I always love the chance to photograph my sister and her precious family.  It was SO hot on this lovely June day, but they were troopers and we got some really great shots!  Of course, their little family has grown since these were taken, but that is for another post!  Enjoy!

These images don’t really need any additional explanation from me … are they not the cutest family ever?!?  They were so well-behaved and so sweet with each other, truly a photographer’s dream.  Enjoy!

I got to photograph Sam’s lovely older sister Rachel a couple of years ago, and I knew our session would be a blast when Sam said he just wanted to look “magnificent.”  Mission accomplished.  Seriously, Sam is so funny and laid back, and he even brought his best bud Dixie along and the rest of the family for a few shots as well.  Dixie was quite a ham, it was hard to keep her from stealing the show.  :)  I know that Sam is enjoying his first year at A&M, he is an Aggie through and through!

Right now I’m getting lots of inquiries from senior clients who want one last family portrait before they head off to college.  Dressing families with older children isn’t much different from dressing families with small children, but I it is definitnely time for another post to help give all of these more “mature” families a visual.  I started with a fun print for the daughter’s dress that gave me a lot of good color options and built the rest from there.  This is a more casual look, and I think the families I’ve photographed around this age range have just felt and acted more like themselves and more relaxed in casual rather than formal outfits, and it’s something I generally recommend.  All of the outfits from head to toe were found at Old Navy – I know moms of kids everywhere can appreciate one stop shopping!

MOM

Capri Pants – $25.00 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=8976980020008&cid=5456

Tank Top – $10.00 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=72244&vid=1&pid=706081&scid=706081702

Sweater – $22.99 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=59093&vid=1&pid=898026

Necklace – $14.50 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=9198&vid=1&pid=174530&scid=174530002

Sandals – $19.50 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=55151&vid=1&pid=897799&scid=897799002

DAUGHTER

Dress – $27.50 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=50186&vid=1&pid=898301&scid=898301012

Sweater – $20.00 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=60783&vid=1&pid=122726&scid=122726042

Earrings – $8.94 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=9201&vid=1&pid=158844&scid=158844002

Wedges – $25.00 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=55150&vid=1&pid=897791&scid=897791012

SON

Shirt – $19.50 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=64803&vid=1&pid=897967&scid=897967022

Shorts – $19.50 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=34053&vid=1&pid=289066&scid=289066022

Sneakers – $24.94 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=37844&vid=1&pid=104503&scid=104503012

DAD

Shirt – $12.50 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=6985&vid=1&pid=898372&scid=898372042

Jeans – $29.50 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5209&vid=1&pid=574143&scid=574143022

Sandals – $19.94 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=16727&vid=1&pid=104482&scid=104482012

We had a post on our Wardrobe Wednesday Facebook page last week asking for advice on creating a wardrobe to go with Army Combat Uniforms.  We always appreciate requests for help, and we thought that this would make for a wonderful post!  We recruited the fabulous Rachel of Rachel Brenke Photography to help us out.  As a photographer and military wife, she has a very unique perspective.  Thank you Rachel for helping us out and sharing your thoughts with us!  Here’s what she has to say:

As a military spouse working intimately with clients who are going through deployments/homecomings is really emotion invoking.  The mindset getting ready for a homecoming or deployment session is completely different than one of family portraits that are done yearly.  There’s always the real possibility this may be their last, or at the very least is one of the things that will help the family get through the rough separation.  Being in a military community the majority of my clients are military, even if they prefer to shoot not in uniform.  My biggest goal with getting ready for a session, especially one that is during or before a deployment is to ensure that they have FUN because you are essentially taking up their limited together and want to make it more than a session. Make it a memory.  Of course the goal is for ALL Clients to feel this, but with military it just seems to have that air of privilege that you get to be the one to document.

I chose the colors for the styled outfits because they are reminiscent of the yellow and blues that are often associated with the united states military and flag.  I avoided red’s as red is not flattering on most individuals. The use of cooler tones tied in this patriotic theme but also lent to be flattering for most body types and skin tones.

Army Couple:

I absolutely love this post from Shannon, she details how to choose your outfits based on where you want to hang your images in your home — complete with visuals. And if you’re thinking, “Oh, great! Now I have to match my clothes AND my home decor?” Don’t sweat it. It’s easier than you think! And perhaps a great jumping-off point if you’re not sure where to start.

