Adilee's 8-month outdoor baby plan session

Adilee is now 8-months old and she just keeps getting cuter. It was a beautiful morning and everything was perfect for Adilee's outdoor portrait session. We did a mix of just Adilee and some of Adilee and her mama playing around. I love capturing connections between people. The connection between Adilee and her mama is simply precious!

Newborn Clay, 7 days

Meet Clay, 7 days new!

Tips for better vacation photographs

What I learned over the years is that less is more. It’s more important to document a couple moments that capture the entirety of the moment rather than shooting tons of photos to merely show where you are. 

This leads me to point number one: Capture detailed photos that tell a story. This can be anything from how how you started your trip; for instance, at the airport, in the plane, or photos of where you’re staying. You ultimately want to use your photos to tell a story. So it’s best to start with a beginning, follow up with a middle, and end with well, an end. Think in advance of the type of photos you’ll need as it will make photo collecting fun as well as strategic. 

The Underground in London, England (where you are)

Another thing you’ll want to consider, is yes, capturing details are important, but I’m talking about capturing the tiniest of details. These tiny details have a way to really color your story as well as make it magical when you tell your friends and family  where you were and what you were doing. A few examples are photographing the country’s currency if your traveling internationally, new foods, or things in the environment such as unique flowers or animals to help color your vacation portfolio. 

The cobblestone streets in Scotland (the little things)

When it comes to composition the key is to compose carefully. Avoid placing your subject or details dead center. Using the rule of thirds, place your subject to the right or to the left of the frame for diversity and esthetic and when it comes to shooting landscapes and sunsets decide which is more pictorially important: land, water, or sky. If land or water place the horizon in the top third of the picture. If sky, place the horizon in the bottom third of the picture. If possible avoid placing the horizon in the middle.  

The London Bridge (notice horizon is low in image)

If you use these three tips it will help color and diversify your vacation portfolio and you will find that you are not taking as many photos because you are being a lot more strategic in the photos you are taking as well as them being a little more esthetically pleasing. 

Before you leave make sure you have back up batteries for your camera as well as a charger. If your traveling internationally be sure to buy a power adaptor so your not stuck without any way to charge your gear. Lastly, be sure to pack enough memory. 

I hope you have a beautiful vacation and document photos you are proud of.

London, England

Newborn Aubree, 11 days

Meet Aubree, 11 days new!

Newborn Grant, 6 days

Meet Grant, 6 days new!

How to Choose a Wedding Theme

So, you are engaged? Congratulations! Now let’s start planning your wedding! Where do we begin? How do we choose a wedding theme? Well, help is here! I’ve put together a list of things for you to think about as you are putting together your wedding theme! I’m also including some themes to get you started.

coral + mint + gold

black + gold

ALL ABOUT YOU!

The first thing I want you to think about is your couple personality. Your hobbies, occupations, and personal interest can play a part in creating your wedding theme. After all, it is your wedding, and the theme you choose for your big day should reflect the two of you! 

Think of your clothing style and where you love to shop for clothes. Do you have a unique clothing style, or are you more casual, or do you love everything J. Crew?

Close your eyes and imagine your perfect date! Did you imagine yourselves doing something crazy and fun? Dinner and a movie? Going to an art gallery? or Horseback riding on the beach?

Now think of your decorating style. Is it tasteful and charming? Contemporary and fresh? Offbeat and eclectic? or Relaxed and casual? 

navy + silver

COLORS!

Colors will either come naturally with your chosen theme or you can create a theme around your color choice. When we discussed your personal style above and we went over clothing style and decorating style you probably started to recognize that you are drawn to particular colors more than others. I know I am, I absolutely love blush pink, white, and grey! Look around your home; what items did you purchase because when you saw it, it made your heart go thump thump? What colors are on that item? Are those your wedding colors?

When choosing colors you’ll also want to consider the season that your wedding will be taking place. The reason for this is the surroundings outside will change. If you want a blush pink wedding, but your wedding is in the fall and the trees all around you are red and orange it may not make for the most picturesque moments. 

plum

WEDDING VENUE!

Choosing a venue that is a reflection of elements that you love is important. The settings around you can provide a feeling of romance, fun, charm, elegance, etc. so you’ll want to make sure the settings match your wedding day theme. 

fall wedding theme

KEEP IT TIMELESS!

Some trendy themes may seem fun now, but will you love it when you are in your golden years or will you be asking yourself “why did we do that?” Choosing a strong trendy theme may leave you with feelings of regret. Keep it timeless and you will love it forever, just as you love each other!

rose + gold

Amber, 33 Weeks, Maternity Portrait Session

Amber, 33 weeks, awaiting a new baby to join the family soon! This baby will have 2 wonderful big sisters to love on him/her! They are keeping the gender a surprise.