Family photos for the holidays

 Some people may not know but we do all types of photography including school portraits. This year we added another school to the many that we have been working with over the years. There was a little girl who was absent for school picture day that came into our office for a retake. Mom and dad enjoyed the very short experience they had with us. They made the decision it was time for a family portrait. Of course, they then contacted us to get on the schedule as soon as possible to take the holiday photos.

It had been a very long time since they had had a portrait taken together. Brynn was such a sweet little girl, she made the entire session a breeze smiling and posing the whole session. We were able to take some holiday photos on our yearly set, as well as, some other backgrounds. Having a plain background means the photos could be hung in the house all year.

Brynn was very inquisitive about all of the things we have in our office during the photo session. The way that the lights moved around the different background options, our prop room, and what was inside of our wrapped presents. We will give you a hint – they’re empty boxes. Originally mom had thought she just wanted a few photos but after the full session before they were getting ready to leave she was considering the option of purchasing the download to all the photos.

It is wonderful to see after a session with a great family the opinion of “only a few photos to thinking I’m going to need all of these” is just wonderful. We then discussed perhaps an outdoor session the next time that they do family photos or even just photos of Brynn. Surely, they will continue to use our services. It would be an honor to work with them again in the future.

#ravettaphotography #stlphotographer #studiosessiom #familyphotos

Rachel Ravetta   0     holiday photos , Ravetta Photography , st louis photographer , studio session

Three boys and all smiles

We started with the wedding to firstborn, to second-born, and now the third baby in the family. We are overjoyed we get to work with this wonderful family over and over. During the last newborn session, mom and dad thought their family was complete, but baby Owen really wanted to be a part of this family. Now with three boys, this mom has her hands full since they are all under the age of three. The grandmas get together and purchase a birthday club membership for each child. Which of course, we think is the absolute best gift that can be given to anybody. The gift of photographs! We were recently at their home doing one-year photos and discussed how soon the new baby would be arriving. So when they came into the office it had felt like we just saw them a few weeks ago because we did!

Oldest brother Jonah did a really great job of listening and following directions. This gave us the opportunity to get some great photos of the whole family together. Then some of the brothers together, of course, one-year-old Miles was just on the go the whole time. We think that mom and dad are going to be very pleased with all of the options that they have from this newborn session. Despite having to continually put Miles back in the photo! Baby Owen was easy to work the whole time. We finished up the session using blankets and props that were meaningful to the family. A hat that has been used on both of the other boys was also incorporated into the photos. Then a few things from his room, which is farm-themed. We know there is a lot going on when you have three children but are also very honored that we will get to watch them all grow since they are part of our birthday club. See you in a few months for the four-month session!

#ravettaphotography #stlphotographer #newbornsession #studiosession #birthdayclub

Rachel Ravetta   0     birthday club , Newborn Photographer , Ravetta Photography , st louis photographer , studio session

Pick a theme and stick to it

We have been working with this family since the children were very, very, young. They do annual photos typically some sort of theme. One we remember from years ago was the Wizard of Oz. We did the photos in the park and it was so much fun with each family member dressed up as a character. All of the children have gotten older some are out of school while others are still in college, but this annual tradition is really wonderful. They continue getting together to make these photos happen is just very special. Sometimes it is a simple type of a theme, like a sports jersey or it can get a little more elaborate like steampunk or this year the day of the dead theme. The family started the process of getting ready about 8:45 in the morning doing hair and getting the Day of the dead makeup painted on their face. That is commitment!  Everyone always arrives to the studio prepared with costumes props and even make sure to include something for their dog to wear that is in line with the theme. These photos have  decorated their Christmas card each year and I will bet when people open them they are excited to see what theme was chosen this year. We sometimes try to get the photos taken outside but since the best time of year tends to be around Thanksgiving, when all the kids are in town from school, it is chilly outside so we work with the background options we have in our studio. We know that the costumes and props will really bring any background choice to life. We thank them for continually contacting us each year so that we can create these memories for their family. We will see you next year and we can’t wait to hear what the theme is.

