Picture Perfect! From Maternity Photos to First Job Application

Mina Yan Jingkids

We’ve all heard that saying “a picture’s worth a thousand words” and when it comes to family portraits that are meant to last a lifetime (if not more), we want that photo to say only the best things about us. While there are a ton of apps that’ll put all kinds of filters on your photos to give you flawless skin, shave off a few years, or give you the puppy ears to match your fur-baby, those kind of photos only say one thing: unprofessional. For Instagram and your daily WeChat Moments, they’re great. But when it comes to blowing up giant portraits of your family or applying for a new job, nothing says “I don’t know what I’m doing” than a filtered selfie with bad lighting.

I recently chatted with my long time photographer friend Dave Hanssen from Dave’s Studio, to get some insider tips on the three most popular types of photos being requested this summer: maternity, baby portraits, and professional work headshots.

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Maternity Photoshoots

As an expecting mom myself I can definitely see the appeal of a maternity photoshoot. You want to capture this amazing time in your life and family but as beautiful as motherhood is, I don’t need my swollen cankles and knee dimples forever immortalized for my future children to see. According to Hanssen, the best time to do a maternity photoshoot is around 34 – 36 weeks pregnant, when you’re at your maximum baby bumpage. And like all photo shoots, if you want it done well, contact a professional. Hanssen works with each client two to three weeks prior to the shoot to talk about what they want their shoot to be, the style of the photos, the outfits, and the number of people who’ll be in the shots. This way, on the day of your tailor-designed photoshoot both you and the photographer will know exactly what look you’re going for.

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For expecting mommas, a typical shoot usually lasts around three hours depending on the number of outfits you go through. Dave’s Studio’s basic maternity package is RMB 7,800 and includes hair and makeup, up to three outfit changes, and 15 of your favorite images fully retouched and edited. You’ll also receive both the soft copy (jpg) and hard copy printed in an 8×8 inch custom photo album.

Newborn Photoshoots

And when after the little ones are born, there are those adorable newborn photos made so famous by Anne Geddes’s in the ’90s and are now an essential part of any Instagram mom’s portfolio. If you’re looking to recreate your own Anne Geddes’s-style baby photo, Hanssen recommends scheduling the photoshoot around 2 weeks after birth. As a very experienced newborn photography studio, they’ve got all the props you could ever want. At the time of booking your session, you will need to discuss with Hanssen the style of images you are looking for. Dave’s Studio will help with styling and discussing what works best with different aged newborns. The package costs around RMB8,800 and includes 15 fully edited and retouched soft copies and hard copy in an 8×8 inch custom album, it also includes one 10inch frameless mounted print and one 40x60cm ultra canvas. While babies look precious no matter how you photograph them, a quick YouTube search ‘infant photoshoot fails’ and you’ll see all the hilarious bloops and difficulties involved in working with infants.

For The Whole Family

For those with older kids, Hanssen, a dad of two, has created a “stuck in Beijing” package because, well, most of us are… The RMB 6,000 package includes 10 fully edited and retouched soft copies and those same 10 images printed in 5×7 inch prints, also including one 10inch frameless mounted. And while people are still wearing masks outside, you and your family can choose to capture your 2020 Beijing summer with an iconic city landmark as your background or do it in the air-conditioned comfort of the studio.

Back to Work

2020 hasn’t been easy for anyone. Businesses in almost every industry have experienced the worst financial year in recent history, small family-owned businesses are struggling to survive, and parents are dealing with the stress of COVID-19, work, and giving their kids the best summer possible despite the current travel, school, summer activity restrictions. In this time unique period that we hope will come to an end soon, support local family-owned businesses as much as possible.

For the parents going back to work, having a photo that reflects your professional side on your CV and LinkedIn profile is a must. Hanssen’s latest Business package including hair and makeup for RMB 1,500 for three fully edited and retouched soft copies. If orders are placed before August 2020 and you can also receive two more free fully edited and retouched soft copies free.

To get in touch with Hanssen and Dave’s Studio, scan the QR code below:

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Photos: Dave Hanssen

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