Like the heart and cupid for Valentine’s Day, the shamrock and the leprechaun symbolize St. Patrick’s Day. Both can be wonderful photographic props to capture the spirit of the holiday. Here, I’ve focused on the shamrock.

My muse amuses herself, bewitched by a spell cast with the allure of charming props. The use of props is great fun – they function as an activity to stretch their imagination, to get lost in the moment.

BeWEAR! The ides of March for St. Patrick’s Day, a green necklace embellished with shamrock bling.

I decided to spread the spirit of “Going Green” for St. Patty’s Day by taking photos of my model, Cait.

The mystique of the four-leaf clover continues today. Finding one is rare. It blesses those who come across them with an omen of good fortune. One leaf is for Faith, the second for Hope, the third for Love and the fourth for Luck.

With the “Luck of the Irish,” Cait sat still in the perfect light, reminding me of Vermeer’s famous painting “The Girl with a Pearl Earring,” circa 1665.

Doesn’t she look magically delicious like a timeless painting? I hope my props for play enhance Cait’s curiosity as I tried to capture the moment of delightful enchantment.

I have experienced Once Upon a Time, let’s pretend, and magic wands in my career photographing crowned princesses branded to their product in the world of advertising. But this past weekend was a first – experiencing the true reality of a “living doll” at a beauty pageant in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina hosted by Chris and Amanda Shelley.

My adorable, petite gal pal, Little Miss Parker (winner of TheCuteKid June 2009 contest), invited me to her hometown to document a very special day in the life of a Tiara Tot. I was excited to explore the myth, mystery and metamorphosis of 3 year-old Parker and her pageant contestant friends at Conway High School.

What little girl doesn’t like to play dress up beyond her years? In this case, embellished with false eyelashes, airbrushed tans and hair extensions. These girls loved merrily parading around, blowing kisses and batting their eyelashes at the judges in front of their cheering audience. Believe me, I did no retouching on my photographs!

I found it fascinating to photograph their inner charms, sugar-coated with glitter, bling and candy-colored feathers. The key to their artful transformation is the power of their “glitz” alter states. The girls have to be tweaked to perfection primping for hours to reach their maximum stardom.

Don’t be fooled by all this glamour. It is accompanied by a high price tag. After all, this is a business which requires an application fee, travel expenses, a trunk show of made-to-order costumes, a professional hair/make-up artist, and a performance coach.

Is it worth all the fuss?

Yes, indeed. The rewards of exposure, being wooed by crowds, competition, motivation, and determination are the perfect formula for the girls’ priceless self-esteem. The grand platform of a trophy, ribbons, tiaras, a modeling contract, and perhaps a scholarship makes that 15 minutes of fame all the better.

The girls are barely packed up and safe at home when they’re back to their dolls and sucking their thumbs. The moms are texting and highlighting their calendars to meet again soon for the next contest. It is very addicting and compelling to reach this plateau of pleasure. Who says “less is more?” Perhaps the pageants are only a sign of the times.

Our Little Miss Parker proudly triumphs again, adding to her tiara and trophy collection.

Yes, everyone loves a winner. Hooray and yippie for Parker!

Please visit my website and become a fan of Jade Albert Photography on Facebook

YIKES! I just did a count and as of today there are only 15 days left until Christmas. By the time you probably read this the time will have grown even shorter.
Every year I tell myself I should Christmas shop all year long. Pick up a special gift for that someone in July when it’s on sale or if I see the perfect gift while traveling, buying it on the spot. But every year December comes around and I still have all my Christmas shopping to do. I’m sure you are probably thinking the same thing. Now when we think about holiday gifts let’s face it family and friends come first. It could be a problem to find a useful, thoughtful and unique gift idea, especially when the holidays are right around the corner.
I have a perfect solution! Yippie!

Portraits are an art that serves many purposes such as capturing the essence of a person or a family to have as a keepsake for future generations or use in a greeting card. Portraits can be used in a portfolio for that aspiring model or even as a corporate headshot. This year I’ve decided to take some time out of my schedule each month and devote a day or two to photographing timeless portraits.
Whatever the final use, I so enjoy spending time with portrait subjects because it is such a rewarding challenge and fulfilling opportunity. Capturing the essence of an individual (children and adults) or bringing a family together for that single moment in time is part of the reason that I became a photographer in the first place. Documenting once in a life time moments is my passion and a gift I have that I want to share with more people.

