Give us a call at 203.488.5170 and let’s discuss what your options are.

Below are some shots we were able to get when given a little extra time with a local girls basketball team.

1. Wear something to compliment the background. The background we use is grey (see example below), so chose clothes that will compliment that color. We recommend darker colors like black, navy blue, green and red because they draw more attention to your face than lighter colors will. White really isn’t the greatest choice for a photo, because it can make your skin blend with the background, and will sometimes make you look heavier than you actually are. Stay away from grey!
2. Avoid tank tops, strapless tops, and spaghetti straps. Some people don’t end up liking the way their bare shoulders look in their photo, so the safe route is to wear at least short sleeves.
3. Plan ahead. Have your outfit prepared before picture day. The last thing you want is to find that your favorite outfit is in the laundry. You should also leave yourself plenty of time to get ready that morning. Do your hair and, if you’re wearing it, makeup in the morning before school. Then, right before you face the camera, do a quick touch-up and check to make sure there isn’t any lunch on your face or in your teeth.
4. Avoid big changes to your appearance. Don’t get a drastic new haircut or color, or a daring piercing the day before the photo. We highly recommend you hold off on making any big changes to your natural everyday look until after you’ve had your picture taken for the yearbook. It may turn out looking good after all, but then again, it may not.
5. Keep it simple. Don’t over-accessorize for your photo. Big earrings and busy patterns will only draw attention to themselves and away from your face and smile. The same goes for your hair and makeup. Don’t try too hard on picture day, like doing something new with your hair, or wearing makeup you aren’t used to. You want the photo to be of you, not you trying to be someone else. Guys, make sure to shave that morning.  And please, no hats.
6. Check your posture. Make sure to hold your head up high and don’t slouch!
7. Don’t forget to smile! One way to avoid a fake looking smile is to think of something slightly funny to help you crack a smile or just a bit of a giggle. Practice smiling in the mirror ahead of time. It may sound cheesy, but figuring out how to make a natural-looking smile for the camera takes a little preparation.

This is an example of the background that will be used in all yearbook pictures.

We hope these tips will help you feel a little bit more prepared to take your yearbook photo this year. If you miss your photo day, there will be a make-up day scheduled sometime in October. We will list all of our school’s make-up dates on our Facebook page, so if you aren’t already, become a fan at http://www.facebook.com/steadyphotography!

Here are just some of the beautiful portraits we captured that day.

As we go into the holiday season, we always try and think of ways to give back. This year we thought we would try to not only support one of our favorite charities, but also give back to the families that support us. So, we are setting aside 10 30-minute Family Portrait Sessions one Sunday every month until the holidays and we’ll waive the $75 sitting fee when you bring a Toys for Tots Donation. We are hoping this will inspire some of you to give a little back…and help to get your holiday photos done early. The dates include: Sept. 25th , Oct. 23rd, Nov. 13th and Dec. 4th. Remember there are only 10 spots available, so please call the studio at 203.488.5170 today if you are interested in booking one of these dates for your family.

The Steady Photography Photo Booth has been custom designed and built especially for us with the best possible equipment. All your guests will have to do is get in and smile, and your  personal on-site attendant will do the rest. It is a stand-up style booth which means you and up to five of your friends can fit comfortably inside. Our booth automatically takes four consecutive high quality digital images, and within minutes will print two photo strips.

Our photo booth can be rented by the hour, with a two hour minimum, and every rental includes unlimited photo booth sessions and an on-site attendant to help ensure that your guest maximize the photo booth experience. Best of all, at the conclusion of your event we will provide you with digital copies of all the photos taken on CD and also place them all in a secure online gallery on our website. There your guests will be able to view them, purchase them, or even Facebook them. We will also personalize your photo strips with names, corporate logos, party titles, etc.

The Steady Photography Photo Booth had the pleasure of being at quite a few local High School proms this past season and it was always a huge hit all around. We had students taking picture after picture with all of their friends and the booth wasn’t empty all night. It was a great addition to their prom experience. Below are just a few of the many photo strips taken at those events.

In the next few months, make sure to follow us on Facebook where we are going to give away a FREE rental to one lucky high school to use for two hours at their Homecoming Dance!

So whether you are planning a wedding, reunion, fundraiser, school dance, or a corporate event, you will find that we take those extra steps to ensure your event is fun and memorable for all of your guests. To learn more about our Photo Booth rental, or any of our other services, please call us at 203.488.5170.

On to the day….Courtney and Tyler’s Wedding!

BTW- The shot of the Royal Couple is one of my favorites…it makes me laugh every time I look at it…unfortunately I can’t take credit…that was totally Courtney’s idea.

We all know that getting your family or group together for a formal photo session can be next to impossible. So when you actual do get the chance, preparing ahead of time can be as important as the photography itself. In this post I want to share some general guidelines and suggestions to help families be relaxed and look their best, so we can achieve some memorable results.

Coordinate, don’t match. If you are planning a portrait with multiple people, coordinate your wardrobes ahead of time. Encourage everyone to wear a solid color from the same color family, for instance, a shade of blue.

