Thursday, February 17, 2011

NEW BLOG...come on over!

NEW and IMPROVED BLOG!
http://blog.shannonjdodgephotography.com/

Come on over!

Friday, February 11, 2011

CONTEST WINNER! {Wardrobe Wednesday and Melissa Davis Designs Giveaway}

We have a winner for the $100.00 coupon to Melissa Davis Designs as part of the Baby Shower for WW girl Kelly Valeri! on Facebook! The winner is..........#32



OLIVIA REED!

Congratulations, Olivia! Enjoy shopping for some AWESOME templates and designs in Melissa's store! Contact Melissa for your prize!

Have a great weekend, everybody!! I will be releasing my new site and new blog on MONDAY!

SJDxo

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Wardrobe Wednesday {rock 'n out}

What's that you say? It's rock 'n roll? Well I like rock 'n out better...and that's just what Rebecca of Rebecca Keeling Studios did with this week's compilation! LOVE IT! If anybody out there wants to pick up these outfits and rock out a session with me, I'd love it!

________________________________________

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 {http://www.etsy.com/shop/lori311?ref=pr_shop}

Give me a call if you want a rockin' session from SJD Photography!

STAY TUNED TO MY BLOG FOR THE RELEASE OF MY NEW AND IMPROVED LOOK, SITE AND BLOG!

Until next time,
SJDxo

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Melissa Davis Designs {Wardrobe Wednesday Surprise Shower Giveaway}



Yesterday, our little Wardrobe Wednesday {where fashion meets photography} group surprised one of our contributors, Kelly, of Kelly V. Photography, with an online baby shower! We are going to have a week-long celebration with featured vendors and gifts for Kelly AND our readers! Today's guest is Melissa Davis, of Melissa Davis Designs. I LOOOOVE me some Melissa Davis Designs, and what better gift for an expecting photographer, than a set of boy birth announcements (of her choice) and a $50.00 credit to choose anything else in her store! Kelly can use these gifts to design her own birth announcements, scrapbook or make albums! Melissa is also giving an AWESOME gift to our readers. Read below for more info!
----------------------------------------------------

Hey there! I'm Melissa...Mom of two very gorgeous kiddos (Zach 8yrs & Alissa 6yrs) and wife to my, what you could call, high school sweet heart. The hubby and I met on a blind date almost 13 years ago (yep, some times blind dates DO work), dated for 3 years, got married and started popping out kids! After my baby girl was born in 2004, I became interested in photography because I kept seeing SO many gorgeous images of friends babies and I wanted to KNOW how to do that! I started taking pictures with my little point and shoot camera and six months later when the hubby realized I was serious about photography, I got my first dSLR!


A couple years into my photography business, I wanted to give my clients some examples of wall displays so they'd have some good ideas of how to hang images in their homes. Good ideas = better orders right?! So I spent a long time making my very first set of templates...my Wall Display templates! That's when something clicked in me! After hours (and I'll spare you HOW many hours it took me) trying to make this ONE set, I wanted to do this for OTHER photographers so they didn't HAVE TO! After sessions, uploading, proofing, emails, driving, phone calls...who wants to spend the time making their own templates?!

Que Melissa Davis Designs! I offer fun and unique templates that are customizable so you can change colors, text and move things around. My store is stocked with everything from birth announcements and holiday cards to albums and senior stuff! And with a long list of wonderful request I get from my customers, I'm always adding new sets and always open for ideas (you can send your ideas to m@melissadavisphotography.com at any time and I'll add them to my ever growing master "list" of things to make)!





Another fun thing about Melissa Davis Designs is that I have these GREAT surprise 75% off sales once a month! You never know when they are coming, so it's important to be signed up for my emails updates (http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001RKkAY_jSXgqjvrqVZGT69A%3D%3D) or if you love Facebook as much as me, I also update my sales (and pretty much everything else) on my fan page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Melissa-Davis-Designs/84297352682)

So there you have it...That's me and my little business in a nut shell! I'm really happy to extend a great offer to all of you Wardrobe Wednesday fans! Use the code "WWfeb"(after paypal brings you back to my site for check out) for $10.00 off your order (through the end of Feb). ALSO one lucky winner will get a $100.00 coupon code to my store!! Make sure you "like" Wardrobe Wednesday {where fashion meets photography} on facebook, "like" ME on facebook, and comment on this post! Contest ends Friday 2.11.2011 at noon (EST)!!

