Chandler is the last (but certainly not least!) of my 2011 Senior Reps. We met up a few weeks ago on a stifling hot evening. Chandler was looking for a really woodsy feel, and when I stumbled upon this gem of a location I knew it would be perfect! It was nice that we got to stay in the shade, but that also meant we were getting no breeze – I’m amazed that Chandler managed to look so fresh the whole time! And can I just say that I would kill to have her hair?!? Oh my, the light was just hitting it so perfectly this evening. I also got to use the vintage suitcases I’ve been stockpiling, and I was really pleased with how they came out. Chandler is an amazing singer and performer, and I LOVE that she brought her “faces” of theater for some fun shots. That just goes to show that you don’t have to be an athlete or play a musical instrument to use a cool prop! I really look forward to working with you this year Chandler, enjoy your sneak peek!

This week’s wonderful Wardrobe Wednesday post is jam-packed with great wardrobe ideas AND other thoughts on preparing for a session with your toddler.  It can be one of the most difficult ages to photograph – too old to stay still for long and too young for effective bribing.    A cute wardrobe is only the start, as Erica of Erica May Photography tells us, there are lots of other things you can do to make sure your session goes as smoothly as possible for everyone!  Here’s what she has to say:

“Babies and Toddlers can definitely be the hardest age group to photograph. Between the spitting up, drooling, crying, and running away from the camera it can get pretty difficult. However, when you get that great shot of a challenging toddler all the hard work pays off! But dressing your baby/toddler doesn’t have to be hard! This is the one time in your child’s life that they won’t have a strong opinion about what you dress them in so go for it! I give you permission to go crazy and get your toddler something ridiculously cute to wear to their session! I put together some great outfits below that are full of personality, color, and layers – all things we have been talking about every week in our Wardrobe Wednesday posts. Of course, I would never spend $100 on an outfit for my little boy to wear everyday but I do splurge for his photo shoots. Why? Because it totally makes the pictures come alive! For babies and toddlers make sure to try their outfit on ahead of time to make sure it fits them just right (even if it means buying the size they are about to outgrow!). It is always a good idea for a toddler session to bring a snack and drink for them so they can take breaks during their session (being that cute is hard work!). A really good trick to get portraits of your baby/toddler holding still is to bring something for them to do. We had a fantastic post a few weeks ago about props and toddlers are a great example of how a prop can make a picture. I added a few pictures below of toddlers in action with their props. Often we can save the prop for the end of the session when they are bored with it all and it gives the child an extra boost of energy and smiles! Remember toddler photo shoots don’t always go as planned but just relax and try to have fun!”

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Riley and I met up last month bright and early in the morning for a session with one very cool prop.  The beautiful vintage Corvette you see below was actually Riley’s father’s car when he was in high school.  They finished restoring it just in time for our session, pretty cool, huh!  Riley is also a fantastic musician and his sweet guitar made for an excellent addition to the shoot!  Riley had some great ideas too – I love it when my clients jump in and get creative!  I’m really looking forward to working with you this year, Riley!

I had the pleasure of meeting then one-week old Baby Keaton last week just before we went out of town.  He is so tiny and adorable!  I always forget how tiny the brand new little ones are until I see one, and oh my, it just melts your heart.  It’s a good thing I have a bunch of these lined up so I can keep getting my newborn “fix”!   They weren’t sure how Keaton would do without his clothes on, but he fell asleep like a champ.  Dad had to work, but we did get some shots of Keaton and his beauiful momma.  You’ll have to take note of his “positioning” in the one just below on the right, we just about died laughing.  What a little man!   Thanks so much for letting me spend a few hours loving on your little one, and enjoy your sneak peek! 

Today’s wonderfully colorful Wardrobe Wednesday post comes from guest contributor Stacie of Stacie Hawley Photography.  I love the step-by-step process she has put together for dressing your kiddos for their portrait session.  I couldn’t have said it better myself!   And she used outfits from one of our favorite stores – they are gorgeous!  Make sure you go check out Stacie’s AMAZING work (especially with kids) over on her site, blog, or go “Like” her on her Facebook page!  Make sure you congratulate her too – she was featured (and published) in a magazine this month!  Thanks for a great post Stacie!

