I just love this week’s post from Rebecca of Rebecca Keeling Studios.  Not only is it full of great information about what we as custom photographers strive to do for our clients, but it’s full of great pictures too!   Most people don’t think about bringing things like this to a session, but really, it’s your things (not ours) that will have the most sentimental value!  And we don’t get our great props from some super-secret super-special photographer’s prop closet, we get them from Hobby Lobby, antique stores, even the grocery store (shoot, I picked up something really cute at Staples today!).  Chances are your house is full of really awesome stuff to use in a photo shoot, you’ve just never looked at it in that light before.  So, here’s your mission.  Read this post and go look around – what wonderful things are hiding in your house?!?

“We’ve all been brainstorming lately about the direction our Wardrobe Wednesday posts will take now that we’ve covered pretty much every type of session we can imagine in the MOST fashionable and fabulous summer outfits.  And we’ve all agreed that Fall will be a great transition time for even more amazing clothing finds, steals, and deals.  But what to do with the “inbetween” time where it’s just too darn hot to start talking about your Fall wardrobe??  Well, hopefully our next few posts will spark your interest with things a little outside the wardrobe realm but still incredibly relevant to having a most incredible photo session…which, after all, is why you are here…right??!! 
Today’s post is all about the props.  Theatrical presentations all have at least one thing in common…they all use props to tell a story…to draw you in…to peak your interest…to hold your attention.  As a photographer, I like to think of myself as a storyteller.  It’s not good enough just to take a random snapshot with no context, no story, no purpose.  Our job as custom photographers is to get to know our clients, what they like, how they live, how they love, what makes them different.  Props play a big role in this storytelling process.  For babies, it might be an antique family heirloom carriage; for children, it could be their love of bubbles, flowers, trucks, bugs; for families, you may have a chair or setee with sentimental value; for seniors, they all have hobbies; and for couples, you have romance!  Everyone has a story to tell and we love to help you tell that story by using props.  So let’s get creative, and let’s get started telling YOUR story today!”

Pictures courtesy of your Wardrobe Wednesday Team! 

I had the pleasure of meeting up with Katie and her brothers last week at one of my favorite locations.  I know Mom has really been looking forward to getting some shots of all of her kiddos, and they were real troopers on another very hot evening.  I have had such a great run of siblings who get along so well together, and they were certainly no exception!   After we got some sibling shots, the boys were released from duty and Katie and I got to work on her senior pictures.  She actually graduated in May (class of 2010), but it’s never too late to get your senior pictures!  She brought some AWESOME outfits AND her guitar.  I got so excited when I heard that!  She even gathered an audience while playing her guitar up on our little hill there at the end of the night – that gorgeous laughing shot was right after someone asked her to sing too!   Thanks for being so fun and laid back, I had such a great time!  Enjoy your sneak peek!

Jett is the first of my Class of 2011 Senior Reps that I photographed this summer.  We had a great session on a cool post-rain evening, evenings like that seem like a distant memory at this point!   I’m really excited to work with Jett this year.  Not only is he an awesome football player, but he’s also a very accomplished actor and singer – I’ve seen him in action!   Not surprising that one of his favorite TV shows is Glee.    The only hiccup to our session was when a stray cat surprised us on top of the shed we were shooting in front of.  How do cats sense that you hate them, and why do they torture you?!?  Thanks for a great session Jett, and I’m looking forward to working together this year! 

I met up with this very brave family last weekend on what turned out to be the hottest day of the year here in Dallas.  Yes, when I pulled up, my car thermometer said 107.  No, that is not a typo.  Luckily, you would have never known it by the way they acted.  We had so much fun – what an awesome carefree bunch!  I’m horrified of the teenage years, so it’s always so refreshing to see families with teenage (and a little older) kids who are so sweet and good-natured.  These two were certainly no exception.  They even brought along their family dog who posed for a few shots and then {happily} waited out the rest of the session in the AC.    I loved working with you guys, and in all honesty, you turned what could have been a miserable night into a memorable one.  Bravo!  Enjoy your sneak peek!

This week’s post comes from the very talented Morgan of Morgan Dawson Photography!  She gives us some great tips and a great store to take the stress out of shopping 3 or 4 or 5 (as I did) different stores to put together your portrait wardrobe.  I wish I knew about this then …. thanks Morgan!

“This week we’re all about saving time and adding convenience.
That’s because I had to figure out: What’s a girl to do when her Wardrobe Wednesday post is unexpectedly due a week early? It’s easy! One-stop shop at a place that picks the outfits FOR you.

I’m probably the last one to the Boden party, but better late than never, right? Not only do they have adult clothing, they also have lines for kids (miniBoden) and teens (Johnnie B). So when you’re shopping for a family, this is really a great place to start. It also helps that Boden has a chill, relaxed style (who doesn’t love clothing you can actually live in!) and a tendency to feature bright colors. Always great for a photo shoot!

Often we suggest picking a piece or color and creating an outfit around it. With Boden, once you select an item you’ll see photos and links to other clothing and accessories that will complete the look – from head to toe. It’s that easy!

Are you visual (like me) and need to see a few more outfit combinations? You’re in luck (as long as you’re shopping in the women’s section). Boden provides an outfit creator that allows you to add and subtract items on a virtual mannequin. I’m great at picking out individual pieces, but when I’m buying for myself, I struggle with creating an entire look. This is such a huge help.

Need a few more reasons to check out Boden?

1) Check out their sale or clearance items. While some places wait until the season is over to start pricing things down, Boden isn’t afraid to discount current styles.
2) You can order items for your entire family and only check out once – with a flat shipping rate of $10.
3) If you call Boden you hear the most polite voice recording from owner Johnnie Boden himself – with a charming British accent

Cheers and happy shopping!”