Super awesome giveaway, huh? Thanks so much Melissa, and congratulations again Kelly!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Wardrobe Wednesday {build on your basics}

This week's Wardrobe Wednesday {where fashion meets photography} post is SO up my alley! I like things that are simple. Morgan Dawson, of Morgan Dawson Photography has done just that this week! She's put together some looks that build on basics that you may already own!

Morgan says:
I admit it - I have a uniform that I wear almost every day.

{Dark jeans and white tank} + {X over tank} = {my outfit}

If it sounds lazy - and some days, maybe it is! - remember that people like Bobby Brown and Vera Wang also have “uniforms” (have you EVER seen them wearing something other than black?). The trick to keeping this highly functional outfit fresh is to change up the {X}. For example, I can throw on a cozy sweater in the morning to wear while I edit with my coffee, swap the sweater for a white cardigan and fun necklace when I head out for a shoot, then make one more change into a fitted jacket and a pair of hoop earrings before meeting friends for a drink.

How easy is that - three totally different looks by changing out one piece of clothing and a few accessories!

Will this idea work for your next photo shoot? Absolutely! Rather than spend money on separate head-to-toe outfits, you can either save some dough by only picking up a few new pieces, or splurge a little on one or two killer tops. The other reason I love the idea of wearing a uniform to your shoot is how easy it is to change your look. You can bring along a small bag and make a quick change without having to look for a bathroom or car to change in. Not only will this get you more looks for your shoot, but your photographer will love knowing that the location for your session doesn’t need to revolve around a nearby spot to change.

To give you an idea of what I’m talking about, I put together a few different outfit ideas that will look great over your jeans and tank. But let’s make sure we have the basics set first.

The white staple tank shown below is my all-time favorite, can’t-live-without-it, should-have-bought-a-few-more top. No lie. I actually bought one for my Mother as part of her Oprah’s, er, Morgan’s Favorite Things Christmas gift (which included a pair of pants from Lands End that I wear all the time - message me if you’re curious). While a white tank is something you can pick up anywhere, I love this because:

the material is thin enough to layer and not get warm, but thick enough to not be see-through
wide shoulder straps mean your bra straps won’t show (a no-no for any picture)
you can wear this multiple times without it stretching out (great for travel!)
wash after wash it still looks great

Ok - enough about the tank!

Jeans. Everyone has them, but just make sure what you’re wearing actually fits you. If they’re too tight or sag in the butt (you know what I’m talking about), you really should invest in a new pair. I secretly hate shopping on my own, so I like to go to a store where the salespeople will be brutally honest and not let me leave with a pair that looks bad. With SO many options - low rise, mid rise, skinny, bootleg, curvy - you can definitely find a pair that fits you. And for color, a darker wash always looks good, and can transition easily to an evening pant.

Since the majority of your outfit is set, have fun with your {X} top. Be bold with colors and patterns. Wear some sweaters or tops buttoned up (maybe with a belt) or open and layered. Mix in fun jewelry and accessories like a scarf or hat (I’m obsessed with newsboy caps lately) - and voila! Picture perfect outfits in a snap :-)



SHOPPING GUIDE:

I recently asked our amazing Wardrobe Wednesday Facebook fans to tell us what clothing shop they love that many people don’t know about. Thanks to them, I now have even more online shops to drool over. You’ll see that I picked out a few items from these new-to-me stores. If you’re not familiar with them, I highly suggest you check them out!

Ultra Soft Square Neck Tank - White House Black Market ($24.50)

Chic Merino Cardigan (yellow) - Boden ($88)

Fairy Dance Top - Anthropologie ($98)

Perfect-Fit Mixed-Tape Cardigan (blue) - J.Crew ($49.50)

Com-pleatly Contemporary Top - ModCloth ($54.99)

Navy Blue Striped Cardigan Ruffle Trimmed with Pockets - La Posh Style ($41.99)

ACCESSORIES:

Polka Dot Bangle - Down East Basics ($7.99)

A Flying Swallow and Branch Necklace -Etsy ($26.50)

Teardrop Earrings with Crystal Detail - Maurices ($10.00)

Now I want to SHOP! Build on those basics... you never know what you can pull together! Happy shopping for your next custom photo shoot!

