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B. Family Sneak Peek

Here's a sneak peek from the B. Family's photosession. More to come...

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The O. Family

This family was great to work with. They were always ready with smiles and so polite. You can tell there is a lot of love here. Thanks O. Family for a great photosession!

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I love this one of Mom & Boys
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... And this one of Dad & Daughter
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I had to add this one because it totally cracked me up!

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What do I wear???

I recently found this article on "What to Wear- Do's and Don'ts" published on another photographer's website (check her out and give her props: http://corinanielsen.com/blog/dos-donts/). I totally agree with everything she mentioned and wanted to pass it on (since I often get questions about what clients should wear to their photosession). Enjoy this awesome advice and feel free to ask me any questions you may have.

  • Coordinate outfits
Now this doesn’t mean everyone has to 100% match with khaki pants or jeans and a white shirt! You want to complement each other’s outfits by choosing colors that work well together. I find that if everyone is wearing the same clothing, people will all tend to blend in together and there won’t be too much pop and life to the images. Coordinate VS. Matching…. let’s not get cheesy!
  • Use colors & patterns
Colors are everywhere around us and bring things to life… why not bring your images to life as well! Again, be sure the colors you use coordinate with each other and you don’t just end up looking like one big rainbow family! When picking patterns, choose smaller ones that won’t distract attention away from the main subject/s. Use patterns sparingly…. if one person is wearing a print, try to avoid putting someone else in a competing pattern. When thinking about texture, choose different ones that will give photos some interest such as lace, corduroy, denim, etc. Avoid large logo’s, emblems and graphics like “GAP” and “Old Navy” because again, these will typically distract attention away from the subject. We want your faces and emotion to show, not promote the clothing company you purchased from!
  • Be timeless
For some fashionista’s, this may be a difficult concept, however you are going to want these images to stand the test of time. Pick outfits that aren’t t considered too trendy, but will be able to be enjoyed and displayed for many years to come. One example of something that is timeless is jeans… classic look and style yet you can still incorporate your own flair into the outfit with your tops and accessories. Still be YOU, never forget that!
  • Let your personalities SHINE
Perhaps the most important “rule” in my book. The purpose of these photos is to hopefully capture each individual as they truly are, to capture the family, the relationships, and people in the photos just as THEY are. Forcing children to wear outfits that are uncomfortable and unfamiliar to them may cause some anxiety and stress to them which in turn will inhibit really capturing their personalities during the session. Same goes for adults. Wear clothing that YOU feel good in and the pictures will emanate those feelings. If your child wears a pair of rain boots everywhere he goes, it makes the most sense to have him wear them for pictures as well. Remember, you want to capture everyone as they are NOW. Capture these moments as they are!
  • Dress for the season & location
Obviously you want your images to make sense. One typically wouldn’t be wearing jeans, boots, and a jacket to the beach in the Summer so why would you for pictures? Dress the part and be aware of your location. For example, if you are shooting at the beach, ladies wear a pretty dress and sandals, put dad in a short sleeve shirt and shorts OR pants (which you can also roll up), put your little girl in a sweet Spring or Summer dress, etc. You will want to make sure that everyone is on the same page and coordinates in both colors AND styles.
  • Layering
One of my favorite “tips” for clothing choices! In the Summer months, this may be more difficult to pull off but during all of the other seasons, definitely layer your outfits. Not only will it provide more visual interest in each photo but it will also allow a lot more variety in your shots and poses. Have a ton of images of yourself in just your dress or cute top and jeans? Throw on a little sweater or jacket and a hat and you have entirely different look.
  • Personalize It
These are YOUR images and of course you want them to speak volumes about you and your family. Discuss things your family enjoys doing together and bring “props” and accessories that will help compliment who you are. If your family enjoys playing music together, bring your instruments to your session. If your family enjoys boating, suggest doing your session on a boat or at the very least near the water. Bring along items that will represent who each individual is AND who your family is collectively.
  • Remember where you came from
Typically, not something everyone will keep in mind before their session. However, I always encourage clients to think about their home, their decor,colors, and style of their homes. Chances are, at some point after your session, you will be ordering prints or digital files. Why not keep your your decor in mind and ensure that it all blends into your home. This will ensure that any large portraits will coordinate beautifully.
  • Plan ahead
Make sure you have given yourself enough time to think about all of the details of your session. Plan ahead so that #1 you can truly think about your photos and everything you want out of the session, #2 you aren’t rushing and stressing out right before your session, and #3 if you have decided to go for a new look for your session or someone gets a bad haircut, you still have time to fix things if you need to.
  • Keep make up natural, but still have some on
You will want to avoid using very heavy makeup, but a bit of color on your lips, eyes, and cheeks will help bring you to life in photos. Be sure to bring some lip gloss with you as well.
  • Outfit changes
If time allows it, bring another set of outfits. Again, you will get a lot more variety in your shots so why not capitalize on the opportunity and get the most bang for your buck!
  • Ladies & their shoes

