It’s no secret that I LOVE mother and child photos. I always capture them, every session, and they are by far my favorite. SO, after hearing some comments about me offering mother/child sessions, I decided it was time to dive on in. So here it is! There are only 6 spots available, so contact me ASAP!
shannonjdodge@gmail.com OR 239.410.2802
UPDATE: The Lawrey’s have been featured locally, as well as nationally recently. Click HERE to read their story or watch the short video clips to get a glimpse of what they are all experiencing. They are in serious jeopardy of losing their home–if you would like to donate, any small amount helps. There is a bar on the right titled “How to Help”, you could help a family save their home. Also, turns out Gavin is a very talented photographer! Click HERE to view his work…it is for sale, again to help pay the bills.
I know I said no words were necessary, and there won’t be any…after I get this out. I’ve known this family for two years now. They are by far, one of THE most sweet and loving families I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. Two years ago, Brandi won a contest I was having on my SJD Photography Facebook page. I quickly learned what this family was dealing with. Their son, Gavin, was diagnosed with Paroxysmal Kinesigenic Dyskinesia (PKD), and nocturnal seizures in February 2010. This disorder causes Gavin to have episodes that cause him to “shake” and lose muscle control. Not too long after this diagnosis, came a more devastating diagnosis of Mitochondrial disease. Gavin and his family have had a rough run, to say the least. But this does not break their bond. Their love for one another AND others as well. I truly admire every one of them. Now, for their photos. You can just feel the love in every single one of these images. Be on the lookout for Hershey, their latest addition. He is Gavin’s service dog, and detects any seizures or episodes Gavin may have BEFORE they occur. He is well loved, as you can tell. 
Their “awareness” bracelets! Brandi wanted a shot of these because there is so much meaning behind them. Notice their coordinated outfits too…every color they’re wearing represents the different awareness colors.
I just love this family and I am so honored to have been able to work with all of them again. They are all so appreciative of the photos and the memories captured, which makes my job so much more important and worthy!
SJDxo
Something a little different this week, brought to you by the multi talented Morgan Dawson of Morgan Dawson Photography!
Here’s what she has put together!
There is just not enough time left in the shopping season to be anything but honest and straightforward, so here goes: This is the kind of stuff I would want as a photographer, and I think it can help you, too. If you’re a photographer, you can send a link to this post to friends or family who need gift ideas. If you need to get a gift for a photographer or shutterbug, you’ve come to the right place. Here we go…
THINGS TO STASH INSIDE A CAMERA BAG:
Memory Cards: Photographers really can never have too many of these. When buying them, just be sure you know what format your photog uses. Compact Flash and SD are the most common, but double check since you never know. My personal collection includes a bunch of SanDisk 8GB compact flash cards, but I wouldn’t turn down a larger size (who would?). These can be purchased at so many different stores, so be sure to compare prices.
Batteries: When I asked the other WW girls about their stocking stuffer wish list, batteries were the first things mentioned. Flashes and other gear will burn through these puppies in no time – extras are a must!
Lens Cleaner: What happens when mud gets on a lens? Smudges or sticky kid fingers? This two step solution will easily fix the day. All you need to do is use a few drops of the solution and then use the pads to wipe it away. Easy!
Pop-Up Flash Diffuser: If your photog has a camera with a pop-up flash, this is a great gift idea. While the flash is easy and convenient, the light is often harsh and less than flattering. The best way to even out the light is by diffusing it somehow, and this puffer couldn’t be easier. It slides over the flash and automatically diffuses the light – awesome!
Towelettes and Wipes: These little wipes are such a lifesaver for both the photographer and their clients. Large bottles of sunscreen or insect repellent aren’t likely to make their way into a camera bag, but there is always room to stash a few of these. If the model – or photographer – start to get a little shiny, the blotter papers can be a great fix when you’re on the go.
FUN CAMERA GIFTS: These are just cute camera-related gifts that would make any photog smile. My personal favorite may be the “Oh Snap” bag, but that’s just because it also comes on a onesie
Fingerless Gloves: If you shooting in the cold, you’ll want a pair of fingerless gloves. If you’re sitting at your desk on a cool morning and want a little warmth, you’ll want a pair of fingerless gloves. Tons of colors – various warmth levels. A perfect gift!
Custom Camera Strap: Why stick with the boring old black camera strap when you can have one with style!
Coffee Mug: Coffee mug? What’s so special about a coffee mug? This one actually keeps your coffee HOT! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made myself a cup of coffee or tea and then sat down to do a little editing. Before I know it, I’ve completely forgotton about my drink and it’s gone cold. This mug has a lid and stainless steel double wall interior (read: warm drinks). Note – they also make a travel version!>
This is one awesome Wardrobe Wednesday post from Morgan Dawson of Morgan Dawson Photography! LOVE this spotlight and all of the compilations! And she speaks Italian…well, maybe just a little. 