Until next time...
SJDxo

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Wardrobe Wednesday {Maternity Style}

Our very own Wardrobe Wednesday {where fashion meets photography} contributor Lindsay Horn of Lindsay Horn Photography is expecting a new bundle of joy! So what more appropriate subject to cover, than maternity!

With our own little bundle of joy on the way in July, I’ve had maternity portraits on the brain! We didn’t get “real” maternity portraits taken the first time around (I know, shame on me), so I’m really excited to capture this special time for round two! It’s so easy to feel frumpy and unattractive in some of the maternity clothes out there, but there are a lot of really cute outfits too! I’ve chosen a couple of different styles and paired them with a coordinating looks for your man as well. Style number one is the “Urban Chic” look. You can be pregnant and still be super trendy and stylish! I LOVE this dress, I think the neckline gives some great balance for your adorable baby bump.  Being a Texas girl, I substituted the boots in the image for something a little more southern, and I added a vintage headband and necklace for a sweet feminine touch. As an extra sweet bonus for you, TFJ Designs is offering 15% off of the first 10 orders of the Kayla headband (shown here) using the code: WWKAYLA15! Make sure to click on the link below in the shopping list to take advantage ASAP! If you do miss out, check around her shop, she has plenty of adorable accessories. Dress your guy up in this modern take on an old classic – he is also the perfect accessory! Style number two is the “Casual Cool” look. I picture these outfits in a natural setting where the colors will really pop. I love the layering in this outfit, and it just goes to show that our standard style advice still applies even in a maternity wardrobe … layers, textures, and accessories! I found some great jewelry to round out this adorable ensemble, and even included an accessory for your hubby too (if he’ll go for it!). Just remember, pregnancy is something to be celebrated and commemorated, no matter how much weight you’ve gained or how unattractive you may feel. You DO look beautiful, and your kiddos will love looking back on these images one day too!




Shopping List:

URBAN CHIC
Woman:
Shawl Collar Dress: Motherhood Maternity $29.99
Black Boots: Old Navy $34.97
Drop Necklace Kohl's $20.00
Vintage Headband TFJ Designs $28.00

Man:
Black Pants Old Navy $19.97
Sweater Vest Old Navy $24.50
Blazer Old Navy $49.50
Black Shoes Target $29.99

CASUAL COOL
Woman:
Low-rise Boot Cut Maternity Jeans Old Navy $24.97
Fuchsia Jersey Stretch Tank Old Navy $10.00
Lightweight Floral Smocked Tank Old Navy $27.50
Boyfriend Cardigan Old Navy $34.50
Flats Old Navy $19.50
Earrings Old Navy $7.50
Bracelets Old Navy $10.50

Man:
Khaki Pants Old Navy $29.50
Oxford Shirt Old Navy $20.00
Brown Shoes Target $34.99
Bracelet Urban Outfitters $5.00

SO chic! Makes me wish I was pregnant again...oh we won't be going there again though! Hope this has helped give some of you preggers out there some great ideas for your maternity shoot!

until next time...
SJDxo

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Wardrobe Wednesday What to Wear {Boudoir}

Wow...is it Wednesday already?!?! These weeks just FLY by! With SJD Photography making some changes, and keeping busy with my regular sessions, the days are gone within minutes it seems! Did you know that Wardrobe Wednesday Wednesday {where fashion meets photography} has yet to feature boudoir?!?! Well now we can cross that one off the list! I'll let the FABULOUS Kelly of Kelly V. Photography and Black Lack Images tell and show you how to make the best of your boudoir portraits!

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, I know lots of girlfriends, fiances and wives are looking for a unique and creative gift to give to their guy.

Enter the boudoir portrait session.

If you're not familiar with this type of session, boudoir is French for "woman's bedroom." Add in the photography element, and it's almost a literal translation -- tastefully intimate images of women looking their sexy, sensual best. It's not about being a size 2 or having a perfect body, ether. In fact, it's about celebrating you, pampering yourself and giving your guy an amazing gift in the process.

In addition to Valentine's Day, these sessions are popular for anniversaries, birthdays and especially for brides to give to their husbands on their wedding night. Some women want to capture their pre-baby body or get together with a group of friends and each book a session as an incentive to keep up wth their combined workout regimen.

Whether it's a gift or a reward for you, the great thing about these sessions is that you can really go all out. Get your hair and makeup professionally done, splurge on a manicure and even pick up a few new pieces of lingerie to wear.

