angie warren photography » newborns

newborn skin tutorial | bay area newborn photographer

angie — Tue, 18 May 2010 09:00:05 +0000

i know there are many photographers following this blog, and recently it seems i get asked a lot about newborn skin. i think it is a common misconception that some of the greats of photography simply get blessed with gorgeous, flawless, newbie skin tones and do absolutely nothing to them. of all the newborns i’ve photographed, only one has come to me 100% scratch & blotch free (and she was just two days old!). they turn red when they cry, and often times scratch their little faces with those freshly sharp nails. not that these things are awful, in fact i love the milk bumps on their noses and the “fur” they sometimes come to me with along their faces, arms and back. however, i do like to clean things up a smidge in photoshop and today i’ll share how i do it. remember this is simply the way that works best for me. it doesn’t mean it will work best for you or your neighbor.

meet jacob. my recent young client, ‘adopted’ nephew, and cutest darn thing i’ve seen this year. stats:

seven days old
took a bit on the longer side to get to sleep (1.5 hr +)
was fussy before taking bottle and then when he finally got sleepy, this shot came into play

1. the first step i took was some cloning. i typically clone at about 20% with a really soft brush (think hardness: 30%) he had some scratches from said fussing before his bottle on his lil forehead and a few on his nose. there was also a blanket marking on his tummy.

2. next i ran the best free thing next to sliced bread: coffee shop’s baby powder room action. this action is 6 fold and i can not say enough about it. i know a lot of friends who love tra’s stuff, but this came to me in a moment of non-cash and desperation. i won’t part with it for anything. rita even gives you a step-by-step run down on how to use the 6 layers. a secret? i only ever use the red skin repair (at about 20% again, with a soft brush), the skin softening (at 15-20% with soft brush and then i lower the opacity a bit – over softening is a scary road to travel), and occasionally the eye define (at 90%) for gorgeous lash definition.

3. then when i am happy there i’ll merge my layers and open my incredible-love-to-the-moon-and-back florabella actions. for this image i went with milk & honey at a lower opacity. it adds just enough creaminess to really top off the photo.

4. finishing touches include florabella’s sharpen defog action with a bit of an s-curve.

5. flatten and save and i’m good to go.

*a few things to keep in mind. i mentioned the skin softening above – a friend and mentor once told me that when you soften skin, do your thing ever so lightly and then lower the opacity a bit more. the minute you over soften you turn a beautiful image into something else entirely. do i struggle with newborns? heck yes. i struggle with color cast and the balance between over-processed and just right can be difficult. just practice and practice some more. eventually you will find the best set of ‘recipes’ for your own work.

hope this helped some! happy tuesday

jacob | walnut creek newborn photographer

angie — Wed, 12 May 2010 05:34:43 +0000

oh jacob. he certainly made us work for these images, but i can say for certain it was all worth it. and besides, i was in definite need of a baby fix! once sleepy he was an absolute dream – and when he wasn’t sleepy? a dream still. such a mellow, sweet, old soul. xoxo to his darling family.

awp now has a mailing list! it is super easy to sign up and you’ll be the absolute first to know about specials, promotions, casting calls, and contests.

a makeover, happy heart, & a special | bay area photographer

angie — Mon, 10 May 2010 06:25:23 +0000

i feel like i’m walking on sunshine. if you’re a photographer reading this who has an online portfolio, you know all of the work that goes into building, keeping up, or making over a website and/or blog. my tired eyes and lack of sleep are well worth it… i’m thrilled to unveil a bit of a makeover to angie warren photography. that’s right, click the image below or right here to feast your eyes (but be sure to click back for the six-day-only special)!

glad you asked! the artist in me needed so desperately to get back to the roots of my own personal journey in photography. i’m easily sidetracked, and found myself not feeling comfy in my online-presence-skin. i love the clean, fresh, simple feel to my new site. i absolutely adore the big images, and all the new options that come with a brand spankin’ new design. it’s as if i fell asleep and have been woken up by the freshest breeze imaginable. spring has sprung and i’m all over it. clients, be sure to check out the vendors tab for some fabulous places to shop for clothing – photographers you’ll know what to do, check it all out!

