Last week one of our Wardrobe Wednesday contributors, Kelly, introduced us all to an entire new world of wardrobe planning via Polyvore! This site is AMAZING! I have not yet had time to truly explore it, but I bet what i’ve used it for so far only scratches the surface.

I found THE cutest little girl’s dress and fell in love. I found some shoes, accessories and an outfit for mom and voila! A cute compilation and not too costly, either!

I am just in love with the spring/summer colors in this “look”! (you’ll find links to buy below)

And for extra inspiration, I am posting of few of my clients’ wardrobes from my weekend of mom & me mini shoots. I was SO impressed with what everybody put together! They outfits compliment each other, without being too “matchy”. Success!

WHERE TO SHOP

Click HERE for links for where to buy mom’s outfit (scroll over the item and click!).

Click HERE for links for where to buy the daughter’s outfit.

Those are links to the sets I created using Polyvore…my new obsession!

I urge you to check it out for yourself…and HAVE FUN!

SJDxo

shannonjdodge@gmail.com OR 239.410.2802

This little girl is one of my favorite little models and I happened to catch her on a windy day.

I Heart Faces is an AWESOME resource and community with invaluable information relating to photography! Challenges are only one small portion of the blog…there are daily tutorials and tons of inspiration. You should check it out.

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

Andee details how she takes charge of her client communication, and she’s also extending a $50 discount off her online photoshop mentoring through May 15th. To take advantage of the offer, just visit www.cravemymentoring.com and use the code WWSALE at checkout!

But before you go, here’s some great insight:

I’m Andee from Crave Photography, a portrait photographer based out of Utah who specializes in senior, child and wedding photography. I picked up my first DSLR three years ago and haven’t slept much since! As much as I love shooting, I am completely obsessed with editing. My real passion is teaching others my simple and straight-forward editing techniques for creating standout imagery. I love spending time with my family outdoors and traveling to new places!

One of the most frequently asked questions that I get from other photographers is how do I get my clients to show up dressed so nicely. It’s all about communication — and a dress code!  I have learned from painful experience that if you do not take charge of your correspondence and expectations with your client, your session can be disappointing for you as an artist. We’ve all had the session where everyone shows up wearing matching T-shirts right? Or someone shows up to an engagement session dressed far too casual. To avoid this, I always make sure I inform my clients of my dress code: No baseball hats, no shorts, no flip flops, and no logo-splashed T-shirts. I feel like the client is already making a considerable investment in their photography session, and I personally expect that they will be prepared to come dressed appropriately. By having a dress code, you weed out so many of the problematic clothing disasters! This may seem harsh, but as much as the session is about my clients, it is also about me being happy as an artist and creating imagery and portraits I can be proud of.

Sometimes clients need some guidance, resources and recommendations on what will look nice. Try emailing or mailing a “What to Wear” guide to clients listing and describing what photographs well. For example, in my What to Wear guide, I put:  ”It looks nice when clothing is layered up for more texture (jackets, vests, sweaters, etc.). Also, try selecting several colors and patterns so that everything isn’t perfectly matching.” Most people are visual, so be sure to send blog or website links to show your clients examples of what you feel looks nice. Wardrobe Wednesday is a fantastic resource for photographers to pass on to their clients!  Here is where I get even more straight forward — I personally ask my clients to send me cell phone photos of what they plan to wear. This does two important things for me: 1. It helps me gain a sense of their style (vintage, modern, eclectic, country, urban, etc.),  2. It also showcases the colors they plan to wear which helps me to determine and plan their locations. You would be surprised how helpful this can be!

I often collaborate with clients on a specific idea or theme for a stylized shoot. It may be an idea they had or something crazy I have dreamed up! In this situation, I will typically make clothing suggestions, send links for references, and discuss in detail the entire set up I have envisioned. Clothing choices can really make or break these particular sessions! I always let clients know that I don’t expect them to go out and purchase a whole new wardrobe, but to be selective and thoughtful as they plan out their clothing. I promise I am always very kind and respectful in my approach and dialogue with clients. I’ve evolved over the years to find that my best work comes when I take control of my sessions, and detailed correspondence is an important key to a successful photo shoot!

Below are a few examples of actual cell photos I’ve gotten from clients and a resulting image from their session, as well as a few of my favorite images showcasing great wardrobe collaboration.

