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

I just love the great colors and patterns that Erica of Erica May Photography has pulled together for a summer family session.  AND she’s thrown in some fun prop ideas too!  Here’s what she has to say:

I have to admit I love summer and all the bright colors that go along with it! Summertime is great time to get outside with your family and have fun! Why not capture that sense of fun with a summer photo shoot? Maybe you have done fall sessions the last few years and your pictures are all starting to look the same, or maybe you want to get photos of your kids adorable bare feet, or maybe you just want to capture that summertime fun! Whatever the reason is, you need an awesome summer wardrobe to wear for your portraits. Nothing reminds me more of summer then a good nautical theme! You wouldn’t need to be near a beach to pull this look off either! The bright colors, stripes, and beautiful blues are sure to make for some fun and interesting portraits. When choosing this ensemble I chose the little girl’s dress first and then the boy’s outfit. Once you have the kid’s outfits picked out it is much easier to pull from those colors to pick outfits for mom and dad. I also decided to highlight a few fun props that might be fun to go along with it. Giving your family something to “do” for part of your photo shoot is always a great idea to capture those less posed moments that really let your kid’s personalities shine through! So get out there and have some fun with your family!

Girl’s Outfit:
Marina Drop-waist Dress $49.00   Tea Collection    

Salt-Water Original Sandals $34.00  Tea Collection

Boy’s Outfit:
Striped half-zip hoodie  $24.95   The Gap  

Convertible chambray pants  $26.95  The Gap   

Red Bimini Youth Classics  $38   Toms   

Mom’s Outfit:
Halter Maxi Bra Top Dress  $69.50    Victoria’s Secret   

Dad’s Outfit:
Dobby shirt  $49.95   The Gap    

Straight denim shorts (beige wash)  $54.95   The Gap

I love this week’s family compilation from Shannon of Shannon J. Dodge Photography, and I REALLY love one-stop shopping!  Here’s what she has to say:

I LOVE fun and colorful and different…don’t get me wrong. BUT not always does “one size fit all” and sometimes clean and classic is the way to go. I was very pleasantly surprised when I visited J.Crew’s site and found a children’s line called “crewcuts” (hello? how cute is THAT?). I love shopping for my kidlets and I found quite a few cute items I’d gladly purchase for them. Then I started to look around and thought, hey, I could totally put together an awesome ensemble for Wardrobe Wednesday! And so I did.

I put together a look that would suit a family, since I am primarily a family portrait photographer. As usual, I started with the young girl’s outfit and branched out from there. J.Crew has this awesome feature called “Looks We Love”. You just browse through those and there are complete outfits already put together FOR YOU! I have a confession to make: the girl’s outfit from this post is completely from the “Looks We Love” session. *hangs head in shame* I just loved it so much…you can see why I borrowed the look. I would love feedback on the entire family ensemble…what do YOU think?

As always, these are only suggestions and guidelines. I enjoy providing one stop shopping because it is convenient and easier than looking 10 million different places. However, the price tag can add up so I chose basics like jeans (everybody has a pair of jeans!) and jean jackets to add to the look. You don’t have to go out and buy an entirely new wardrobe for your custom photo session…look at home first and then add on! Have fun with it and don’t forget to add accessories…details count!!

SHOPPING GUIDE

Everything is from J.Crew!

MOM
Amie Dress in agate: $69.50
Nolita White Demin Jacket: $98.00
Julienne Leather Heels: $69.99
Shaky Pearl Necklace: $75.00

DAD
Sunwashed Flannel Shirt inDakota Plaid $59.50
Relaxed Fit Jean in Dark Worn Wash: $69.99
Converse Low Profile Jack Purcell Sneakers: $65.00

GIRL
Girls’ Teacake Dress-Mauve Morning: $45.00
Boys’ Levi’s Trucker Jacket: $78.00
Girls’ Soleil Stripe Leggings: $24.50
Girls’ Stardip Ballet Flat: $55.00
Girls’ Trillion Headband: $9.50

BOY
Boys’ Solid Pinpoint Oxford Shirt: $29.50
Boys’ Stripe Silk Tie: $22.50
Boys’ Straight Fit Jean in Wrinkle Rinse Wash: $45.00
Kids’ Sperry Top-Sider Striper Slip-Ons: $42.00

Okay, I’m totally drooling over Rebecca of Rebecca Keeling Studios post for this week!  The colors, layers, texture, accessories … just beautiful!  Here’s what she has to say:

