I had the pleasure of photographing these two cuties last weekend on a very toasty morning.  Madilyn and Kenna are cousins (and only a couple of weeks apart age-wise), and the focus was definitlely all on them!    The proud parents hopped in for a few shots, but they spent most of their time singing and dancing in the background to help get some of these adorable smiles (thanks guys!).  It was a little bit harder to coax a smile out of Kenna (my Emory is the same way), but we managed to get some good ones.  Thanks for trekking all the way over here on your Saturday morning, I really had a blast!  Enjoy your sneak peek! 

With a whopping 126 votes, the winner of the That’s My Kid! Contest is ….

MARY!!!  Congratulations to Mary and her family!  They will receive a complimentary full session, a $150 print credit, and 3 mini accordion books!  I’ll be contacting you in the near future with more information!

Because it was such a close race (the runner up had over 100 votes too!) and I’m a huge softie, I decided that the second place image would receive a little something too.  Here’s the runner up:

Tony and CeCe!   Tony and CeCe’s family will receive a $100 print credit on any session booked before the end of the year.  Congratulations! 

And, because I’m so very grateful to all of the entrants for their participation, I will include a free 8×10 with any session booked before the end of the year.  Thank you all so much for your good-natured competitive spirit.  It was certainly enjoyable for me to watch, so I hope you had fun with it as well. 

For all of you who have joined up on my Fan Page as a result of this contest, you are very good friends!    I’m glad to have had the opportunity to make you aware of my work and my business, and I hope that if you like what you see,  you’ll stick around.  My Facebook Fans are the first to see new sneak peeks, hear about specials and promotions, and get great tips like those from our new little venture, Wardrobe Wednesdays (see What to Wear category above).  Of course, if you have any questions or would like to see any other content on either my blog or Facebook page, or to book a session, contact me at lindsay@lindsayhorn.com. 

Thanks everyone for making this contest a huge success!

I couldn’t have asked for a better way to ease back into shooting after my vacation then working with Lauren and Adam.  Apart from the fry-an-egg-on-the-sidewalk heat, it was an absolutely wonderful shoot.  These two were so at ease and sweet with each other, it made my job all too easy.  You could tell immediately how close they are and how well they get along, and I hope that comes through in these images as well.  They brought some great outfits too!  They each came with lots of options and then we spent the first few minutes of the shoot choosing outfits and making a plan of attack.  If you ever aren’t sure about wardrobe choices, feel free to do the same!  Thanks Lauren, Adam, and Mom for enduring that unforgiving Texas heat – I hope you’ll think it was worth it too! 

This week’s contribution comes from the very talented Erica of Erica May Photography.  She is lucky enough to photograph a lot of newborns, so she is certainly a good source on the matter!    I was really excited when I saw her post as I actually have some newborns on the schedule this fall … it’s been too long!  Here’s what she has to say:

“This week I chose to highlight what to wear for a maternity session and there also a few ideas at the end on what to dress your baby in for their newborn session. For the maternity session I chose two different outfits. This is definitely not required for your maternity session however if it is ok with your photographer and if there is a place to change (or if you are skilled at changing in the car, behind a tree, etc.. =P) then I definitely recommend it. A new outfit can change the whole look and feel of your session! For pregnant women it is nice to show off that baby bump so tighter fitting shirts and dresses are great if you feel comfortable in them. We definitely want the focus more on you but don’t forget about dad too if he is in the pictures. Since cute and fashionable maternity clothes can be hard to find pick out your outfit first and then just pull colors from that for your guy to wear. Also feel free to bring anything to the session as far as props go (i.e. your baby’s name in blocks or letters, special stuffed animals, cute baby shoes). If you are not sure, just bring it and your photographer will let you know if it will work or not.

A lot of people ask what they need to have for their newborn session. Really you don’t need to worry about having anything! Your photographer will most likely bring it all. BUT if you have some time and just like to shop feel free to buy a few special headbands, hats, or diaper covers for your session. The nice thing about doing this is that you can pick colors that work with your baby’s nursery or your house AND they become a keepsake. How special would it be to show your kids their newborn pictures and have one of the little hats that they wore in them. They will never believe their head was that tiny! =P. It is a good idea though if you buy any props for your newborn session to send your photographer a picture of what you have that way they can plan and coordinate what blankets and backdrops they will be bringing! All of my choices below for newborns are found on Etsy. I highlighted some of my favorite shops however there are a ton of different sellers to choose from! For mom and dad I recommend solid color shirts to keep the focus on baby. You can even go shirtless for dad and a small tank for mom if you want a really natural look.”

