Some of My Favorite Things

**UPDATE** Giveaway is now closed!

WPPI so far has been an amazing experience. With over 16,000 photographers here, it’s hard not to be inspired about learning, sharing, and networking. One of my favorite things to do as a photographer is share my passion with others. While at WPPI I will be running a fun little giveaway sharing some of “My Favorite Things.” Being a photographer, there are so many fun things I love to try and be creative with. This week, I am super excited to share and giveaway a few of “My Favorite Things.”

Totally Rad Actions {One item of choice) **WINNER** Kelly Beasley
Can we just say that their name says it ALL! Totally Rad Actions is a great resource for cool actions, editing tutorials, and recipes. I love to use their creative actions to pop the colors, add in textures, and customize my workflow. Make sure to head on over to their Facebook to show them some Totally Rad Love!

The Organic Bloom {8×10 frame any style or color!} **WINNER** Robert Wacker
If you haven’t checked out the OH SO BEAUTIFUL frames over at The Organic Bloom, you must! Their outstanding designs, colors, and creativity is amazing to showcase your photos. You can see their fabulous product on Facebook> or on their website.

August Blossom {Camera Strap} **WINNER** Shelby Wright
I am a girl who loves to look cute even when it comes to my camera!! August Blossom is a very stylish and fun camera strap to add a little extra personality to your camera. If you’re at the convention as well, make sure to head on over to visit their booth 1768 .

Picture Perfect Baby Boutique {Headband set and $10 gift certificate} **WINNER** Amanda Mathiot
Now for all the mom’s and baby photographers, this one is a must have! I love adding these cute little headbands and hats to my shoots to showcase the delicate innocents of a newborn or child. Make sure to head on over to their Facebook to see all their super cute products!

The Giveaway will run from today and close this Thursday February 24, 2011 at 12am PST. The winners will be drawn at random and announced on Friday, February 25, 2011…Good Luck Everyone!!

***Here’s How to Enter***

1. “Like” Stephanie Reeder Photography on Facebook

2. Post the giveaway on your Facebook linking back to the blog post {copy and paste this link here http://www.stephaniereeder.com/blog/?p=1378}

3. Leave a comment here on the blog sharing your favorite thing!

***Extra Entry***
I encourage each and everyone to head on over to the vendor’s Facebook Pages to show them some love and appreciation for their amazing generosity!

WPPI 2011 Las Vegas Convention

Today I am flying out to Las Vegas to attend an amazing week of inspiration and networking at the WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) Convention. This year’s WPPI is expected to have over 16,000 photographers from around the world gathered to attend workshops, socials, parties, and so much more. I myself, have a jam packed week full of all of the above and I can’t tell you how excited I am!! Here’s just the start of what I have planned for my week at WPPI….

Sunday
* Speaker: Becker
* Hanging out with all my peeps at the 11th annual [B]School Party…Can’t wait to hang out with this great group of people!

Monday
* I’ll be hanging out at the Photobiz booth from 10am-12:00pm sharing my love for this great company…Make sure if you’re there to stop by and say hello!
* Having lunch with the amazing I Heart Faces crew…So excited!
* Speaker: Jasmine Star
* I’ll have my dancing shoes on for this year’s Airplane and Blazers party which will be great fun with fabulous people!

Tuesday
* Speaker: Jerry Ghionis
* Coffee time with Dane Sanders author of the “Fast Track Photographer.” Highly recommended read for those of you coming into the industry!
* Cocktail Social with The Knot

Wednesday
* Speaker: Jose Villa
* Speaker: Jill LaFleur

Thursday
* Speaker: Justin & Mary Marantz
* Photographers Ignite

If you plan to be there for this amazing week, let me know and we’ll make sure to grab some coffee or chat over lunch!

GIVEAWAY…As an added bonus and excitement to my week, I will be doing a fun giveaway of some of “my favorite things!” I will announce all the details on Monday so make sure and stay tuned for that!

Have a great weekend…T.G.I.F.

Wardrobe Wednesday {where fashion meets photography}

This week’s Wardrobe Wednesday is brought to you by the oh so fabulous Shannon of Shannon J. Dodge Photography>. I love how she is a mother like me and appreciates the idea of one stop shopping for her family. As mother’s we can all agree that we have entirely too much running around to do as is and shopping is normally not our first priority…well it would be mine if I didn’t have to take my little man along for the ride, but you get the idea!