As far as what to bring, it doesn't have to cost a fortune. Dig through that closet of yours (and his, too)! Grab that all-lace shirt you usually wear under your go-to cardigan. Your favorite jeans can look amazing with a bare back. Don't overlook everyday cotton underwear, either. It can be extraordinary in the right setting. Nab one of his favorite team jerseys or a colorful tie and a white button-down shirt. And this is one type of session where it's all about the accessories. Think chandelier earrings, long beaded necklaces, high heels, shimmery bracelets, thigh-highs and even elbow-length gloves if you're into the vintage look.

The best part is that each outfit can be completely different from the next. Not only does it give a variety to your photographs, but it's fun creating images that match the feel of each look whether it's soft and sensual or daring and bold.

One more important bit of advice: Be sure to wear something comfortable and loose-fitting to your session. Jeans and even tight socks can leave marks on your skin that take awhile to fade.

If you're considering booking a session like this, here are a few inspiration looks to get you started!

Girl Next Door
Lace-waist hiphugger, Victoria's Secret: $9.50
Full-coverage bra, Victoria's Secret: $24.50

Sultry Satin
Xe-Antik earrings, Steve Madden: $18
Fantasha pumps, Steve Madden: $99.95
Miraculous Multi-way Bra, Victoria's Secret: $55
Lace-trim panties, Victoria's Secret: $12.50
Black satin elbow-length gloves, Unique Vintage: $12

Fun and Flirty
Havanna Nights dot corset, Jessica Simpson Collection: $29.99 (was $65)
Havanna Nights dot garter, Jessica Simpson Collection: $14.99 (was $30)
Havanna Nights dot thong, Jessica Simpson Collection: $7.99 (was $16)
(Black thigh-highs and heels can be found at all major department stores)

Vintage Vixen
Creme Brulee Bra, Anthropologie: $62
Creme Brulee Panties, Anthropologie: $42
First Glow Peep-toes, Anthropologie: $188
Blooming Luster Posts, Anthropologie: $24

HOT! I LOVE these ideas. A few of you have asked if I offer boudoir. I plan to offer it in the future so stay tuned for information!

until next time...

SJDxo

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Wardrobe Wednesday {Valentines Day}

Did you know that Valentine's Day is just about a month away?!?! Some photographers are putting together special Valentine's Day mini shoots and people JUMP at the chance! Looking for some cute ideas for your kids?!?! Well, Jennifer Minor of Minor Impressions Photography put together an adorable compilation full of ideas! If you're looking for other ideas? Just visit our Wardrobe Wednesday {where fashion meets photography} page on Facebook! And now, here's Jenn!

Ok, I admit, I haven't even taken down my Christmas tree yet! I know, I need to get with it because before I know it, I'm going to get a note in my daughter's folder giving me all the fun info for her class Valentine's Day party. It's hard to believe it's only a month away.

If you're a little more prepared than I am, you still have time to plan an adorably unique photo shoot to make some cards that all of your kiddo's friends will be excited to show off. The great thing about Valentine pictures is that they can get away with being very casual. Since these are cards that will be given to their friends, let them show their personality. You can make a simple t-shirt dressier with a tulle skirt or a little more casual with a jean skirt and leggings. Let your son show his wild side for all the girls, or how tamed and put-together he is.

This is also the perfect time to find some adorable props to add. Instead of buying real roses with the thorns, you can find a bouquet of fake roses at a craft store, and all of the other items are easily found at Wal-mart or your local grocery store. Most kids will love the opportunity to eat chocolate or lick lollipops while being photographed, and the younger kiddos will find it hard to resist squeezing a new teddy bear!

SHOPPING:
Girl Outfit & Accessories - Gap

Boy Outfit - The Children's Place

All props can be found at Wal-Mart, but these were found on the web.

Lollipops -Melville Store
Teddy Bear - Target
Chocolates - Sees
Rose Bouquet - Wal-Mart




So cute!

Stay tuned to my blog...I have big announcements coming VERY SOON!

xo
SJD

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Wardrobe Wednesday {couples session}

It's been a while since we, at Wardrobe Wednesday, have featured compilations for couples. Do you have an engagement session approaching? Or perhaps just want some professional images of you and your sweetie?!?! Erica May has the solution! Take it away, Erica!

