Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Pecos Lynne {an invitation}

I love designing things, even though I don't get to do it as often as I would like. Logos, business cards, invitation, prints ... anything! You name it!

Since I have had more time recently, I have really been wanting to take on new projects like this! And, by referral (thank you, Lori) I had the chance to design a sweet little shower invite for Pecos Lynne.

This little cowboy is going to be so cute, I can already tell! His invitation was so fun to make and I am excited to share it! We blended a few different ideas from his aunts to get the perfect design as the finished product! I am so excited I can finally share it with you today!

I never thought I would enjoy drawing in Illustrator, but it has become one of my favorite things to do! However, I will admit... I ended up taking a couple of different bronc riders to make this one perfect. There was no way I could attempt to draw that horse and rider. Well, I did attempt it and it looked awwwwwful!

Thanks to Heidi, Amber and Ashley for trusting me with this project!




On design deck, I have two logos in the works, a wedding invitation and a couple more exciting announcements! Stay tuned! 

Seniors {part 2}

I have said it before, and I will say it again... I love senior sessions! And, these I am showcasing tonight are no different!

I think back to my senior year when every time I have a session and wish my pictures were fun like these instead of the usual in studio photos that were in "style" back in my day.

Today, I am going to be showing off Sarah and Anna. I loved getting to spend time with these two.

I can't even tell you when I met Sarah it has been that long ago! Not only have I known Sarah practically her whole life, but I have been fortunate enough to teach her dance and volunteer with her cheer squad, too. Sarah is such a beautiful girl, inside and out, and I think her pictures capture that spirit quite well!

Sarah is also going to be attending Oklahoma State in the fall (Go Pokes!) and I know she is just going to love Stillwater and OSU! Enjoy every second! It will go by much much faster than you think!






I met Anna through her AGED teacher during Oklahoma FFA Convention a few years back. Since then I have came to know Anna for the hardworking, driven individual she is. She is such a natural in front of the camera, too. Most of the time, I didn't even have to tell her what I wanted her to do. I loved the simplicity of her shoot. And, her natural beauty didn't hurt any! ;) 






Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Seniors {part one}

I have been so wonderfully swamped that last couple of weeks, I haven't had a chance to post to the blog ... So, today I thought I would do some catching up!

Seniors are one of my favorite things to photograph. I just love how their personalities come through their photos. Wether it is through their outfit or their props, I just love it! When I was a senior, I don't think photos were this neat! They were your standard "pop around from the back of the tree" pose.

These seniors are special to me! When I was a senior in high school, these guys were just little things. I taught a few of them ballet, one boy was a classmates baby brother, etc. Basically, I feel like I have known them for forever.

These senior sessions started back in March!

Kaitlyn was my first beautiful senior girl. She was one of that I taught dance to circa 2006. I can't say her personality has changed much since then. She is a mess. I kept laughing during this session. So much so that some pictures were blurry because I couldn't hold still due to laughing. She is such a sweet girl and I know she is going to love SWOSU and have a blast there.





Jessica's session is one of my favorites! She was prepared with some ideas of her own that really translated to her photos. I love when seniors bring things that help tell their story during their sessions. Jessica loves reading, painting, photography, music... basically anything artistic (even though she doesn't claim to be). Therefore, she brought a book and painted her face during the session ... but not all at the same time! It was such a pleasure to meet Jessica and take her pictures. She is a sweet and lovely young lady that is going to do great things!!




I thought it would be a good idea to split the seniors in to a few post, so more senior recap will be posted laster this week! 

Thank you to these seniors and their families for letting me capture this big moment in their lives. I had so much fun getting to know them and seeing their true personalities! 

--bdavis

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

T-Ball Love

Last week, I tagged along with my cousin to my littlest cousins first t-ball game. And, oh my gosh they were precious. Kolton might have been more worried about if he could go to GiGi's house after the game than the game itself, but still ... that little human was precious.

I had my camera in tow to take some pictures since my cousin is a "dugout mom" and would probably be busy herding little ballers along (and she definitely was)!

As you can tell, some of these little guys and gals are much more serious about this whole ball game business than others. However, there were only a couple of times where mass chaos broke loose, but that is to be expected I feel.

