by Amy | Nov 14, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
A couple weeks ago I met the Rockwells. This is them. Sarah and I emailed and texted back and forth in the days leading up to the session…and I’m so glad she didn’t color me crazy when I asked her to bring a variety of onsies and an assortment of their favorite baby clothing along with them. I love the clothes line. I love these photos. I love this couple.
It was such a treat to spend time with them. There is something simply magical about a couple filled with joy about their upcoming arrival. This little one is so blessed to be entering into a family that is so anxious to love her with all their might. While these two didn’t go on and on about how excited they are to be becoming first time parents, they glow with an enthusiasm that makes my heart go pitter-patter. I think you’ll see what I mean.
Once we were all done with the clothesline maternity photos, this might have happened. Baby-clothes confetti seemed like a good idea at the time…
Rockwells, congratulations on this amazing milestone! I am so very happy to have met you and spent an afternoon {a chilly afternoon} getting to know you. I simply cannot wait to meet your little one in December!
PS–Thanks you guys for speaking to me in public later in the evening when you ran into me looking like this…I appreciate you acknowledging me, and not thinking I’m completely crazy.
by Amy | Nov 11, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
What To Wear In Christmas Photos | Ten Tips Just For You
With mini sessions fast approaching I’ve received lots of questions about what clothes look best in Christmas photos. Instead of responding one by one with a quick text message answer, I thought I’d thoughtfully put together some recommendations for you.
Now, keep in mind, these are beginners tips. If you are a seasoned pro at getting the family gussied up for picture day, feel free to go rogue. Wear what you like. Get bold, get goofy, be classy. If you are new at the whole pro-photo game…I hope some of these tips will give you some ideas and be a good starting place for you.
1. Dress for the same season.
{This beautiful portrait come from Sara Garcia Photo Art. Go over to see more from this precious session.}
This is my first an foremost tip when it comes to Christmas card portraits. I’ve gotten lots of {very nice} compliments on the clothing Derek and I wore in the sample mini session shots. But we went through a few options before we settled on the right thing. Okay–I went through a few options, then told him that he should “…really put on the flannel–it looks cozier.”
We started with him in a cotton button down and me in a sweater I picked up in Norway. Even if we threw on some gloves and hats it looked like we were dressed for different seasons {me for -10, him for 60’s.} You can go super cozy or super breezy–just be sure your family looks like they could all be put in the same setting comfortably.
{As a side note…also dress with the same level of class. One in a cocktail dress and one in a hoodie is bound to look awkward.}
2. Jackets, hats, gloves, and scarves.
I love this set and this photo from Kelly Klatt. Go to her website for more winter inspiration. It abounds over there!
I’m totally behind sporting outdoor winter wear to an indoor Christmas photo session. But–like most things, there are guidelines. A cute coat on the dressy side is good. Wearing your Colombia ski/sledding parka looks frumpy. A fashionable hat…or even something on the super warm and silly side is great. A ski mask is terrifying.
3. Don’t be over realistic.
Staged Christmas card photos are not meant to be a window into reality. They are created to be a little whimsical and fun. {At least mine are.} So, although you wouldn’t normally wear a jacket inside, or snow boots with cute jeans or hats and scarves without coats–it’s totally cool to do in your Christmas photo.
It’s also totally cool to go classy in your Christmas portraits. You might not want to go super dressy in a photo that will hang year-round in your home. So Christmas photos are a great time to get a little fancy, even if that’s not how you usually roll.
This classy example hails from the blog at DKW Styling.
4. Think about fabric and texture.
Cozy is the word I love to use when I think about winter portraits. With that in mind, try to incorporate something cozy into your outfits. Flannel is a classic choice. It never gets old. Textured sweaters or a scarf with an interesting knit is also a good way to cozy up an ensemble. Layers are also a good choice and they add variety to an outfit.
5. Uniforms.
Your photos are not work. They aren’t private school. They aren’t the military. So please, please…don’t put your family in a uniform. {Unless you are the VonTrapps. Then, by all means do whatever you like.} Your photos will be lovely if you use things from your closets that your family likes to wear–even if that means you aren’t all dressed identically. This is a short session, to be displayed for a short time. So be a little more relaxed.