Buon giorno a tutti! {Good morning everyone!}
Ok, that’s just about the extent of my Italian – other than “Dov’è il bagno?” (where is the bathroom?), “Vorrei un cappuccino” (I’d like a cappuccino) and “Mi dispiace. Non parlo italiano.” (I’m sorry. I don’t speak italian).
Mi dispache, but I just got back from an amazing trip to northern Italy and haven’t quite accepted that I’m back to my normal life yet. I have this strong urge to bake bread, learn how to make my own pasta, and make my wardrobe more euro chic (especially since part of the trip included a conference attended by people from 35 countries). The bread baking happened yesterday (total tangent, but this book is AMAZING!) and the pasta will need to wait, but the wardrobe changes might be easier than I thought.
If you’re not already familiar, let me introduce you to Zara. Zara is a clothing and accessories retailer that began in 1975 in a central street in downtown A Coruña, Galicia, Spain. You can now find them in over 70 countries. While they have an online store that can be viewed in 10 languages, it wasn’t until 2011 that the US was one of the 17 countries where items could be shipped. I’ve never been to a store – and am trying to accept the fact that I was unknowingly two blocks away from one last week – but I’m already a huge fan just by browsing online.
Zara carries clothing for women (including a more youthful TRF line), men, and separate kids lines for young boys and girls (age 2-14) and baby boys and girls (age 3-26 months). You may notice that I included below examples of shoes and scarves for each group. If I had to overgeneralize what I saw in Italy, it was funky shoes and scarves, scarves, and scarves (even on kids and babies – so adorable). Oh, tons of chunky jewelry as well! The question doesn’t seem to be “if” you should wear a scarf or chunky jewelry, but rather what color and how many pieces.
If I wasn’t pregnant (unfortunately they don’t have a maternity line), I’d be going nuts with the shopping. For now I’ll just need to focus on shoes and scarves. But only for now…
I just LOVE this ensemble put together by Jennifer of Minor Impressions Photography for families with teens!! It can be a struggle to get those teens to wear what you suggest they wear, but Jennifer offers some great tips! Here’s what she has to say:
Here in Texas, the outrageous heat is gradually making its exit, and we are starting to see a little bit of fall-like weather. For me, this always means that clients start calling to schedule their family session before the holidays get near. While us Wardrobe Wednesday ladies have been giving everyone advice for almost two years now, it can still seem so overwhelming to put together your entire family’s wardrobe, and you can’t help but tinker with the idea of just doing one solid color. Add in a few older kiddos who are already highly opinionated with what they want to wear, and I’m sure you’re already stressed just thinking about it. That is why I chose to put together an ensemble consisting of mom, dad, and the possibility of a few hard-headed kiddos.
My first piece of advice is to decide which kid will be the most challenging when choosing his/her outfit. (I highly recommend that you don’t tell him/her why you chose them first!) Once you’ve got the most difficult selection out of the way, start building everyone else’s outfits to complement it. If the first outfit you choose has a pattern with different colors, then choose solids to balance it all out. If it is one solid color, then the next outfit you select should have a few more colors, one being complementary to the first selection.
When teenagers are involved, keep in mind that your biggest challenge might not be about the colors, but rather the comfort, specifically theirs. While one daughter might love being in a dress every day, the other may be all about her jeans. You will have a lot less resistance if they can relax in their attire and allow their personalities to show a little while still trying to keep with a similar theme.
In the example below, I started my collection with, the more reserved, Girl # 2’s shirt. After adding Girl # 1’s dress, I was able to piece together the remaining outfits.
SHOPPING LIST
Mom
Dress – http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=73357&vid=1&pid=864384&scid=864384002
Boots – http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=70485&vid=1&pid=894460&scid=894460022
Necklace – http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=45844&vid=1&pid=428743&scid=428743002
Girl #1
Dress – http://store.delias.com/item.do?itemID=56794&categoryID=2022&sizeFilter=&colorFilter=&brandFilter=
Denim Jacket – http://store.delias.com/item.do?itemID=57122
Boots – http://store.delias.com/item.do?itemID=57402&categoryID=556&sizeFilter=&colorFilter=&brandFilter=
Girl #2
Shirt – http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/juniors/tops/view_alltops/PRD~870603/Heart+and+Soul+Ruffled+Top.jsp
Jeans – http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/juniors/jeans/skinny/PRD~830062/Levis+524+Skinny+Jeans.jsp
Dad
Jeans – http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/mens/jeans/straightleg/PRD~597639/Lee+Basic+Bootcut+Denim+Jeans.jsp
Boy # 1
Red Shirt – http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/teen_guys/shirts_polos/buttondown/PRD~815678/Urban+Pipeline+Plaid+Shirt.jsp
Boy # 2
Shirt – http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/boys_820/tops/buttonfront/PRD~893209/Chaps+Chambray+Shirt.jsp
A month ago, I held a contest for a free session. Little did I know that holding this contest would not only make one really deserving family happy, but it would change my life as well. Meet the Lawreys. They are such a sweet, loving and caring family…you can see it for yourself in these images.