I’m not sure if my inspiration this week came from our very own fabulous logo colors or if I needed some cheering up as I listened to the rain outside of my window last night, but either way, I think it made for a great wardrobe collaboration!  Although many of us are still firmly planted in cold winter temperatures, it won’t be long before it starts warming up outside and we get back to doing what we love best…having outdoor portrait sessions with our favorite clients!  Spring makes me think of many things, including rain and rubber boots, which naturally pairs these fabulous black, white, and gray neutrals together with a pop of yellow.  This week, I wanted to do something a little rock & roll, a little wild and crazy and FUN!!  While it wouldn’t work for everyone, this wardrobe combination is geared toward a young family in an urban environment.  It is just begging to find some back alley grit juxtaposed with rambunctious laughter and soft kisses.  Some of my favorite items from today’s wardrobe are mom’s jeans, which are super stylish but have a classic rise.  I adore mom’s jacket.  By dressing in layers, not only do we look fabulous, but we are also able to conceal any spots where we may be a little self-conscious.  Don’t forget to accessorize dad!  This Fossil watch is awesome…a little edgy and definitely very masculine.  And what’s not to love about these skully rain boots or the adorable floral fabric headband?  But I have to say, my most favorite part has to be the color combination with the neutrals and one strong pop of color.  So, even if this particular color combination is not necessarily your choice, you get an idea of how to pull together a wardrobe with any neutral palette and a pop of gorgeous color.  Cute, fun, and different…and that’s what makes your portrait session personal for your family.

Where to find the goods:

Mom
Buckle BKE Drew Classic Rise Stretch Jean | $70
Buckle Daytrip Perforated Jacket | $65
Buckle Hurley Full Boar T-Shirt | $29
Banana Republic Corgie Open-Toe Zipper Bootie | $140
maxandchloe.com Primadina Pearl Fan Earrings | $165
maxandchloe.com Blu Bijoux Grecian Bangles | $45

Son
Boden Rugby Shirt | $22
Gap Whiskered Dark Wash Boot Jeans | $20
Gymboree Skull Rain Boots | $25

Dad
Buckle BKE Carter Jean | $70
Old Navy Twill Military Jacket | $50
Buckle Volcom V-Neck T-Shirt | $32
Banana Republic Adidas Campas II Grey Suede Sneaker | $60
Buckle Fossil Wide Band Watch | $85

Daughter
Gap Glamour Graphic T-Shirt | $20
Gap Alternate Tier Skirt | $20
Old Navy Girls Lace-Trim Leggings | $9
Journeys Kidz Converse Lo Athletic Shoe in Buttercup | $30
Made By Lori Etsy Store featuring the Yellow Flower Fabric Headband | $10

Yes, you are correct, it’s not Wednesday.  This week has been so crazy and I’ve been a little under the weather, so I’m just now getting around to posting this awesome installment courtesy of Morgan of Morgan Dawson Photography.  We may be in Texas, but we are generally big babies when it comes to the cold weather.  So, January and February clients take note!    Here’s what Morgan has to say:

“So I’m sitting here in my office, looking at a fresh 20 inches of snow, and wondering what my client will wear to our outdoor photo shoot this Friday. I’m thinking it will definitely involve a jacket. Probably some gloves. Likely a scarf. Boots for sure. Maybe a hat…

When an outdoor shoot is scheduled for cold weather, often this happens: You arrive wearing a random coat over your favorite I’m-wearing-this-no-matter-what outfit – throw off the jacket for pics – freeze to death – throw back on the jacket to warm up – take it off and try again – shiver and try to smile – rinse, repeat. Sounds like fun, right?

And then there are those who don’t want to deal with the cold at all, and opt to wait until the weather warms up – which here, might mean April or May.

I’m not a fan of either scenario, and there’s really an easy solution – bundle up, while also looking great!

Now I know some of you are lucky enough to live in a place where a snowplow contract isn’t the best investment you make each year, but that doesn’t mean a little cold-weather outerwear isn’t necessary. And we need to blow up this notion that by bundling up, you can’t look absolutely outstanding.
 
But what to choose? Those tips we’ve been sharing with you – layers, color, accessories – are still key ingredients when it comes to putting together stylish outerwear for photos. And here’s more:

- I suggest staying away from straight white or black and opt instead for greys,
browns, beige and color, color, color! I absolutely love bright yellows, pinks,
greens and blues – the more vivid the better.

- Since jackets can be expensive, don’t feel like you need to go and buy a
trendy colorful coat that you’ll only wear once – especially for kids that will
grow out of it in by next year. If what you already own fits you well (not some
oversized thing you wear because it “goes over everything”), then keep it -
and accessorize! Adding a hat, scarf or gloves can really make a huge
difference.

