Nothing says Summer in North Louisiana like warm sunlight and these yellow flowers. We always have so many around our land in the Summer and early Fall, too! It was a lovely, for the most part, Summer evening in North Louisiana so I grabbed our girls and some plants from our garden (if you haven’t see a little glimpse into that, click here) and started snapping pictures.
There’s no challenge as good as a photographer trying to photograph their own kids. HA! I have all the patience in the world when I’m photographing other kids, but my own are a different story. It’s funny how that works, right?! They love to test me! Am I the only one?!?! Tell me I’m not!!
I still love these two stinkers so much and everytime I photograph them, those photos are my new favorite photos. If you look closely on my website, you’ll probably see them intermixed. I just can’t help it! They are too cute! Not biased or anything. Hehe
While fresh cut grass isn’t always the best and most photogenic option, our grass was just cut, so it made do. Not to mention we were down to only minutes of light left in the day so we didn’t have time to fuss about all the details if I was going to grab a few pictures. I have to say, some of these may be my all time favorite! But I’m sure next time I’ll say the same thing.
Well, are you ready for these sweet sisters pictures? What are we waiting for?! Oh yeah, me to hush!
Meet our girls, Elaine and Emma!
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A few months back I decided to take on some huge projects outside. Our landscaping at our home in between Minden and Homer, Louisiana was nonexistent. I set out to change that. After tons and tons of work, in the Louisiana heat, I absolutely love this space-my garden!
What we have planted:
Sunflowers
Zinnias
Marrigolds
Gardenias
Fairy Dust
Petunias
Rosemary
Ornamental Cabbage
Dusty Miller
Creeping Jenny
Hostas
And other things that are not coming to my mind. HA!!
I have really never been one to keep platns alive but I’ve been giving it my very, very best effort and these have (mostly) all done really well! I have been thrilled!
When the weather is cooler, or in the mornings before it’s too hot, I love sitting out and just admiring all that I’ve done. I’m impressed with myself, really. We’ve even taken Elaine’s school out to our little garden area and it was so nice!
My girls enjoy coming out here and playing around in the flower beds as well, which is probably not the best, but they haven’t killed anything yet. I’ll tell you what has caused damage though, our cats. UGH!!! They had not been nice. I try to keep them out, but that doesn’t work too well. Cats have a mind of their own, right?!
Alright, let’s see the garden!!
This wheelbarrow is probably my favorite thing.
Had to add these little cuties of mine in there somewhere
There is totally grass growing in there, but I think it looks neat.
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As a family and newborn photographer in the Minden, Louisiana area, I’ve seen my share of outfits. Some good, some not so good. My goal is to help you make the best choices to give you the best images! These tips are coming straight from my style guide- a client exclusive guide.
Outfit choices can make or break an image. Gone are the days of withe shirts and jeans for everyone. Instead let’s coordinate colors. I know it can be a little hard when trying to choose your outfits and really nail down a color, but that is why I created this guide. To help you and give you my best tips.
Styling Her
I always recommend styling yourself first. We as moms (this applies even if you aren’t a mom) are so hard on ourselves and we typically are the last one to check off the list. We are always making sure everyone else looks good and overlooking our own selves. Let’s put an end to that! Mom, find something that you absolutely love.. You want it to be comfortable and flattering, and then coordinate everyone with what you have for yourself.
Dressing to flatter
Shorts and jeans are not the most flattering in portraits. Instead, opt for dresses or skirts. These photograph so well and are flattering on every body. When selecting your dress or skirt, keep the length of the dress and sleeves in mind. You want something that stops above or below the joints rather than right on the joints. Aim for long sleeves, 3⁄4 sleeves, or cap sleeves. Find lengths that are floor length, mid calf or mid thigh. This gives your body that length that we all desire.
Add length to your legs with a heel
While there is nothing wrong with flats, a little heel really adds length to the legs. If you are afraid of falling because of not having the most amazing balance (I get you!) then there is always the option of wearing a comfortable shoe until time to take the portrait. We can do a real quick switcheroo and get those nicer heels on! Don’t be afraid to accessorize
Accessories photograph very well. Hats, scarves, jewelry, etc. really add an extra element to your session and can be really beautiful!
Dressing the guys
When it comes to the guys, the fit is the most important part of their outfits. Clothing that is oversized and baggy is not flattering for them. Men photograph much better in more of a fitted style. I don’t mean tight and uncomfortable, I simply mean, not loose and baggy.
Men also photograph better in pants and dress shoes rather than shorts and flip flops. Going more on the dressy side never hurt anyone, either, so do not be afraid to go for the suit coat! Also, be aware of the tones and shades of colors in belts and shoes. Try and get those pretty similar! We don’t want them to be clashing.
Accessories on men are a little more simple, but it still applies. Watches and ties can really take the portraits to the next level!
Another important note: before the session begins, be sure to empty pockets of phones, wallets, keys, etc. This step is really easily overlooked but can make a huge impact!
Styling Kids
For styling kids I recommend going with something comfortable for them. Nothing is worse than an uncomfortable kid, am I right?! We want comfort but not at the price of style, so I’m not talking play clothes comfort. But you know that. Avoid shirts with large logos and characters as well as tennis shoes shoes with the same. And let’s not even talk about light up shoes. HA! Aim for layers on the little boys, they look oh so cute in them! This can be a t-shirt with a vest or suit coat, a sweater over a button up, etc. In the summer months this may not apply too well, but in the cooler months layers are very nice!! The same applies for the little guys as it does the older guys, they photograph best in pants and dress shoes rather than shorts and flip flops. For the little ladies, dresses photograph so well on them! Layers can be very easily added here as well!
Colors and Patterns
I know that it can be a little hard to figure out what colors to go with and whether you should do patterns or not. here is something that may be of some help! Colors photograph well when they are more neutral and earthy toned. Colors can be done nicely as well as long as they are not extra bold, bright or neon. Aim for more of a muted tone. Bright and bold colors can create a reflection on your skin creating non-natural looking skin. Not only is this hard to edit, but it is simply not flattering.
When selecting the color pallet, look at the colors of the decor in your home. Think about where you would want to display these portraits and ensure that the colors you select would go well in that area of your home.
Neutral tones that are easy to pair include blush, tan, light pink, cream, grey, and whites. It is highly recommended to have one main color for your outfits and then have every other garment and accessory to remain neutral. Patterns can be really nice when they are larger. The smaller the pattern the harder it is for the camera to pick it up. Larger stripes or florals can be really nice. Try to avoid everyone being in something with patterns as this will be far too busy for the eye. Instead, have one person be the statement piece and pair solid, neutral colors with that statement pattern piece. This is far more pleasing to the eye!
I hope this has been helpful! If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment below and check out our other blog posts!!
Hey friends!! It’s that time! We are booking Fall family portraits in the North Louisiana area as well as due dates from September-December 2021 into early 2022 for lifestyle newborn portraits.
We love serving the Louisiana areas of Minden, Homer, Benton, Haughton, Ruston, and Bossier City.
Summer in Louisiana can be brutal so we know that Fall dates for family portraits are ideal. That’s exactly why we are opening them early! We only allow a certain number per month so you will not want to delay getting your name on the books!!
We love to capture real emotion and joy rather than the stiff, posed portraits. While we still give direction, we love to let moments happen naturally. This doesn’t mean you are left unsure of what to do with yourself. Guidance and direction are always given.
There is never a need to worry about little ones not cooperating. It’s completely normal for them to feel shy and nervous about someone new and something new. We do our best to make them feel comfortable and even have a blast!
Our newborn sessions are lifestyle in-home sessions because we believe, almost, everyone is more comfortable in their very own home. We also love to photograph detail of the nursery and incorporate different elements of your home into the session.
While the session will have a lot focus on your sweet baby, we include all the family as well. Mom, Dad, and siblings are important to us as well!
We are so excited to have this opportunity to become your new friend and create amazing memories for your gorgeous family. This time is so special!
To begin the booking process, pleasecontact us here. We can’t wait to chat!!
If you’d like to see more of our work, you can check out our other blog posts or see our portfolio.
Sweet Anna Claire. She’s the cutest little thing I ever did see.
I’ve known Amy and Micah my whole life. Seeing them now as parents to such a sweet baby girl is so fun. I know she lights up their life just as our two girls do for us. One thing is for sure, your life is never the same after these sweet babies enter the world. Harder, yes. But so much better!
I loved getting to photograph little Anna Claire in the comfort of their home in Bossier City, LA. To me, that makes these images just that much sweeter. They are in a place they spend the majority of their time- home. The photos may be simple, but they capture them loving on their precious new baby and it doesn’t get much better than that! I will never tire of lifestyle newborn sessions.
Little Anna Claire’s nursery is decorated just adorable! I haven’t had the opportunity to decorate a nursery yet, even though I have two kids. So I’ve always loved seeing the ways others decorate their nursery. We are planning to build soon and I’ll finally be able to decorate a room for my girls. I’m getting excited!!!
Alright. I know you’re tiring of my chatting.. so let’s finally get to the whole reason you came here anyways- sweet Anna Claire!
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In the day and age that we live in, great photos can be taken with ease and the access to a camera has definitely increased. With iphones having portrait mode and being able to get lightroom on your phone, why not just do your own portraits yourself?! I have some good answers for you!
Light and Backgrounds
First I will say that when your hire a professional, you have someone who knows what to look for when it comes to light and backgrounds. It is not just a free for all when it comes to backdrops for your portraits. You totally have to know what you are looking for! There are so many things to think about and to the untrained eye, it can be really confusing.
Posing
When thinking about hiring a pro for your images or doing them yourself, take into account that a pro has had a tons of practice with posing!! When you do images on your own, you can miss out on so much possibility and variation in your images simply because of posing. Posing can really change every aspect of you image!!
Getting everyone to look at the camera
I don’t know about y’all, but I have two small kids. Getting everyone to look at the camera at the same time is HARD!! Having someone who has tips and tricks up their sleeve to get little one’s attention can be a huge game changer!
Expert editing
Hiring a pro also means that you have someone who knows their exact shooting and editing style. Your images will all look very consistent and pair very nicely together when the edits and the shooting styles are consistent. Taking the portraits yourself can cause your images to look inconsistent due to being unaware of shooting and editing techniques.
Flattering angles
Last but not least, hiring a pro can mean that you get the best, most flatting angle of your images. Someone who is practiced and experienced in shooting portraits is almost guaranteed that you’re going to get the most flattering angles.
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Sweet little Drew had his sitter milestone session. He wasn’y quiiiiite sitting just yet, but he did good for a few seconds. He is so sweet and squishy and he loved his little bunny.
I photographed this little cutie’s newborn session so it was fun to see him again making his new milestones. It’s amazing how quickly these little ones grow! It never ceases to amaze me. This is one of the reasons why photographing this time is so special and important to me. This time goes by SO fast! Before you know it they walking, running, talking, potty trained, etc. It’s so fun to see them grow, but it’s also sad! You wish they could stay little forever.
While they may not stay little forever, this time right now can be preserved forever. That’s something worth investing in!
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The sweetest little miracle is gracing the blog today. Her story is one that you can look back on and say “only God.” After serval miscarraiges, little Brooke came on the scene. But it was not without difficulty. The months were long and there was much uncertainty, but through it all God remained faithful and brought forth this precious baby named Brooke.
Her newborn session was in the comfort of their home, as is my favorite way to photograph this precious time. In those early days postpartum, leaving the house is a chore and a little scary. My motto is, let’s stay home. You’re much more comfortable there and the images are so much more personal. It’s by far my favorite.
Brooke was so sweet for her first little portrait session. She did amazing and slept so very well. She has the sweetest little features and is so so tiny. Weighing in at 5 pounds at birth. OMG.
Alright, I know you are ready to see her, right?! Right. So here she is.
Meet Brooke…
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North Louisiana Lifestyle Family and Newborn Photographer 