Check out the video section on my website to see a behind the scenes video of one of my portrait sessions.

If any of you are interested in portrait sessions or gift certificates for portraits please contact Adele in my office to discuss the details and scheduling. It could be a great answer to your holiday gift dilemma!

*From now through February 2010 mention The Cute Kid for 10% off*

Hello my CuteKid fans,

I am soooo excited to surprise you with my new images from my last posted blog. I have three keywords to share with you to help achieve your goals: Unify. Clarify. Amplify. Let me walk you through the Jade Albert process…

Unify: to “define” my vision.
Subject: smile
Theme: Neon colored tape, bright playful dress-up
Style: Whimsical with a clever sense of humor

Clarify: to communicate my message to my dream team crew.

Preparation Recipe:
-    Shop for the ingredients or go into your closet (I used my clothes)
-    Grooming – Avoid the beauty pageant look. I only use a little blush and Chapstick for a healthy glow. Clean hair is a must and keep it simple.
-    The set – Clean, sparse. Let the sunshine in.

Remember it’s about the child’s persona that we are shaking and baking.

Amplify: to be proud to share and show your images with your audience – Family & Friends.
-    Edit with courage and confidence.
-    Add images to website – Post blog.
-    Have the kids send email cards and make scrapbooks.
-    Make a video.

Enjoy. Reflect your satisfaction.

I believe in reinventing myself. Updating, stretching and challenging myself to grow. I think of the metamorphosis as being similar to the changing seasons.

Summer time, Memorial Day to Labor Day, Fall, September, October and November and the Holidays straddle November, December and January when it all begins again.

This past month I assigned myself a photo shoot. Yep, once in a while I’ve got to stretch myself by working for me. I was my own client. I work for so many clients that I seldom have the opportunity to shoot just for me.

So I scheduled myself back into the studio with my favorite dream team crew. My “dream team crew” are the best! My playlist: a photo-tech, digital tech, wardrobe person, and grooming person. I even bring in my own music and a working lunch for all.

Then I started casting for models looking in all the right and normal places: Ford, Willy, Product, Generations and Funny Faces, all the biggies in the kids agency business. And of course I posted a casting call on TheCuteKid.com.

I was so delighted with the overwhelming response.

Thank you CuteKid moms, dad and kids for your enthusiasm and inspiration. You made it all work.

I invited three cute kids: sister and brother, Haley and Zachary, and Nicholas. This photo op wasn’t only a first for them, but a double treat for Haley and Zach as they had never been to New York City. Nicholas was also brand new entering a studio. We all felt the excitement.

Their hidden talent was beyond my expectations. It is just amazing how comfortable and professional these kids were in front of the camera. I am so very proud of them for their stamina and discipline maintained throughout their “magical model tour.” I totally believe there is a bright future for these kids.

My next blog will show you the “how to process” from “before and after.”
Please stay tuned and share these exciting “after” pictures with me.

A number of years ago, while on vacation, I was taking photographs of a friend’s children. I remember just playing with them at first. It started with me asking them to say the classic line “cheese”. My goodness. How many times have we all said that in the hope of coaxing a winning smile out of reluctant subjects or to get a group to smile at the same time?

By the end of the session, I found that we had evolved to another level and I was directing them to: “Now don’t smile and give me a little more attitude” in the hope of capturing another kind of mood through the lens. It’s funny how these things happen by accident. Later, Saks Fifth Avenue saw these test shots and fell in love with the strength of the photographs and I was fortunate enough to photograph their entire catalogue.

Photographing adults is sometimes difficult and requires time and patience. Photographing children requires more patience, quick thinking, quick shooting and lots of pre-planning. In the past, while photographing children, I’ve learned that it’s best to be prepared with lots of ideas to get children engaged in the photography process.

Sometimes a simple “Let’s pretend that…” will work. Other times more ingenuity is needed. I’ve learned that even if I think that it’s going to be a simple shooting, I bring a lot of activity props that help engage children in natural activities. Things like superheroes, princesses, tea parties, things that spawn curiosity and intrigue like puzzles and finger toys, clothing out of my closet or my boyfriend’s. Over the years, I’ve gotten some great photos of kids “dressing up”. Sometimes animals will work; your child with the family dog may create just the right moment for the perfect shot.

I think the lesson with children is to be well prepared. Remember their attention span is limited and once you reach that limit the shooting is over and it’s not likely that you can coax another good photograph out of them.

So today’s tip is: “Be Prepared.” Don’t expect your child to have the patience because you’re

not prepared and once it’s over, it’s over.

Lean to the left, lean to the right, head up, chin down, say cheese! One more time… Please Honey, just once more. I promise, just one more.

The last time we spoke about the importance of beautiful light and believe me, every great photograph begins with beautiful light. By the way, did you notice what time of day it was? I hope so, because light changes from hour to hour and day to day as the sun travels across the sky and the seasons change. I know it does not sound that important but as a professional, I know how the right light makes the photo.

But there’s more to it than just the magic of light. Having a willing subject is also necessary. Not that your 5 month old has much to say about it. But your toddler and older children will have a great deal to say about it and usually do. Take a look at my website where a large portion of the children I photograph are professional models. Believe it or not, they are not always willing to cooperate, so I guess I am also paid a great deal for my ability to coax a shot out of an unwilling child.
If you want great shots, you may have to resort to some small illusions that have served me well over the years.
One of the best ways to involve a child (toddler and older) is to role-play. Let them become part of the process. Give them the camera, show them how to look at the screen and snap the shutter. Let them take a photo of you, smile, grin, ignore them, make funny faces, turn around and scare them. Your husband and the neighbors will enjoy seeing you make a fool of yourself as much as all the children in your child’s nursery school and at the country club. Then it’s your turn; suggest to your child that he or she give you the same routine.
Role-play is loads of fun and who knows, maybe one of your pictures will end up on your child’s wall… Pretty Mommy!

Light meters, Depth of field, “F” Stops, Shadows, Halo’s and of course the ever-dreaded “Red Eye” ……

Wait a minute! I’ve been paid handsomely for years to know about all these things and more. But this is how I pay the rent and put food on
the table for myself and Albert Albert my faithful Yorkshire Terrier. If you visit my website, you’ll see photographs of him.

However this blog is not about me, it’s about you and how you can take better photographs of your children. So let’s start with the number one thing… LIGHT. Light creates and equals mood. Look for the beautiful light, if you have lovely light in the garden or coming through a window, try shooting there. Don’t be afraid to move the furniture and spread out a blanket on the floor. Position your child away from the wall (no shadows), so the pool of light streams in.

Experiment and avoid too much backlighting or halo (“halo affect”)… not a pretty sight. Try to avoid the hot light of midday. Shooting really beautiful photographs for many reasons is best if done either very early in the morning when the light is cool and soft or late in the day when it’s all warm and cozy. I love the beach and the blue sky. Seasonal shots are beautiful, such as in an orchard or pumpkin field, or against the fall leaves. I also love clean backgrounds. So don’t be afraid to take a couple of plain sheets outside, drape them and shoot with them as the background. Just leave yourself enough room once again to avoid shadows.

I can’t emphasize enough that in order to take wonderful photographs of children it’s necessary to take a lot of pictures – and learn from your mistakes…. There’s no other way to learn.
You can’t learn it from a book…you have to see it.

Remember: 1st look for the beautiful light and 2nd look for the beautiful light……

Stay tuned… more to come.

You’re invited to join me in “Jade’s World” a bi-weekly adventure designed and written to share my knowledge of photography. Through out our journey I hope to explain the process of photographing children and to define what professional photographers look for and expect should you decide to explore the world of modeling for your child.
As a professional photographer in New York City for more years than I care to remember I could go to great lengths to explain my credentials but that would be too embarrassing. So rather than tooting my own horn, I’ll simply provide you with what others have written about me.

“Ms Albert has gained a reputation as one of the nation’s leading commercial photographers. American Photographer Magazine credited her with reinventing the craft by allowing children to act as they do in real life.”

- Randall Rothenberg – The New York Times

“Jade Albert may just be the best children’s fashion
photographer in the business. If you see an ad with
cute kids looking chic, it’s probably by Jade.”

- American Photographer Magazine

Nick Peters, Creative Director of Macy’s, has said,
“A lot of the kids owe their careers to Jade.” ***

Remember our focus on one hand will be to improve your skills as a photographer and on the other hand to prepare both you and your child for entry into the business profession of child modeling.

So let our journey begin, stay tuned…

For more information, go to http://www.jadealbert.com