This week I choose to put a few outfits together for a couple’s session. I really wanted to pull in some classic fall/winter colors and give couples some layering options. Although, most of these items are a little pricey I think most of us would be able to find the jeans, shoes, and possibly blazers from our own closets (or a friend’s). I love the option during a session to throw on or take off another layer to really mix up the looks. These bold and rich colors photograph well and look beautiful in color or black and white. Always spring for a nice new pair of dark jeans for your man as well if his jeans are starting to look a little too worn. You definitely don’t need to have two different outfits for your couple’s session but if it is in the budget and it is ok with your photographer it can really give a whole new look to your portraits (it is also good if you are on the fence about what to wear!). This is also a nice time to touch up your make-up, fix your hair, and re-group (the guys always enjoy the break too). The second outfit I put together is a more care-free almost spring-like look. It would be great to throw on for a few more pictures at the end of your session to really change it up (if it is not too freezing!).



WOMANOutfit 1
Silky cascade ruffle blouse – Gap - $44.99
Perfect boot jeans (dark wash) – Gap- $69.50
Ambition Women's Army Green Military Inspired Jacket – Overstock.com - $35.99
LifeStride Unity Bootie – DSW - $49.95

MANOutfit 1
Three-button topcoat – Banana Republic - $275.00
Silk/cashmere v-neck sweater – Banana Republic - $59.99
Timberland Earthkeepers City Plain Toe – Piperlime - $80.99
WOMANOutfit 2
BR Monogram Clara jacket - Banana Republic - $99.99 (optional)
Monogram ruched goddess dress -Banana Republic - $89.99

MANOutfit 2
The new classic polo – Indian earth - $29.99 – Gap
The vintage khaki – Chino Tar - $49.50 – Gap

I hope some of you have found this post useful! LOTS OF CHANGES in the works right now! New Year, NEW site, NEW blog, NEW collections and pricing and lots of other NEW things for SJD Photography! Stay tuned, I am working diligently on these changes!!!

xo

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Wardrobe Wednesday {PAJAMAS!!!}

This week's Wardrobe Wednesday is brought to you by ME!!

Is there anything better than your child all clean and dressed in their cozy pajamas? Well...okay maybe a few things. But for me, this ranks way up there! I’ve always thought it would be fun to do a PJ session with some kids in bed. I’ve done plenty of sessions and none of them have been in PJs. I decided it was time, so I dressed my kids in their new Christmas PJs and shot away! They had so much fun jumping on the bed, laughing and rolling around. AND the images are so cozy and natural. I simply LOVE IT.

Recently, I’ve discovered Hanna Andersson. They carry such cute and colorful things for children and adults. They have a huge variety and often run great sales. The best part? Their clothing is WELL MADE. To me, this is a mega BONUS. This past summer, I bought my kids some PJs from their organic cotton line (these PJs are fitted and NOT flame retardant which was important to me). They are soft, comfortable, warm, and best of all, they REALLY hold up after many washes! SUPER durable. I bought them 2 sizes too big so my kids will have them for another year or so (you can just roll up the cuffs on the arms and legs).

Check out the cute variety of pajamas they carry. Adult pajamas to baby pajamas! They even have family looks so you can coordinate or match with the entire family. Don’t forget the details! Hanna Andersson carrie adorable plush animals, blankets, sleep sacks, and other bedtime related items. Their slippers are to die for! Remember all of the details that make your custom photos special!

NOTE: they are having a huge sale right now so some items may not be available at this time!

SHOPPING GUIDE
**all items are from Hanna Andersson
Organic Cotton Long Johns
Striposaurus
$28.00
Fleecy Friends Slipper Boots
$28.00
Dreamy Nightgowns
White/Red Snowflakes Print
$20.00
Short Johns in Organic Cotton
Navy/Heather Gray
$26.00
Night Night Baby Sleepers in Pure Organic Cotton
Life on the Farm Print
$25.00
Crossover Long Johns in Organic Cotton
Pink Multi
$28.00
Slipper Booties
Pink Garden (appear to be sold out...also come in brown)
$15.00
Jellycat Cordy Roy Cat
$22.00
Truffle Sheep
$22.00

There will be LOTS of big changes with SJD Photography in the upcoming year...I can't wait to share them all with you! Stay tuned and MERRY CHRISTMAS/HAPPY HOLIDAYS to everybody!!!
xo