Posts By Matt Floreen
Aubrey
When Aubrey asked me to shoot some updated headshots for her, I was reluctant at first. I know that full-time headshot photographers are very particular about what they do, to the point that they have their own vocabulary. But in talking with Aubrey, she put my concerns at ease. She simply wanted a series of simple photos that really, really look like her – in fact, that’s what most talent reps are looking for too. I can handle that.
And here’s what we came up with: a collection of the diverse looks she can portray. Do you know Aubrey? Which photos do you think represent her best? Sound off in the comments below.
This is actually a red wig…it looks soo convincing!
Photographers: here’s headshots lesson #1: If you don’t want people to know where you did the shoot, don’t use the 50mm, even at f/1.2. 🙂
The comfortable, relaxed look. Love the faint spots in the background… matching up with her shirt!
A genuine laugh…
While not so interesting technically, I think this expression is totally Aubrey.
Her “mom” look. 🙂
The sad, hurt, and slightly distrusting look. It’s a little disconcerting to have a friend look at you this way, even when it’s just for a photograph. She’s good.
This one looks like something between disappointed and having to say a difficult goodbye.
Her eyes are awesome here.
My favorite, this one totally captures Aubrey’s overflowing cheerfulness. 
Aubs, it was a blast shooting these photos with you! Thanks for helping me learn more about what acting talent really wants, and just making it fun. All the best to you as you look for new opportunities to use your many gifts!
The Plahn, Wilke, and Clancy Families
As Christmas time approaches, I’ve had so many families talk to me about taking Christmas card photos for them that I’ve had to start turning them away! Most of them are people I know from other shoots I’ve done, and it’s fun to catch up with them again.
The Plahns, Wilkes, and Clancys are no exception. I’ve photographed them all before for various things, and they’re all fun-loving, outgoing, and selfless groups. Put them all together, and you’ve really got a fun bunch!
First, the Wilkes:
The Clancys. Last time I took photos of them was on their wedding day. Now they’ve got a beautiful baby girl!
And finally, the Plahns! By the way, if you’re looking for hair wax in your school colors, Eric’s your guy.
How much fun can a bunch of kids have with a shopping cart left in the park?
…or a bunch of adults and a shopping cart, for that matter…
Can you spot the newlyweds?
I love this lighting.
Thanks, Plahns, Wilkes, and Clancys, for asking me to shoot your family photos! I laughed so hard going through all these photos, remembering the stories behind them all. Hopefully your Christmas card recipients will enjoy them too!
Contreras Family
When the Contreras family first asked me to take some photos for them, I was pretty interested in doing it. But by the time Luis explained exactly what was going to be involved, I was absolutely thrilled with the idea! Family members from different states and countries, all in one place, for a very short time… count me in!
For me, that’s the best part about doing photography for anyone. It’s helping meet a very specific need with a very specific service. It’s hard for me to create just for the sake of creating. But when I’m creating to fill a request someone has, I love thinking through the very best way to give them something that they will treasure.
Sometimes, that means incorporating some of the newest photographic techniques I’ve learned.
Other times, like when Luis and his family, his parents, brother, sister, brother-in-law and their kids are all together, it’s just a matter of clearly showing who they are and the joy they exude being together.
See the family resemblance?
Where it all started… Mom and Dad!
I wish I had more pictures like this of me and my brother from when we were this age…
Did I say something funny? Oh no, they’re really laughing at Gabriella, who’s behind me making silly faces. Evidently she’s quite good at them. 🙂
I love the motion in this one…
Cousins!
To the whole Contreras familia, thanks for asking me to take your family photos! I had a great time, and am thankful for the opportunity to give you some images to remind you of the beautiful family God has blessed you with.