Wardrobe Wednesday {Babies and Toddlers}

This week, Erica May of Erica May Photography talks about photographing babies and toddlers! I have to tell you, you have to REALLY work for your money w/ that age group, but dressing them can be even more difficult, right? Well, leave the planning to us! Read below for some awesome ideas!

Straight from Erica:

"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!"





Featured Stores:
www.miniboden.com
www.ralphlauren.com
www.littleboychic.com
www.oldnavy.com
www.babygap.com

I hope some of these ideas inspire you for a shoot w/ your favorite baby or toddler! :D

Wardrobe Wednesday {the kiddos}

Still agonizing over what to dress your little ones in for their photoshoot? Our guest contributer, Stacie Hawley of Stacie Hawley Photography this week has got it all RIGHT! Love these ideas...especially the layering. And the colors...OH the colors! See for yourself.

Stacie says:

"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.
• 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.
• 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?!!
• 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.
• 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!
• 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."



I realize some of these outfits would be a tad hot this time of year in FL, however, if you're doing an indoor shoot, these ideas would rock! OR you could plan ahead for the winter! :)

NEW complimentary service and Summer Wrap Up Sale!

My clients usually need visuals to determine where and how they are going to hang their portraits. I am happy to announce that I am NOW offering a complimentary sample wall display service with EVERY SESSION! I will put together up to TWO wall display samples with every gallery. This will give you an idea of how to display your portraits and it will also show you just how SMALL an 8x10 or 11x14 actually is! If you're investing in custom portrait photography, you want to display your images, right?

Go BIG or go home! :)

Here are just a few samples...I LOVE how you can visualize not only the wall display, but exactly where the display is and what it looks like in relation to a chair, a couch or a fireplace!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE canvas gallery wraps. I am in the midst of putting together a canvas collage for our wall. You can bet I'll be posting pics when it's all done! Here is a sample of how 4-20x20 canvas wraps look on a wall above a couch. Beautiful!

Here's the same wall, same couch...do you see just how TINY this 8x10 looks? It's even matted in an 11x14 frame..still it's very TINY!

Here's the same print in a 20x30. Aaaaahhh, that's better!

Here's a different look. See how little the framed 11x14 looks above the fireplace? A lot of people think an 11x14 is an enlargement. It all depends on the wall, but if you are working with a lot of empty space, you can see how little it looks.

Here we have a 20x30 canvas wrap w/ 2-10x20 vertical wraps on either side. Love this look!

Last but not least, here is a 24x30 canvas wrap with a 12x15 and 10x15. Look at the sample below it with 1-8x10. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!

And NOW details on the Summer Wrap Up Sale! Order any size canvas wrap and receive 20% OFF! Want more than 1? Order several and receive 20% off your entire order! You have to have already had a session with me OR have one coming up the next week. Contact me before Sunday, August 22nd to receive this discount.

Until next time,
SJD xo

Wardrobe Wednesday {Spotlight on Weddings}

OOOHHHH I am so excited for this week's post of Wardrobe Wednesday! Stephanie Reeder of Stephanie Reeder Photography has composed a BEAUTIFUL collage of ideas for your BIG day! I will leave the "speaking" to her. ;) This is 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



I hope this gives you some inspiration for your big day!

I'll be posting more sessions today or tomorrow so stay tuned!

SJD xo

Playing Catch Up {Fort Myers Family Photographer}

I'm playing catch up since it's been MONTHS since my last blog post. Simply unacceptable! Expect a post everyday this week....if I don't post everyday, call me on it! ;)

I have tons of fabulous families to share with you. I combined these two wonderful families today because they were both extended family sessions. Extended family sessions are great because you can get the entire family together PLUS individual families w/in the family unit and whatever other combos you desire. Contact me if you would be interested in one of these!

First up, my beautiful BFF's entire family and some shots from her sister's mini session...such a gorgeous family!

This pic gives me such a warm feeling...mom liked it too, because she ordered it HUGE!


Grandma and Grandpa w/ all the grandkids. :) (minus one who is in college)

My gorgeous friend and her nephew.

The mother of this next extended family approached me in spinning class and asked if I'd take some photos of her children and grandchildren. Wait until you see how CUTE these kiddos are!

This kid is a HOOT.

So pretty.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this shot.

Hahahahaha.

Phew. Monster post. I hope you enjoyed it...stay tuned for more posts this week! Thanks for looking!!!

Until next time...
SJD xo

Wardrobe Wednesday {What NOT To Wear}

Raise your hand if you like the show "What Not To Wear" on TLC. Love that show! I don't get to watch it much anymore with two young kidlets and a job SO I decided to create my very own "What not to Wear" Wardrobe Wednesday style!!! Most of us Wardrobe Wednesday contributors chimed in with some photo session pet peeves for this post. So listen up!

This Wardrobe Wednesday post is brought to you by yours truly... :D

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!