be in front of the camera. YIKES!!

Once the shock eased a bit, I realized this would be a great learning experience. To see the process from my client's point of view would be PRICELESS!! So, then the fun ensued!

DAY 1:

My 7 year old son was the first to model. He was needed for a First Communion portrait session. He woke up that morning at the hotel and proclaimed.."I don't feel like modeling today. I'm all set."  I thought to myself, 'REALLY? You have GOT TO BE KIDDING!' You see, my youngest loves being in front of the camera. After a bit of convincing, he realized that we had committed to this and he would fulfill his obligation. So, he put on his dress pants, new sportcoat and tie and off we went.

Award winning photographer, Ed Pedi, would be photographing him. Ed is an outstanding photographer in No. Andover, MA. He is simply THE BEST when dealing with children. My son LOVED him!

Above is a behind the scenes look at the session.

He couldn't stop smiling!

I then felt what every parent who walks through the doors of my studio feels...nervous, excited, tense and hopeful that my child would "Bring it"...and not bring the fake smile!! Phew...that was a lot different than the excitement I feel when I am the photographer!!

Of course, my son took it all in stride. Here he is between sessions..what a guy!

The photographer created amazing images! I was so pleased!

In my next blog post, I will chronicle our second day at NEIPP. Brace yourself....there will be tales of vomit, clothing challenges, cold, wind...and more!!

Bunny Pictures!! Saturday, March 31st 12pm - 2pm By Appointment

Look at all of the fun we have been having at the studio! Join us for your child's bunny portraits, this Saturday, March 31st! Buddha and Cucumber, our guest bunnies, will join us at our So. Portland studio for the terrific event! Easter portraits have never been better!!

Sessions are by appointment only! There is no sitting fee, but there is a $25 deposit required to hold your space. Your deposit will applied to your purchase.

Why head to the mall for less than stellar pictures with some guy in a bunny suit?! At Joanne Lee Photography, we are all about doing things better! We give you a better quality option and an exceptionally better experience!!! Call today! 207-450-9641