Wardrobe Wednesday {What to Bring}

I'd like to think I am not a very "proppy" photographer. Because I am on location and not in a studio, I feel like the subjects, surroundings and location usually speak for themselves. However, I do feel props have their time and place in photographs. Sometimes they just MAKE the image. For example, a beautifully colored parasol can really pop some interesting color in an otherwise "neutral" shot. With newborns and babies, props are essential. I recently used (thanks to Nichole of Nichole Marie Photography for letting me borrow it!) a vintage suitcase and lined it w/ some blankets and put a newborn in it. It was adorable! Other times, some babies are hard to contain, so it's best to plop them in a basket or a wagon. You get the idea. ;)

This weeks' fabulous idea comes from the awesome Rebecca Keeling...she explains why props, especially those important to you, really make the image!

“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 "in-between" 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 settee 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!”


The following pictures are from the Wardrobe Wednesday team: Erica May Photography, Lindsay Horn Photography, Rebecca Keeling Studios, Stephanie Reeder Photography, Kelly V. Photography, Minor Impressions Photography and Morgan Dawson Photography. Oh and me! :)

Wardrobe Wednesday {One stop shopping featuring Boden}

Well well. What do you know? Another week has passed w/out a blog post from me. Trust me, I have TONS to share but recently have had no time to share. Until then, here is another Wardrobe Wednesday brought to you by the super duper talented Morgan Dawson, of Morgan Dawson Photography. I LOVE Wardrobe Wednesdays, but do you know what I love more? One stop shopping. Easy and simple WITH variety. :) I know a lot of you moms identify!

I have to admit for my own family photo shoot (pics to come soon!), I followed the one stop shopping adage. I got all of our coordinating outfits from the Gap. We looked like such a typical all-American family! I guess because we are. ;)

Morgan says:

"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!"

Boden: http://www.bodenusa.com/

Johnnie B: http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Johnnie-B-Clothing.html#nav

mini Boden: http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Mini-Boden-Clothing.html#nav

LOVE the ideas and simplicity of Boden. Check them out and have fun!

xo

Wardrobe Wednesday {Families with Teens}

I know it's probably a little difficult to "dress" your teen. They want to wear what they want to wear and you feel like you have no control; sound familiar? Well, it doesn't have to be that hard. Follow their lead--chances are they'll want to wear color. Choose some color schemes, and go with it. This week's post is by Lindsay Horn of Lindsay Horn Photography and she has put together a great ensemble for a more "mature" family. Here's what she has to say!

"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

Wardrobe Wednesday {Let's Hear it for the Boys!}

Sing it...you know you know the lyrics!

This one's for the boys! This week's post is from Kelly Valeri of Kelly V. Photography! She focused on just the boys...because admit it, they can usually use some extra help. ;)

Here's what she 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

I PROMISE to have some posts and sessions up SOON!

Until next time...
xo