Fall Giveaway!!

My favorite season is fall! This is also one of my favorite season to take pictures! Now that school has started and it's almost September, fall is just around the corner. I've decided to celebrate and do a fall giveaway!

I really appreciate everyone's support and can't wait to hear from you!

The Fine Print

-Must be 18 or older to win

-Session must be used by December 1, 2012

-Session may be upgraded to a full session at an additional price

-Winner must live around Salt Lake or Utah County area or be willing to do the shoot in the area

-If winner does not respond within 24 hours a new winner will be selected

What to Wear

I know it's something that we all think about when getting our pictures done..."What should I wear?!". Today I asked my best friend and sister Sara Dean to guest post about what to wear for portraits. I've always looked up to her in the fashion department and thought she would be the perfect person to write this post! Sara has become such a big part of my photography especially in being my assistant during shoots as well as with all the "behind the scene" things of starting a photography business! I hope everyone enjoys her advice today and finds it helpful for future photo shoots!

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Hey everyone, this is Sara doing a guest post for Hanna Caldwell Photography on what to wear to your photography session. When it comes to portrait or family photography sessions a lot of people get caught up on what to wear. While there are no hard and fast rules, some clothes generally photograph better, so I thought I’d share a few tips so you can look great the next time you decide to have some photos taken!

First and foremost, BE YOU!  Think for a moment what your family is like. Are you casual, spunky, modern, playful?  The clothing you decide to wear should allow you to be yourself and reflect your family’s personality. Also, what is your living room like? Where will you be hanging the pictures? Consider the location of your session as well. Now, with that said…here are some ideas to get you started.


#1: COLOR
Pick one color and wear different shades of it or pick a couple of colors and have different coordinating shades on everyone. The key is to complement each other, not look identical or too matchy-matchy.  The colors you choose can be bold or soft depending on your preferences and what fits your family best. However, don’t be afraid of choosing bold colors. Bold colors help your photos pop and help add color to your face.

#2: PATTERNS
Patterns are a great way to living up your photos. So if you've found a pattern you like use it! No need to stay with solids. But don’t use too many busy patterns, throw in some solids or real simple stripes to balance it out. Also try and avoid logos and contrasty patterns. Logos tend to date relatively quickly, and busy and contrasty patterns create too much visual noise and distract from the main subject on the photo – you.

#3:  ACCESSORIZE
Another option is to add a little pop of color. Choose clothes with simple colors, like black, tan, or even gray, then add a pop of color or personality with colorful hats, jackets, shoes, scarves, necklaces or other accessories – whatever you love, anything that’s unique to you, your family, your kids. Also for children’s portraits, feel free to bring a couple of their favorite toys. Not only are they a great prop for your kids portraits, but it will also helps children feel more comfortable in front of the camera.

#4:  COMFORT
Comfort is key! If you are comfortable you’ll feel more confident and it will show in your photos. So, look nice, even dress up if you like, but don’t wear something if it makes you self-conscious or you know you’re going to have keep adjusting it during your shoot. Again the most important piece of advice I can share is to just be yourself. The above are all great tips, but for an engagement or any portrait/family session, the focus is YOU and you want your personality to shine through.


Also remember you don't have to go buy the whole family new outfits in order to get the perfect look for your photos (although it is always nice to have an excuse to go shopping). If you are still having trouble coordinating what to wear try starting with picking one member of your family's outfit first then build around that.

For more ideas about what to wear to your photography session check out "What to Wear For Portraits" on pinterest here.

Hadfield Family Portraits

This past weekend I had the pleasure of meeting another wonderful family. Since I've been working more and more with families I'm really finding how much I LOVE doing family shoots! The Hadfield family was so much fun to work with and I had a great time getting to know them a little bit. They weren't afraid to let their fun personalities show through, especially the kids, which I think made the shoot a major success. 

Bohn Family Portraits

This was my first family with more than 2 kids so I was really excited to get to play around with different poses for a larger family! These guys were awesome, especially the kids in doing everything I wanted them to and I think the pictures turned out so cute! A big thanks to the Bohn family for a great shoot!!

Happy 1 year Asher!

This week I got to do a 1 year old shoot at Gardner Village! It was a perfect evening with a handsome little boy! Asher barely made a sound compared to my Miss Mia who got to come along for the shoot, but every time I held my camera up his adorable grin came right out!