#ravettaphotography #familysession #studiophotos #yearlyphotos

Rachel Ravetta   0     family photography , Ravetta Photography , st louis photographer , studio session

The History of Us

Since we have a bit of time on our hands we thought it would be a great idea to tell you how we got started. Ravetta Photography has been in business over 45 years! The photography industry was very different back then but we have changed and adapted to the way we run our business over the years.
Lou has always had an interest in photography, even as a young child, so when his grandmother passed away and left him $200 he wanted to buy a camera. He thought it would be a wonderful way to remember her as well as further his photo interest. Lou started by taking photos of his girlfriend, Karen. They went all over St. Louis taking different style images and having fun. Then a relative of Lou wanted him to photograph a small wedding, he said no because he wasn’t sure he could handle a wedding. He just liked taking photos and didn’t want the pressure of a wedding. After some convincing from the family member, Lou actually changed his mind and agreed to photograph the wedding. It turned out that he did such a wonderful job his family started telling other people about him. So Lou ended up doing other weddings and portraits, then those people told other people how much they liked the photos. The ball was rolling…45 years later here we are! Those referrals at the beginning of our business lead to more referrals which is what keeps us going. We wouldn’t be successful without our clients telling others about us.
Remember that girlfriend, Karen, well Lou married her and they have been running Ravetta Photography together since the very beginning. At first they met with people at their home, until they had a daughter…spoiler… that daughter was Rachel! Apparently even as a baby Rachel had a photography interest because she wouldn’t let mom and dad work without being involved. This distraction caused the company to move to its own location. At first it was just an office area to meet with people because all the sessions were on location. The success of the business allowed Lou and Karen to invest in a better camera, attend seminars to learn from the pros, move to a location that had space for a studio and add studio lighting to what they offered.
Years and years later that is exactly what we are doing each day. We have updated our equipment to the best digital cameras, we are constantly learning – however we are the pros now so we often help others too. Social media wasn’t even a thought back when the business opened but if we didn’t use it now then clients wouldn’t be able to find us. Our ability to adapt to the changing photography industry only enhances the fact that we are able to make each client experience with us special to them.
Please keep sharing our name so in 45 years from now Ravetta Photography can still be going strong taking images of the next generations. Think about it for a minute, wouldn’t it be so great to help a business be around for almost 100 years! Each person we photograph that mentions our name becomes a part of our history.
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#ravettaphotography #stlphotographer #photographersaintlouis

ravetta   0     localbusiness , locationphotography , Ravetta Photography , St. Louis Photographer , stlouisphotographer , studio session

Starting a family

We got the call…a baby was born! I may not remember what I ate for lunch but I totally remember my wedding couples. When they call to say they have started a family it makes me so happy. First of all, that is a very special moment for them. Secondly, I’m excited that they thought of us to capture the special moments of this new family. Ethan was born late last year so with the holidays and cold weather mom and dad decided to wait a bit before calling for a studio session. We were able to get them in quickly which was good because pretty soon Ethan will not fit in any of our baskets. He is such a long little dude. We started the session with a few family photos because they mentioned the hospital photos were not the best. We understand that all new parents are asked if they want photos while they are in the hospital. Of course this is up to you if you want photos there, however another option would be to call us when you are settled at home. We can come out to your house or you are welcome to come to our studio. You will feel more prepared, fresh and ready to do newborn photos a couple days later. Parents should always be prepared with outfit choices but remember to keep it simple because it’s not all about the clothing. A wonderful onesie with his name on it was perfect for this session. We tried to start off with a basket but at first he was not too sure about the idea, however once mom and dad got him smiling with those silly noises Ethan did a great job. After a few smiles in various posed we needed to get some photos in the Christening gown. This gown was passed down in the family so it was important to get these photos. Well this gown was super slippery so Ethan was a trouper having us mess with him over and over because he kept sliding around. Despite all the moving we got some great photos we are sure grandma will love. We are looking forward to working with Ethan again. #ravettaphotography #stlphotographer #studiosession #newbaby #photosofbaby
ravetta   0     facesofstlouis , Newborn Photographer , Ravetta Photography , St. Louis Photographer , studio session