sueogar@yahoo.com – Page 5 – Susan Ogar Photography

The Light Project…Week 6: More Than Pets…

For this week’s Light Project (bringing Light to Social Media), I give you animals that are more than pets. As many of you know first hand, your animals are often more than just pets–they are truly part of the family. A few years ago my own family was fortunate enough to get a beautiful, super-furry kitten. Tuukka is my very first real pet and I’ve fallen in love…

I’ve taken many photos of many animals over the years, some in nature and many as part of a family. The image I like best are the ones that show the bond between animal and owner. The love.

Today’s light is the bond that is much more than owner and pets…. Enjoy.

The Light Project…Week 5: Gratitude

For this week’s Light Project (bringing Light to Social Media), I give you Gratitude. The days are getting longer and warmer and brighter–and I’m grateful for that. I’m also grateful to have had the most wonderful opportunity to spend the past 4 days learning and growing from some of the most talented artists in country at the Annual Convention for the Professional Photographers Association of Massachusetts. Nothing compares to spending time with kindred spirits. I’m busting at the seams with inspiration and new ideas… It’s amazing that photographers are so willing to share their work, knowledge, and common love of art.

And I am filled with Gratitude that my image “Touching” received the Creative Theme Award voted on by the Professional Photographers Association of Massachusetts convention attendees. My colleagues in attendance saw that I was over the moon… And I’m grateful for the opportunity to create storytelling moments like the one in this image.

The Light Project…Week 4: Vermont

Happy Winter Vacation (for many of us). For this week’s Light Project (bringing Light to Social Media), I give you the Vermont Sate of Mind. I have grown to love Vermont over the past few years. I’m an ocean girl so it took a bit for me to see it. My husband also calls me Barnboard- obsessed so Vermont fits right in there. I like a many things about the amazing Green Mountain state…Fresh Air, Fresh Food, Cows, Ice Cream, Beer, Skiing, Artists, Hiking, Foliage, Stone Walls, Round Barns, Covered Bridges…you get the picture.Read More

The Light Project…Week 3: Love

Happy Valentine’s Day! For this week’s Light Project (bringing Light to Social Media), I give you love. Sibling love. Parent love. Romantic love. Family love. Read More

The Light Project…Week 2: Snow

A snow day seems to call for some snow images… My plan for The Light Project is to help us all get through the winter. Ironically, on this snow-filled day, I’m sharing the light of the snow. These were not taken on this snowy day, but over the span of a few. And believe me, I prefer the sight of the orange sun dropping into the ocean with my feet in the sand and the salty smell of the beach filling the air…but I guess winter shows her beauty in her own way…Read More

The Light Project…Week 1: Flowers

I’m not a big fan of winter. I try to convince myself that without enduring a hard New England winter, that my summers wouldn’t feel quite as magical as they do. Read More

The Honoring Mother’s Project Continues…

I’m excited and proud to continue the Susan Ogar Photography Honoring Mother’s Project. Susan Ogar Photography is again honoring and spotlighting Mothers and offering free portrait sessions to deserving Mothers of children with special needs. As mothers, we all love our children, encourage our children, and fight for our children. How we go about that day-to-day might look very different. Some are encouraging their little ones to be brave enough to make a new friend, try out the goalie position in soccer, or read out loud in class. Others are navigating the world of special services and health care. We all strive to provide the best and most meaningful life possible. And to show them the love that is in our hearts. To learn about the project, please see this post and read the stories of some of the Mothers we have already honored.

Susan and her beautiful children..

Laura and her girls amaze me…

Jessica and these two have officially stolen my heart….

Paula is so calm and takes on the world with a smile…

And below are some of my favorite Mother images that I’ve taken outside of the official project. I just love these moms with their children…

Thrilled to Announce my Award-Winning Artwork & The Gift of Always Learning…

We just returned from the Professional Photographers Association of Massachusetts (PPAM) Annual Convention and I feel energized and refreshed. It was an amazing 4-day event with some of the most talented and decorated photographers from the US and Internationally. It is truly a gift to be able to learn from the best and to be surrounded by such creativity.

I entered 6 prints at the 2016 PPPAM Image Competition during the 2016 Annual Convention that took place this week. I’m honored and humbled to report that I was awarded 5 Red Ribbons and 1 prestigious Blue Ribbon for my Merit Print “Peekaboo.”

Honoring Mothers: Mothering with grace & love

Meet Paula and her three beautiful children. Paula pushes beyond the challenges of mothering and finds strength and joy through her children. She says “she does what needs to be done.” I was able to see her do that and more with such grace and love.

………..

