What two years looks like -- San Francisco Bay Area Family and Child Photographer

Two years. How to photograph it and what changes take place in that time?

Below are photos taken exactly two years apart of my girls in the same spot. My two girls are also two years apart in age. In the first photo they are 2 years old and newborn and in the second photo they are 4 and 2 years old. We all know they grow up quickly but there is no denying just how quickly that is in this series.

This is a project you can do yourself. Take a photo of your loved ones, pets, trees in your yard or local environment in each season, whatever it may be in the same spot over a period of time. You will photographically mark the progression of time and likely have a zen-like thought or two along the way.

Happy New Year to all and thank you for another wonderful year! And, stay tuned as I will be catching up on blog posts from the busy holiday season early in 2011.

~Kim


Kim Binfield Photography Website | Blog | Contact Me

Studio look -- Maternity Photos Marin Photographer

This post is Part II from this session. In addition to the beautiful photos on location in their home, we took some shots also in their home using the same window light with my portable backdrop set up. It simply consists of a light weight backdrop stand, clips and a black backdrop. I can set this up in almost any room at a client's home that receives at least a decent amount of window light. The look is similar to what you would get with a softbox and expensive lighting set up, yet it is quick to set up, light weight and low cost.

Here are the portraits we created. For the client, this adds a completely different look and feel to their main set of session images - basically like having two sessions in one!









~ Kim

Kim Binfield Photography Website | Blog | Contact Me

Sibling on the way -- Maternity and Pregnancy Photographer in Marin

I love the images from this session last weekend. Lovely family with a toddler boy who has the bluest of blue eyes and is definitely ready to play with his soon-to-be sibling :) This session was at the client's home with beautiful natural light from their large north and west facing windows.











During this same session we also took photos with my portable backdrop and stands. Look for a post with those images in the next day or so.

I also want to say thank you to my clients who let me share in a bit of their lives and take photos for them of their memorable events and growing families. It means a lot to me and I appreciate each of you!


~ Kim

Kim Binfield Photography Website | Blog | Contact Me

Three days new - San Francisco and San Diego Newborn Photographer

While I'm back now in the San Francisco Bay Area, August and September were filled with many family celebrations in San Diego. There were milestone birthdays and anniversaries and the arrival of my second niece. We were able to visit for these family events and I got to meet and photograph my newborn niece, pictured here when she was just three-days-old ... or new as I think is more fitting! I'm so glad I got to meet and spend time with you little sweetie and I'm enjoying hearing stories from your Mom as you grow.



I am also enjoying watching my own girls grow up day by day right now, very quickly! More on this in an upcoming post. I've photographed them together in the same spot as a newborn and age 2 and last week at ages 2 and 4. AMAZING changes of course. You won't believe just how much though until you see it.... :)

Kim Binfield Photography Website | Blog | Contact Me

and baby makes 4 --- Marin Family Photographer

Last weekend I got to soak up some afternoon sun during this family's photo session. I enjoyed meeting this bunch and their especially cheerful and happy-go-lucky baby boy. He was six months old and teething and did not make the slightest fuss even once during the entire session! Here are some of my favorites from the day...











The above and below images are from the same photo. I like how each image has a different look and feel simply by cropping and converting to black and white.



If you're looking to get your holiday photos wrapped up on time and without a rush this year, get in touch to book your session! There are a few available dates in October, contact me to reserve your date before they're snapped up.

-Kim



Kim Binfield Photography Website | Blog | Contact Me

Fun and fanciful family photo session -- San Francisco and Marin Family Photographer

I knew when Mom showed up with fantastic, colorful high heel shoes and her daughter with candy apple red shoes and a multicolored beaded necklace that she chose herself, that we would have a fun session. Dad and the family dog also did their part to complete the look of these animated and endearing family portraits.











** The time to book your holiday sessions is, believe it or not, now! **

As a custom, boutique photographer I accept a limited number of sessions each month to enable me to provide the top level of care and attention to each client. The last date for holiday sessions this year is November 14. Weather in the Bay Area will be turning colder soon, thus outdoor sessions are best held now through early October.

-Kim


Kim Binfield Photography Website | Blog | Contact Me

Our iPad App has launched! -- Portrait Classroom: Baby and Child Photography Tutorials

Launched just last week, the iPad App Portrait Classroom: Baby and Child Photography Tutorials is an insider's guide to taking better portraits. The App presents ten tutorials that detail the set up, camera settings, equipment used, and Photoshop editing steps taken for a collection of ten of my baby and child portraits.

Learn how you can take keepsake, professional looking portraits of your loved ones yourself! Portrait Classroom is geared toward digital SLR owners, though many of the techniques can also be used by those with point-and-shoot cameras. The App is a collaboration of my gadget loving husband, myself and our expert programmer here in the SF Bay Area.

See more about it in the links below! View and purchase on iTunes in the App store http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/portrait-classroom-baby-child/id385486822?mt=8

Blog
http://portraitclassroom.wordpress.com/

YouTube video demo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6BKhuo_EZM

Next up is the iPhone version forthcoming soon!

If you don't have an iPad or iPhone I'm happy to arrange for individual and small group training.

Get out there and take (better) photos!

-Kim

Kim Binfield Photography Website | Blog | Contact Me

Summer Session Maternity Photos -- Marin Family Photographer

This was an absolutely stunning session. I'll let the photos speak for themselves and I think you'll see what I mean! This second time mom was absolutely glowing and was very happy to have completed the session before the baby's arrival due this month.