Im all for a sassy pair of shoes, however they may make for a very long and painful session. If you plan on wearing heels, be sure to bring a pair of flats or flip flops that can help you get from point A to point B without any pain. You can just swap them out as you need to.

If I were building outfits for my family this is how I would do it:

  1. Keeping your location and season in mind, start with one person. Don’t try and think of everyone at the same time. I find that mom or a little girl makes the most sense since they would typically be the ones wearing a print. So mom will be wearing a floral print dress (small pretty pattern that is).
  2. Now move on to the next person. You will be pulling colors from mom’s dress so begin to think about who in the family would look good in what colors. Dad doesn’t look so good in XYZ since it tends to drown out the tone in his skin. Let’s pick ABC for him instead. And so on.
  3. Then start to come up with ideas to personalize the session. A little boy may have a security blanket or teddy bear he never parts with…. be sure to bring that with you. The little girl may like crafting so have her make a cute matching headband or clip for her hair. Mom loves tulips… on your way to the session pick some up. Make thoughtful choices and be sure to discuss the ideas with your photographer! Believe me, most are full of ideas however, it’s always nice when the family helps and truly ensures a “custom” session.

The Beautiful and Talented J.

I had the opportunity to do a mini-session with J. She is gorgeous and talented to boot. Just take a look at this image!

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She also has a fun humorous side and I couldn't help but laugh along with her looking at this photo.
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LOVE this one!!
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I thought I would take a few lines to do some cross promotion too. She is an amazing Interior Designer (working on Nick Lachey's home and also a salon in Caesar's Palace), and she does hair and make-up on the side. So check out her blog and if you are in So. Cal give her a jingle:

O. Family Sneak Peek!

There will be more where this came from, so check back soon...

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Facelift for the blog...

I have to admit that I'm not as tech-savvy as I would hope to be. Because of that my blog has been suffering with a case of the "blahs." I'm in the process of giving it a facelift (literally trying to lift it's appearance with beautiful faces from recent sessions). I hope you enjoy the new look and will check back often to see the progress!

Sorry ladies... He is all mine!

I find that so often I'm busy taking photos of other people's families that I sometimes neglect my own. Sure I always have a small point and shoot camera on hand for the candids but I realized recently it had been a long time since I had taken a portrait of my husband. And even though he was totally ok with the lapse, I wanted to snap a few of him. I just have to say, sorry ladies, but he is all mine!!



Sneak Peak of J.

Check back soon for more photos of this pretty lady...


I've been a bit MIA this past week...

... and it's because I have been celebrating at the wedding for these two awesome people!! Seriously one of the most gorgeous weddings I've ever attended!



And I really can't get enough of these men!


Congrats K&P!!!!

The O. Boys

This photosession came about because these two brothers are both leaving home.

This O. Boy is about to leave on a LDS mission to Brazil.

And this O. Boy just graduated High School and is going to be heading up to BYU in the fall.

So before they left of course their mother scheduled a photosession and they were such a pleasure to work with.

They are both awesome cello players and I was treated to a mini-concert while I was taking their photos. I didn't want it to end! So talented!

And we have to give them congrats for both being Eagle Scouts!

You guys were awesome. Good luck on your future endeavors!

O. Boys Sneak Peak

Here is just one of my favorites of the O. boys. Not only were they great to work with but I got a free cello concert during this photosession! More photos to come soon...
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ALL IMAGES COPYRIGHT 2011 SHARLIE Z PHOTOGRAPHY AND MAY NOT BE USED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION.