Helpful Hint - "Say Cheese"

Children can be one of the most difficult subjects to photograph. But they can also produce some of the most adorable portraits. One of the things that makes portraits of children so adorable is their expressions. It can be extremely difficult to get a decent expression from children. One of the most common things parents say during a portrait session is "That's not your real smile. Smile nice now." The thing is, that is their real smile.

At a very early age children get used to smiling for the camera. Kids as young as toddlers can already have a "fake" smile. How do you get rid of it? Well, the answer is to make the child laugh or giggle. We photographers use lots of different tricks to get kids to smile including funny phrases. However, saying "Cheese" is the last thing we want them to say! While "cheese" produces a smile like expression, it's the same word they are used to saying for the camera. Kids typically end up saying "cheeeeeeeeese" which produces the fake smile.

Next time you're photographing your children try something different. One of my favorites is "Stink feet!" The trick is to get them smiling. Instead of taking the picture when they say the words, take the picture right before or after when they laugh at themselves. Or tell them a joke. Anything to get your children smiling and laughing. Those are the expressions you want to keep!

Mother's Day Special

Treat your mom, or yourself, to a special Mother's Day gift that will last a lifetime. The best gift for Mom is one that keeps her connected to her beloved family and what better way than with a family portrait?

To celebrate Mother's Day, we are offering a special promotion: Purchase a $100 gift card for mom and receive a free portrait session. To take advantage of this promotion, you will need to purchase your gift card before May 10th (Mother's Day) by calling us at 704.243.6584 or emailing us at photoedge@earthlink.net.

Watch Me Grow

As promised, here's a look at our new Watch Me Grow program developed to provide you with beautiful imagery of your child from the very beginning. There are three separate programs, each designed to include multiple photo sessions, print credits and a final product at the end. Click on the images below to see the brochure.




Remember, your child grows up so quickly... now is the time to capture those moments so that you can treasure them forever!

Stay Tuned

We've got some exciting new programs to share with you so stay tuned!!! I'll give you a hint:



And no, Christy is NOT pregnant!

Lawton Summerlin

Lawton is 18 months old and full of energy!! So adorable! 

Is your kid the cutest kid in America?

We are participating in the National Charity Model Search to select “America’s Cutest Kid” and to raise funds for charity. We’re looking for cute children ages 18 months to 14 years old to model for a portrait to be entered into the contest.

Models Search Special:
$30 entrance fee, which includes a 30minute model session and one image submitted to the national gallery.

Finalists will be determined by online votes. Anyone may vote. Each vote is $1, and all proceeds from votes benefit the non-profit Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. (NILMDTS.org)
Grand prize national winner will be determined from the 50 city finalists. Winners selected by photography and modeling industry experts.
If your child is selected the national winner, you’ll receive many prizes, including a $5,000 US Savings Bond and a Canon PowerShot G10 digital camera.

If you’re interested in entering your child(ren), please call the studio at 704.243.6584. For more information about the contest, go online to www.sandypucmodels.com.

Kid's Play

Give me a camera, a studio and a group of boys under the age of 5 and the fun never stops!!