That said–if you are being geeky, cheeky, or going for that “awkward” look, feel free to dress as identically as you like. Feel free to click over to Awkward Family Photos for more where that came from…
6. Going neutral.
This image via Photography By Jess. See the full session and other lovely work at her site.
Sticking with a dress code of neutrals is a very safe way to make sure your family looks awesome in your photos. Neutrals can mean a variety of things. Mix any of these colors {bonus points if they are cozy, as mentioned in #4} and you’ll look great: Cream, tan, brown, gray, navy blue, pale blue, black, muted yellows.
7. Adding color.
If you’d like to add color, but are nervous about it–this tip is for you. Whatever you do, don’t panic and put everyone in black pants and a blue top.
Instead, stick with a mostly neutral pallet {see #6}, then weave a color or two throughout your family. Use the color as boldly or as sparingly as you like, but make it consistent. You can go with one bright pop of color, or weave a color throughout to keep everyone consistent. These images do a great job of demonstrating how you can add pops of color to your outfits without looking cheesy or too uniformy.
Good colors to incorporate are red {classic Christmas choice}, green, yellow, blue.
This family does a good job of weaving red through an otherwise neutral pallet. From Rebekah Westover Photography.
This family used mustard as their accent. See the whole session at Erin Summerill Photography.
8. Going colorful.
This vibrant portrait comes from Chelsey Bell Photography.
Like we said earlier, Christmas photos don’t have to be super realistic. So, even though your family might not normally go overboard with color–if you are feeling vibrant this is a good time to make it happen. The key to going with lots of colors is to make sure they have similar intensity {how vibrant they are}, are from the same color family {cool colors like blue, green, aqua, etc or warm colors like orange, yellow, red, etc.}, or they compliment each other.
9. Don’t be bossy.
Your husband probably isn’t a catalog model. He probably never will be. Accept it and move on. Sure, we can all look at the Eddie Bauer ads and think how classy those guys look. But, that’s not ever going to be Derek. Not in a million years. I could go buy him an outfit straight from the catalog, and he’d probably humor me by putting it on. But he wouldn’t look like himself. And he’d probably feel pretty weird.
So don’t be bossy.
Your husband and your family will look much happier during the portrait session if they feel good about what they are wearing. Let them look normal. Let them wear things they will wear again. Don’t coerce your man into wearing a button down under a wool sweater with a scarf and colored jeans. He’ll thank you for it. And your photos will look like you–which is the point.
10. Get more inspiration here.
Kristen Duke Photography has a mega post on this topic. If you are looking for more specifics and inspiration, check out her site. It’s one of the best what-to-wear articles I’ve found.
Happy dressing! I’ll see you guys at the mini sessions.
by Amy | Nov 4, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
This is Genevieve. For short she goes by Gen. And just the adorable spelling of her shortened name should tell you that she is super cool and cute as a button. She’s graduating this year. At her session I complimented her on being photogenic. She laughed and said it was because the word had her name in it. PhotoGENic. On top of being pretty, and smart, she’s also got corny jokes on her side. I love it.
But seriously, taking her senior portraits was a blast…even if I did have major hair envy on the drive home.
During every senior session, it seems like there is a defining moment. A moment where I wonder if I’ve asked them to do something that’s too much, or too odd, or too awkward. During Gen’s session that moment came as I made her scale several fire escapes wearing precariously skinny heels. Did they slip through the cracks a couple times? Did they nearly trip her? Was she a good sport any way? Did we get awesome photos?
The answer to all of these is y-e-s.
{Isn’t there something very Audry Hepburn meets Express ad here?}
After scrambling stairs and climbing on roofs we headed out of town. If you ask me, there’s something very dreamy about a vintage chair in the middle of no where.
Now, you might think these photos have been great. And they have. But–I’ve omitted my very favorite two. One from town, one from country. They are hanging out over at the Facebook page right now. Head over and vote for the one you like best. If at least 40 people share their opinion, Genevieve will win an 8×10″ print! Oh, and you should just go ahead and like the page while you are there so you don’t miss out on anything fun in the future.