Here’s what she has to say:

When planning your shoot, whether you are the photographer or the client, you likely discuss the following: prices, products, location and wardrobe. Am I right? Shake your head yes, please.    Location and wardrobe are SO important to a photoshoot. They are both essentially what MAKES the shoot. I don’t care whether the location is a bedroom, the beach or a downtown area … I bet most clients have a specific “look” in mind when booking their session. But sometimes it’s difficult to actually coordinate all of that. Enter Wardrobe Wednesday.

3. Get those gorgeous photos ON YOUR WALLS! You’ve invested time and money in the photoshoot. What good is it doing you to keep them on a disc? 

Loving this week’s compilation from Erica of Erica May Photography!  I must admit, I’m a bit of a neutrals girl myself.  Check it out:

I love compilations with lots of color but I know that is not always for everyone. Lately, I have been loving photoshoots with lots of texture and layers and more of a monochromatic theme. No, I don’t mean everyone wears a tan t-shirt but monochromatic can be done and done right! This week I chose brown as my starting color. Brown is probably one of the easiest colors to go monochromatic. All of the shades of brown look wonderful together and different textures are easy to find.  This toned down outfit scheme would have the viewer oohing and awwing over the “soft”, “vintage” and “muted” feel. Also, this would be a great staring point if you did want to add in a little color. A few pops of a burgundy in there would spice up the whole feel. A few accessories like these awesome hand-made leather headpieces or a vintage newsboy hat (there are a ton of these listed on Etsy) will give the kids an individualized look for their solo portraits. Enjoy!

Aren’t those leather headpieces gorgeous?? Julia over at Leather Blossoms has graciously offered a 5% discount off anything in her shop for our readers! I absolutely love her beautiful headpieces! Go check her out!

Shopping Guide:

Woman:

Leather Headpiece – Etsy – $48.00
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55501045/cream-flower-headband-leather-cream?ref=sr_gallery_6&sref=&ga_search_query=cream+flower+headband&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

ELLE Embellished Halter Top – Kohls – $18.00
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/womens/tops_shirts/halter_tops/PRD~948844/ELLE+Embellished+Halter+Top.jsp

Dana Buchman Open-Front Crochet Cardigan – Kohls – $44.99
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/womens/sweaters/view_allsweaters/PRD~931325/Dana+Buchman+OpenFront+Crochet+Cardigan.jsp

LC Lauren Conrad Slim Bootcut Jeans – Kohls – $31.99
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/womens/jeans/bootcut/PRD~902871/LC+Lauren+Conrad+Slim+Bootcut+Jeans.jsp

Jellypop Preston Flat – DSW – $39.95
http://www.dsw.com/shoe/jellypop+preston+flat?prodId=236523&category=cat20068
Man:

SONOMAlife + style® Plaid Flannel Casual Button-Front Shirt – Kohls – $22.99
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/mens/shirts_polos/flannels_shirt_jackets/PRD~834105/SONOMA+life+++style+Plaid+Flannel+Casual+ButtonFront+Shirt.jsp

SONOMA life + style Bootcut Jeans – Kohls – $54.00
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/mens/jeans/bootcut/PRD~334188/SONOMA+life+++style+Bootcut+Jeans.jsp

Timberland Men’s Earthkeepers Chukka Boot – DSW – $79.95
http://www.dsw.com/shoe/timberland+men%27s+earthkeepers+chukka+boot?prodId=208664&category=cat20236

Little Girl:
Robeez Kendall Mini Shoez (Infant/Toddler)    $30.99
http://www.zappos.com/robeez-kendall-mini-shoez-infant-toddler-espresso

Cecilia Crinkle Dress – Tea Collection – $24.50
http://www.teacollection.com/product/1F13204/girls-dresses-cecilia-crinkle-dress.html#mushroom

Flores Pequeñas Leggings – Tea Collection – $17.50
http://www.teacollection.com/product/1F12305/girls-leggings-flores-peque-as-leggings.html#mole

Long Sleeve Purity Tee – Tea Collection – $22.50
http://www.teacollection.com/product/1F32001/boys-and-girls-t-shirts-long-sleeve-purity-tee.html#oatmeal heather

