While we practicing social distancing at home, maybe it is a better time to break out your best jigsaw puzzles. While we want to stay in the loop, watching or reading the news and being on social media for too long can be emotionally draining. The puzzles and board games are two of the best ways to get off your phone and stay in the present during a chaotic time like this one — Maybe you never enjoyed doing puzzle, but all this free time indoors could be what it takes to change your mind.

Best 500 Piece Puzzle 
The joy of puzzles with Bob Ross - $20 PBS ​

Best Challenging Puzzle - Ravensburger 3000-Piece Antique Map Puzzle $51 (Bed, Bath and Beyond)

Best Stress Relieving Puzzle - Areaware Gradient Puzzle $25  Urban Outfitters

Best Pattern Puzzle - Dusen Dusen Pattern Puzzle $27 NYC

Best Mini Puzzle -Areaware Little Puzzle Thing $15 Urban Outfitters

Best Unconventional puzzle -Don’t Lose Heart Jigsaw Puzzle $8 (NOW On sale) Puzzle Shopbop

Best Fine Art Puzzle -Hokusai Great Wave Puzzle $20 The Met Museum

​Best Double-Sided Puzzle - Frank Lloyd Wright Guggenheim 2-sided Puzzle $16 Guggenheim Store

Best Disney Puzzle- 3D Disney Castle Puzzles $70 Barnes & Noble  

​Best 3D Crystal Puzzle -Bepuzzled Original 3D Crystal Puzzle
$11 Amazon

Best Anime Puzzle- 1000 Piece Sailor Moon Puzzle $47 Amazon

Best 1000-Piece Puzzle - New York Puzzle Company $22 Amazon

Best Wellness-Inspired -Puzzle Yoga Jigsaw Puzzle $17 Iwoot

​Best Instagram-Worthy Puzzle - Forbidden Fruit 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
$36 Piecework

Best 2000 Piece Puzzle - Grandma's Chintz 2,000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
$30 Always Fits

Best Glow in the Dark Puzzle - Keith Haring Glow-In-The-Dark Puzzle
$12 Pop Shop Best Set of 2 Puzzles

Daily Special Set of Two Shaped - Jigsaw Puzzle
$20  Galison
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Best Scenic Puzzle - Paris in a Day 1000 Piece Rectangle Puzzle
$22  Eeboo  

Stay safe and healthy!
​Sonia A

Here is Gabi, who was 14 at that time. Gaby's mom, Alma, was looking for a dress for her daughter's 8th grade formal. After Alma chose a dress, we set up a short meeting where we discussed a few things at my studio. I already knew Gaby from the volleyball team I once coached: she was gentle, kind hearted and willing to learn new things. I care about knowing my clients in order to create a personable session. For her shoot, I needed to decide which color compliments her skin tone and her dress as well. By using the right color scheme, posing, and lighting, we created images that capture Gaby's beauty and elegance. Here are some favorites from our session.  

​Sonia Ahmad
Portrait Artist
Cypress, TX

Brittany and I had a great time during her portrait sessions. Her session was planned out right before her gradutaion from Texas A&M last December 2019. We did both indoor and outdoor portrait session to complete an album. She is very natural when it comes to posing both casual and formal. During our pre-session conultation in our studio, we discussed to go with solid white backdrop, since she will be wearing a complete white suit. She looked very pretty and excited about her upcoming session . After one hour of indoor shoot, we headed out to her campus and yes, the timing was just perfect. We loved the afternoon sun shining as our background light. Here are some of my favorites to share with you all. 

What to Wear for Portraits 

KEEP IT SIMPLE: 
Keep your clothing simple, coordinating, but not matching. It must be carefully selected to blend the bodies together. Avoid loud or busy patterns and large logos. Solid colors are best. First, decide whether the basic tone of the clothing will be warm-toned (browns, etc.) or cool-toned (blues/grays/blacks, etc.) Keeping a group in similar colors focuses the attention of the portrait to the faces and individuals that make up the portrait. Dissimilar colors in groups tend to be more distracting. 

A WORD ABOUT WHITE: 
White is great if we are going to the beach for portraits, but otherwise it’s to be avoided. White tends to wash people out and generally is brighter than you are. We want you to shine and not just see your white shirts.
 
