Senior Session: Salome a/k/a I Understood the Assignment
"If Gwen Stefani and Robert Smith had a baby, that's what I'm going for"- Salome.
This gorgeous, creative, funny (woman feels weird...girl feels weird....chick?) lady is a MASTER at a winged liner. That's neither here nor there, I was just continuously impressed with her skills. Salome has amazing blue eyes and the liner and lashes really made them pop.
There's always a back and forth in the photographer world regarding "chimping". If I ever knew the etymology of that phrase, I have forgotten it. But it means looking at your camera as you're shooting to see how the shots are coming along. I think it's really bizarre that there is a negative connotation as lighting changes a lot, double checking on blinks, etc. I do it. I don't spend a lot of time going through everything, but I like to see that things are going well, and if I should try another pose in a location.
THEN there's multiple discussions as to whether or not photographers should show their subject the in camera images. Some photographers over expose, under expose intentionally so they can edit as they wish in post and don't want to show those images to the customer. Other photographers don't want to show the in camera images as they may cull them and not offer them to the customer for whatever reason.
Why do I choose to show the back of my camera to customers as I go? Because I'M excited and want to show it off. Because I want to HYPE THEM UP. Because I want to get a feel for what they're thinking.
In all my time, even when I have seasoned models, there's always a warm up period. There's ALWAYS a "what do I do with my hands?!" There's always the worry that they don't look good. You know what happened when I showed Salome the photo below?
"YOU WENT EDITORIAL ON THIS SHOOT!" Yep. She saw my vision. She dug it. She paraphrased Tay Money and told me that I understood the assignment. That, my friends, is the biggest compliment I could've gotten that day.
When Salome wanted to her location to be Munsinger Gardens I got super excited. I haven't been there in YEARS. It is gorgeous. I was thrilled that the blooms were still looking pretty good and the colors were amazing.
The variety of textures available, as well as the colors to mix into the foreground and background, well, I can't ask for much more.
I first went to Munsinger when I was probably Salome's age. I was already a photographer (first wedding at 18 years old!) and when I saw these gardens, I immediately wanted to have an Alice in Wonderland themed shoot there. I still haven't done it, but I'm still hopeful that I will.
I told Salome that she was giving me Gothic Little Red vibes. I wish I had a wolf.... While typing that I just decided I should see what I can find to do a creative piece for her. Hmm...
Pure bliss when you're happy shows through your eyes. Or even your eyes closed. Several times during the shoot Salome would close her eyes and smile. I do that, too, when I'm just vibing the moment. Maybe I'm projecting, but I would like to think that is what was happening for her as well.
Salome was accompanied by her boyfriend of two years. I know I sound like such and adult (hahaha) when I say that Larson is SUCH an impressive young man. I know parents wonder how their kids act when they're not around. I was super impressed by the both of them. When I had Salome lay on her stomach and kick her feet up for a pose, Larson noticed that their were stickers on the bottom of her shoes and he stood there and picked them off. It's the little things that are the most impressive for me.
Sorry to say it, Moms, but sometimes the Seniors actually do better without you there. I mean this in the absolutely most nicest way.
My personal experience with this: My Dad did my Senior portraits. He's the reason I got into photography in the first place. I felt so awkward. And he totally Dad-ed me. "Stand up straight!" "Smile your real smile!" That sort of thing.
I get it. These are things we all want. Real smiles and not slouching, I guess.
But I GOT YOU. Trust me when I say that my self deprecating jokes usually get laughs. If that doesn't work, I have a whole artillery to get some sort of real smile.
I'm NOT saying not to come. But perhaps give us a bit of space. ;)
"This is why I watch America's Next Top Model".
Yes.
Watch the shows. Practice in the mirror. Know your sides. Smile with your eyes. When you hear the camera shutter make a slightly different face.
perfect.
When I started editing the images, I messaged Salome and said, "I'm trying to decide just how Evanescence I want to go with this."
I LOVE it when people do my crazy ideas. LOVE IT. Yes, it was cold. Yes, she got wet. YES, THESE PICTURES ARE LIFE.
Bonus picture of Larson and Salome because they're adorable.
Wedding Session: a/k/a Matthew & Bobbie Jo Get Married
As soon as Bobbie Jo asked me about photographing her wedding I was excited. For her, for her boys, for everyone.
Then she started sending me pictures of the bridal party outfits and dresses, the boutonnieres, the boys' outfits.
Every time I got more and more excited. I loved that she was sharing details with me and I LOVED her style!
So, what are weddings like during COVID? Well, I must say they fluctuate back and forth per the current regulations. However, this one was delightfully intimate.
I have so many "A River Runs Through It" vibes. Boho. Peter Pan? Lost Boys (Not in the vampire way).