- If you warm up because everyone is hiking to reach that perfect photo spot,
you may want to unbutton your jacket, so make sure the outfit beneath the
jacket is photo-ready by looking over some past WW posts.

- Vests look great over chunky sweaters or hoodies, and often come in a million
different colors at a decent price (think Old Navy).

- Leggings are another way to add fun color, and look great with boots over
them. They also help you extend your fall wardrobe because you can wear
them under skirts or dresses.

- You can’t go wrong with jeans, so consider dark denim a winter wardrobe
staple. Consider wearing them a little different by tucking them into your
boots or rolling them up to meet the top of the shoes (especially cute for
younger boys).

- Still not warm enough? Throw on some long underwear, a thermal top, and an
extra pair of socks! Pretend you’re dressing to go play out in the snow – just
with style

Below, I’ve put together outerwear ideas for a family of six. I only included one accessory for each person, but you can definitely add more. For women, I love chunky earrings peeking under hats, or a necklace you might only see if the jacket is worn open.

Bottom line: This is a wonderful time of year for outdoor photos! It doesn’t take much to turn a drab day into a thrilling memory.

Outfit Guide

Mom:
Double-Cloth Colletta Coat – $208 (on sale) – J.Crew
Sequinned Jersey Scarf – $28 (on sale) – Boden

Dad:
Down Shirt Jacket – $99 – Eddie Bauer
Men’s Ribbed Scarf – $34.50 – Lands End Canvas

Young Girl:
Cosy Textured Coat – $35 (on sale) – miniBoden
Olive Green Beanie Hat – $9.00 – Etsy

Young Boy:
Detachable Hood Puffer Vest – $18.99 (on sale) – Crazy 8
Avocado, Cream, Mustard & Coffee Children’s Hat – $24.00 – Etsy

Baby Girl:
Faux-Fur Trim Hooded Jacket for Baby – $17.00 (on sale) – Old Navy
Gingerbread Earflap Hat – $5.99 (on sale) – Crazy 8

Baby Boy:
Jersey Duffle Jacket – $21 (on sale) – miniBoden
Stocking Hat – $28 – Etsy

I could not have been more excited to photograph this awesome couple!  Really, they are two of the most incredible people.  They had never had professional pictures taken and decided to book a session as an anniversary gift to each other.  Love it!  They even brought along their two dogs – one is a champion showdog and one is a champion at barking.   The pups weren’t too keen on getting their pictures taken, but we managed to get some decent shots out of them.  I was really thrilled that they were up for a mini lifestyle session at the end … they love tea and love to read, and we were able to incorporate that into their session for some really unique and fun shots.  I’m always grateful when my clients are willing to indulge me.   I had such a great time with you guys, and I hope you enjoy your sneak peek!

I absolutely LOVE this week’s post from Jennifer of Minor Impressions Photography.  It’s a wonderful reminder that even in today’s economy you can still look fabulous for your family portrait session.  Jennifer completely outfitted this family of 6 for about $275.  OR, use pants and shoes that you already have and get the rest of this look for $110!  It doesn’t get much better than that!  Here’s what Jennifer has to say:

“I have to admit, every time I do my post for Wardrobe Wednesday, I go to different stores looking for the cute outfits and accessories with hardly a care about looking at the price tag on each item. It sure is fun (and easy) to “cyber shop” when you know that bill really isn’t going to hit your pocket book.  But, let’s be reasonable here, good custom photography doesn’t come cheap and times are tough for many of us lately especially if we have kids. So, I was given a challenge to find a great ensemble for family portraits that comes only from the most-known discount store, Wal-Mart.

While conducting my search, I found that one of the best things about Wal-Mart apparel is that many times they come in sets or with coordinating accessories. For example, check out the Toddler Girl’s top. Not only does it come with the shirt, but it also has a blazer and scarf to match. All of this for only $10. YES, I said $10. Ok, I’ll admit, this is on clearance, but when this was regular price, it was only $12; it doesn’t get much better than that! I even found hair accessories that had multiple pieces so not only could the toddler girl use the bow, but the teenage girl could use the clips as well! I’ve listed a few important points below to help you save money on your fabulous wardrobe so your budget can be put more toward purchasing those fabulous portraits!!
 