Asher definitely loved his Mama as he didn't like to be put down much so we decided to put his sweet mother in a few pics!

The Wright Family Portraits

The day of this shoot was overcast, which is normally perfect for pictures however, the clouds were so thick we were having to chase the light. Regardless, we had a great shoot! Their little guy who just turned 2 was a hoot and did awesome for the pictures. Who doesn't love a toddler who smiles pretty much on command and can be bribed with tic-tacs! My little one needs to take lessons. Not to mention, I've never seen such a radiant and proud mother-to-be. If I look as good as Kendra does on my second child at 7 months pregnant I will be thrilled! These guys have also gone through a lot to have the blessing of being parents and I love how it showed through in their pictures!

Get to know the Photographer

While I'm sure you all are just at the edge of your seats waiting for my latest photo shoot posts I thought I would share some things about myself for those of you who don't know me so well. So here are 10 random facts about ME!

1. I've been known to eat dessert for dinner.

2. Sometimes I enjoy going to the movies just for the previews. I never even skip the previews on a older movie I watch at home. This drives my husband nuts!

3. I will always be a small town girl no matter how big of a city I live in.

4. I am terrified of heights, speaking in public and pretty much all insects in general.

5. When it comes to being in front of the camera or behind it I most often would choose behind it! I find much greater joy in capturing the beauty of someone else than my own!

6. I am first and for most a mother. Even though it can be a tiring job I love it that when I go somewhere without my daughter I feel like a huge part of me is missing. Don't get me wrong, I love me a girls nights out!

7. A library for me is equivalent to a candy store for a child. I could spend hours and hours there and I'm not talking about the libraries on college campus's that people flock to study at.

8. I'll admit that I've watched a good number of those cheesy Hallmark movies as well as almost every cheesy romantic movie on netflix and enjoyed them.

9. I don't really know how to properly iron clothing. My idea of ironing includes a spray bottle and shaking out all the wrinkles.

10. My husband teases me that one of the things I like to do for fun is talk. I could visit with someone for hours on end and still could go on longer!

Thanks to everyone for their support as I open up and share my love for photography as I continue to learn and gain experience!

Speaking of liking to be behind the camera I don't really have any recent family pictures! Next on my to-do list!

Ely, Nevada Mini Sessions

For all of you fine folks in Ely, Nevada after multiple requests I am excited to announce that I will be holding mini sessions on September 7^th and 8^th.

GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT MINI SESSIONS

How does a mini session differ from a full session?

A regular photo sessions is sixty to ninety minutes in length and at the location of your choice. Mini sessions are discounted because they are shot back to back in 20-30 minute segments and conducted at a specific location.

Is a mini session the right fit for you?

Mini Sessions are a perfect opportunity to kick off the school year with children and family portraits, or senior pictures. Due to time restrictions mini sessions are not suitable for babies that are not able to sit unassisted or those looking for a variety of poses or multiple backgrounds or outfits.

How to book a mini session?

Spots are filled on a first come first serve basis. To reserve your spot email me at hannacaldwellphotography@gmail.com with a first and second time choice. I will then email you back with your secured spot.

Available Spots:

Friday, September 7th               Saturday, September 8th

5:30 PM                                            5:30 PM

6:00 PM                                            6:00 PM

6:30 PM                                            6:30 PM

7:00 PM                                            7:00 PM

What is the cost of a mini session?

The cost of a 20-30 minute mini session is $65. Sessions are for up to 5 people ($5 for each additional person). The session fee is required to reserve your booked time and if it is not received within a weeks time you will forfeit your time slot.

What does a mini session include?

After your mini session you will receive 10 edited images on CD. You can expect to get your photos within 1-2 weeks of your session. Keep in mind that mini sessions do not include any prints, but your CD of images will come with a copyright to order your own prints.

What are the locations?

I choose two different locations in Ely that offer a variety of options to fit your needs. September 7^th mini sessions will be held at the train station. I love this location for the rustic feel and architectural features. As another option, the September 8^th mini session will be held behind the courthouse on Campton Street. This location offers more of a natural backdrop.

Please feel free to email me with any additional question.

Thank you! Look forward to seeing you and your family soon!

Miss Addiyln Fae - 3 months old

I just can't get enough of my adorable niece Addi! She is so adorable with her chubby cheeks and sweet smile! It's amazing how much she has grown since I took her pictures at just a couple weeks old.