Here’s what Shannon had to say…

“I LOVE fun and colorful and different…don’t get me wrong. BUT not always does “one size fit all” and sometimes clean and classic is the way to go. I was very pleasantly surprised when I visited J.Crew’s site and found a children’s line called “crewcuts” (hello? how cute is THAT?). I love shopping for my kidlets and I found quite a few cute items I’d gladly purchase for them. Then I started to look around and thought, hey, I could totally put together an awesome ensemble for Wardrobe Wednesday! And so I did.

I put together a look that would suit a family, since I am primarily a family portrait photographer. As usual, I started with the young girl’s outfit and branched out from there. J.Crew has this awesome feature called “Looks We Love”. You just browse through those and there are complete outfits already put together FOR YOU! I have a confession to make: the girl’s outfit from this post is completely from the “Looks We Love” session. *hangs head in shame* I just loved it so much…you can see why I borrowed the look. I would love feedback on the entire family ensemble…what do YOU think?

As always, these are only suggestions and guidelines. I enjoy providing one stop shopping because it is convenient and easier than looking 10 million different places. However, the price tag can add up so I chose basics like jeans (everybody has a pair of jeans!) and jean jackets to add to the look. You don’t have to go out and buy an entirely new wardrobe for your custom photo session…look at home first and then add on! Have fun with it and don’t forget to add accessories…details count!!”

SHOPPING GUIDE
Everything is from J.Crew!

MOM
Amie Dress in agate: $69.50
Nolita White Demin Jacket: $98.00
Julienne Leather Heels: $69.99
Shaky Pearl Necklace: $75.00

DAD
Sunwashed Flannel Shirt inDakota Plaid $59.50
Relaxed Fit Jean in Dark Worn Wash: $69.99
Converse Low Profile Jack Purcell Sneakers: $65.00

GIRL
Girls’ Teacake Dress-Mauve Morning: $45.00
Boys’ Levi’s Trucker Jacket: $78.00
Girls’ Soleil Stripe Leggings: $24.50
Girls’ Stardip Ballet Flat: $55.00
Girls’ Trillion Headband: $9.50

BOY
Boys’ Solid Pinpoint Oxford Shirt: $29.50
Boys’ Stripe Silk Tie: $22.50
Boys’ Straight Fit Jean in Wrinkle Rinse Wash: $45.00
Kids’ Sperry Top-Sider Striper Slip-Ons: $42.00

Valentines Featuring Tea Collection Clothing

I was given the opportunity by Tea Collection back in December to showcase their beautiful clothing line through a personal photo shoot. This was a huge honor to be a part of and I hope I have done them justice because their clothing is Aaaaamazing!! I was first approached by Tea Collection after we featured them in our Wardrobe Wednesday {where fashion meets photography} post; a guide for clients to be inspired for their upcoming photo sessions. As a mother myself, I am always looking for great clothing that will one stand several washes and further more last through daily abuse from my very active three year old son. Tea Collection is a brand I can fully stand by for many reasons. Their clothing is of high quality, durability, and most of all so cute for the stylish boy or girl.

I decided to showcase my son in Tea Collection clothing for a very Special Valentine’s Day photo shoot. My role as a mother is not a photographer to him! What I mean by this, is I should be better at getting out and photographing him more often, but through busy schedules both perfessionally and personally, it has somehow gotten away from me. This shoot was so much fun because not only were we able to go out and have an amazing time together, I was also able to tie my love for my son, style, and photography all in one…How could it get any better then that??

In this photo shoot, Austin is dressed in the fabulous Tea Collection boy clothing line showcasing the gray button vest and citizen cord pants.

To view more of their fabulous clothing including their new Spring line, head on over to the Tea Collection‘s website. There, you can find a great selection of boy and girl clothing to not only dress and style in daily, but to prepare you for your upcoming photo session as well!

Wardrobe Wednesday {where fashion meets photography}

All I can say about this week’s Wardrobe Wednesday is LOVE….IT! I am a huge fan of color, style, and a great pair of Buckle jeans. I can’t help but fall in love with the collection that Rebecca of Rebecca Keeling Studios> has put together for us this week!!

Rebecca shares, “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 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