“My favorite people to shoot, you ask?  KIDS – of course!!  They are so fun, spunky and full of personality.  Even better, they don’t mind being goofy and crazy – they welcome the unusual – and they love to be unique.  That’s why when I give style suggestions for kiddo shoots I always recommend these FIVE things.

1.       Go for the BOLD…

It’s all about the color and pattern!  There is no better way to show off their bright shining personalities then through their clothes!  Colors should be bold – not neon.  If it even remotely resembles the oh-so-famous (could they get any brighter?) yellow/pink/green/blue/etc. school highlighter – it’s a no go.  Deep strong color is key.  Also, patterns can be your friend.  Thick stripes, large polka dots, and chunky plaid are all great!  Just make sure to stick with one bold pattern per outfit.

2.        Three’s Company…

This is a simple rule and I have no idea where I heard it, but I live by it.  It’s all about coordinating your colors.  You wonder – how in the world do I know what color goes best with what?  Ack.  It can be very intimidating.  I’ve been there.  But don’t worry – breath – what I tell you next will free your mind.  Are you ready… ANYTHING GOES TOGETHER.  Did you get that – I know totally mind boggling.  But it’s true.  Anything goes as long as the colors appear a few times throughout your outfits.  For example, in the pictures below –so graciously borrowed from the miniBoden website (love their style) – you will see this rule used over and over again.  Yellow, brown, blue, burgundy – WHAT?  They can’t go together you say – oh yes my friend – they can!!  Yellow appears in the jacket, tights, and hat.  Blue appears in the tights, skirt, and jeans.  Burgundy/brown appears in the shoes, tights, hairclip….etc.  I usually suggest 2-3 main colors and then have them appear 3 or more times throughout the outfits.  Easy Peasy lemon squeezy.  Right?!!

3.       One Singular Sensation…

When building an outfit, pick one thing your child likes – this could be a hat, necklace, jacket, tights, boots, shirt, etc. – and build up.  If it’s a hat, then look at it, find the colors in it, and then add to the outfit by following rule number 2.  For example, I heart the little grey kitten shirt below.  If I started with this, I could then build up my outfit using the colors within, which in this case are blue, red, and white.  Adding a jacket, jeans, shoes, and then creating a complimentary look following rules number 1 and 2 leaves you with the completed look.  Bravo miniBODEN. 

4.       Layer Cake…

Now that you’ve got your colors squared away, just make sure to layer…layer…layer.  Chunky layered looks add dimension and spunk – especially when you use various textures.  Add a fun jacket, a sweater, a vest, a belt, a hoodie – well the list goes on and on.  Just do it – I promise it will be just what the doctor ordered!  Check out the cute dudes below, layered to perfection!

5.       Comfort Zone…

Last but definitely NOT least – make sure all clothing is comfortable!!  Kids want to be able to move and groove as they normally would, and as the photographer, I want them to too.  When they feel comfortable in their clothing it shows, again letting their personality shine through.  Then I can do my oh-so-fun job of capturing them dancing…jumping…laughing…being themselves – being kids.

Well – I hope this helps ya’ll!!  Happy Kiddo Stylin’!! 

All outfits can be found at www.miniboden.com.  They are awesome for way cute kid fashion.  Plus sometimes most of the times – they do the hard styling work for you – fancy that! Ha ha.”

While I am not a wedding photographer, I know for a fact that I have several readers who are planning their wedding right now, and I’m sure there are many who will plan that lovely event sometime in the future!  Stephanie of Stephanie Reeder Photography has put together some wonderful tips on how to accessorize your special day to make it even more personal and fun!  Here’s what she has to say:

“It’s your special day and you want to capture it all!! As a wedding photographer I am always looking for the smallest details and personalization. So ladies and well gents when it comes to planning your special day always remember the smallest detail is and will be captured. I love when a bride personalizes not only herself, but her groom, and bridesmaid as well.  I am not about to tell a bride what to wear on her special day, but I thought it would be fun to discuss some great trends and alternatives for those who love to dream of all things beautiful!

