Laurel Herzog 6/10/20 Laurel Herzog 6/10/20

Dana Point Photography | How to use and apply my presets?

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The presets I created a few months back have been a huge hit. All good reviews and with a little help they are super easy to work with. Super easy to turn your plain iPhone images to bright and airy! Here are some simple instructions for using these on your phone with the free Lightroom app.

Installing your New Presets

Step 1: Save image (Bright White Presets.dng) attached here to your phone photo gallery.

Step 2: Open the Lightroom Mobile CC App

This step is really easy. Just open your free Lightroom app. Once it's open, you can add the DNG/Preset files (next step).

Step 3: Add the DNG/Preset Files - To add a preset, click on the (...) Settings option in the top-right corner of the app.

Choose the Add Photos option.

On the next screen, choose the location you will be pulling your DNG/Preset files from. If you have saved them to your phone, choose "From Camera Roll". If you have saved them to a cloud storage option, choose "From Files".

Select the DNG/Preset file you would like to import. NOTE: Preset files are DNG files. When you initially open the image, you may get an error that says, “Cannot Load File”. This is normal. Press the check mark in the corner anyway.

Step 5: Create Lightroom Presets from the DNG Files.

Click on one of the newly imported files, then click on the three dots inside a circle in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. From there, choose “Create Preset” from the menu that appears. Give your preset a name. We recommend to type the same name that is on the front of the preset image (to keep things simple). You should also put the preset in a Preset Group. By default, it will be in the User Presets group. Creating a new group with your new collection’s name will keep the presets from each collection together.

Using Your New Presets

Now for the FUN part!

Select an image in the Lightroom Mobile App that you would like to edit. Swipe left on the bottom options until you see "Presets" and tap on that option. It will open with your most recently used preset collection. By tapping on the collection name, you can choose the new collection you just installed.

Click on the preset you'd like to use. When you are finished adding your preset, click the check mark in the lower right corner.

NOTE: Our presets will not change your exposure or white balance, since those settings can vary with each image. We encourage you to make those adjustments as necessary after choosing your preset. For this preset I suggest lifting your exposure quite a bit to give you the bright and airy look.

This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album! If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
For investment information, please click HERE.
If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session. I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!

xoxo- Laurel

Laurel Herzog 6/8/20 Laurel Herzog 6/8/20

San Juan Capistrano Newborn Photography | Townes Outdoor Newborn

Ready to see a gorgeous family in pretty sun drenched San Juan Capistrano with a tiny newborn! This stunning family has come back to me year after year to photograph their birthdays, holiday cards and everything in between. When I found out they were expecting another little babe, I literally jumped up and down! You all know I love babies, but watching my past clients family grow is just that much sweeter!

San Juan Capistrano Photography Outdoor Newborn

How cute and proud is this big brother? He’s so sweet with his new little sister!

If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
For investment information, please click HERE.
If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session. I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours! xoxo- Laurel

Laurel Herzog 5/2/20 Laurel Herzog 5/2/20

Newport Beach Family Photographer | 10 Most Asked Questions About My Marriage

Some of the questions I get the most often are not about photography at all. They’re about mom life, marriage, business growth, cooking and style. That last one is laughable to me but I guess I have perfected the art of getting ready without getting ready.

Today I am answering the top 10 questions you guys have been asking about our marriage. No marriage is perfect and ours is no different but we are loving and honest and happy and that’s all that matters.