This is Gavin. He is an energetic, spunky and ADORABLE 4 year old. Gavin is like every other 4 year old. He likes to talk about gross boy things and run. However, Gavin was diagnosed with Paroxysmal Kinesigenic Dyskinesia (PKD), and nocturnal seizures in February 2010. This disorder causes Gavin to have episodes that cause him to “shake” and lose muscle control. This doesn’t get him down, though. He is SO happy and sweet despite all of this. I just love this kid.
Can you BELIEVE his eyelashes?
This is Makenzie, Gavin’s 7 year old sister. There is no other way to describe Makenzie than to say she is an angel. She is so in tune to Gavin and his symptoms. She knows the warning signs for an episode and tells his parents when one is going to happen. She also takes such special care of him. After our photo sessions (we had about 10 minutes the first time before the rain rolled in so we had to reschedule), Makenze made me a thank you card and picked out a bow for my daughter (made by her talented mom! check out her work on Facebook by clicking HERE).
Brandi and Jeff, Gavin and Makenzie’s parents, are such wonderful people. They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and in this case it is 100% true. It’s no wonder Gavin and Makenzie are such special children; if you know Jeff and Brandi, you would see why. Jeff and Brandi have a lot on their plate on a daily basis, but this does not stop them from being truly selfless and kind. They inspire me to be a better person. At our proofing session, Brandi gave me a necklace she handmade. I was so touched. These were my FIRST client gifts ever. She told me she appreciated everything I had done for them thus far. I teared up.
The Lawreys have some monstrous medical bills that they have to pay every month. They have to go without things some months because of these medical bills that result from the multiple tests, doctors visits and medication Gavin needs daily due to his disorder.
The second annual Friends of Gavin Lawrey Fall Golf Scramble will be held on Oct. 8, 2011 in Cape Coral to help raise funds for these medical bills.
The registration is $75 for single golfers and $300 for a team of four, which can be done before or on the day of the event. The fee includes a complimentary breakfast, luncheon and goodie bag.
Registration can be done by calling Bob Bravard at 239-458-0626, email him at annandbob@embarqmail.com or stop by Palmetto Pines Country Club, where the tournament will be held.
Also, if you are on Facebook, check out The Gavin Lawrey Trust Fund page for more info!
SJDxo
This week’s challenge at I Heart Faces is People’s Choice for best face photo from summer 2011. While in MI this summer for a little R&R, I photographed THIS fabulous family (you may just recognize them…they are the awesomely talented Jean and Travis Smith). It is by far, probably the most favorite family session I’ve ever shot. I’ve only spent a few hours with them and I just love them. Here is my entry for this week.
Make sure you check out the ridiculous amount of talent over at http://www.iheartfaces.com!
SJDxo
I just love following up on requests on our fan page! Erica May with Erica May Photography did a great job with this tough request! Love the ideas!
We recently had someone post on our Wardrobe Wednesday facebook page requesting a couples session that features cowboy boots. Being from Texas, I was all over that =P. I wanted to put together something that was country but not over-the-top. The thing I LOVE about these outfits it all the layers. The warm tones, mix of textures, and small pop of color will add a lot of depth and interesting features to your images. I love the option to take off and on jackets, vests, hats, and jewelry so make sure to any or all of those items along. The more layers you have the more posing options your photographer will have. I tried to make it an easy shopping trip with the majority of this ensemble being from one of my favorite stores Eddie Bauer. I could just live in their catalog and they have a great outlet section! =) Don’t forgot to bring a few things that are special to y’all (maybe a few books, a bottle of wine, etc..) and a quilt or sherpa blanket to snuggle up on. Enjoy!
