Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Monday, August 29, 2016
Luke | Back-to-School and His Farm
We started out taking "Back to School" photos, but as Luke showed me around his farm that he "works" on in the afternoons and evenings, I couldn't resist taking a few of this little farm boy at his "work" too!
Prepare yourself for the cuteness that is to come.
This was when he was trying to convince me to help him haul off limbs. Luckily for me and his mom, Melissa, we had left our gloves at home. haha
Saturday, August 20, 2016
5 Things to Consider for Your Next Family Photo Session
As the fall season approaches, I thought what better thing to discuss on this beautiful fall-like day in August, than the most dreaded decision of fall family photos-- what to wear?
It is easily my most asked question and after my own engagement photos, I can personally see why it is such a conundrum. There are so many possibilities and so many directions that it can get overwhelming! Choosing clothes for photo shoots can be daunting. No matter if you are picking for one, two or for a whole family it can be challenging. I am not a fashion expert by any means, but here are 5 tips to help in deciding on photo shoot clothing... and maybe a few things to avoid!
{Before you start considering outfits and colors ... think of each individual outfit as a piece that will make up one large outfit instead of focusing on each outfit individually. This will aid in the decision making process. Not everyone has to match, but everyone must flow together.}
1. Find Your Style--
Finding your style can be hard in itself. Think of the finished images and what they will be used for. Dressy? Casual? Country? Urban? Professional? The possibilities are endless. Incorporating your personality into the photos will help make you more satisfied with the outcome. Personally, I believe it is good to feel comfortable in your outfits and location. If you feel uncomfortable, this will come through in your photos.
Speaking of location-- it is a good idea to talk with your photographer to see what location(s) you will be using. You will want to make sure your outfits match the locations chosen. This can be subjective, but can be important to the desired outcome.
2. Pick a Color Scheme--
In my opinion, color scheme is the most important part of making group outfits match. Think of colors that you already own. Neutral colors are always good with one or two accent colors. Not all members of the photo has to wear the accent color, but incorporating it in a couple outfits will make the colors pop and add interest. Think patterns and texture if you are not into the accent color idea.
It is important to make each individual outfit match, but it is also important to not look overly "matchy matchy." White and black are always popular, but not always the best options. Black shirts and blouses tends to make people look boxy and white tends to look washed out.
I love this color scheme below. It all flows and matches with the scarf that encompasses all the colors of the boy's shirts.
3. Vary the Tops and Vary the Bottoms--
Start with the tops. Find those neutral colors that compliment each other. They don't have to match perfectly, but definitely should work together. Plaids incorporating accent colors always photograph well. However, one (or two depending on group size) is probably plenty to be wearing patterns. Solid shirts are your friends. Don't forget the simplicity of a solid polo or sweater. Solids can break up the texture and patterns of your accent colors.
Next, move to the bottoms. Not everyone has to be wearing jeans. I feel that is the most common misconception about family photos. Throw in some black pants, khakis, dark denim, light denim, skirts and tights, tall boots, etc. ... anything that compliments your neutral colors. Don't be afraid to mix it up. However, if your bottoms are patterned then you may need to go back to your top selections and tone those down a bit.
Find textures and patterns that will add dimension to the photo like waffle and cable knit sweaters, corduroy, denim, stripes, etc. Feel free to break the "matchy matchy" rules here too. Stripes and plaids work together (as long as they are incorporated in two different outfits)! Be brave with patterns. Lori did a great job here meshing two different looks together and making it work perfectly.
4. Accessories. Yes? No? Maybe?--
Accessories are great. However, it is a good idea to keep it simple. Excessive accessories will distract viewers from the actual photo itself. Your photos will be beautiful enough, no need to add extra bling, etc. Think scarves, simple necklaces and cute earrings.
5. Timeliness--
Have you ever looked at old photos and thought... "Wow, why did I ever wear this?" I know I certainly have. Therefore, it is smart to keep in mind classic looks. While printed leggings are in style at the moment, that doesn't mean they are going to be in style in 2034. Photos are memories that will be remembered forever ... whether you are choosing outfits for senior photos, engagement or family photos, you can never go wrong with classic looks and styles.
Now, go have fun planning your outfits for family photos! Don't stress, just have fun with it.
And, as always... Pinterest and Polyvore are your friend. Find example of family photos you like and try to recreate with your own spin and blending your family personality and style.
And, (shameless plug) if you are needing family photos this fall/winter, contact me today for more information. Feel free to email me or use the contact form here.
Thanks for stopping by,
b.davis
It is easily my most asked question and after my own engagement photos, I can personally see why it is such a conundrum. There are so many possibilities and so many directions that it can get overwhelming! Choosing clothes for photo shoots can be daunting. No matter if you are picking for one, two or for a whole family it can be challenging. I am not a fashion expert by any means, but here are 5 tips to help in deciding on photo shoot clothing... and maybe a few things to avoid!