Here’s what she has to say…

It took me a long time to get in a groove with newborn sessions. My newborn sessions used to be a combination of forced poses, crying babies, and a lot of frustration on my part. I almost wanted to give up when I had a “light bulb moment.” I realized that my niche is not posing babies perfectly. My niche is capturing the baby naturally, along with the relationships and interaction with family members.  So, I started shooting how I loved to shoot and newborns became one of my favorite types of sessions.

However.

With the exit of solid backdrops and formal poses, solid white or black shirts and jeans on family members no longer worked with my lifestyle look. I wanted a soft and natural feel with the focus on Baby, but with Mom and Dad being an important part of the image.

So what should Mom and Dad wear to look natural, and still compliment the baby and image?

What about siblings?

And what about Baby?

Let’s start with Mom and Dad, since they are the most important “props” baby may have. First and foremost, we want Mom to feel beautiful and flattered…as she did JUST have a baby (and we all know how we feel right after we had a baby). I suggest short or long sleeves to flatter, or perhaps a cover up (like a cardigan sweater). Light colored, solid tops are soft and still flattering to Mom. I LOVE when Mom opts for a long dress…preferable solid, or with just a light pattern. It adds such a softness and whimsy to the images with a newborn baby. Dad can wear a solid shirt complimentary to mom’s color of shirt. A subtle pattern on dad’s shirt is also cute, and adds interest…like a striped button down shirt.

If siblings will be in the images, it is best to go with siblings in solid, neutral colors (ex: oatmeal, white, grey), so that the focus can still be on the baby.

And for Baby? I prefer the baby to be naked for at least some of the session. It is one time in his/her life that it is ok to be nude, and it is just SO. DANG. CUTE. It is also fun to get a variety of images by using scarves (or other wraps), thin blankets, or diaper covers on the baby. By dressing family members in solid, neutral colors, you can put the focus on Baby by swaddling him/her in a colorful wrap, or maybe a cute, lightly patterned blanket. I educate parents NOT to use newborn outfits, as they are usually too big and tend to drown the baby and cover their face when holding or posing him/her. However, if the baby has a special outfit from Grandma, friend, or someone else special, then by all means, take a few shots! If parents want an outfit for the baby, then solid and snug fitting outfits look best on newborns.

Oh, and bare feet are the BEST
Newborn sessions can be simple, or they can be fashionable. Both are beautiful. It just depends on the style and look the parents are going for. Just remember…simple, solid, and neutral work best for newborn sessions and help keep the mood soft with the focus on the baby.
Mom: Dress (Old Navy $25), Cardigan (Target $24.99)
Dad: Shirt (Old Navy $22.50), Pants (Old Navy $29.50)
Boy: Shirt (Old Navy $16.94), Shorts (Old Navy $19.94)
Baby: Hat and Diaper Cover (J Crochet Shop on Etsy $24.99)
Girl: Dress (Old Navy $19.94)

I am thrilled to be posting this for Wardrobe Wednesday…a fabulous site dedicated to helping photographers and clients choose clothing that will look amazing in photos. You can find more ideas and inspiration from them every Wednesday HERE.

Here’s what new mom Morgan has to say:

My son may only be 13 days old, but I’m already thinking about how to dress him (A) in a way that makes changing a diaper as easy as possible, and (B) in a way that makes impromptu photos just a little bit cuter.

A few years ago I stumbled upon BabyLegs, a company that makes stylish leggings that cover a kid’s legs without covering the diaper. I wondered if there might be a local business producing something similar. Via Etsy (isn’t the whole world on Etsy now?), I discovered a mom making something she calls “Crawler Covers.” And turns out, she lives in my neighborhood!

You’ve got a chance to win some free crawler covers … more on that in a moment. First, I want to introduce Laurie Williams of Crawler Covers & More. I asked her to briefly describe what she does, and why. Here’s my little Q&A with Laurie …

How did your business begin?

My business began on a whim. I started making the leg warmers for my daughter, who was 18 months old at the time. A few friends inquired about them and suggested I start selling them. I was pleasantly surprised that the business took off and has lasted the past 5 years. I love my job and all my amazing customers.

Why do you like crawler covers?

I like them because they are so versatile. Not only can babies wear them to protect their knees when crawling, older children can wear them for dance class, soccer, and can be worn as arm warmers for chilly mornings.

Do you do custom orders? What sizes do you sell? Do they fit newborns, or are they better for children a bit older?

I sell the leg warmers in 2 sizes. The itty bitty size is for newborns up to 12 months of age. The toddler size fits most up to the age of 8. The toddler size will fit newborns, and will scrunch up on their legs until they fully grow into them.