Hair piece or veil?
A veil is a beautiful and traditional way to go and how stunning is a bride with a fingertip veil walking down the isle. Some fun ways to be different and bring flare to your dress is glamorizing your style by adding a fun broach,  bird cage veil, and/or soft feather to your hair.

Jewelry
Every girl dreams of her special day all dressed in white. Now it’s time to accessorize with jewels and gorgeous gems. I love when a bride has a special story behind her jewelry. Whether it was on a romantic trip to Mexico where she found the bluest of turquoise bracelet, or personalized it further with her great grandmothers diamond earrings. Either way by adding a story to your jewelry it tells an additional story or memory in your wedding day photos. Also something fun to remember is adding color to your dress through jewelry gives an extra detail some brides tend to overlook.

Shoes
Remember comfort is important when picking out your shoes. Make sure to be aware of the ground you’ll be walking on as well. Golf courses and heels don’t always favor one another, neither do stilettos and cobble stone. After choosing your comfort think of personalizing your footwear with glam, fun colors, or the cutest of floral.

Bridal Bouquet
Choose your favorite flowers and style them together by adding a special touch with your mother’s broach, favorite trinket, or that special butterfly that reminds you of someone special. Your flowers are what complete your look and why not keep the story telling going with the array of beautiful flowers which will be held in your hands and lead by your heart.

Bridesmaids
Bridesmaids make sure to always keep the bride at heart and ask her what she wishes for you to wear on her special day. With that being said, it’s always a fun idea to have a theme with accessories and shoes for your bridesmaids. I have even seen where brides get creative and make special flower wristlets for their bridal parties or have them walk the isles with different arrangements such as lanterns, crystal balls, and even lollipops to fit their candied theme.

Groom
Now ladies, I know we dream of how our dresses, shoes, and jewelry come together, but don’t forget the men in your life who will fabulously be meeting and leading you down the isle. Color coordination is key and already probably a known, but don’t forget those small details we were talking of earlier. Cufflinks, handkerchiefs, socks, and ties are always a special and fun way to accessorize. Trends now, are even suggesting the simplest of suites if your style permits.

Oh how the details could go on. I could seriously re-plan my wedding over and over again with details, but in the end, its those details I remember in my photographs. Your photographer is there to help capture your planning, your fairytale dreams, and love of your special day. Keep every detail personal to you and your fiance. Find a theme or even a story to tell through out your day. If you ever need some great inspiration, head on over to some of my favorite blogs. Happy Planning!

Style Me Pretty www.stylemepretty.com
One Lovely Day www.projectwedding.com
One White Dress www.onewhitedress.net
Ruffled www.ruffledblog.com

Rachael and I met up last week at one of my favorite urban locations.  Rachael just oozes personality, and I absolutely love how she chose outfits that really reflect her unique-ness!  We walked all over downtown McKinney and found some really killer spots.  Rachael was always up for anything – I just love it when my clients trust me!    She also has a tradition where she gets a new pair of Converses each year – so she brought her Freshman through Senior year Converses to include in some fun shots.  The only downside to the evening was that I lost a lens cap AND locked my keys in my car during a wardrobe change.  Eek!  Luckily I had all of my gear on me, so we could finish the shoot while my poor husband came and drove the 25 miles to bring me a spare key.  I almost forgot to mention, Rachael is the first senior I’ve photographed from Frisco High School and therefore qualifies for my brand new “Trendsetter Bonus”!  The first senior that I photograph at any given school will receive 50 FREE senior rep/411 cards to pass out to their friends.  How cool is that?!?  Thanks so much for a fabulous session Rachael, enjoy your sneak peek! 

