Confidence {Wardrobe Wednesday for those of us who are not a size 2!}

Not a size 0 or 2 and dreading your family pictures? No problem! (and I am one of those people by the way) Jennifer Minor, Minor Impressions Photography, has your solution! LOVE these ideas and I'm so glad she catered her post to us fuller framed girls! :D

Here's what Jennifer has to say!

"Ok, so I admit that one of my biggest reasons that I don't let too many people take pictures of me is because I am not quite a size 4. Let's just say that I've had a couple of kids and my body isn't really shaped the way it was when I was in college. This seems to be the reason that many of my clients put off taking pictures as well or if they finally agree to have pictures taken, they usually choose something black to wear. So, I decided that I would show you ladies that you don't have to be tiny to have flattering family portraits done, and you can add a little bit of color to your wardrobe. These outfits are great to coordinate with any family session, but it's also perfect for the graduating seniors who have a fuller figure.

The first two outfits have bottoms that are high-waisted. The blue jeans and the pencil-skirt both accentuate the smallest part of your waist and help to elongate the section between your waist and knees. You should avoid low-rise jeans because it makes your legs look shorter, and the darker wash jeans are better because stone-wash jeans often emphasize your rear and legs and make them larger than they really are. Both shirts fall right at the waist which draws the eye to the smallest part of your body, but they don't cling to your stomach.

Outfit # 3 is a great sundress that really makes the waist look tiny. Many women are also self-conscious about their arms, so it is great to pair with a cardigan.

Higher-heeled shoes are a great way to make your legs look much longer. The higher the heel, the longer your legs will look, but be sure to wear something you will be comfortable in."



Shopping List:

Outfit 1
Shirt - Dillards - $38.00
Jeans - Belk - $32.99
Shoes - Dillards - $49.99
Earrings - Overstock.com - $19.99

Outfit 2
Shirt - Dillards - $29.99
Skirt - Lane Bryant - $44.50
Shoes - Target - $19.99

Outfit 3
Cardigan - Old Navy - $22.50
Dress - Old Navy - $34.50
Shoes - Dillards - $79.00
Necklace - Old Navy - $8.99

I have had GREAT feedback on these Wardrobe Wednesdays and I am glad you are all enjoying them! I know I am LOVING the positive feedback and seeing that some of you are actually using these ideas! Awesome!

Until next time...

xo

Wardrobe Wednesday {Bellies and Babies}

Aaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwww babies! One of my favorite subjects EVER. This week's wardrobe wednesday is brought to you by the fabulous Erica May of Erica May Photography. She rocks the newborn sessions and has this to say about what to wear for maternity and newborn sessions:

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)

Hello Everybody...Music Together Sessions

A few months ago, I was flattered to be asked to photograph the Music Together classes in Fort Myers and Cape Coral. The Music Together classes, are music classes for children and their parents. As the name implies, YOU attend the class with your children. It is a fantastic and entertaining way to spend quality time with your children, while exposing them to music and socializing them! Each semester, there is a different CD of songs to learn, and they are entertaining and catchy!

LouAnne Dunfey, or Miss LouAnne-- as we all affectionately refer to her--is the director and a teacher of Music Together. Words cannot express how WONDERFUL she is! The children love her and are naturally drawn to her, the moms and dads love her, and it is obvious that she truly loves and enjoys what she does.




Additionally, there are 3 other teachers who teach the classes. Each and every one of them is fantastic! Lisa, Krista, and Janet-you are all so talented and great at what you do!



And now for a peek at the fun that occurs at Music Together Classes! If you have yet to participate in one of these classes and you have children, you have got to check them out. They have FREE preview classes. The classes are available to infants and children through 5 years of age. Summer registration is NOW open, and will remain open for a few more weeks. There are a ton of classes to choose from at different locations throughout Fort Myers and Cape Coral so there's no excuse! What are you waiting for? Head on over to the Family Music Time site, and register now!













This little girl was so animated and REALLY enjoyed music class. It was a joy to photograph her having so much fun! I put together a little collage of her to capture the fun she has at music together class! If you would like a collage like this, or similar to this, please feel free to contact me. ;)



Phew. Long post! If you made it all this way, thank you for taking the time to look through the photos!

I am leaving for vacation tomorrow and will be gone for two weeks. I will have access to email, but have a limited number of work hours built into my family vacation. :) Be on the lookout for multiple blog posts when I return! I will be catching up on recent sessions and posting new sessions from Michigan!

I hope you are all enjoying your summer!!

Until next time...

xo

Wardrobe Wednesday {Faces and Hands}

On Wardrobe Wednesday, we have been focusing on what to wear. We cover EVERY detail, right? WRONG! What about faces, skin and hands? Makeup and nails are definitely important details! :)

This week's post is brought to us by a guest blogger, Maris Ehlers, of Maris Ehlers Photography. She has some fab ideas and suggestions! I love them!

Here's what she 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 head shot, 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!

Loving these ideas! I will be heeding your advice for my family shoot next week! Thank you Maris!