Shopping Guide:
 
Outfit #1
 
Woman:
Jeans – $29.99 Old Navy
Maternity Striped Gauze Button Front Top – $24.50 Old Navy
Maternity Cropped Denim Jacket – $29.50 Old Navy
Steve Madden “Sysco” Shoes – $39.99 Dillards
Hand Stamped Jewelry Necklace (with baby’s name) – $38.00 Etsy (sayanythingjewelry)
 
Man:

Jersey Cargo Polo –$9.99 Old Navy
Boot Cut Jeans – $79.50 Banana Republic
Sketcher “Urbantrack” shoes – $55 Dillards
 
Outfit #2
 
Woman:
Smocked Tank Dress – $59.50 GAP
Kenneth Cole Flower Sandals – $49.99 Dillards
Purple Swarovski Flower Pendant with beaded chain $7.50 Etsy (crystalglowdesign)
 
Man:
Classic Flat front shorts – $29.95 American Eagle
Slim Fit Plaid Shirt – $54.50 Banana Republic
Basic Leather Flip-Flop – $16.99 Aeropostale
  
Newborns:
Girls:
Various Headbands found on Etsy (pictured headband is from Neisha’s Blue Boutique)
Various Simple Headbands on Etsy (pictures headband is from handmadebyharlan)
Various Beanies and Hats on Etsy (above hat from JoCo Couture)
Various Diaper Covers on Etsy (above diaper cover from JoCo Couture)
 
Boys:
Various Beanies and Hats on Etsy (above hat from JoCo Couture)
Various Diaper Covers on Etsy (above diaper cover from JoCo Couture)

Got a bun in the oven?   Contact me today to schedule a session at lindsay@lindsayhorn.com!

Well, it’s been awhile since I’ve been able to join in on one of these contests, but when I saw this week’s theme I knew I couldn’t pass it up!  If you’re a regular reader, I’m sure you’ve noticed that a big chunk of my spring clientele has been seniors.  I LOVE shooting seniors.  One of the reasons I find it so enjoyable is that you can’t be around a senior for long without feeling like one yourself again – they just exude that youthful carefree spirit, full of hope and possibilities.  I know that sounds silly and cliche, but it’s so true!  Maybe all that means is that I haven’t matured past that age anyways, and that’s why I have so much fun, but I can live with that too.   Anyways, Kim was no exception – I think she was laughing in about half of my shots.  Gotta love it! 

To see more great images celebrating teens this week, head on over to I Heart Faces!

Well, I didn’t think I’d be able to give you a look at these until next week as they were supposed to be a top-secret Father’s Day gift, but I’ve been notified that the cat’s out of the bag and I’m cleared to share.    And it has been so hard to hold back, let me tell you!  Not that I don’t absolutely love my senior clients (which I do), but it seems like forever since I have gotten to photograph some little ones.  We decided to have a some fun with this shoot – lots of great colors (Mom nailed the outfits!), new props, and the debut of my studio setup to the great outdoors.  It was not without it’s hiccups (think backdrop turning into a giant sail), but we managed to skate through with only minor injuries and lots of smiles.    As you can see, they are some pretty adorable smiles!  Big sis Ella completely took control and just loved all over her little sis … Lucy really shone once she got the spotlight to herself, as the younger ones often do!  I’m so glad Mom wanted to get in a few as well – I hope Dad was thrilled with the images of his three gorgeous gals.  Thanks for letting me capture this special moment and for being such troopers – I had a blast! 