Woman:
Trailhead Plaid Field Shirt – Eddie Bauer
$59.99
Classic Fit Barely Boot Cut Jeans – Eddie Bauer
$64.95
Legend Wash Blazer – Eddie Bauer
$69.95
Justin Stampede Western Cowboy Boots – Sheplers
$139.99
Man:
Classic Fit Solid Washed Chambray Workshirt – Eddie Bauer
$49.95
Carpenter Jeans - Eddie Bauer
$59.95
Yukon Model Waxed Cotton Down Vest – Eddie Bauer
$179
Mens Cowboy Boots – Sheplers
$159.99
I have 2 awesome sessions in the blog queue…stay tuned readers!
SJDxo
That fall chill is in the air…or so I hear. Here in southwest Florida, it doesn’t cool off until at least mid-October. However, my clients still prefer to dress for the season and I don’t blame them! I know when I have my family portraits taken later this fall, we’ll be dressing the part, whether it’s 90 degrees or not! Last week, I asked our awesome Wardrobe Wednesday fans what they’d like to see this week. The majority of you said you’d like to see more boy ideas and fall suggestions. So guess what? I combined the two. And because I am the queen of one stop shopping, I am featuring clothing from Tea Collection. LOVE.THEM.SO.MUCH! We have featured them once before. Click here to view that post.
As soon as I went to Tea Collection’s website, the warm fall colors were very apparent. Tea Collection always has a globally inspired collection, and this season it’s Modern Mexico. Let me tell you, it is CUTE. What I really love about Tea Collection, is that their pieces coordinate with one another, which makes layering (and putting together compilations for photo shoots!) pretty simple. Another feature I love, is that they have different features such as outfits, new arrivals and wardrobe sets. If you want an outfit already put together for you, just click on outfits and voila! There are so many things I love about Tea Collection; I could go on and on, but the number one feature is that their clothing is made to last. It does not fade easily, wrinkle much or fall apart. This is important to me because my kids are hard on clothing!
Check out their website for yourself. They often have SUPER sales, which is a nice bonus.
This week’s compilation was a cinch because of Tea Collection’s awesome coordinating items and themes. I chose to do a lot of layering, because it adds dimension and color to photos. The first boy’s outfit was already put together by Tea Collection. I LOVED how the henley was placed over the hoodie. The hoodie added just enough color to POP the outfit. I decided to show the items separately on the compilation board, but I added the picture of the outfit separately to show the look I am trying to depict. The second boy’s outfit was coordinated by me, myself and I. I saw the Ticking Stripe Pant (and had to have them for my son!) and went from there. I decided to coordinate another shirt over hoodie outfit to go w/ the pants. Fun to coordinate with the other boy but not too “matchy matchy”. For the mom, I found the scarf paired with the red v neck shirt and fell in LOVE. I just read recently that red is THE COLOR this season. And I don’t know many people who don’t look great in it! Unfortunately, Tea Collection does not offer a men’s collection, so I kept it simple and left the father figure out.
Here are some images from a family I photographed in Ohio last year. This mom had the wardrobe DOWN! Layers, colors, and textures…oh my!
So there ya have it. I hope this post inspires many readers to check out the very awesome Tea Collection line and to layer for their fall portrait sessions!
SHOPPING LIST
BOY: Outfit 1
http://www.teacollection.com/boys-outfits-awesome-stripe
Hombres Stripe Henley–Cloud–$22.50
Happy Hoodie–Salsa Red–$30.00
Daytripper Jeans–Bio-Stone Wash–$49.00
Simple Satire Sneaker–Nine Iron–$42.00
http://www.teacollection.com/product/ES47824/boys-and-girls-shoes-simple-satire-sneaker.html#nine%20iron
BOY: Outfit 2
Ticking Stripe Pant–Mushroom–$32.00
http://www.teacollection.com/product/1F22304/boys-pants-ticking-stripe-pant.html#mushroom
Mariachis En Barco Tee–Ochre–$26.50
http://www.teacollection.com/product/1F22012/boys-t-shirts-mariachis-en-barco-tee.html#ochre
Happy Hoodie–Cinnabar–$30.00
http://www.teacollection.com/product/1F22046/boys-hoodies-happy-hoodie.html#lemongrass
MOM
Frida Wide Leg Demin Pants–$88.50
http://www.teacollection.com/product/ES47824/boys-and-girls-shoes-simple-satire-sneaker.html#nine%20iron
Dia De Sol Scarf–$61.50
http://www.teacollection.com/product/1FW1801/women-s-scarves-dia-de-sol-scarf.html#copper
Velas V-Neck Tee–$31.50
http://www.teacollection.com/product/1FW2010/women-s-shirts-velas-v-neck-tee.html#salsa%20red
And to all of my faithful SJD Photography blogstalkers, I am nearly booked for the season. If you would like to book, please do so ASAP. I only have a limited number of sessions left!
SJDxo
