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

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)