1) Plan ahead. Pick out the one item you really want everything else to coordinate with and watch your Sunday ads. Go to your stores to check out items and watch for them to go on sale.
2) Purchase items that have a coordinating accessory. Many times this can save you at least $10 for an outfit.
3) Don’t worry about purchasing new jeans. If they don’t have spots and look good, why spend $15-$30 for a new pair?
4) Use accessories you already have at home. I know it’s fun to go out and splurge for a new wardrobe for pictures, and if you have the money for it, great, but if you are having to be a little more conscious about where your pennies are going, then it doesn’t hurt to reuse some of “last year’s” accessories.
5) Check out your local thrift stores. Often times, you can find some funky clothes, a great hat, scarf, and especially cool jewelry.
6) Borrow from a friend. There’s no shame in asking a friend to borrow their fun jacket, fancy boots, or that perfect set of earrings. Besides, it’s an awesome compliment that you would want them in your special pictures.

You can find all of these awesome items at http://www.walmart.com!

I had so much fun photographing the {P} family last week!  We had to reschedule twice due to rain, but we ended up with beautiful weather the day of our shoot.  As one of four girls growing up and having a daughter myself, it’s always a treat to work with boys (especially these three cuties) and get a glimpse of the “other side.”    I’m blessed to attend church with this sweet family, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to chat during our shoot and get to know them a little better.  The boys did really great – they posed for some more formal shots, and were more than willing to goof around for some candid shots too.  Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to photograph your precious family, and enjoy your sneak peek! 

This week I will leave the introduction of Jessica Paxson of Jessica Paxson Photography up to our very own Morgan Dawson … here’s what they have to say:

Every few weeks we invite a fellow photographer to be a guest contributor. I’ve been following Jessica Paxson’s work for some time now, and immediately thought she would be a fun addition to our lineup. What makes her unique is the attention to detail she puts into her shoots. Sessions often have a theme, and she isn’t afraid to think outside the box. What I personally find difficult is striking a balance between doing too little – and doing too much when it comes to styling a shoot. You want to convey a theme or feeling, but avoid looking hokey or tacky. While the easy thing to do is play it safe, a well thought-out look can really take your photos to the next level.

This session from Jessica helped inspire a recent shoot of my own. The mother wanted to take some photos of her son in a relaxed setting. Knowing how much he loves to paint, we decided to make that our theme. We talked about the shoot for weeks, gathered materials, and asked friends and family if we could borrow props. On the day of the shoot we met each other with two cars full of options – it was great! What resulted was a totally unique session and a photo neither of us will forget. Bottom line – the more effort you put into your shoot – be it wardrobe or props – the more personal and rewarding the final image will be.

Before I let Jessica introduce herself, I’ll show you the image that inspired her this week. Rock on!

Hello, hello everyone! My name is Jessica Paxson of Jessica Paxson Photography First off I have to thank all the ladies at Wardrobe Wednesday for asking me to do a guest spot! I’m really excited and I hope you enjoy the looks I put together for you.
 
I chose to do a family look because those are the type of sessions I enjoy most. There is just something about capturing the love a family has for each other that really makes me love this job — probably because I am a mother myself of three amazing little boys, and there is nothing I love more than when I get a shot of the boys just being their crazy, fun loving, sweet, silly, ornery selves, and being able to capture that moment and keep it forever!
For today’s looks I’m sharing with you a little bit of a rock & roll theme, because let’s all face it, who wouldn’t love to be a rock star for a day? The looks I’ve chose can all be found at Gap and Piperlime. Enjoy

Mom
Center Seam Dolman Sweater $49.50
Boyfriend Jean $69.50
Lightwash Lip Scarf $29.50
Black Denim Lip Tote $39.50
Naughtey Monkey (Rugged Racy) Shoes $89.00
Hive & Honey Antique Button Ring $22.00
Hive & Honey Stud Stretch Bracelet $32.00
Hive and Honey Leather Wrap Bracelet $24.00
 
Dad
Jefferson Cord Blazer $88.00
Merino Hoodie $69.50
The New Crewneck “T” $16.50
Authentic Fit Jeans (deconstructed vintage) $49.99
Slub Knit Beanie $16.50
Converse Check taylor (specialty ox) $50
 
Young Boy
Skull Sweater $39.50
Heather Plaid Flannel $26.50
Slub knit beanie $16.50
Creative Recreation (Cesario XVI) Shoes $35.99
 
Young Girl
Admirals Jacket $42.50
Ruched turtleneck $16.50
Solid Tights $10.50
Charcoal Bloomers $29.50
Headband $7.50
Jessica Simpson (lilana) Boots $55.00
 
Baby Boy
Wool Moto Jacket $44.50
Mini Skinny Jeans (black wash) $29.50
Mohawk Fleece Hat $12.50
Skull Scarf $24.50
Sriped Sweater $24.50
Creative Reaction (testa toddler) Shoes $43.99
 
Baby Girl
Moto Jacket $29.50
Tiered Ruffle Tutu $26.50
Tight n shoes $12.99
Striped Boatneck Sweater $12.99