In the spring of 1984, my father handed me a camera for the first time.
Never mind that I was 6 years old, I was starting to capture memories right next to my father. It was the night I fell in love with cameras, photography, and the way taking pictures of loved ones made me feel. We wouldn’t be young forever, but thanks to that camera, we could always remember.
That night led me to Academy of Art College where I excelled in the arts and design and chose it as my profession, taking photographs of more friends, more special places and met my soul dog, Milou.
My wonderful dog Milou was the one who led me down the path of photography, starting with photographing dogs in 2004 and professionally in 2005. Now, I’m building memories for clients, from the smallest newborn to families, to seniors, vto pets and couples in love. I am privileged to be at birthdays, ball games and photograph sweet girls in ball gowns. I am lucky to live in such a beautiful city where I can explore new and wonderful places to capture client imaginations and to grow in my awareness.
On top of this, meeting so many special people during important moments in their lives remains one of my greatest pleasures in both my photography business and in my life.
And, as I did for those giggling teenagers who still reminisce over their gorgeous senior portraits, I look forward to creating unique, special photography with you which will remind you of those important milestones in your life for years to come.
Remember your special yesterdays for all your beautiful tomorrows.
I didn’t even know you could decorate your house with photographs until I worked with you. Your knowledge of proportions and portrait groupings turned what would have been a potential disaster in my hands into a gorgeous living room display that people give accolades to. Thanks so much for your expertise!
I had such a great time when you took my senior pictures. I thought it was going to be scary, but it was not only fun, you made me look like a model!
The pictures you took of our newborn in her most fragile moments are absolutely precious. She is already growing so fast that it is a treasure to be able to look back on those sweet, sleepy moments.
Everyone absolutely loved our holiday cards so much that we have already booked our next holiday session at your studio. Your attention to detail and catching those fun, candid moments really made the season shine!
We had so much fun shooting with you last week! I wasn’t sure how you’d be able to handle active twins and a labradoodle but your professional, fun personality made our time with you an absolute joy.
The pictures you took of our son were so very special. It can be difficult for him to warm up to anyone, and the fact that he gave you the biggest smile ever is a testament to your warmth and caring as an individual. He is already asking when he can come back.
Matt and Megan always wanted children. A fireman and marketing specialist, the two served their community with great love and dedication. So when their three children came along, their lives were even more intertwined and their dedication to their community shone through their kids.
Such a beautiful family to work with, their easy going, fun personalities and warmth lend to the beautiful, sunny weather. Mom, Dad and the two youngsters chose soft, sky-blue indigos and earthy browns for their clothing choices to complement each other without overly matching. Reflective of both their laid back, fun-loving style and the apple orchard, the images would grace after the session, these outfits left room for plenty of running, playing, hugs and laughter.
Since these beautiful portraits will appear above the mantle, I advised them to go with a canvas wrap grouping to reflect the casual, loving dynamics of their family. Soft, yet modern, these finished images share the close bonds of a moment with special people who will reflect on this day for many years to come.
Kids are best in the morning when they’re at their happiest. Well rested and fed, a calm, fun energy should make for the perfect shoot time for kids and siblings. Lunch, nap times and evenings are generally more complicated times for the optimal portraits, since young ones are often both hungry and tired at this time.
Decide before the shoot what look you’re going for. Where in your home will your portraits be displayed? If in a more formal room, be sure everyone’s clothing is coordinated to this look. If the room is less formal and more “family” keep this in mind as well. Furnishings from desired rooms can also be used if the shoot is in-home, guaranteeing a perfect match to your decor.
Get haircuts at least a week before the shoot. It might take a few days to grow into (or fond of) a hair cut, especially if the scissors went amiss. This buffer allows for some growth, tweaks and perfections to the hair style prior to your session.
Build up the session to children as it really is—a time for fun and togetherness. There’s no need for bribes when the event itself is the reward.
Calm your own lens nerves. Relaxed parents have more fun, which helps kids become most comfortable for the best shots.
If you bring your pet Sparky to the family shoot, make sure to get some brisk exercise with your pup before coming. This will allow for a (hopefully) slightly calmer canine during your shoot.
After chatting on the phone or in studio for our pre-consultation to discuss any of your specifications and wishes, we send you a pre-shoot questionnaire to tell us what's most important to you for capturing the best images possible.
We'll be sending you any final prep information to help you get ready for your session. Now is the time to get those outfits pressed and those smiles ready!
I will get to know you and your family. Prepare for a wonderful time during our photography session!
We are hard at work, editing your wonderful photographs.
We invite you to a private image reveal and ordering session back at our Sacramento studio or online. This is your chance to choose the pictures you love and order the products that fit your vision.
Our studio will be doing any final edits, designing products and placing final orders from the decisions made during your image reveal. Purchased digital files will be ready for download!
Your artwork and albums are quality inspected by our team and packaged for pickup! Get ready to display your beautiful portraits at home!
Here at Milou & Olin we honor your schedules, special events and your sessions with a helpful timeline to help you to understand how we are working our hardest to create your treasured memories:
We’re looking forward to your session! This is such an exciting time because we have the opportunity to get to know your wonderful family and capture some fun, exciting photographs for you in the process. All work and no play make for a dour day, so here is what you can expect from Milou & Olin:
We will discuss where you would like to have your session (we will already have an understanding based on our prior phone chats). We might meet at your home, the local playground, a beautiful green field or in the studio. I also scout locations constantly, so I may have some fun, last minute suggestions for you to consider!
This shoot will be full-on fun, complete with laughs, hugs, play time, and plenty of tickling. There’s no manufacturing a good time; when you’re with loved ones, exuberance and spontaneity take over for the most natural, exciting images.