A WORD ABOUT BLACK: 
Black is classic and always in style – looks good in just about every environment – except the beach, where white is your best choice. Black by itself can be boring, so adding a pop of color with belts, scarves or other accessories is great; or pairing a black jacket over a bright top is also a great choice. 

NO TO PLAID, STRIPES, LARGE PRINTS, & NEON! 
Plaid, small checks, stripes, and loud large prints & neon are very distracting in an image; we highly recommend you avoid all of these for your portrait. 

CHOOSE YOUR COLOR PALETTE: 
Matching colors or similar colors and tones make for a great choice. Here are some ideas for your color choices based on your location. 
•Wooded area: Greens, Browns, Greys, Black – accented with yellows, reds, blues, and purples
•Downtown area: Grey, Black, Blue – accented with reds and blues

COORDINATE OR MATCH Everyone should have color-coordinated outfits (not a uniform necessarily, but there should be a theme). For the children, choose outfits that fit well without a lot of “growing room.”

Keep everyone with the same color on the bottom, so if you are going with jeans make sure everyone’s jeans are similar in tone. You DO NOT want a washed, faded jean with a dark jean; keep it the same… change it up on the top. 

WHERE TO START: 
If you are struggling, I suggest you choose a color that you can start with: If you like purple, then you can mix greys and blacks with a variety of shades of purple. If you like green, then browns and blacks tend to look nice with that. Think in terms of keeping the family in the same palette of colors. Go to Home Depot or Lowes and look at color swatches of one main color with variations. Layers are always good and can add a pop of color or bring things together. 

SOME EXAMPLES

ON THE BOTTOM 
Keep everyone with the same color on the bottom, so if you are going with jeans make sure everyone’s jeans are similar in tone. You DO NOT want a washed, faded jean with a dark jean; keep it the same… change it up on the top. 
WHERE TO START: 
If you are struggling, I suggest you choose a color that you can start with: If you like purple, then you can mix greys and blacks with a variety of shades of purple. If you like green, then browns and blacks tend to look nice with that. Think in terms of keeping the family in the same palette of colors. Go to Home Depot or Lowes and look at color swatches of one main color with variations. Layers are always good and can add a pop of color or bring things together. 

IDEA CLOSET 
Here are some ideas grabbed from the web; this is to give you some ideas and direction: 
Brown & Orange --- the plaid on a little guy is okay but not for the adults…


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WELCOME
Thank you for considering  us for your photo needs. We are offering Special Edition Holiday Mini Session which we are working on to put together this year. This is a small session, but they are a great way to get know who we are, check out our style and get a sampling of our work. We hope that you enjoy the creativity and fun that we put into your special edition session and you will consider us for custom session (seniors, sports, and family) in future.
Below are just some of the many benefits of a mini session:

1. A special edition holiday mini session is fast and foremost a affordable way to meet us because we know how to make beautiful images of truly you.
 
2. If you are strapped for time, this Special Edition Holiday Mini Session is fun, but a short photo shoot. While our normal custom photo session runs from between 1 hour to 3 ours. Our special edition holiday sessions are about 20 to 30 minutes. It is quick, fun while quality is always the priority.
 
3. Great for capturing photos with younger children because they lose interest faster than any adults.
 
We will choose a location for the Special Edition Holiday Mini Session. To keep it simple and quick, no outfit changes. It can be themed covering everything from holiday to seasonal shoots. This session includes a couple of images with the option to purchase additional photos, prints, canvases, holiday cards
 
Special Edition Holiday Mini Sessions are fun, relaxed and exciting- so be sure to get in on the action. We are offering a limited number of sessions, so you will want to reserve your  your spot as soon as possible before the mini session event day because of it's popular demand.
 
WHAT TO WEAR
Keep in mind that you will not have a clothing change. This makes it both easier and a little bit challenging to choose our outfit. You want your clothing to express your personality and not distract from the main focus of the photo. Here are few tips to help you find the perfect outfit for your Special Edition Holiday Session. Choose a outfit you feel comfortable in. This include wearing a clothing that you so not have to adjust. If you are not comfortable it will show.