{Before you start considering outfits and colors ... think of each individual outfit as a piece that will make up one large outfit instead of focusing on each outfit individually. This will aid in the decision making process. Not everyone has to match, but everyone must flow together.}
1. Find Your Style--
Finding your style can be hard in itself. Think of the finished images and what they will be used for. Dressy? Casual? Country? Urban? Professional? The possibilities are endless. Incorporating your personality into the photos will help make you more satisfied with the outcome. Personally, I believe it is good to feel comfortable in your outfits and location. If you feel uncomfortable, this will come through in your photos.
Speaking of location-- it is a good idea to talk with your photographer to see what location(s) you will be using. You will want to make sure your outfits match the locations chosen. This can be subjective, but can be important to the desired outcome.
2. Pick a Color Scheme--
In my opinion, color scheme is the most important part of making group outfits match. Think of colors that you already own. Neutral colors are always good with one or two accent colors. Not all members of the photo has to wear the accent color, but incorporating it in a couple outfits will make the colors pop and add interest. Think patterns and texture if you are not into the accent color idea.
It is important to make each individual outfit match, but it is also important to not look overly "matchy matchy." White and black are always popular, but not always the best options. Black shirts and blouses tends to make people look boxy and white tends to look washed out.
I love this color scheme below. It all flows and matches with the scarf that encompasses all the colors of the boy's shirts.
3. Vary the Tops and Vary the Bottoms--
Start with the tops. Find those neutral colors that compliment each other. They don't have to match perfectly, but definitely should work together. Plaids incorporating accent colors always photograph well. However, one (or two depending on group size) is probably plenty to be wearing patterns. Solid shirts are your friends. Don't forget the simplicity of a solid polo or sweater. Solids can break up the texture and patterns of your accent colors.
Next, move to the bottoms. Not everyone has to be wearing jeans. I feel that is the most common misconception about family photos. Throw in some black pants, khakis, dark denim, light denim, skirts and tights, tall boots, etc. ... anything that compliments your neutral colors. Don't be afraid to mix it up. However, if your bottoms are patterned then you may need to go back to your top selections and tone those down a bit.
Find textures and patterns that will add dimension to the photo like waffle and cable knit sweaters, corduroy, denim, stripes, etc. Feel free to break the "matchy matchy" rules here too. Stripes and plaids work together (as long as they are incorporated in two different outfits)! Be brave with patterns. Lori did a great job here meshing two different looks together and making it work perfectly.
4. Accessories. Yes? No? Maybe?--
Accessories are great. However, it is a good idea to keep it simple. Excessive accessories will distract viewers from the actual photo itself. Your photos will be beautiful enough, no need to add extra bling, etc. Think scarves, simple necklaces and cute earrings.
5. Timeliness--
Have you ever looked at old photos and thought... "Wow, why did I ever wear this?" I know I certainly have. Therefore, it is smart to keep in mind classic looks. While printed leggings are in style at the moment, that doesn't mean they are going to be in style in 2034. Photos are memories that will be remembered forever ... whether you are choosing outfits for senior photos, engagement or family photos, you can never go wrong with classic looks and styles.
Now, go have fun planning your outfits for family photos! Don't stress, just have fun with it.
And, as always... Pinterest and Polyvore are your friend. Find example of family photos you like and try to recreate with your own spin and blending your family personality and style.
And, (shameless plug) if you are needing family photos this fall/winter, contact me today for more information. Feel free to email me or use the contact form here.
Thanks for stopping by,
b.davis
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Baby Beck is ONE!
I met Beck and his mom, Brea, at the wonderful and beautiful Oklahoma State University campus last weekend to shoot his first birthday photos... with a cake smash to finish off the session.
He was quite the busy body running around Theta Pond. There was A LOT to look at and explore for this little guy! He is definitely all boy! And, when the sorority girls ran across Theta to their houses to complete Bid Day activities... he was all eyes on those girls! His momma is going to have her hands full with this one.
This Mickey Mouse themed cake smash and birthday party is one of my top favorites. It was so wonderful finally meeting Beck... and eating a little cake with him at his birthday party!
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
New Name. New Cards.
Well, since I got married and got a new last name, I decided it was time for a little something new... like a new logo, new color scheme and adding that "-Long" to the Davis. Hello, new branding!
Website should be launched soon. Tentative date is August 25th! Stay tuned!
Sunday, August 7, 2016
Monday, August 1, 2016
Horse Whisper
Okay, okay horse whisper is not quite my new title, but it could be close.
Just kidding. Not close at all.
But, horse photographer is a title that I would be okay with.
Channelling my inner Lyndsey Garber this weekend. (Seriously check her out. She is awesome!)
We spent yesterday working a bunch of calves, which means I get to take my camera and grab some shots (after we got the cattle gathered from the pasture) of the work being done. What it also means is that I can take all the pictures of the horses that I want... which is really my favorite part.
For as much as I love taking pictures of cattle and barns (and pretty weddings and people, of course), I really really love taking pictures of horses. It is a nice change of pace from my usual "for fun" photo ops. I love when I get the chance to take my camera out and just shoot "for fun!" It isn't super often that I get to do that, but it is always a nice change of pace and a chance to get re-inspired and creative for my next session!
Upcoming is a wedding weekend in Nebraska, football program pictures and some super cute 1st birthday pictures with a super cute little guy named, Beck!
Happy Monday, friends!