Please allow about one hour for our shoot. This will enable us to get the perfect amount of images with variety and allow for an outfit change if needed.
We work quickly capturing natural images so photography doesn’t feel like a chore to even the most cynical toddler. Milou & Olin delights in providing a super, safe setting for families to let loose and have fun!
Bring snacks and treats (but don’t tell the little ones). We keep wet napkins in the studio, but be careful for foods that stain clothing! You don’t want to ruin that cute top.
Outdoor shoots offer the best available light and surroundings for your precious portraits. But if Mother Nature
threatens to rain on our parade, don’t worry, there are always options:
Plan A: When it’s obvious a dire weather forecast is right (for a change), we’ll call and reschedule.
Plan B : Alternate, available indoor venues or our portrait studio!
Plan C : Adventurous? We have the skills and protective gear. If storm chaser weather develops we’ll finish the session late.
• Soft or bright solids
• Simple styles like onesies are classic
• Diaper cover only
• Birthday suit (naked)
TIP : Bring a change of clothes in
case of a spill, thrill or chill
AVOID : Fancy clothes (collars,
shoes, giant headbands) compete
for attention with the baby
• Stick to a color palette of three to
four complementary colors
• Layers are flattering and a way to
show personality
• Shoes are optional
• Keep hair simple and clean
• Non-glare glasses keep glare at bay
• Layered looks are great
• Brights and fun prints
• Accessories: hats, scarves, chunky braclets
• Clothes should be fitted, not baggy
• Bare feet or fun shoes
TIP : For shiny, neat hair use
product, like shine gel or pomade
AVOID : Huge logos that date
the image and distract the eye
TIP : Match your clothing colors
to your home décor where your art
will be displayed around
AVOID : Everyone wearing the
same outfit. Mix it up!
I love that you kept in contact with me. From booking the session to the blog sneak peek,
to picking up my images, you took that added step to let me know where you were in the
process. I felt like your most special client and I couldn’t have asked for more beautiful
engagement photos!
-Judy Lisinger
When scheduling an outdoor portrait session with Milou & Olin, you may notice that we recommend shooting during a very precise time of day-generally the last sixty to ninety minutes before the sun has completely set . This special window known to photographers as “The Golden Hour” is the period of time when the light from the sun is at its most perfect. With its long rays diffused across the entire sky, the light creates a flattering glow and shimmer for picture perfect skintones and deliciously warm portraits.
During midday, when every ray of the sun seems to find its way to our delicate, overexposed skin, the shadows created are usually too deep in contrast to the glare. Instead of fighting the harsh light, it’s better to schedule outdoor shooting during the Golden Hour when the sun still works its magic—but in our favor.
To determine the Golden Hour in your location, see www.golden-hour.com.
Is yours a sleek, modern home? A rustic, country abode? No matter your decorating style, Milou & Olin assists clients every day with everything from portrait selection suited to your decor, to room planning, to framing and displaying your collection. Our years of experience in design coupled with a wide variety of products that work with any décor make us the perfect choice for your photography and home decorating needs. Whether yours is a mighty mansion or a cozy cottage, call us today and we’ll work together to ensure your portraits are as much at home as you are.
1) If your style is more traditional, we recommend a matted
and framed portrait in a classic wood frame or a framed
canvas. Our studio carries a variety of fine mat and frame
combinations to complement your art and decor.
2) The most popular product in our line up are our beautiful archival luxury heirloom albums. All your favorite photographs laid out in a beautiful storytelling fashion. Enjoy your portraits for years to
come without worrying about frequent handling.
3) Having digital files for your images as an additional storage method and for you to enjoy digitally on your devices is always a great idea. Some of our collections do include digital files for your enjoyment
Milou & Olin takes pride in keeping current with new and classic trends in photography today by updating and adding specialty products for memorably stunning gifts and keepsakes throughout the year.
With all high resolution digital negatives from your session included on a flash drive, this is the ultimate keepsake. Available through an online download for your convenience or on a USB drive, all your files have been color checked and proofed by Olin.
Our press printed book is specially printed just for you in a classic 10-page hardcover book. Designed with simple magazine style layouts and a printed cover with images from your session, the finished product is handcrafted excellence in a tastefully modern yet timeless design.
Designed by our team, collages are a great and fun way to have a collection of petite portraits of your family for your walls. Your favorite photos in a clean and modern design, presented in one of our custom frames and ready to hand in your home.
Stunning beyond measure, the true treasure of your portrait session is the creation of stunning, ready to hang, custom portraits to display in your home. We are proud to offer unique choices to ease you into beautiful, decorative art that will remain a joy for years to come. All our prints are professionally printed on the highest quality paper or canvas and color checked and proofed by Olin.
• Up to 30 minutes Weekday Photoshoot in our
Sacramento Studio
• Selection of up to 20 retouched photographs available
for purchase
• Up to 3 people ($35 for each additional person/pet)
• Design session in our Sacramento studio or Online
• Prints, products and digital negatives can be purchased separately
• Up to 50 minute Weekday Photoshoot on-location within
10 miles of 95811 ($100 travel fee for SF)
• Selection of up to 35 retouched photographs available for purchase
• Up to 4 people ($35 for each additional person/pet)
• $100 print credit to use as Image Reveal
• Design session in our Sacramento Studio or Online
• Prints, products and digital negatives can be purchases separately
1 Digital Image - $199
2 - 8 Digital Images - $999
1 - 8 Gift Prints - $899
We cannot wait to hear more about your family, meet the kids and photograph all the smiles and laughter. You may also reach us directly at 888.518.6575 or by emailing us at info@ohwhatfunphoto.com.
We would love to chat with you! Studio visits by appointment only.