People always say you’re a “Great Mom, Paula.” Which is sweet, but I’m not sure why they say that because I just do what needs to be done. Of course, I don’t feel like a great mom when any of my children are hurting. For example, when my oldest daughter, Isabella, can’t communicate what is stressing her out even with her sign language. Or when my son Jacob just can’t stop bouncing with noises because he is hurting emotionally. Jacob, although very verbal, can not understand why “friends” sometimes say or do things that hurt him. It’s so frustrating to tell him that sometimes children or adults say things without thinking about what they are saying or doing. Jacob lives in a black and white world. It’s amazing to see the things he understands better than other children. He has such great empathy for others. He will do his best to make his sister, friends, family, and others happy because that makes him happy. He is always worried about pleasing others. I think he does this so he can be “normal.” I only wish more people had his heart… It’s just hard to see him hurting–wishing to be “normal” like his peers.

I wish I could take Isabella and Jacob’s hardships away. I would take that burden from them any day. They are the heroes in my family. I see this through my youngest daughter’s eyes. Rosalie adores her siblings. She is a typical child, but also so aware that her siblings might need an extra minute or a sensory break. Rosalie will try to calm Jacob down with a hug or run to get him a squishy ball for him to squeeze. She tells the others that Jacob was just born bouncy and that it’s it. Isabella was born without a voice, which stinks and that is why she talks with her hands. It’s just the way life has always been for Rosalie and I think she is growing up to be a wonderful little girl with a special understanding that not all people are the same.

No one expects to have children with challenges and even Rosalie get nervous in front of others. It’s her big brother who rescues her and always lets her join in to play with his friends. Of course, there will always be strangers who give the awkward stares when Isabella laughs a little too loud or Jacob starts his bouncing noise episodes, but that is when I hold them tighter and wish I could switch places with them. I think my greatest strength is given to me by my children and I am lucky each day to have them in my life.

High School Senior Sessions…Look Your Best

Being well prepared for you senior photo session can make the difference between average and fabulous photos. Follow these easy tips and you’ll be well on your way to looking your absolute best. If you have any additional questions, feel free to call or email.

General Notes…

Please arrive on time to your appointment. Showing up late means you lose camera time. I often have sessions booked back-to-back and I don’t want you to miss a minute. Sleep! Make sure you get at least 2 nights of good sleep before your photo session so that you will look fresh.

Clothing Tips

Keep it simple and make sure you feel good in the clothes you select. Have your clothes and accessories ready the night before your shoot. Choose clothes that reflect your style and are appropriate for the event. Make sure they are clean and free of wrinkles. Plan on changing quickly. The faster you change, the more time we have to photograph and the more photo choices you’ll have later. Bring more or less clothing options depending on which session type you selected. It’s okay to bring extra that you may not wear. If you’re self-conscious about your arms, avoid sleeveless or cap-sleeve shirts and tank tops, as they tend to make arms look fuller. Avoid stripes and plaid. Solid colors photograph much better than busy patterns. Bring a variety of colors and mix the level of styles. Some should be dressy, some dressy casual, and some casual. If you’re comfortable in dresses, bring them!

Shoes

Heels and boots are always flattering and glamorous. Flats or bare feet can also work if you mix them with the right outfit.

Hair

Bring hair spray, clips, pins, and whatever else is needed to keep your hair out of your eyes if it’s windy. Bring a brush and mirror for quick hair touch-ups. A little curl cream or pomade can go a long way to help prevent frizz and fly-aways. Do not make drastic changes to your hairstyle right before your photo session. This could add unneeded drama to your life.

Makeup

Makeup that is well done is one of the best preparations you can make for your session. It will even out skin tones and help give your photos that extra pop for a model-like look. Even if you don’t normally wear makeup or wear very little, take the time to do it well and your photos will look their best. Mascara should be clean and not clumpy. Please don’t be concerned about minor (or major) breakouts. We can touch all that up. Don’t sweat it! Make sure that your face make-up is blended into your neck so that when you look in the mirror your neck is not too white. Also check to see if you have tan lines that will show with the different outfits you are going to wear. Bring chapstick or lip gloss to keep your lips moist.

Jewelry

Keep it simple. The proper jewelry can really complement your outfit. Select items that don’t distract from your face. It’s nice to have a variety to choose from and it doesn’t hurt to bring numerous options with you.

Props

Feel free to bring props that help show who you are. Some popular choices are:
Sports equipment (soccer ball, basketball, softball bat, etc.)
Sports uniforms
Musical instruments
Other items (favorite book, dance outfit, art supplies, etc.)

Glasses

Most lenses have a glare. The safest option is to check with your eye doctor and ask if they’ll loan you a similar pair without lenses. (I stock a few pairs, but the frames may not be to your liking.)

Bringing Friends & Parents

Friends or parents are welcome and often can be a helpful. However, if they distract you, it may be best to meet them when the session is over. You’re welcome to have a couple of shots with a boyfriend, best friend, sibling, or parent at no extra charge.

Weather

Sun and/or clouds are great (clouds even out the light and can make for ideal shooting conditions). If it’s actually raining or hurricane winds are blowing, will have to reschedule.

Undergarments

Please make sure the colors of your undergarment coordinate well with your outfits and don’t show through your clothing. Try on your clothing with the undergarments and make sure all is good.

Relax and Have Fun!

I strive to make the portrait sessions fun. If you are enjoying the session, it will show through and the result will be better images.

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