After a rainy reschedule, I met up with Ryan last weekend to take his senior portraits.  Ryan was my last Class of 2010 senior to photograph and proof that it’s never too late!   He told me that he originally wasn’t going to have senior portraits taken, but then decided that this time in his life needed to be captured, and I couldn’t agree more. As I mentioned in a previous post, there is likely never going to be another time when you have a photo shoot dedicated to you and you alone, so make the most of it!  Ryan’s awesome wardrobe coupled with a great location made for some really nice images.  I told Ryan that I can see why he wears (and brought) a lot of blue - wow, does it make his blue eyes pop! :)  Thanks for a great session and for your patience during our bizarre Texas weather.  Enjoy your sneak peek!

This was a very exciting session for me for a number of reasons!  First, this session was for my “That’s My Kid” contest winners!  Big Sis Mary graciously donated the bulk of her session to her brand new one week old (at the time) baby brother.   It has been way too long since I’ve gotten to photograph a tiny little newborn, so I was really psyched about that too!  While it took quite a while to get baby Jacob completely asleep (and some sweat and patience on the part of both Mom and Dad), it was well worth the wait.  Once he was out, he was out!  After Jacob’s newborn pictures, we moved the fun to their backyard for some milestone pictures of both big brother Daniel and big sis Mary.  Mom really took to heart our Wardrobe Wednesday post from last week and came prepared with lots of great props and ideas for their images – almost everything you see in the outside images are their’s and we even used Mom and Dad’s old baby blankets for the newborn session.  It really makes it so much more special!  We wrapped up the session with their cute “1-2-3″ outfits, and that was exciting to say the least.    Mary and Daniel are soooo in love with baby Jacob, they could barely keep their eyes and hands (and sometimes entire bodies) off of him.  I had so much fun with you guys, thanks for letting me capture this special time!

Since we like to keep things fresh over here, Shannon of Shannon J. Dodge Photography has done a 180 and given us some great tips on things to avoid as you pick out your portrait outfits.  Now, don’t feel embarassed if you’ve fallen victim to one of these – it happens to the best of us (yes, even me)!    That is our job as the photographer: to educate, and hope that you comply.  So, enjoy the post! 

“Over the years, there have been certain things that have stood out during photoshoots. Sometimes it’s been really evident during the shoot, and other times it wasn’t apparent until I started editing.  You want to look your best, yet be yourself, correct? So be yourself! BUT there are certain rules and regulations when it comes to classic and well put together ensembles for your portraits! That’s why I decided to put together a “What Not to Wear” segment for our Wardrobe Wednesday this week!

First up: Your entire outfit.

It’s OK to coordinate your colors but, let’s leave entire matching outfits to little girls, shall we? Mix and match your colors and coordinate…it makes for much more interesting images!  Notice I mentioned the word color.

Solids and small prints photograph best…beware of loud stripes or plaids. 

Next: Shoes.

Shoes can be tricky, I know. They can make or break an outfit.  You want to be comfortable but please leave the Crocs at home! They tend to be an eyesore in photos. They are bulky and bright and they draw a viewer’s eye down to the ground. You want people to look at YOU not at your Crocs.  

If you choose to wear sandals or flip flops, PLEASE do not pair them w/ socks. 

Finally: Details.

Look at your nails. Is the polish chipping? Do you have on an obnoxious color that’s going to draw attention to your hands and only your hands? Neutral nails photograph best.
How are your highlights holding up? Don’t forget to check your roots, girls!
If you don’t normally have a tan, now is probably not the time to run and get a spray tan or lay out in the sun all day.  You don’t want to look like an Oompa Loompa or a lobster. 

PLEASE check your bra straps. If you are wearing a tank top, make sure your bra straps are not visible. Wear clear straps or better yet, buy a bra strap concealer that converts your regular bra into a racer back bra…they are cheap and easy to find!

I hope you find these tips helpful. Booking a photo session is fun and exciting. Make the best of your photos by dressing your family adorably and paying attention to the details!”