Want to nab six FREE pairs of Crawler Covers for your very own? You have three chances to win. Here’s how:

Entry 1: Go to Morgan’s blog post HERE and leave a comment saying why you want to win.

Entry 2: Like the Wardrobe Wednesday and Crawler Covers Facebook pages, return to Morgan’s post and leave a separate comment saying you did so.

Entry 3: Head over to the Crawler Covers Etsy shop and do a little pre-shopping. Leave another comment on Morgan’s post with a link to the pair you most have your eyes on.

Please note that only separate comments will be counted as individual entries. If you leave all your information in one comment, it will only be counted as one entry. Comments left on my blog will not count as entries — only those made on Morgan’s post. The winner will be chosen via Random.org on Monday, April 16th at 9:00 AM EST.

* This contest is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook.
** Crawler Cover photos by Blossom Portraiture Art, Jill Serrano Photography, Jennifer Cusimano and Blink Photography.

Here’s what she has to say:

“Right now I’m getting lots of inquiries from senior clients who want one last family portrait before they head off to college. Dressing families with older children isn’t much different from dressing families with small children, but it’s definitnely time for another post to help give all of these more “mature” families a visual. I started with a fun print for the daughter’s dress that gave me a lot of good color options and built the rest from there. This is a more casual look, and I think the families I’ve photographed around this age range have just felt and acted more like themselves and more relaxed in casual outfits — and it’s something I generally recommend. All of the outfits from head to toe were found at Old Navy — I know moms of kids everywhere can appreciate one-stop shopping!”

Where to shop

MOM

Capri Pants – $25.00 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=8976980020008&cid=5456

Tank Top – $10.00 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=72244&vid=1&pid=706081&scid=706081702

Sweater – $22.99 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=59093&vid=1&pid=898026

Necklace – $14.50 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=9198&vid=1&pid=174530&scid=174530002

Sandals – $19.50 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=55151&vid=1&pid=897799&scid=897799002

DAUGHTER

Dress – $27.50 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=50186&vid=1&pid=898301&scid=898301012

Sweater – $20.00 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=60783&vid=1&pid=122726&scid=122726042

Earrings – $8.94 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=9201&vid=1&pid=158844&scid=158844002

Wedges – $25.00 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=55150&vid=1&pid=897791&scid=897791012

SON

Shirt – $19.50 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=64803&vid=1&pid=897967&scid=897967022

Shorts – $19.50 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=34053&vid=1&pid=289066&scid=289066022

Sneakers – $24.94 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=37844&vid=1&pid=104503&scid=104503012

DAD

Shirt – $12.50 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=6985&vid=1&pid=898372&scid=898372042

Jeans – $29.50 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5209&vid=1&pid=574143&scid=574143022

Sandals – $19.94 http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=16727&vid=1&pid=104482&scid=104482012

Thank you BUNCHES, Rachel!

*******************************

As a military spouse, working intimately with clients who are going through deployments/homecomings can be really emotional. Getting ready for a homecoming or deployment session is completely different than one of family portraits that are done yearly. There’s always the real possibility this may be their last; at the very least, this is one of the things that will help the family get through the rough separation. Being in a military community, the majority of my clients are military, even if they prefer to shoot not in uniform.  My biggest goal with getting ready for a session — especially one that is during or before a deployment — is to ensure that they have FUN because you are essentially taking up their limited time together and want to make it more than a session. Make it a memory. Of course the goal is for ALL clients to feel this, but with military it just seems to have that air of privilege that you get to be the one to document.

I chose the colors for the styled outfits because they are reminiscent of the yellow and blues that are often associated with the United States Military and flag. I avoided reds because red is not flattering on many individuals. The use of cooler tones helped tie this patriotic theme together, but also is more flattering for most body types and skin tones.

SHOPPING GUIDE

Army Couple:

Dress – Old Navy- $35.00
Shoes – Target – $29.99
Necklace – Old Navy – $16.94
Bracelet – Old Navy – $10.94


Army Family:

Mom top – Old Navy – $18
Mom capris – Old Navy – $29.94
Mom sandals – Target – $14.99
Boys shirt – Target – 10.99
Boys Jeans – Crazy 8 – $19.95
Boys shoes – Target – $19.99
Girls Dress – Target – $17.99
Girls sandals – Payless – $9.99

Rachel Brenke Photography is a Texas-based Wedding & Senior Photographer, as well as a business consultant for photographers. She offers online and in-person workshops for all levels of photographers to aid in establishing and growing of their business.