This week’s Wardrobe Wednesday comes from the OH so fabulous Rebecca of Rebecca Keelings Studio…

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 “inbetween” 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 setee 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!

Thank you to all the fabulous ladies in Wardrobe Wednesday for sharing their photos. Erica May Photography, Kelly V Photography, Shannon J Dodge Photography, Morgan Dawson Photography, Jennifer with Minor Impresssions, Rebecca Keelings Studio, Lindsay Horn Photography, and of course ME!

The joy of being a new mom is always so great when the love you have anticipated for so long has arrived. I always love my newborn sessions because for a small amount of time I get to hold a little one and remember the days when my son (now two) was that small. It’s always so much fun to see a new mom in love with their little one. Holding them, calming them, and even encouraging them to pass the smallest amount of gas that tends to upset us all. Diane and little Caine were so wonderful to work with with. It was so nice to intereact with one another mom who has the common bond of being mommy to a little boy. For those of you who are like me and need a little baby fix every once in awhile, I would like to spoil you for a bit with baby Caine. I hope you enjoy!

Morgan with Morgan Dawson Photography has the ability to multi-task like it’s nobodies business. If a fabulous photographer like her can put together a Wardrobe Wednesday on a drop of dime (like she has this week), then we all know that everyday parent who also has very little time; can do it too!

Morgan shares, “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?

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.
You can order items for your entire family and only check out once – with a flat shipping rate of $10.
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!”

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

– links for above –

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

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

I am a HUGE fan of being casual, but I always love to put the stylish spin on what feels comfortable. This week’s Wardrobe Wednesday comes from the fabulous Lindsay from Lindsay Horn Photography. She has done a wonderful job of accommodating everyone and still looking great! Enjoy!

Lindsay says, “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

The possibilities are endless when it comes to beautiful locations. I thought I had seen some gorgeous ones, but standing on top and over looking the Blueridge Mountains was breathe taking. I met Ashley and Nathan last weekend for a bridal and engagement session while they were staying at a cottage getaway. It was perfect and had so many different scenes to pick from. While I would LOVE to share the beautiful bridal session we had, I have to keep that a secret until October! Until then, here is a sneak peek of Nathan and Ashley’s engagement session.

I have to end this post with a great story…I had so much fun working with Nathan and Ashley and I am sure Ashley will attest that we went above and beyond to get the perfect shots. Standing in a field where rattle snakes and copper heads have been seen was not my idea of a good time, but I will say the shots we got were amazing and thanks to Ashley’s dad, he scared them all off before we got set up. Secondly, we had some visitors come to us as a backdrop and I must say cows are much more beautiful up close. They don’t often get the credit for it, but they are so sweet and make for some great images. So, needless to say our bridal session was an adventure, but we had so much fun!