How long have you been married? We’re right in the middle of our SEVEN year itch and not feeling itchy at all. If anything we’re actually better than ever right now. Maybe it’s quarantine or the fact that life is crazy and we need each other but we’re happier now than ever before.
Where did you meet? We met in VEGAS in the summer of 2009 at a club (Excess, if you must know) at 12am, most assuredly intoxicated. After that trip, we didn’t see each other again for a year and a half when he drove to Arizona. We went to a Cardinals game and the zoo and we were hooked on each other.
You both seem chill, who’s the disciplinarian? We both are. We are actually pretty strict with our kids. Our thought process is that if we are strict with them when they are young then we won’t have to be as much when they’re older. Nixon is 10 and he’s a really good kid. Who knows though, we’ll see how it goes with the other kids as they get older. You never know if you’re doing it right until they’re old and in therapy anyways.
How do you stay connected after 3 kids? We do date nights every Saturday and switch off who plans it. It’s not anything big and right now they’re all at home dates but it still counts. Just brings the focus back to each other at least once a week so we can talk and catch up. We also do an app called Lasting. It initiates questions and discussions with each other. It’s about $100 a year but cheaper than marriage counseling.
What does Brad do? He’s gone a lot. He is an ocean lifeguard for the County of Orange beaches. In the summer, he is gone a lot. 12 hour days, in the sun all day and totally toast when he comes home. In the off season he works less though to make up for it. He is 1 of 4 permanent guards that work year around and his job is a dream come true for him and a lot of other people.
Do you travel with the kids? We love to travel and always will. Last year we went to the Bahamas and Yellowstone with the kids (8,3, and 8 months at the time), while it was so fun. Flights with young kids are not fun and we won’t be doing anymore East coast trips until Poppy is at least 5. We love to camp as family and do that a lot as well as take one big trip a year!
Any more babies for you guys? NO NO NO! Poppy is the final chapter our baby book and we are thrilled to be moving on. We need some much needed freedom that comes when your kids get older!
Who cooks and how to eat so healthy? Laurel cooks veggies and sides and if we’re making meat (more on that in a sec) Brad will handle that. We eat vegetarian 6 nights a week, the kids don’t even notice. Laurel is vegetarian all the time but Brad and the kids eat meat when we go out to eat or on special occasions. If someone asks for meat, by no means will I decline them but they just don’t notice we eat a shit ton of veggies because thats all they’ve ever known.
How do you stay so active with 3 little kids? Just do it. Don’t overthink it. You’ll be tired, they’ll be tired but kids can do a lot more than we give them credit for. Push them, don’t let them give up and carry their bike after 10 minutes, make them ride longer. Maybe thats mean but we push our kids to do their best and only give up if you absolutely can’t go on. In turn our kids are beasts!
What do you do for fun? Anything outside, anything active, anything with food or anything by the water. We’re pretty easy if any of those are covered!

XO- Laurel

Laurel Herzog 4/30/20 Laurel Herzog 4/30/20

Dana Point Motherhood Photographer | Top 10 Mother's Day Gifts for 2020

Mother’s Day in quarantine. Really? We can’t even get a good brunch buzz on the one day of the year that it’s allowed. Well shit.

Hopefully your hubby and kids know they need to step up their game this year to make up for the last 7 weeks being quarantined together. I’ve done by best to make an easy list to help them out!

This one is an obvious plug but come on guys, you’re on my website. A gift card for a photoshoot is really the only thing a mama wants anyways. Throw in hair and makeup with it and they’ll love you forever. You can purchase a 50% off gift card here.
Jewelry. The name necklaces, initials, birth flowers, etc. They’re all the rage. Made By Mary is where I get mine and I love the quality and style. You can’t go wrong with this.
Speaking of jewelry, if mama wears multiple necklaces, you HAVE to get her a Necklet. It’s a sweet little addition that keeps her chains from getting tangled all day. Just trust me on this one.
Snuggly blankets and slippers are always a good idea. This blanket from Barefoot Dreams are literally the softest thing I’ve ever felt. Cute summer slippers, you know because we’re stuck at home anyways are perfect too!
A meal delivery service complete with dad and the kids making the meals for the entire week. Can you even imagine? This would be good enough for the whole year! Home Chef makes yummy, easy kid friendly meals too! Don’t just buy the kit and expect her to cook it, that won’t end well for you.
Easy on the budget? This keyring is only $6 and is one of my favorite things in the world. Mom hands are always full and this makes it easy to hold on your arm and easy to find in the Marry Poppins bag.
CDB balm and oils. Well because we all know she needs it right now. CBD oil doesn’t make you feel high at all, it’s great for anxiety, insomnia, stress, etc.
This cute craft is easy to make and she’ll be happy she has it to remember this weird time.
A hotel room, a case of wine and a box of pizza could actually make her love you more, just saying.
Lastly this Loopy phone case, is my mom necessity. Helps me from dropping my phone all the time, or letting tiny hands knock it out of our own plus its cute!

I can’t wait to hear what you get, be sure to tag me on Instagram! XO- Laurel

I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours! xoxo- Laurel

Laurel Herzog 4/28/20 Laurel Herzog 4/28/20

Orange County Newborn Photographer | COVID-19 Precautions and Procedures

I am almost giddy at the thought of starting to photograph your beautiful families again. It’s been a long six weeks without working. Good news is we are finally legally allowed to shoot outdoor sessions in California again so I am starting to book outdoor family, maternity and newborn photos in May 2020 in Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano and Newport Beach.

For outdoor sessions, there are still some new precautions in place.

There will also be some new procedures put in place for the studio to keep your sweet families safe so be sure to check out the info below and feel free to email me anytime with questions! Studio sessions are only available 2x/week so they are filling up extremely fast.

Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa. This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you choose me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album! If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience. For investment information, please click HERE.
If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session. I adore capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours! xoxo- Laurel

Laurel Herzog 4/7/20 Laurel Herzog 4/7/20

Dana Point Newborn Photographer | Tips and tricks for your own newborn photos during COVID pandemic

I am so sad that I’m not able to take your newborn photos right now but I’ve put together a few things to help you take your own. Here are a few tips I use when I go to a clients home to do newborn photos and make sure to watch out for my newborn wrapping tutorial so you can wrap your babe up like a pro!

Can’t wait to hug you all soon! Stay healthy and stay home!

Laurel Herzog 2/28/20 Laurel Herzog 2/28/20

Orange County Baby Photography || All About SEO

Orange County Baby Photography SEO Mom and baby playing

Yesterday I had the biggest win for my business in a long time.

I found out I am on PAGE ONE for Google in all the keywords I’ve been working towards. Orange County is huge for baby photography and I never thought it would happen. This is something I’ve been working towards for months and to finally see my name on that first page was unreal! I don’t give a rats booty about Instagram followers, I have under 1000 while everyone else also on the first page has over 10k. Your Instagram following does not equal bigger paychecks. Read that again.

Your Instagram following DOES NOT EQUAL bigger paychecks. Stop worrying about Instagram and focus half as much time on your personal website and blog. You’ll reap the rewards 10 fold. (Ps… I’m also talking to myself because we know Instagram is a hell of a lot more fun than writing a blog post but discipline guys!)

Ok back to SEO.

Last year on my top keywords, like “Orange County Baby Photography” and about 10 others I’ve chosen to focus on. I was on page 6 or later on every single one. No one and I mean no one goes to page 6.

Last year I also hired TunicLabs (now called SEOtographer) to handle the back end of my website and optimize it for SEO. You can join their Facebook group here which is what kickstarted my interest. I think I paid $600 for him to optimize my site. It took 30 days and then he said to wait at least 6 months before expecting results. It wasn’t just hiring someone and forget it. You still have to do the work. Michael sent me a bunch on suggestions for me to handle on my own too. He even went as far as to list out the best keywords for me to use going forward.

TIPS in addition to hiring someone… (Notice I said in addition to, there is a lot of backend mumbo-jumbo that we just don’t understand and as much research as I did, which believe me I do A LOT. It was still confusing and overwhelming. Having Michael handle that part was a MUST.)

1. BLOG - Blog, blog, blog. Three times a week! Authentically writing meaningful content for your blog post of 300 words or more is vital. Google will see right through your feeble attempt to copy and paste the same keyword phrase over and over again. You must write as if you’re talking to someone. Write the keyword phrase in the title. Notice my Title of this post. Copy that algorithm for every post you do but switching up the phrases and post titles. Now I have my keyword used in three places already. It’s ideal to have that keyword in the first paragraph but anywhere in the first part of your post works too.

2. Rename images - I use Blogstomp which is a $49 must have software for blogging. I use it to rename my images and collages using the keyword phrase I’ve chosen. So all of the images in this post will be named “Orange County Baby Photography SEO (+add in something specific about each image)”. Again Google sees right through the copy & paste method so you must go into each image and name it something specific to that image. Example - Orange County Baby Photography SEO Baby girl in the studio. All the images on my website are the same, renamed to match one of my keyword phrases. Picking up what I’m putting down?

3. Don’t give up! I hired Michael last March and seriously thought it was a waste of money because nothing happened. I almost gave up but every time I get down I would just blog some more. Low and behold, he knew more than me and it’s working! I like to think back to what my dear friend Gaby Chung of GabyChung.com said. Also she is an absolute genius so you should go follow her on Facebook and Instagram. She has always said her highest paying clients come from Google and focus on your own website more than anything else. When all else fails, blog and pray.

4. This last part I add the bottom of every blog post. No one has told me to do this but I feel like it works. If nothing else its authentic way to get those precious keywords into the post. Here’s how I do it…

This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby or motherhood Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album! If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
For investment information, please click HERE.
If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
Sessions are currently booking into Fall 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session.

I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!

xoxo- Laurel

Laurel Herzog 2/27/20 Laurel Herzog 2/27/20

Dana Point Studio Sitter Session || Isaac 8 Months

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Get ready for some studio magic up in here!

This adorable babe is a Collective member meaning I get to see his adorable family over and over again throughout his first year! Ashley’s maternity session is still one of my favorites ever, then his Fresh 48, his newborn and now his sitter! I’ve said it over and over again but the Collective really is the best way to go for an expecting mama. You get so much bang for your buck and you’ll LOVE the memories we make together!

Now back to this sweet face!!

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I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!

xoxo- Laurel