Bellies
Brand New
Babies
Posted on April 15, 2010
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Well, I typed this on Wednesday, does that count? 
“What to Wear Thursday” just doesn’t sound as good, but it seems as though I’m on a roll here! Now that spring weather has finally sprung (and it couldn’t have come soon enough for me!) I wanted to share another one of these with you. I love how these outfits are not at all “matchy-matchy” but still compliment each other well. The bright colors are awesome – note that none of the tops are the same color! Hope it gives you a little idea of what to wear at your next session – can’t wait to see you!
Posted on March 25, 2010
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Okay, so it’s Thursday. *blush* I meant to get this posted last night, but you mommies know how it is. Sick kid, messy house, backlogged work….so we’ll pretend that it’s Wednesday, right? 
Thanks.
Today, I’m starting a new feature on the blog called “What to Wear Wednesday”. One of the most common questions that I receive after a family books a session with me is, “What should we wear?” I hope to alleviate the stress of that by posting these images monthly as reference! Just a hint: If you’re ever looking for a particular post, you can look under “CATEGORIES” at the top or use the “SEARCH” function (located under the slideshow of pics at the top of the blog) Enjoy!
Posted on March 20, 2010
Many clients ask me, “What would YOU choose to wear?” for a family session. They ask, “Does everyone need to match?” (Not unless you’re Oompa-Loompas!) “Should we wear white shirts and khaki’s?” (Not unless you want to look like everyone else!). “Should we buy something new?” (Only if you want to!) So today, I’m giving you a little insight into my “vision” of a coordinated family look – since tonight, we are having our own family portraits taken. I am so incredibly excited to have hired another local photographer that I admire. Yes, I hired a photographer to take our photos. Yes, I’m paying her – not getting it for free. No, it’s not cheap. But worth.every.penny. And I couldn’t be more thrilled. (And, yes, I’ll share some of them with you, don’t worry!)
I am hardly ever in pictures anymore. I am always behind the camera and decided a few months ago that I would really like to have the kinds of photos of my family that I am giving to my clients. Since my children both had birthdays in March (that’s why you haven’t seen much of me!) it seemed like the perfect time to document “us”. I scoured our closets and found out that #1 – I haven’t bought anything nice for myself in a long, long time. and #2 – We just didn’t have the right colors for the location we’ve chosen – a field in southern Virginia Beach. So, I went shopping. I started with the kids (HINT: It’s easier to find complimentary solid-color tops for parents after choosing the patterns of your kids’ clothes!) and found the dress for my 4 year old daughter at Dillards (Rare Editions brand). Then, I saw the cutest searsucker outfit (complete with matching searsucker hat and shoes – and jacket depending on the weather) at Crazy 8 for my 1 year old son. (HINT: With babies who are carried and/or crawl, it is better to have a one-piece outfit rather than a shirt and pants so that the diaper doesn’t stick out of the back!) Then, I found a coral colored top (that doesn’t match perfectly, but is close enough!), dark jeans, and coordinating jewelry at The Limited for me and my husband is wearing a polo shirt from Brooks Brothers and a pair of dark jeans he already has.
Here’s the complete family look {Excuse the half-hearted photo attempt…and imagine dark jeans with both adult tops. }
I can’t wait to see how the photos turn out. Off to get everyone all “gussied up” for our sunset photo session in the field! Can’t wait to share with you in a few days! (And will reveal the name of the photographer then!)
-Amanda
Posted on February 2, 2010
This photo is from my October “Urban” mini-session. These boys were dressed perfectly for the location and style of the portraits. Awesome wardrobe choice!
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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:
- 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. - 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. - Matchy-Matchy to a “T”
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. If you’re heart is set on everyone in white button downs and khaki pants, I’m probably not your girl. I love color and style and want to capture you as…well, YOU! - 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 silly boy, throwing your kiddos in the air or laying in the sand at the beach. 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 a stuffy aunt’s dinner, 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. Sometimes the perfect accessory (chunky necklace, cool hat or scarf) makes everything come together – so don’t forget to accessorize!
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.
Glup. 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 a 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 sweater. Easy-Peasy. [unless Mom is really attached to that sweater, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it).
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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.
-Amanda————————
Adapted from Jeannette LeBlanc’s blog with permission