• For families choose coordinating with the color for the outfits. Coordinating colors ties the entire photo together for a cohesive look. Accessorize if it is your thing. Your photos should show off your personality. So if it is a little bling is your thing, go for it. Make sure it is not too flashy or it will become more of a distraction.
• If there is a theme, dress to that theme. This will not only ensure your photos stay within the spirit of the theme, it will also make the whole experience more fun.
• Stay away from loud busy patterns, as well as competing colors. Bright color or dizzying prints are distracting. Neutrals are always are great option, as they keep the focus of the photo where it should be -on you and the family.

 
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR MINI SESSION
The more prepare you are for the shoot, the better your photos will turn out. Here  is the checklist to help you prep for the mini session.

• Plan your outfits for you and for your family- when you plan your outfits ahead of time, you will not be scrambling the day of your session. Make sure everything is clean, wrinkle free and ready  to go. This will allow you to feel ,more relaxed which in turns make for better photo.
• Freshen up - you and the kids. Make sure hair is brushed, clothes are spot free, faces and hands are clean. Bring a brush or hair spray and wipes along to the shoot, so you can easily manage those flyaway hairs or sticky fingers if necessary.
• Go to bed early the night before -and get some sleep. Feeling refreshed makes the photo session run more smoothly and results in better photos. Plus happy and non sleepy children make it easier to capture your little one's smiling faces.
• Know your time - and arrive early. This are tight session, so it is important that clients arrive on time even early to benefit full session time and so that we do not get behind.

• Have fun and smile

 
Mini session F.A.Qs
What is included in the price of my session?
Since  you aren’t looking for tons of photos but instead want three amazing photos for your need. The mini session includes a 20 - 30 minute session, a proofing gallery and a total of 3 complete edited images selected by me.

When will I receive my photos?
Your photos will be posted in an online gallery within 3 days after the session. At that time I will also send you a  link to a private galley where you can choose your photo for canvas, prints or holiday cards.

What is required to book your mini session?
These sessions are limited and available on a first come first serve basis.  Due to popular demand, it requires the mini session fee to be paid in order to reserve your spot at the mini session event day.

What if I have to cancel?
There are no refunds if you cancel within 72 hours of the scheduled mini session event.  However, the fees you paid can be applied to a regularly priced session in the future.

Where will the mini session take place?
Your mini session will take place at a beautiful outdoor location that we agree on together.
   
Do I need to bring anything along to my mini session?
Please bring along any props that you might like to include in your photo. If you are bringing younger children to the session, it’s always a good idea to bring some water, snacks and a small toy along too. Hair brush, spray and facial powder.
​
Is there anything else that I should know?
Please try and arrive 5 – 10 minutes before your session is scheduled to start so that there are minimal delays.
Please dress and prepare for the weather.  If it is cool outside, big wooly sweater and fuzzy mittens are great! 
If the session does include small children, I suggest that they are fed and that they have used the restroom before we meet.

​Fall means it is time to go back to school. It feels like yesterday that my 15 years old came home relaxed that she wouldn't have to wake up early nextday for school for almost three months. Staying late and wake up late were her ultimate luxury over the summer. The summer went by fast. Now it is time to begin another school year. New school year means new classes, making friends and managing your time. Whether you are new to highschool or will be graduating class this year or maybe sophomore or junior, having your day and schedule organized  will ensure a successful school year and less stressfull each and everyday.

Below threre are some tips on how to have a succesful school year from the experts. The article is collected from Psychology Today.

Source: High School Student (11th grade female)
 
1. "Don't just start with a positive attitude, keep that attitude throughout the year. it's helpful to your friends and teachers. Also, you'll be more efficient and the year will seem to fly by. Positivity will also help with getting all your work done."
 
2."Stay organized. School can be frustrating when you're getting a lot of work and papers,so the easiest way not to get stressed is by keeping everything organized. Make sure to have a separate binder for each class; it will make life bearable in high school."
 
3. "If you're absent for a few days, make sure to get the work you missed. Your teacher is the best one to get you caught up and to explain things to you, because he or she is the expert in the class – not your friends. "
 
4. "Stay away from the drama. The only bad thing about school is the drama because so many people get sucked into it and it ends up making people feel awful. Drama can take your focus away from your work. If you don't completely focus on the lesson or your homework or even class work you won't understand what is going on. You'll be too focused on what is going on around you. So stay away from drama."
 