awp now has a mailing list! it is super easy to sign up and you’ll be the absolute first to know about specials, promotions, casting calls, and contests. your email will never, ever be shared and you can rest assured you’ll only get something from me every few months or so – depending on what i have to offer!

in honor of the new website, for the next six days you may take $50 off of your session fee and pay only $150! this promotion ends saturday may 15 and session must take place by september 1, 2010. any lifestyle session is eligible: newborn, baby, children, family, senior, engagement. contact me for my 2010 pricing and to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.

thanks for stopping by, i’m so glad you’ve been here. whether you are friends, family, clients, photographers, or lurkers – i really appreciate your encouragement and your business. xoxo!

ps because i can’t post this without saying a special thanks to this little doll and his mama Kristin Staples, for his dock-side session amoungst 15+ other photographers, inspired the semi-old-school-yet-new-awp look. if i could plaster that darling outfit he has on all over my mac i would. seriously, in love. thank you kristin for sharing him ; )

a dreamy day image | walnut creek newborn photographer

angie — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 09:00:59 +0000

came across this: one of my top 3 favorite images of 2009. have a dreamy day my friends!

Helping Haiti | Mom 2.0 Summit Exhibit | San Francisco Photographer

angie — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:35:55 +0000

images above courtesy of shutter sisters

i received an invitation this week asking me to be apart of an incredible event that ultimately helps relief efforts in haiti. i was honored and moved, and couldn’t wait to share with you all. the images they chose of mine are dear to my heart, i wish so badly i could be there in person to take in the amazing celebration of motherhood with these fabulous women. if you’re able to i’d encourage you to go.

according to the mom 2.0 exhibit website:

The Mom 2.0: Defining a Movement exhibit will go on display in Houston February 5 and continue until February 20. The Summit will feature a Friday night private viewing event for conference attendees, at which a silent auction for the art pieces will be held to raise money for earthquake recovery efforts in Haiti. Be sure to register for the conference now so you don’t miss out on Friday, when we will all be gathered to celebrate the creations of those that have led the way and toast to the next chapter in the movement.

new life | brentwood newborn photographer

angie — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 04:34:22 +0000

there isn’t anything more precious than the beauty of a new life, is there?

twice as nice – newborn twins – pleasant hill photographer

angie — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 07:43:01 +0000

say hello to j & c. at just one week old are just the sweetest little boys, so adored by their big sister and loving mama and dad. we worked to get them sleepy, at the same time – and oh it was absolutely worth it. seeing these two together was a sight to behold; they loved to eat away at each other, and found such comfort in the touch of the other’s skin. the beauty of this is really beyond words. i’ve been just itching to share these images, and what a better day than thanksgiving – s family you were a joy, i appreciate your warmth and patience and can not wait for you to see the entire gallery.

happy thanksgiving everyone!

view my portfolio here | to book a newborn session with angie warren photography, email angie at angienicolewarren@gmail.com.

lovely e – walnut creek – newborn photographer

angie — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:58:26 +0000

say hello to e, one of the most alert 10 day old little bundles of love i’ve met! such a happy peanut, barely made a peep the entire session. big sister o is just tickled pink to love on this gorgeous girl, the sweet way she watched e reminded so of my own boys just last year. sigh.

also say hello to my new fave newborn detail shot to date. drool.

thanks c family – i’ll be in touch with you all soon! xoxo!

sweet baby d – concord – newborn photographer

angie — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 22:16:44 +0000

just eight days old and this darling girl holds a special place in my heart. her parents are dear friends and i’m honored that they asked me to photograph her. the night she was born, three of us girlfriends hopped in the car at midnight to give baby d our best wishes and to gaze into her adorable eyes. lizzie and daran we love you, congrats!

her very protective big fur-sister charlotte.

baby j – angie warren – brentwood – newborn photographer

angie — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:20:20 +0000

say hello to sweet little j. he came into this world a beautiful nine pounds and on day three was just as happy as a clam. he is quite the miracle baby and i was thrilled and honored to spend time with him and his family. i just love how dreamy these images came out – i hope you love them as well b family!

ah baby toes. i just love ‘em!

and just because i love these, a classic black & white.