* . * . * . Just For Kids . * . * . *

While sorting through some old boxes I found a photo album filled with the first ever photos that I took as a young photographer. I was around nine years old when I first started using our family’s film point and shoot camera and I still remember my Dad’s ‘training’ on how to use it. Basically it consisted of this advice:

‘Don’t take too many shots’

Remember, this was back in the day of film photography where film and processing costs made my Dad’s advice pretty sound. However looking back over my early images I wish he’d taught me a few other things about taking photos. Here’s some of the advice I could have benefited from hearing. Before I start I should say that you can probably teach a child too much about photography and ‘kill’ some of the playfulness that I think makes the images that a child can take special. My main advice would be to instill in your child to experiment and have fun.

Take Lots Of Images: While my Dad’s advice did save our family a lot of money at the time – with the launch of digital photography, taking lots of pictures is no longer something that is too costly. Taking lots of images is a great way to learn different techniques of photography.

Experiment: While you probably will want to encourage your children not to take 100 shots of exactly the same thing – encourage them to experiment with lots of different shots over time and as they do you’ll see their photography improve.

Learn How To Hold A Camera: It is easy to assume that everyone knows how to hold a digital camera – however while many people do it intuitively some will not – particularly children who are unfamiliar with them. In fact I’ve seen a lot of adults who could do with a lesson or two on how to hold a camera and whose images must suffer with camera shake as a result of poor technique. A quick lesson on securing your camera could help a child get clear, shake free images for years to come.

Find Cool Thing To Shoot: Interesting photographs have interesting things in them. Teach your child to identify a point of interest before hitting the shutter. Once they’ve identified the point of interest they can then think about how to highlight it (by positioning themselves, using their zoom etc).

Make A Hobby Out Of It: One thing that you can do to help your children drastically improve their photography is to sit down at the computer with them after they’ve been out with their camera to go through their shots. Pay particular attention to the shots that they do well with as this will give them positive reinforcement and inspiration to keep going with their hobby.

Finally… Deciding which lessons on photography to teach your child will depend upon their age and experience. Some are obviously more appropriate for some children than others. In doing so they become more comfortable with cameras – and I’ve noticed when I’m photographing them (which happens a lot) they are much happier to pose for me.


"You dont take a photograph, You make it."   So have lots of fun and make great memories!

My Top 25!

Since I found photography over six and a half years ago I have learned different things which I would like to share with you. These lessons have given me valuable tools to continually satisfy my clients and I hope that you will find them stimulating and inspiring on your journey with the camera, too.

1.  Never do photography to become a rock-star.
2.  Enjoy what you are shooting.
3.  Always take one warm garment more than you actually need with you
4.  Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions while you are shooting
5.  Set goals you can achieve
6.  Write tips about photography, because writing is also learning
7.  Never go shooting without a tripod
8.  Be pleased with the little prosperities
9.  Build relationships with potential photo buddies
10.Watch the place you want to shoot first with your heart then with the camera
11. Always stay calm
12. Know that you tend to overestimate yourself
13. Take part in a photography community
14. Keep your camera clean
15. Never compare yourself to others in a better or worse context
16. Find your own style of photography
17. Seek out and learn to accept critique on your images
18. Do something different to recover creativity
19. Get inspiration from the work of other photographers
20. Criticize honestly but respectfully
21. Don’t copy other photographer’s style
22. Be bold
23. Take self portraits
24. Read books about photography
25. Every shooting situation is different than you expect

Do you know something that I didn’t mention? I would be glad if you let me know it as a comment, so I can learn from you!

What To Wear At A Photography Shoot

Im sure you have often wondered what to wear at your photoshoot. What looks best, and what puts all the focus on you. Well I made a list to explain just that.

Enjoy!

What to wear:

• Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you look great
• Avoid logos or branding
• A simple black shirt/blouse/dress is often a good option
• Avoid white shirts unless you plan to wear it underneath something
• Darker clothes attract less attention and put the attention on your face and eyes
• Solid colors are great
• Avoid busy patterns and large lines or stripes
• Blue/green/turquoise clothing can help emphasize blue/green/hazel eyes
• Avoid red as a dominant color
• A suit or jacket are great for men wanting a more professional look
• Clothes should be neatly pressed and should look new or like new
• For multiple looks, bring a variety of clothing that emphasizes different roles/characters (professional, blue-collar worker, intellectual, sexy, etc...)
• Pay attention to details. Layers, ties, belts etc
• Different necklines will change the apparent shape of your face. Bring a variety different shirts/blouses to see what works best
• Don't worry about shoes too much unless you specifically want a full-length look
• Don't only bring 3-4 same-style shirts in different colors. Bring variety of styles
• Bring a few extra outfits so we can choose what looks best on you at the shoot

REMEMBER: Select and wear clothes that make you feel comfortable. Select something  that makes you look good.

Jewelry:

• Keep jewelry extremely simple - small is better
• Avoid jewelry that would distract from your face or that looks dated
• The picture is about your face not your jewelry
• Be prepared to remove facial piercings or multiple ear piercings

What to bring:

• Samples from magazines or other headshots to help communicate the look you want
• Good attitude
• Lip balm
• Hair brush/comb
• Makeup and hair products you prefer (especially if you have allergies)

* . * . * . FaQ's: . * . * . *

* . * . * . FaQ's: . * . * . *


How Do You Pronounce Your Name?
Ah-Key-Lah

Do You Require A Deposit?
Yes. A 50% deposit is required to hold the date. The remaining balance is to be paid at least one week before the scheduled event.

Do You Accept Credit Cards?
Yes. I accept credit card payments thru pay pal, and a 2.9% transaction fee will be applied. I also accept cash and money orders made payable to "Aqeela Rasheed"

Do You Travel?
Yes. I love to travel to new venues and locations. Long drives may require travel fee.

What Type Of Camera Do You Use?
I photograph with a pair of Nikon L110's, A Cannon Rebel 3Ti, and an assortment of lenses.

Are You Licensed And Insured?
Yes. I am fully licensed and insured.

How Long For Images?
You can view/review images in as little as two days. You can also order additional prints online.

Where Will Our Sessions Take Place?
We can discuss what you are looking for in your session, and from there, we will narrow down a location which will best meet your interest. It may be in an open field, a park, your home, etc...

Be sure to email me at: questions@ur-images.com for valuable information regarding my services, FaQ's, and pricing, or with any questions or comments that you may have. Please provide as much information as possible, including any other details that you think may be helpful for me (eg: date, locations) I look forward to hearing from you!