Kristen Nester Kristen Nester

Baby it’s cold outside.

It’s Ohio. It’s wintertime. It’s cold. Like really really cold. And you have a photoshoot outside. In the cold. There may even be some snow involved. Guess who is going to be out there in the cold with you? Me! Do I like being cold? No! Who does? But I’ve got some great tips to prep you for a fun and cozy session!

Tip #1: Let’s start with the obvious…

Dress for it! Layer up, shop for stylish coats, scarves, hats, gloves. No matter how cute your planned outfit may be, who stands outside in the winter without a coat? It doesn’t look natural!

Boots. Boots. Boots. If it’s going to be wet, waterproof boots are a must. Once those tootsies get wet, there’s not going back.

**Bonus Tip** Throw some handwarmers in your pockets!

Ladies-teddy coats and shackets are SO cozy, fashionable and flattering on all body types. If you opt for a dress, think about pairing it with fleece lined tights! Faux fur pom hats are cozy and cute.

Men-an on trend vest or pea coat, snow hat and scarf. If you skip the jacket, layering up under an open cardigan is a fun look.

Kids-a fashionable parka style coat, cute beanie, mittens and an infinity scarf

Babies-put shoes on those little ones! Socks are likely not going to cut it in the cold weather. And who doesn’t love a baby in duck boots? A hat is a must. Bring a neutral blanket to bundle in.

Need a little help in the wardrobe department? I love to shop and have so much fun styling my clients-just ask!

Tip #2: Sounds silly, but this is a MUST.

Bring tissues-snotty noses are bound to be a part of our session, but that’s not a memory you want to have up on your wall. I cannot stress this enough. If. You. Have. Little. Ones. BRING ALL THE TISSUES!

Tip #3: Props (and booze) are totally acceptable.

Props-blankets, mugs, and a shot of fireball. Yes, I said it. Alcohol…I would never judge a little indulgence. A cozy throw can be a fun way to add a pop of color and add some variation to your photos.

Tip #4: Here comes the sun.

Wait…where’s the sun? Sure, it’s great to take pictures when the sun is glowing and warm light is everywhere, but soft diffused light is just as pretty in my opinion. A cloudy day actually makes taking pictures a whole lot easier because you don’t have to worry about uneven light or harsh shadows. You have the freedom to shoot pictures wherever you like!

Tip #5: Give me a break.

Just say the word, and we can take 5. Warm up the car and blast the heat for a few, then come back out refreshed and finish out the shoot. Or power through and plan to cozy up by the fireplace once you get home.

Tip #5: I like to move it, move it.

Get ready to move around. I will be sure to keep everyone moving and get that bloodflow going. We tend to hunch up when we are cold, but keep in the back of your mind to take a moment, a big deep breath, relax your shoulders, and breathe.

It all starts with a good attitude. Brave it. You picked to do this. Go all in. Pep talk your family. It will be cold. But it will be fun. The more cooperative everyone is, the faster the session will flow! Try not to complain. Negativity spreads, and one bad attitude can blow the session. Bring extra energy and I promise to do the same!

xo

Kristen

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Kristen Nester Kristen Nester

Now Booking…Fall Minis 2021

How in the world is it mid-August? Guess that means that it’s time for us all to get back into our school routines, the days get a little shorter and evenings get a little cooler. I’m never one to rush the seasons (well maybe Winter…by February I’m so over it!) but Summer is too fun to rush through. But here we are nearing the end of pool days and vacays, Summer will quickly flow into Fall before we know it.

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Fall is Ohio is pure magic. Changing leaves, sunny days, crisp nights, bonfires, pumpkins, warm cups of coffee in the morning, red wine in the evenings, college football on the weekends. I’m here for it all!

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This time last year, I had just kicked off my photography as a professional business. Cannot believe it has been 1 FULL YEAR! My first paid sessions from brand new clients were Fall Minis. I had the pleasure of photographing nearly 50 families.

This October, I’m going back to where it all started, Hoover Meadows in Galena. Set on nearly 75 acres of nature preserve, this location does not disappoint, year-round I enjoy hosting family sessions there. The area features an old pasture pond, surrounded by sloped fields and tall grasses.  This is a true hidden gem in Central Ohio!

Fall Minis sold out last year, and I expect them to be just as popular for 2021. I encourage you to book now, as October will fill quickly!

Forecasted peak color is the end of the 3rd week in October. To capture this beautiful backdrop in all of it’s full color glory, I’m hosting sessions on 5 selected dates, October 10th, 16th, 17th, 23rd and 24th. Your 15 minute session includes a digital gallery, where you will select your favorite images of your family, 8 images included in your session fee, additional images available for purchase.

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15 minute minis are the perfect amount of time to keep the attention of younger kiddos and teens alike. Schedule a morning session and you and your family are dressed and ready to conquer the day, go treat the kids to breakfast afterwards! Evening sessions are picturesque during Golden Hour, just before sunset.

We will be sure to capture images along various landscapes, tall pines, the open fields and large rocks (kids always love this spot!). I will guide you through some easy prompts and poses, but most of all, capture your family candidly, as you taken in the beauty of fall in Ohio.

Can’t wait to take beautiful photos of your family, during my most favorite season of all, and take you on a tour of the hidden gem that is Hoover Meadows!

xo

Kristen

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