A few from our little meetup…

And mine. 

Before I go…I have a few newborns lined up in the next month or so, so be on the lookout for those (as well as the beautiful expectant mamas)!  Thank you to those that referred your friends and family for the newborn casting call.  I am soo looking forward to meeting these little ones!    I am still able to take one or two more newborns for this call and then all slots will be filled.  Contact me by filling out the contact form above if you are interested or know someone locally who might be!  -xoxo

You are what you wear.

A little cliché?  Perhaps.  But when it comes to portrait photography, clothing plays a huge role in the success of the finished product.

Before we get going – let’s be clear what you’re clothing does NOT need to be:

1. Brand New
   I’m down with your favorite ripped jeans, retro band T’s, and worn converse shoes – as long as you know how to rock them in your own fabulous style.
2. Fancy-Schmancy and Uber-Expensive
   Unless it’s your thing (If it’s really your thing, then by all means baby, bring on the bling).   If you’re not normally a dress-up kind of person, don’t feel like you have to be one for your session.
3. Matching
   No need to focus on matching everything from the color of your fuchsia headbands to the stripes in your socks.  In fact, I beg of you, please, please don’t.
4. Stressful
   No need to worry about each and every item, or fret about the suitability of each accessory.  This is supposed to be fun.   If you’re unsure – call me, and together, we’ll make sure you look fabulous.  I promise.

I want you to be happy, thrilled, over the moon about your images, and I know that this is much more likely if we take the time and work together to help you choose clothing that fits these few simple rules:

Feels Good.
During your shoot you could be sitting in a pile on the grass having a tickle battle, rolling down a hill with your spouse, throwing your kiddos in the air or climbing a tree. Wear clothing that lets you do all that (and more) comfortably.

As for the kids? Well…uncomfortable kids have a tendency to look…uncomfortable, and are often cranky to boot. Happy kids make for happy pictures.

Bottom Line: Don’t choose outfits that make any of you feel constrained, stiff, itchy, scratchy, like you’re dressed up for Halloween, or that leave you with a nagging worry that a button might pop if you bend the wrong way. Trust me.

Looks Good.
This can be tricky, looking good is totally subjective – right? If you’re not a Carrie Bradshaw fashionista in real life, you might want to pull in some extra help from a straight-talking friend or your trusty photographer (that would be me) who knows about such things and has plans in place to help.

Sometimes last year’s of-the-moment dress has already become hopelessly untrendy. Sometimes the current fashions just don’t look or feel like you. Sometimes outfits that look good in the mirror might not be ideally suited for photography. If you’re really looking for extra help, I can put you in touch with some incredible folks who make people look good for a living.

Bottom Line: If you don’t feel fabulous-fierce-take-on-the-world gorgeous in your outfit, you’re not going to love, love, love the end result – and I’m all about you love, love, loving the end result.

Makes Sense.
Here’s where we pull it all together. It’s not just enough that everyone look good and feel good – you’ve gotta look and feel good together AND the outfits should fit with your location and the desired mood for your portraits.

Gulp. That seems like a lot, doesn’t it? (quick – revisit #4 in the top list, and remember, don’t stress).

Before you even begin figuring out your wardrobe, we’ll have an in depth consultation to narrow down what you really want for your pictures, choose the perfect location and make sure you have an understanding about how that all comes together in the finished photograph.   I’m with you every step of the way.

Bottom Line: It’s easier than it seems.Think twice about having Emma in a lace prom dress if you can’t get Tommy out of his spider man cape and favorite Star Wars pajama top. If we’re going to be running around in a park, you’ll likely not decide to wear your starched Sunday best. Hate the way stripes and plaids look together but Dad has his favorite stripped polo ready to go? Best steer mom away from her beloved family tartan. Easy-Peasy. [unless Mom is really attached to that tartan, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it).

~~~

If you’re still not certain, and you can’t decide between the yellow wrap dress with your red heels or your dark skinny jeans and purple  belted shirt – I’ve got good news.  You don’t have to decide.   Bring lots of options.  Heck – throw your whole wardrobe into the back of the car.  When we get to the session we’ll wing it all with fabulous results.  Trust me.

Now take a deep breath.  Close your eyes.  Imagine how blow-everyone-away-fabulous-ready-for-America’s-Next-Top-Model  you’re all going to look in those pictures….

Can you see it yet?  I totally can.  OMG, you look INCREDIBLE!

I can’t wait for your session.

(used with permission from the amazing Phoenix photographer, Jeanette LeBlanc )

The Details:

•free session ($150 value)

•one tabletop print (8×12 or smaller) of your favorite image from the session

•20% off additional prints ordered (there is NO obligation to buy anything)

•sessions are aimed at capturing a specific pose and trying new techniques.  Additional poses/images will be captured if time and baby’s temperament allow

•signed model release form is required for this special offer

•baby must be 10 days or younger at the time the session takes place

I will come to you for this session, so it must take place in Orlando or nearby areas.  If you are expecting in February or March or know someone who is, please e-mail me and we can discuss the details.  I look forward to hearing from you!

So, I will be offering 10 spots for mini sessions on January 31st.  Details below…

A few samples of the custom cards available:

Please use the contact form above to e-mail me or you may call me at 407-491-3835 to reserve your spot!  Only 10 appointments are available and this will be the only day for these mini sessions in order to get everyone’s orders back in time for Valentine’s Day.

And we get some real use out of something I mainly got as a cute photo prop.    Added bonus!

Before I go, here are a couple from our Christmas card this year that I forgot to share.

Just a few of my faves.  Aren’t they a great looking family?

Love the mommy-and-me MJ fashion.

Just a couple for now but more to come. . .

Here are a few examples:

Here is a recent one of her from a few days ago.  It’s amazing how much she’s grown and changed in the last five years.   It’s just like everyone says….they grow up so so fast!  Happy Birthday baby girl (because she will forever be my ‘baby’)!