As of right now, I don’t have any more seniors on the books. It’s been an awesome season of shooting seniors. Every single one has blessed me with their energy and enthusiasm. And all of the girls have inspired me to do cuter things with my hair and buy more dresses! {Because they have all been so very, very fashionable and adorable.} Thanks a million, class of 2015–and especially Gen…for being a great way to end the season.
xo
Amy
by Amy | Nov 3, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
It’s November! Which means, it’s time!!
Christmas mini sessions are happening. As promised, here are all the details you need.
I’ve got two dates to choose from. Sessions last about 15 minutes {but if friends are here for their session before or after you, feel free to stay and visit as long as you like!} Sessions can be scheduled at any quarter hour, but space is limited–so be sure to get your spot reserved quick.
Saturday November 15th from 1-4pm
Sunday November 23rd from 12-5pm
Session fees are just $50. You’ll get five fully edited images, with a print release and a release to share them on social media, and a custom Facebook cover collage. Files will be delivered electronically about a week after your session. Once they are in your hands you have my blessing to print them anywhere and use them as you please on all your Christmas greeting cards.
For groups of friends, sessions are $50 for up to 5 people. More people than that, it’s just $10/head–and you’ll all get the files.
**Other discounts do not apply to mini sessions
I’ll be collecting and creating more props before sessions start. I’ll have big wrapped gift boxes, a sled, faux snow, ice skates, chairs, mugs, blankets, and twinkle lights. But, you know I love creativity…so feel free to bring along something of your own.
What are you waiting for?!
Call or Text me–574-361-7268
Email me–amyallender@gmail.com
Message me via the Facebook page
Or…use the contact form here.
Thanks to all of you who had interest in holiday sessions again this year! I’m so excited to let the merriment begin!
by Amy | Oct 30, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
Meet the Rogers family. {No relation to this Rogers family.} As you can see, they recently welcomed a new addition into the fold. Her name is Aurora and she precious! I know you can’t tell right now, but she’s a red-headed gem. I just love that red hair! It makes me think about another soon-to-be ginger baby I am chomping at the bit to meet. {Read this if you have no idea what I’m talking about.}
The Rogers clan also has two gorgeous dogs. When they asked if the pups could come, I was over the moon with excitement. You know I love dogs. I’m glad they came. It’s nice to have portraits of the whole family–two-legged and four-legged members included.
After a walk around the neighborhood we took that bundled up baby inside for her very own session. Since she was about a month old at the time, I’ll call it a not-quite-newborn session. She stayed wide awake the whole time, which is fine by me because this one has lovely deep blue eyes that will just make you melt.
Aurora was so well behaved for a wide-awake baby having her first portraits taken. She was pretty curious about the bright lights and that click, click, click sound. And there was no fussing…until we forced her to sit in a bucket. She held out for a few shots, and I’m grateful for that. Because she looks pretty darn cute!
Eventually she’d had enough and insisted on being taken out. Mom tried to console her, but to no avail. The fussing did, however, lead to this precious candid shot of Mommy trying to convince Aurora that buckets are fun, wonderful places to sit.
She was so much happier when we just let her be.
And when she was completely worn out and fed up with all this portrait stuff she was delighted to be held and fussed over my her mommy and daddy. I love these natural, real-life shots that give us a peek inside the love this family has for their precious baby girl.
Thanks for letting me hang out with your awesome family! Happy travels and best wishes as you move away from Minot to a warmer {less Practically Canadian} location!
xo
Amy
by Amy | Oct 27, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
Everybody, meet Sam. He is my second-to-last senior of the season. He’s smart, and witty and was polite {and game} enough to oblige me as I had him trek from one corner of his family’s gorgeous property to the other. Those are qualities I always treasure in a senior client. I’m being very honest when I tell you that this guy is a true gem and I had an absolute blast taking these very country, outdoor senior portraits.
When Sam’s mom told me he was a big time reader, I was so excited to pull my stack-of-books stool out of hiding and into the open air. Not to mention that I really dig the jewel tones of the books next to those orange pants! Seriously, how cool are those jeans?! You might recognize the books {and a few other props} from a photo I posted to instagram {you should follow me @theartoflivingproject}. I know quite a few of you were curious when I showed you a trunk filled with oversized books, suitcases and chalkboards.
Sam comes from a big family. {One of his sisters married into the Rogers clan I showed you a couple months ago. If you like these photos, you should go check out that one too! See it here.} While we were taking his senior portraits, siblings were popping in and out of the house, an adorable dog was trotting through the yard and delightful smells were wafting out of the kitchen window. While that might be distracting to some photographers, I’m so happy Sam decided to have his portraits taken at his family’s property–it was a blast to be around such a busy, fun household. I love seeing people in their element, and at home, in this beautiful yard, he was very much at home.
Now. Let’s talk suits. You know I love suits at senior sessions…but this one just took the cake for me.
Okay, so I guess technically it’s not a suit. But, it sure is classy. Very European. These photos remind me of Ireland for some reason. Whatever it is, I love this suit and these photos are magical.
As you can tell, I had a great time with Sam! Thanks for hanging out and fighting the wind with me {did I mention we almost got blown over a few times?} I hope you love your photos, I know I do!
Remember to go over to the Art of Living Facebook page to vote B&W or Color in Sam’s photo contest. If at least 40 people chime in, he’ll win an 8×10 of the winner. And, if you like what you see here, I’d love it if you liked the page and shared it with friends so more people can start mastering the art of living.
xo
Amy
by Amy | Oct 14, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
This is Patrick. He’s graduating. And he let me have the good pleasure of taking his senior portraits. I can’t speak for him, but I can tell you that I had fun times a million while shooting his session. We hit up some of my favorite, rustic locations in Minot, then took a drive out to that trestle in Burlington that I’m so very crazy for.
He put up with my many awkward comments, he climbed and sat and was patient as I got just “one more shot…” And while, that line might actually mean “Let’s do a whole bunch more…” Patrick was totally willing and good spirited through my long list of ideas. I think it paid off, and I think you will too.
One of my most favorite things about shooting senior boy photos is that they usually bring a mom along. {I think I might have mentioned this before.} Patrick’s mom is awesome. I had a great time chatting with her while we waited on wardrobe changes. And–she gets to take full credit for showing me this awesome wall! What could be more perfect for a senior photo?
Seriously, friends, I cannot imagine a more perfect day to take in the fall colors of Practically Canada. The hills of Burlington were simply lit up with colored leaves. An ideal backdrop for gorgeous photos.
Thanks for an awesome night, Patrick! Happy senior year!
by Amy | Oct 13, 2014 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
Gymnast Senior Portraits
Just a heads up, it’s going to be a senior photo kind of week here at the blog. Several weeks ago the perfect storm of senior sessions happened: Four senior sessions in one week. For me, that’s a whole lot. But there are simply no words for the amount of fun I had getting to know these upstanding young people. We walked balance beams, traveled to the rail road trestle, hauled a drum set into an open field and rode a four-wheeler to remote corners of a family farm. It was an amazing week and I’m excited to be showing you three of those four sessions this week.
Tonight, meet Jenna. She is gorgeous, an amazing gymnast, giving, fashionable and compassionate. I’ve had the pleasure of having her in my youth group small group for two years now–and I count myself lucky for it. She’s the kind of person who just makes you happy when she’s around.
Okay, enough bragging on Jenna. You all know how much I love seniors. I could go on all day. Instead I’ll start showing you these amazing images. Like this one that we all drooled over when I first posted it on the Facebook page last week.
The results are pretty amazing, but I’ll admit, working with balloons in an open field in North Dakota proved to be a difficult task. Let’s just say many minutes were spent waiting for the wind to die down before we snapped a few good ones.
Oh, and earlier when I said she was athletic, I meant to say…she’s a brilliant gymnast. {Which explains how she gets so mad high on those jumps and how her toes stay pointed.}
She even let me come to her gym to see her in action. For good measure she brought alone a sample of the medals she has earned over the years…I told you–she’s amazing.
Congratulations, Jenna! Thanks for hanging out and making me just a little cooler in the process.