5."If you are dating someone you may be completely focused on that person… which isn't a bad thing, but it isn't a good thing either. If you spend 24/7 with that person you'll probably get bored of him or her and not know what to talk about anymore. Which can get pretty awkward in the hallways. Also, if you don't spend any time with them then they will start to think that they aren't important or that you don't even like them. So maybe dating during school isn't the best thing for you academically but if it isn't affecting you by taking all your attention away from school then everything should be fine. Also, a lot of drama can come along with dating so you'd just have to be aware of that. I suggest not dating or dating but not giving it all your undivided attention, just some attention. Also, this can have an effect on your social life at school and you'll just ditch your friends which isn't what you want during school because they may ditch you when you need them. It is a very complicated life at school. Just make the best out of it."
 
Source: Parent of a Teen

1. “The first tip I would give is to believe in yourself and to try to always do the right thing. Sometimes people will do what is cool as opposed to what is safe or nice.”

2. “Keep your focus on your school work. Pay attention in class and complete your homework.”
 
3. “Don't procrastinate when it comes to studying and homework.”
 
4. “Be selective with the friends you choose. Don't befriend someone who is not a good influence on you. Don't judge a person, but if someone makes you feel uncomfortable, or if their definition of right and wrong is different from yours, gently stop spending time with him or her. Surround yourself with people you can grow with in a positive direction.”
 
5. “Create joy in your life by not beating yourself up. If you’re not doing well with something ask for help. No one is perfect at everything, but everything is perfect about you.”
 
Source: HS Teacher (nine years in education)
 
1.“Find out the resources that are available to you. If this statement completely alludes you, here are a few questions that may serve as a guide and/or starting point:”
 
Do your teachers post assignments on their websites?
Does your school have a homework hotline?
Does your school offer tutoring for specific exams, such as the HSAP, SAT, ACT, etc.?
When does each teacher offer tutoring? (teachers are usually required to offer at least an hour or two of additional hours either before or after school)
Does your library have a wide selection of study materials? (many have a section that offers SAT, ACT, and HSAP prep books for you to check out)

Keep your dates open for your Highschool Senior Portraits with Enjoy the Moment Portraits, and call 281-758-8686 to schedule yours. 
Sonia Ahmad :)

It took me a while to do portraits of my younger daughter. She had her plate full last school year with her academics along with her school volleyball, club volleyball, and high school chamber orchestra. Most of her weekends were pre-occupied with traveling, if not it was volunteering. I had the pleasure to accompany her when she was on the run. 
My daughter is like any other teenager who aren't very enthusiastic about taking "proper photographs". "Proper photograph" involves a lot of time commitment. It all starts with the vision, concept, planning, dress choice, background, lighting, posing, last but not least editing. She wanted her portraits with her volleyball team jersey and with her orchestra formal dress. That makes more sense because I haven't seen her without those two outfits on the weekend. 
One Saturday morning, I was doing measurement of the studio light output and setting up the backdrop which would best fit for her clothing. In the mean time Raisa was doing her hair and little eye makeup. I wanted to see the very best of her while she came into my studio for her portraits. 
As I always explain to my subject during the session, whether it is the clients or my own peeps that I don't need their smile that comes when they think of cheese, I would rather like to see their smile when they are themselves. Then I work on head and body position to the light and from my camera angle. Lighting to the subject is the one that I want to make sure is just right. If the subject is petite, I would pose differently than the subject is wide. My daughter is petite, so I had her face/body towards the light. She is also very sensitive about her delicate/beautiful hair. I also wanted to play little bit with her hair, not so much, so I used a high velocity fan while she was posing with her violin. 
I wanted to paint one of her portraits from this series. I already had a plan how many pictures I would take for a wall collection that I envisioned prior to the session. I needed a set of five or six max for the wall that I am thinking of hanging those images. I'm thinking of either acrylic (modern look) or traditional framed canvas for the wall in my daughter's room. Once I get approval from everyone about how it looks, they will be sent out to the lab for printing. Let me share all the images that I worked on for the past several weeks. If you need help with your idea to décor your wall portraits, just send me your room view and we will start from there. Design consultation is always complementary.
Wishing you and your family Happy Memorial Day. Remembering all the brave soldiers who gave away their lives for their country. Enjoy your long weekend with your family and friends.
​Sonia Ahmad
www.etmportraits.com
281-758-8686
​