Winner Winner!

First of all, a HUGE thanks to all of you who participated!!! Your support and kind words TRULY mean a lot.

To enter this contest, each participant had to either "like" my fan page on Facebook, suggest my fan page to friends, or comment on my blog as to why you like Shannon J. Dodge Photography. If you did all 3, your name was entered 3 times. If you only did one of those things, you were entered once. Each name was assigned a number...if you entered 3 times (by completing all 3 tasks), your name was assigned 3 numbers. I hope I haven't lost anybody here. LOL

I then put the numbers in a Random Number Generator. I took a screen shot of the number generated.



This number was assigned to Annalhees Elm!! Congratulations to YOU! Please email or call me to discuss details and choose your prize! :)

Thanks again to everybody!
xo

IT'S A CONTEST!

Raise your hand if you like FREE stuff! I DO, I DO!

I'm running a Facebook contest!

What's up for grabs?

A FREE 11x14 Gallery Canvas Wrap (image must be from a past session OR coming from a future session)

OR

a FREE mini session! (20-30 minute session....$75.00 value!)

(the winner will choose one or the other)

Here's the deal:

• There are 3 ways to enter! Follow all 3 steps below, and your name will be entered 3 times!
  
• Names will be randomly selected at the end of the contest!
  
• The contest ends Sunday, June 13th at 11:59pm!

#1
If you aren't already a fan of Shannon J. Dodge Photography on Facebook, go there and "LIKE" my fan page. (click above)

#2
Suggest my fan page to your friends! Make sure they stop in and say hi on my fan page wall and tell me WHO SENT THEM. They will be entered into the contest as well! If you are already a fan, suggest my fan page to your friends and follow the above steps.

#3
Make a comment on this post and tell me WHY you like Shannon J. Dodge Photography. You could be a past client who LOVES their gallery wrap. You could be a future client who likes my style. Please let me know!

Here's a pic of a beautiful gallery wrap. They are just stunning!


Good luck!

(to comment on this post, click where it says #comments)

SJD Photography Searching for Senior Reps!

I am STILL looking for high school senior reps for the 2010-2011 school year! But what's a senior rep? Stick with me here, and i'll explain.

A senior rep is a high school senior who will represent Shannon J. Dodge Photography and help spread the word and promote us to their classmates. Sounds easy, right? Keep reading if you are still interested!

A senior rep will receive the following:

* a FREE session complete with wardrobe changes at the location of your choice (you will have a list from which to choose) ($150.00 value)
* password protected, online gallery of at least 20-25 images
* 50 rep cards (a card with images from your session...these are to share w/ your friends/family)
* 4 low resolution, web sized images for you to share via email or social networking sites (MySpace and Facebook)
* Print credits AND a chance to earn up to $150.00 CASH! The more people you refer to me, the more you get

So do you think you'd make a great senior rep??? If so, contact me ASAP. I am only taking 1-2 seniors per high school!! Click HERE to contact me! (then click on Talk to Me and fill out the form) OR email me: shannonjdodge@gmail.com

Here are a few samples from senior shoots:





Don't make me beg to give away FREE SESSIONS! Call or email me today!

Wardrobe Wednesday {Simple doesn't have to mean boring}

There are a lot of you out there if prefer simple and laid back, over dressy and complicated...admit it! :) So this week's Wardrobe Wednesday is for you! This week's selections were compiled by Stephanie Reeder, of Stephanie Reeder Photography. She says:

"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 husband 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."



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

I hope this week's picks helps at least ONE reader out! :)

I am WAY behind on blogging, so stay tuned to one very big blog post SOON!

Muah!
xo

Wardrobe Wednesday {save time with one stop shopping!}

Ok, ok. I admit it. I flaked and FORGOT this week was my week to put together an adorable ensemble for Wardrobe Wednesday! So, what's a girl to do? I figured I would save time with visiting ONE site, and getting all of the outfit ideas from that ONE site! Stay with me now. How many of you moms out there REALLY have a ton of time to spend on putting together outfits for your sessions?!?! I personally enjoy it BUT right now, I just don't have the time. Sound familiar? If you have the time, by all means, go all out and have a blast! But, if you're short on time, try getting all or most of your items from ONE store!

I always tell all of my clients to USE COLOR in your session. Especially w/ children. Color adds even more personality to your gorgeous children. It adds depth to portraits and makes them FUN! For this ensemble, I started w/ a base color of brown and then used POPS of color. Pops of color in hair accessories, shoes, bracelets. You get the idea. For the little sister's dress, I went bright and bold...for older sister's outfit, I chose something a tad more mature but still FUN and added pops of color to it! I love the bright blue color of the brother's shirt and how fun are his shorts? Can you believe EVERYTHING here came from one store?? Check it out. Crazy 8. I could go crazy on that site! AND it's totally affordable. Happy shopping!



I hope this gives you some MORE ideas regarding how to dress for your photo session! Have fun with it!

Until next time...
Muah!
xo