Guest contributor Maris of Maris Ehlers Photography put together this wonderful post on skin, makeup, and nails for all of you ladies and seniors or teen girls.  This is so so important!  You don’t want to spend hours and money compiling the perfect outfit and then forget those finishing touches.  You are going to want to bookmark this one!  Maris says:

“I photograph a lot of women and high school senior girls, so I wanted to focus my Wardrobe Wednesday on something other than clothing, and that is your skin and makeup.  Clients tend not to think about it until the last minute, but it can have even more impact on the final image than your clothing. 
Getting ready for your session doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and you want to look your best,  whether it’s for a corporate headshot, to celebrate your engagement or with your kids!
Your makeup should look fresh, natural and clean.  Here are some easy tips to make sure you look fabulous for your time in front of the lens:
1.  Ladies (especially you high school girls), PLEASE no eyeliner on the inside of the eye.  I know you’ve been wearing it this way for years, and I know it looks dramatic and that’s how your friends wear theirs, but consider this:  it actually makes your eyes look SMALLER.  That may be fine in real life, but it can be very distracting and diminish one of your very best features in a portrait.  This is my number one rule when photographing women.    A softer, slightly smudged line under your lashes will accentuate your eyes, enhance them and make them one of the focal points in your portraits.  Eyes are also much easier to edit this way!
2.  Nails should always be natural;  no polish, clear polish, a French manicure or a very neutral color.  Again, bright blues, greens and red take away from your face, especially if you are posed with your head near your hands.
3.   Often women think tanning will make them photograph better, when in fact, that is the opposite.  Tanning often results in uneven skin color, and it makes editing very difficult for your favorite photographer.  Your natural skin color has a luminosity to it that can be amazing in print.  Cover it with a tan, fake or by the sun, and not only do we have tan lines to deal with, but your skin can come off as dull and uneven .
4.  Faux lashes can make a HUGE difference.  There are tons out there now, they are easy to apply and stay on well throughout a session.  Even if you just add them at the corners of the eye you can see a big difference in how your eyes pop in a photograph.
5.  For a more dramatic look, you can add a lot of drama with some quick makeup tricks.  In addition to faux lashes, adding layers of shadow with darker contrast colors in the crease and lid can add dimension and depth to your eyes.  Rimming the outside of the eye  (under the lower lashes and above the upper lashes) with a darker liner is the way to go.  It’s tricky though, so make sure you practice before the day of your session – start with a little – you can always add more, but it’s nearly impossible to remove it once it’s on.    Your lips should still not overpower your eyes, so a translucent color is best.

So remember:   the goal of a portrait is to accent your natural beauty , and your makeup should enhance what you already have, not bury it!  Start conservative, and end with a slightly heavier application to carry over in print, but using tricks like faux lashes, contouring with shadow and blush, as well as a slightly heavier (and lighter) covering of foundation is really all you need.  For a little drama, work the eyes – because as well all know, the eyes DO have it! ”

Thanks Maris for a wonderful post!  If you are as impressed as I am, go leave her some love and become a fan on Facebook.  You must check out her WOW sessions – they are absolutely fabulous!  Feeling inspired?  Contact me at lindsay@lindsayhorn.com to schedule your session today!

This week’s awesome Wardrobe Wednesday contribution comes from Stephanie of Stephanie Reeder Photography.  Simplicity truly is a beautiful thing!   Here’s what she has to say:

“This week’s wardrobe wednesday comes to me inspired by my husband. As a photographer I am always dreaming up the perfect outfit for my family to wear for our photos. While I know some moms can relate when it comes to your family photos, it doesn’t always mean we get what we want. In my case, my husbands takes a more laid back and simple approach. So ladies if you have a hubby like me, then here’s my wardrobe pick for you. Simple can sometimes be the better route to take when photographing a family because well sometime there maybe someone who doesn’t wish to dress up and get all fancy. In some cases it maybe the children, but for me it’s my better half. As a photographer, I can relate to this simplicity because when someone feels uncomfortable or not them selves the day of their photo session, it can and almost always will come across in a photograph that they don’t quite feel as comfortable or like themselves. So when all else fails, come as you are…Simple! The best part of capturing a family is to capture them as they truly are. Keeping your wardrobe simple for some allows a family to be free of uncomfortable clothing, and awkwardness. In this collaboration, I have kept the color pallet simple, but yet fashionably together. The clothing is not too tight, or out of the ordinary, and most of all it’s a wardrobe that allows a lot of movement for fun and interactive photographs. Lastly simple is what you make of your wardrobe, if your family loves color, textures, and fun prints, then by all means bring your attire and smiles to the photo session. It’s our passion as photographers to capture those beautiful moments, hugs, and smiles and we want you to feel comfortable so that you have those memories to last a lifetime.”

Shopping List:

Mom
Linen utility shirt Gap $54.50
Hip slung slim flare pants Gap $54.50
Odell Ballet Flats Target $12.99

Dad
Men’s Straight-Fit Jeans Old Navy $29.50
Blue madras plaid shirt Gap $39.50
Mossimo Brown Men’s Sulfur Athlsre Target $29.99

Son
Pique Polo The Children’s Place $5.00
Jammer shorts The Children’s Place $10.00
Dashiel Canvas Sneakers Target $12.99

Daughter
Plaid Dress Gap $29.99
Floral appliqué headband Gap $7.50
Jaiden Flower Gladiator Sandals Target $11.24

Feeling inspired?  Contact me at lindsay@lindsayhorn.com to schedule your session today!

I know this post is very belated, but what can I say, there’s been a lot going on!  Bluebonnet season was completely crazy for me this year, but I did manage to sneak in a few pics of my girl.   My mom brought her up to the fields before one of my sessions – thank goodness for her help!  I’ll give you a quick update on my Texas gal.  She oozes personality.  She is so passionate – it seems like everything she feels, from joy and happiness to anger and frustration, she feels to the absolute fullest.  It certainly keeps us on our toes!  She is starting to “talk” more and more … sometimes we understand and sometimes we don’t.  Her favorite two things to do are running and swinging.  She says “WEEEEEEEE” whenever we see or come near a swing … that kid could swing for hours.  She gives hugs and kisses {some days}, and she loves to dance {see below}.  She just fills our lives with so much joy, and we thank God every day for entrusting her to us!

Oooh, I’m so excited about this!  To celebrate my upcoming anniversary, I wanted to do something special to give away something BIG!  So, here’s how it works – now it’s your turn to be the photographer!  I will be taking photo submissions now through June 15th at midnight.  Your entry must be a photo of your kid/kids, regardless of age or species (it’s okay to get a little creative).  I will then assemble the submissions into an album on my Facebook page on Saturday June 19th, and voting will begin!  In order to vote, you must be a Fan/Like my Facebook page.  Then you may “Like” the entry you wish to vote for.  Comments are encouraged, but only “Likes” will count as votes!  Feel free to recruit voters for your entry any way you can – post it to your Facebook profile, email your friends, tweet away – get creative!  Trust me, you will want to do anything you can to win this prize.  The winner will receive a complimentary full session, a $150 print credit, and three mini accordion books – all valued at $325!  Make sure to read the complete rules below before entering:

Photo Submissions

1)      Entries must be emailed to lindsay@lindsayhorn.com.  I will send you a reply email confirming your entry.

2)      Only one photo per family may be submitted.

3)      The photo may be of your child/children of any age or species (yes, furry friends are allowed).

4)      Please include the name (first name only if you prefer) of the child/children in your entry to be used in the caption. 

5)      By submitting an entry, you give Lindsay Horn Photography permission to post the photo on her Facebook page and/or blog, and to use the photo in promoting the contest.

6)      Your entry must have been taken by you or a family member – no professional pictures will be accepted. 

7)      Submissions will be accepted from June 2^nd through June 15^th at midnight.

Voting

1)      Voting will run from June 19^th through June 24^th at 10 p.m. CST.

2)      To vote for an entry, you must become a fan/like my Facebook page, and then “Like” the entry you would like to vote for.  Comments are encouraged, but do NOT count as votes. 

3)      You may vote for as many entries as you like, but only once per each entry.

4)      The winner (the entry with the most votes at the end of the voting period) will be announced on Friday June 25^th.

Prize

1)      The grand prize package includes: a complimentary full session, a $150 print credit, and three mini accordion books (all valued at $325). 

2)      All regular session policies still apply. 

3)      The print credit may not be used towards press-printed products or digital files. 

4)      Session must be scheduled before December 31st, 2010. 

Now go get that camera or dig out that favorite picture!   Email me at lindsay@lindsayhorn.com with any questions, or with your entry!   I have to leave you with a recent shot of my kiddo …