I was so excited to finally get to photograph this lovely family after we initially had to reschedule due to rain.  We were blessed with some gorgeous light the second go-around, but man was it hot and humid!   I think we were all looking forward to ending the night in the creek!    They did a great job keeping “fresh”, and Mom did a fabulous job with their outfits – aren’t they such a good-looking family? Thanks for being such good sports and enduring that lovely Texas weather with a smile (lots of them in fact)!  Enjoy your sneak peek!

Yes, it was my turn to supply our weekly dose of wardrobe awesomeness this time around, and I think I may have discovered a “left out” segment!  Since I photograph a lot of seniors, I also end up photographing a lot of families with older children (teens and college-age).  Just because your children are “grown” does not mean you can’t have a casual family portrait with killer outfits.  In fact, the same rules apply!  I think that they key to a great casual wardrobe is looking put-together without wearing the same thing.  I can hear you already, “but wearing the same thing is so much easier!”  That may be true, but the end result often looks very traditional and formal, and if you are one of my clients, then that’s probably not what you came to me for.  So, take a deep breath and read on.  It’s not as hard as it sounds!

Pick a color scheme.  I usually suggest one or two muted or neutral colors (browns and creams here) and then an accent color (a lovely turquoise blue).  Pick clothes that you are comfortable in and that you like!  Your cute teenage daughter will probably want to wear something current and stylish – that’s wonderful!  Your typical teenage son will likely want to wear something casual, something he’s comfortable in.  That is just fine, and he may enjoy the experience a little more because of it.  Dad wants to wear jeans – great!  That’s the beauty of a casual portrait.  Everyone gets to let some of their own personality shine through and the end result is fabulous.  And yes, Mom, that means that you get to buy those killer shoes you’ve been eyeing.  I give you permission!

Shopping List
 
Brother
Turquoise Polo – Sears $8.99
Cargo Shorts – JC Penney $19.99
Sandals – Kohl’s $9.99
 
Sister
Top – Kohl’s $17.99
Skinny Jeans – Kohl’s $29.99
Sandals – Kohl’s $29.99
 
Dad
Button-up Shirt – Kohl’s $14.99
Jeans – JC Penney – $32.99
Shoes – Kohl’s $41.99
 
Mom
Brown Top – JC Penney $16.99
Khaki Capri’s – JC Penney $17.99
Bronze Sandals – Kohl’s $39.99

Oh how the time flies, it seems like just yesterday I was shooting Miss Kennedy’s newborn session.  She is just as absolutely adorable today as she was back then!  She couldn’t have been a more perfect subject – all smiles and cute expressions, and not a tear to shed.  I’m forever spoiled.    And didn’t Mom do a great job with her outfit?  The colors looked so great against the background at this park.  I should also give a shout-out to big sister and brother Maci and Tucker who were soooo good during the shoot that they earned a trip to the toy store!  And can I just say that there’s nothing that brightens my day more than a return client!  It’s such an honor to be a part of the process of capturing that growth – whether it be from newborn to one year old, toddler to senior, senior to engagement, and perhaps eventually another newborn ( ) – I cherish the fact that you’ve chosen me to help memorialize that journey.  Okay, okay, on with the pictures!  Enjoy your sneak peek!

With a busy fall senior season just around the corner, Kelly of Kelly V. Photography couldn’t have put this one together at a better time!  So, for all of you moms of senior boys scouring for ideas, just remember that it’s most important that they be themselves!   Let them take a peek at this post … they might even start looking forward to it!    Here’s what Kelly has to say:

“Since the class of 2011 is scheduling senior sessions in full force, I thought I’d offer some suggestions for the guys.
I think a common misconception is that men don’t care how they look, when really, most of the guys I shoot bring just as many outfits to their session as the girls. Although you’ll naturally gravitate toward your favorite things in your closet, be sure to choose a variety of looks, too. Even one dressier outfit will help round out your photos.
In the first outfit below, I took a classic button-down shirt and made two completely different looks with it. One is dressy, one is more casual. For the casual look, I’d recommend rolling up the sleeves. But if you choose to go the more formal route and you’re looking for funky ties, check out the shopping list. I found a site that’s FULL of them.
While you’re packing, don’t forget to choose something that’s just, well, you. If you wear crazy graphic T-shirts, bring a few. If color is your thing, don’t shy away from it.
And be sure to bring a variety of shoes, too. Different looks need different finishing touches. Ties just don’t go with flip flops. Unless that’s your thing!”

OUTFIT #1
Casual version
Shirt: Gap, $32.99 (sale)
Tee: Gap, $16.50 (two or more $12.50 each)
Jeans: Gap, $64.50
Shoes: Sketchers, $59.00
Dressy version
Shirt: Gap, $32.99 (sale)
Khakis: Gap, $44.50
Shoes: Sketchers, $54.95
Tie: Zazzle.com, $31.75

OUTFIT #2
Jacket: Abercrombie & Fitch, $100
Plaid shirt: A&F, $60
Jeans: A&F, $98
Belt: A&F, $48
Sandals: A&F, $48

OUTFIT #3
Hoodie: Old Navy, $24.50
Reversable shorts: Old Navy, $15.00 (sale)
Etnies tee: Pac Sun, $28.00
Shoes: Journies, $59.99

When I got an email last night from Michelle Moore (one of my photography heros – see Inspiration tab above!), it just about made my year!   One of my super fashionable senior sessions is being featured today over on her teen fashion blog Salt & Prep.  I can not tell you how excited I am about this – this was a career aspiration of mine that I can now check off the list!   I’m really honored and humbled to be included among some truly talented photographers over there, and big thanks to Rachel for such a fabulous session.  Make sure you go check it out!  And you senior gals will want to bookmark this site – it is FULL of awesome style and wardrobe tips for your senior session!