Matthew made the trellis himself finding the perfect branches in the woods that weekend.
It was absolutely STUNNING to see dozens and dozens of dragonflies, moths, butterflies. It made the day so much more special.
The boys were enamored with them. Below you can see the "bride butterfly" which may, in fact, be a white moth.
I had never seen a hand binding ceremony before. When all the bits of rope are wrapped around the bride and groom's hands correctly, when they pull away, a knot will form when the ends are pulled and it is tightened.
You may see the bride butterfly makes another appearance in this picture. I LOVE THIS PICTURE! I love the rug, I love his face, I love his outfit. I love the bride butterfly.
When photographing children, especially on a big day where there's a lot going on (hello, like a wedding) you gotta get on their level. Physically, mentally, all the things. Attention span. The boys loved the big sticks, the insects, the water. And that is what I wanted to capture them enjoying.
I had never met Matthew. Bobbie Jo and I worked together a few years ago. They fit together perfectly. They just make sense.
Showing off another butterfly.
I want these pictures blown up on my wall and they're not even my children!
Boudoir Session: a/k/a Tantalizing Tiffany
I've known Tiffany since we were 5. I have so many fond memories with her playing at the playground, in school, throughout the years. And now she's a mom of three beautiful girls and a wonderful wife.
Tiffany was so excited about this session! She purchased several great outfits and also used pieces from her collection. It's so fun to get a new special piece for a surprise gift.
Tiffany went with the full package with glamorous makeup and gorgeous hair. What a great way to pamper yourself!
When you know what your best asset is, or what your partner fancies the most about you, tell me! I want to show off what you're working with.
Tiffany brought some great ideas with her. She requested a wet t-shirt look. I worked through how to do get that to happen as my studio does not have a shower, but some other ideas came along and now we have our look.
I am always hung up on a title. Always. ALWAYS. It is what it is. ;)
Boudoir Session: a/k/a Crystal Blue Persuasion
Crystal was the very first boudoir shoot I ever did. It was in her basement and I had a plain white backdrop and my studio lighting and I thought I knew what I was doing and totally did not. Not with boudoir at least. I was not good at directing poses, encouraging confidence, NOT having BRIGHT LIGHTING....I thought it was a good idea at the time.
Ten or so years, two babies, and a divorce later, Crystal was on board for having a new shoot. Having gone through a divorce myself, I am completely empathetic and understanding of what it's like to find yourself again. Feeling good for yourself. Feeling sexy for yourself. Feeling strong for yourself.
I've also had stretchmarks since I was 12. I was told it was because my breasts grew too quickly. Is that a thing? Then through the years I got them on my belly. As much as I see mine and wish they weren't there, I don't really notice other people's. But stretchmarks from babies? That's beautiful. Not being able to have children myself, I see those marks as a privilege.
I want to put my customers at ease. I will listen to your fears, worries, trepidations, and think about how to make you feel comfortable and confident. I like to tell people, "That's what carefully placed sheets and lighting are for!" and I'm very serious about that.
I LOVE that Crystal was so excited and listened to my ideas, gave me her ideas, and then went on a shopping spree. That blanket, those outfits, I think even the shoes are all for this shoot. Then she got the pampering treatment on her face before her makeup application.
I often try poses and ideas just to see. I'm not too proud to not be able to admit that what I picture in my head can't always work in real life. But sometimes, many times, I surprise myself and my models surprise me even more!
Be bold. Be brave. Be you. Try a new thing with me. You may surprise yourself. In fact, I KNOW you will surprise yourself!
You are beautiful. You are strong. You are capable. You are caring. Courageous. Intentional.
Treat yourself. You deserve it. I go at your level of comfort. I may suggest ideas to encourage you try something new. Let's see what we can do!
Boudoir Session: a/k/a Miss Sara if You're Nasty
Not only is Sara my derby wifey, she is also a mother of two beautiful children whom I love dearly. We've known each other for 10 years now and we have had all sorts of adventures. We did another boudoir shoot in 2012 I believe it was. I've used some of her shots in advertising boudoir shoots!
Sara had so many great outfit choices that she brought with her to the session. We had so much fun going through the outfits and putting them together.
This flag is a perfect example of bringing props that mean something to you. Sara had just gotten it in the mail a couple days before the shoot! I love that she had an idea and found the props to make it happen.
During a session I take several photographs and then cull them down to the best of the best. I then edit them to my standard and share them in a gallery. My client can then pick which images they want to fulfill what's included in the package. They can also order beautiful leather albums, metallic prints, accordian albums, desk prints, and much more.
What makes YOU feel empowered? Sexy? Strong? Courageous? INVINCIBLE!?