I thought I would post a few of my favorites, but if you want to see more from this game (and future games), you can like "B.Davis Photography and Design" on Facebook!

Play Ball Blog Friends,

b.davis



Friday, March 28, 2014

Peace, Love, Photography and Hippie Vans


As promised, I wanted to post about the awesomely cool hippie vans I saw last weekend in Medicine Park, Okla. As fun as it was, it only more than doubled my obsession/love/want for one I can call my very own. I have been searching and scouring Craigslist, eBay, want ads, etc. all week trying to find the perfect one. It is still a work in progress. It would probably help if I knew something about motors and other mechanicy type things, but I do not. Daddy's gonna have to take the reign on this one for sure! ;) 

I have an idea in my head of how I want it to look. And, by that I mean I want it to run. No just kidding, I do have some standards. Like the ability to be painted vintage light pink. I don't really want the sink and stove. However, I can take that out. Back seats would be a plus ... air conditioner would also be a plus, but the only ones I have found with a/c have been a little newer. I am not opposed to newer though, again ... as long as it runs! 




My dream is to use it for my photography business. Cool shoots, prop wagon, that sort of things. Alright, so mainly I just want one, but whatever. Saying it is for my business is better. It could be my signature item. Something I become known for. Heck, who knows? A good conversation starter that is for sure. 

So, until my little hippie heart finds a van to purchase I will be fawning over these photos. 

Peace, Love, Photography and Hippie Vans, {<-- those all go together, right?}
b.davis 

Thursday, March 27, 2014

What To Wear

Hey there friends!

Today, I thought I would talk a little about fashion ... specifically fashion for family and group photos. There are so many possibilities and so many directions to go in. Choosing clothes for photo shoots can be daunting. No matter if you are picking for one or for a whole family it can be challenging.  I am not a fashion expert, but here are 5 tips to help to aid in deciding on photo shoot clothing and 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. If you feel uncomfortable, this will come through in your photos.

Also, it is all a good idea to talk with your photographer to see what locations 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.
photo by b.davis photography 
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.



photo by b.davis photography 


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. Find textures and patterns that will add dimension to the photo like cable sweaters, corduroy, denim, etc. 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.

created by b.davis via polyvore

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.

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 (depending on who you ask), 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.
photo by b.davis photography 

Now, go and 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.

Friday, March 21, 2014

High Five For Friday

Did you know I have two blogs? Because I do!

One is a personal blog and this one! I have already done a "High Five For Friday" post on the Frilly Farm Girl blog today, but I thought I would do one here too ... just focused on photography celebrations/small victories/generally fun things!

I am hoping to make it a permanent addition to the blog. I mean ... who doesn't love to celebrate Fridays anyways?

1. This happened a couple of weeks ago, but I still celebrate it everyday. Who knew a 50mm prime lens could make my heart so happy? I love it. This is my first prime lens. I can already tell it will take a lot of getting used to ... like I have to move instead of zooming in or zooming out. I feel it could be dangerous to my health. I have a history of falling and breaking bones, so I will have to be really careful until I get used to it! I haven't had a real photo shoot with it yet, but that is changing next weekend! Until then I will just play and take random pictures of street signs, cows and my dog.








2. This also happened a couple of weeks ago, but I finally designed and ordered new business cards. I love the end result. I wanted something neutral, so when my little heart decided to change my logo (colors for holidays, etc,) my business cards will still be applicable. And, the black background adds just enough different to be eye catching!





3. I have booked four senior session in the last three days! Eeeek! I can't wait to see all of their personalities come out in their pictures ... that is why I love senior photography. I have known these seniors most of their life... and that kind of makes me feel old!


















4. I spent a night this week in Medicine Park. If you haven't been there, you should go. It is so peaceful and fun. My grandparents have a cabin there so we go there often and I always take my camera. I found this cute street sign while I was there. Tin Can Alley .... the future address of my future vintage trailer and/or hippie van!






















































5. I have mentioned this in my Frilly Farm Girl blog post, but here it is again. A painting party for photographers. Hilarious to say the least.






Well, there you have it! The first HF4F post!

Hope you have a fabulous weekend! I am working on new post for next week ... including a "spring time photo shoot fashion guide," V'Dub in the Park photos and the possibility of Easter photo shoots!

--b.davis