Keep it simple. Choose simple garments that are consistent. Clothing is secondary and should not detract from the focus of the photograph: the people in it. Jeans or khakis and a white or black shirt are always a good choice.

Avoid patterns. Avoid large, bold patterns and bright colors that draw attention away from the face.

Dress from head to toe. Some of your portraits might be full length, so be sure that your shoes and socks are appropriate to your outfit.

Darker is better. Soft, natural make up is best but apply it a little darker like you were going out for the evening. Even in outdoor portraits, if your makeup is too light, your face may tend to look washed-out.

Timing is everything. Schedule your portrait session around your child’s naps and feedings, so that he can enjoy the experience. Try and arrive 10-15 minutes before your session. Use this time to relax and enjoy our studio before the camera starts clicking.

Make it personal. Bring along some personal props – maybe some hats, or toys that showcase your family’s personality. If your child has a special blanket or favorite doll, bring it along. Not only will it probably make them more comfortable, but it might just make for some sweet photos.

It’s all relative. If you chose to bring a pet, they should be fed, rested and well groomed before a photo shoot. You may even want to choose a collar or accessory that matches the color scheme of the rest of the family.

Keep them happy. For families with small children, bring along necessary items to help keep your child happy and clean, including diapers, wipes, drinks and snacks.

Relax. And finally, the best suggestion I can give is to relax, enjoy, and just be yourselves.

To give you some inspiration, check out this video of some of our favorite family portrait sessions. With every family portrait session we shoot, we create a custom slide show just like this one for your family!

Ever since leaving the Marine Corps and moving back to CT, I have spent summers watching American Legion baseball. In the early 2000′s (my days at the newspaper) I would see close to 50 games every summer…travelling from town to town…sometimes watching  four games in a day…in those days it was always with friends.

Now, almost a decade later I have a business and a family and I don’t get to near as many games. Luckily, I have passed the addiction along to my entire family.

It began in 2005…the year of Branford’s first state championship.

My girlfriend (Andrea) and her daughter (Brittney)…now my wife and step daughter… came with me to a few games that year. When they made the state tournament we went to almost every game together.

After winning the State Championship Branford travelled to Warwick, Rhode Island for the Northeast Regional tournament. Every day for a week, I drove to Warwick to watch the games. Every day for a week, Brittney came with me.  Andrea made a few games when her work schedule allowed. The addiction was growing.

Since then we have travelled to Vermont, Rhode Island and all over CT to watch American Legion tournament games. This year is no different. I have been to three state tournament games this week…my family has been to five! They went without me twice because I had to work.

Last night we were all there as Branford won for the sixth straight time and forced a one game championship at 11 a.m. this morning. The entire family is going….even grandma.

If Branford wins today…they head to the Northeast Regional in Orchard Beach, Maine. It would be the first Northeast Regional we have missed.  Let me rephrase that…it will be the first Northeast Regional I have missed.

 It wouldn’t shock me at all if someone from my family finds a way to get to Maine next week.

Believe me I tried… I poured over my calendar trying to find a way to make it work, but it just won’t happen.

At least I get to catch one more game today…off to the State Championship at Muzzy Field in Bristol….with the entire family…the addiction had definitely caught on!!!

If you don’t have that perfect place in mind, we wanted to give you some inspiration. Here are our top five favorite locations:

 1) Stony Creek Village and Trolley Trail, Branford, CT: This location has a great variety of water and trails, a trolley bridge and my favorite a graffiti wall.

 2) Branford Point, Branford, CT: In my opinion, one of the best beach spots on the shoreline for photos. There are two beaches, various trails, and depending on the time of year, beautiful gardens.

 3) Downtown, Guilford, CT: Guilford has so much unique architecture, small alleys and of course the green. At this location, we can create many different looks all within a short walking distance.

 4) Old Atlantic Wire and MIF Buildings, Branford, CT: This is a personal favorite of mine, but it has to be right for you. They are both run-down, abandoned factories with lots of brick and vintage architecture. It also sits right on the Branford River.

5) Hammonasset State Park, Madison, CT: Filled with water views, beaches, and boardwalks, this location will provide us with plenty of different backgrounds to work with. Because this is such an expansive outdoor location, we may find it difficult to utilize all it has to offer. Please be aware there is a small admission fee.

There are also so many locations we haven’t had the opportunity to shoot at yet. Here is just a few. Maybe you would like to be the first?

 1) Yale University, New Haven, CT: I had my own engagement photos taken here. This iconic campus, located in the heart of New Haven, is not only filled with gothic architecture, but is surrounded by city life and activity.

2) Lighthouse Park, New Haven, CT: This location features trails, beaches, a carousel and of course the famous lighthouse.

 3) East Rock Park, New Haven, CT: This park is located at the summit of East Rock, more than 350 feet above the floor of the Mill River, creating a fantastic city backdrop.

We started at a beautiful old church in downtown New London, headed to UConn’s Avery Point Campus for portraits and then to the Mystic Aquarium for the reception. It was a great day.