Cream flower hair clip  – Etsy – $28.00
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55720848/cream-flower-hair-clip-fascinator

Boy:

Ernesto Stripe Tee – Tea Collection – $24.50
http://www.teacollection.com/product/1F22002/boys-t-shirts-ernesto-stripe-tee.html#moss

Daytripper Jeans – Tea Collection – $34.50
http://www.teacollection.com/product/1F23301/boys-pants-daytripper-jeans.html#bio-stone wash

Herringbone slip-ons – GapKids – $9.99

http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=74351&vid=1&pid=850384&scid=850384002

Vintage Page Boy Hat – Etsy Vintage Listings -  $20

http://www.etsy.com/listing/90301909/dorfman-pacific-tweed-paper-boy-or-page?ref=sr_gallery_1&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=boys+hat&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_page=1&ga_search

This week we are proud to welcome Leslie from Seniorologie as a guest contributor to Wardrobe Wednesday. If you have not checked out Seniorologie you must run over there right now and check it out! It is an awesome resource for the Senior photographer and our senior clients. It is packed with tons of tips, ideas, and inspiration.  Check it out:

Here are a few awesome sets Leslie put together and some helpful tips from her!

“Mountain Charm – This holiday season is the perfect time to cozy up with your family near a warm fireplace.  And what better way to hang out together, than in comfy, cozy clothes.  Family photos don’t always have to be dressy for those holiday photos.  Why not get your photos made in a casual wardrobe that is perfect for this chilly weather?

Cable knit sweaters, fur vests and boots all add texture and layers to your wardrobe for photos.  I picked these outfits based on the mom’s patterned sweater and colored blue jeans.  This set the tone for the others’ ensembles.  Once I had her outfit picked, it was easy to coordinate but not match the other outfits.  The little girl’s shirt picks up the rust color from the mom’s sweater and the blue from her jeans.  The little boy’s flannel shirt is a perfect mixture of the same colors without perfectly matching them.  Then to finish, I kept the Dad’s outfit simple and casual with beiges and browns.  All together they make the perfect family wardrobe.  And I can envision the perfect family photo on the porch of a beautiful mountain retreat!”

“For the past few years, I have sent out Christmas cards that are not your typical red and green!  I love the options out there now with fun colors such as yellow and turquoise.  They just happen to be two of my favorite colors so I love to incorporate them into mine and my families wardrobes whenever possible.

I know the holidays are upon us and most of you have already gotten your cards out.  But if there are a few still looking for inspiration (maybe even for a photo for a Happy New Year card), think about pairing non-traditional colors to make a fun wardrobe for your entire family.

For this grouping, I started with the little girl’s dress.  I loved that it was so bright and fun.  I used the colors in the dress to coordinate with the mom’s turquoise dress.  After that, I thought about the men and decided to go a little more muted on their color scheme.  The gray worked as a perfect accent to the bold colors from the girls outfits.  After this was all put together, I did a little card shopping and found these awesome cards that just so happen to go with this color scheme.  The best thing about them, is that they really could be sent out any time of the year!”

“Every New Year’s I have high hopes of going to a fancy, dressy New Year’s Eve party and I fantasize about the beautiful clothes I am going to wear to ring in the New Year.  However, I always end up in my jammies and asleep before the ball drops!  What a party pooper!

But don’t let my normal attire of jammies deter you from dressing up and going out on the town!  With the beautiful outfits I picked below, I almost want to throw my own party just to wear this sequin romper!!

The trick with dressing for New Year’s is to be festive but also comfortable.  Let’s face it…it is a long night!  So when I stumbled upon this sequin romper from French Connection, I knew it was the perfect thing!  I chose the black one but it also comes in a bronze color.  Both are fabulous.  Pair it with tights, booties and some fun earrings and you are set!

For your date, it is best that he coordinate but not match.  So I picked a purple check shirt to add some color to this duo and paired it with some charcoal pants and tie!  If it is cold, you can always add a blazer and scarf!

Happy New Year!”

Thank you so much Leslie! We were honored to have you! Make sure to run over and check out the Seniorologie page and like them on Facebook too!

Jennifer of Minor Impressions Photography keeps it simple with online shopping from Hanna Andersson and Target! Love this look…it’s perfect for Fall!!