The thing I love most about Wardrobe Wednesday’s is that our collaboration comes from eight different women and within this group of women we are all different in our styles, taste, and ways of capturing an image. We all have a true passion for what we do and it shows through the images we share with our clients. The main reason why we love Wardrobe Wednesday’s is because it helps give ideas and inspiration to our clients and people who are preparing for their upcoming photo session. It’s that extra mile we choose to go for our clients as well as our readers. This week’s Wardrobe Wednesday comes from Jennifer over at Minor Impressions Photography. She has decided to share a collection that suites the everyday woman and here is what she had 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-wasted. The blue jeans and the pencil-skirt both accentuate the smallest part of your waste 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 waste 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 waste 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.”

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 love what I do not just because I love to take pictures, but because I love meeting new people and enjoy capturing their love and special moments. While I was in Washington last week, I had the privilege of meeting Rob and Miriam a wonderful couple who I am excited to capture their special day in October. Miriam and I had collaborated locations for several weeks before and while I encourage and love when my clients pick the location; I always have to worry about the lighting, directions, and so on…BUT Miriam nailed the location! Oh how the lighting was beautiful and so many locations to choose from. Also, not only did they incorporate a location that meant something to them they also got creative and brought in a red tractor that Rob rebuilt to look brand new…Never would know it was super old! All in all, I had such a wonderful time hanging out with Rob and Miriam. They were easy going and the love between them was sincere and oh so true. I can’t wait to capture their love and promises to one another on their wedding day. Till then, I hope you all enjoy Rob and Miriam’s engagement photos…

And because I love this one in black and white…I just had to share for a second time…tehe!

This week’s wardrobe wednesday comes just in time for the summer mommies and babies I will be working with in the next couple of weeks. It also comes with great inspiration for those who are thinking of scheduling their maternity sessions and/or capturing their newborn in photos. Erica from Erica May Photography has put together some fabulous ideas for maternity and newborn sessions. She also gives some great advice on how to put together your maternity outfit to best compliment the gorgeous belly bump and accessorize the cutest of cute when it comes time to capture the tiny fingers and toes!

Here is what Erica says, “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.”

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)

I love new additions and fresh outlooks! This week fabulous Wardrobe Wednesday comes with a twist and tips on highlighting your true beauty. I excited to introduce Maris with Maris Ehlers Photography. She has decided to share some very important tips and trick on preparing your look in a different way for the day of!

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 headshot, 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!

It’s time again for another great installment of Wardrobe Wednesday and I am so excited to share this week not only because we have another fabulous collaboration to share, but because this week comes from your very own….ME! Hope you enjoy!

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 themselves 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