Thank you for meeting up with me for a lovely summer morning - I'm so glad new baby waited for us!

* Maternity sessions are best scheduled for months 7 thru 9. Ask for your package discount when booking both a maternity and newborn session. *


Kim Binfield Photography Website | Blog | Contact Me

Pink dresses, green grass, and summer sunshine -- Marin Children's Photographer

A peek at a recent session with little Miss C. I've gotten to photograph her near her 1st, 2nd, and 3rd birthdays. She is vivacious and lots of fun to be around. Here she shows her many moods and a bit of spunk! We also took some photos at the beach. Look for those in an upcoming post...

Book your summer sessions now. There are lovely parks and beaches for settings and before you know it, it'll be back to school time!

Kim


Kim Binfield Photography Website | Blog | Contact Me

Newborn Photography -- Marin Newborn Photographer

A few more images from this serene baby's photo session. The second image is the full frame version of the photo in the last post. One of my favorite things about photography is composition and composing photos. Whether it be in camera while taking a photo or during post production, I love seeing how changes in composition or cropping can change an image so dramatically and give it an entirely new look and feel.







To book your newborn session, please contact me during the last few months of your pregnancy. Newborn sessions are best between 5 and 12 days old. They can be done later but I will make every effort to fit in newborn sessions within this early time frame to capture their tiny, precious details for you.

Kim


Kim Binfield Photography Website | Blog | Contact Me

Newborn Photo Sessions -- Kim Binfield Photography

Sleeping like a baby. Don't you just love that cute little baby nose, cheeks, and fingers. Sigh...

This sweet baby boy was actually three-months-old but he's still got that tiny, fresh newborn look about him- especially when we were able to catch him sleeping. For babies to have a true newborn look, sessions are recommended during a baby's first 5 to 12 days. However, this photo is a good example of how you can sometimes still get away with it down the road a bit :) More baby photos from this session to follow in a later post.

And last but certainly, certainly not least... Happy Mothers Day to all of us Moms this weekend!

Kim

Kim Binfield Photography Website | Blog | Contact Me

Spring is in the air, let's share -- Tiburon Newborn and Child Photographer

Today's post is a free download! This image of cherry blossoms in Marin was taken in late February after days of rain. We woke to a beautiful fresh, blue sky and there were still rain drops clinging to the branches. I *had* to stop everything and grab my camera for a couple quick pictures while getting ready for the day with my girls.

You can download the full size photo from my Flickr account at http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimbinfield/4561841561/
Just click on the ALL SIZES icon above the image in Flickr. I have this image cropped and printed square in my home. You can also use it as a screen saver or however you like as long as it is for personal use.


Kim Binfield Photography Website | Blog | Contact Me

Baby Yawn --- Tiburon Family Photographer

You have to love tiny baby yawns! So sweet and fun to click the shutter at that moment. This sweet baby girl did very well during her photo session with her Mom and Dad and was a joy to meet. Here are a few photos from her session including that sweet baby yawn ...








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Cute as a button -- Mill Valley Newborn and Baby Photographer

Babies, sweet babies. I've been getting to meet many babies the last few months for portrait sessions. So look for a number of baby posts to come! This girl was two-months-old and cute as a button. She has the look of calmness but believe me she was moving about during her session :)













Kim Binfield Photography Website | Blog | Contact Me

They grow up quickly - San Francisco Bay Area Kids Photographer

I'm posting portraits today of a little star that you might recognize from her session last year when she was just crawling here. We all know they grow up so quickly but it never ceases to amaze me, especially when looking through photographs, just how quick it is!



I know it's the same photo but love it in both color and black and white!



Mom and baby photos are a joy for me to take. The photos are so sweet and playful and a keepsake for them both.



Kim Binfield Photography Website | Blog | Contact Me

Red Wagon and Pink Tutu - Bay Area Family Photographer

All girl, with a little kick added! This was my first time to photograph this spirited and sweet one and a half year old. We employed her Radio Flyer All Terrain Wagon during part of the photo session at her home which brought lots of fun and smiles (and containment as an added bonus!). Gotta love a girl who can sport both a pink tutu and pink Converse shoes - too cute :)


Kim Binfield Photography Website | Blog | Contact Me

What's that music? - Marin Photographer

Since the recent launch of my new website I have had many of you ask me, "What's that music on your site? I love it!"

This post is to thank Stevie Q for allowing the use of his song here on my site and to share with you about his music. The song of his that I have featured on my website is Garden Party. I first heard it driving in the car with my girls and have loved it ever since! His other songs are fun and sure to please your little ones too. Check out his music on his site at StevieQ.com. There you can download his songs one by one or you can download his album.


Kim Binfield Photography Website | Blog | Contact Me

Sweet Baby Boy - Tiburon Photographer

So, I have lots of blogging to catch up on.... but I'm starting first with a sneak peek from this cutie's newborn photo session a few days ago. His parents, though first time parents, came over with an air of easy going confidence and calm that amazed me! They are doing such a good job in their new roles and he is one lucky little boy. During our portrait photography session we got to play with lots of wardrobe changes and states of wakefulness and we were lucky enough to get him to sleep, if only for a few fleeting moments :)











Kim Binfield Photography Website | Blog | Contact Me