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!
Thank you so much for being here and viewing our blog! If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment below!
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.
Thank you so much for being here!! If you have enjoyed this post, please leave a comment below!
We met for Esther’s senior session on the Square in Homer, Louisina. It was such a nice afternoon for a Summer in Louisiana. If you’re from around here, then I’m sure you can attest to how mild this Summer has been. It’s been so nice!! The weather for this senior session was no exception. Not too hot and a nice little breeze. The dream for your portrait session!
Esther graduated from Abeka Christian Academy and even took a trip to Pensecola, Florida to walk on stage with all the others graduating with her. How awesome is that!?! Pretty awesome if you ask me!!!
I scoped around the Square a little bit before Esther arrived and found this awesome wall that displays an art school. I knew this would be the perfect location for a few images because Esther is an artist! She’s so talented and such a sweetheart. I loved every second of our time together.
We breezed through our time at the Homer Louisiana Square and then headed out to a nice remote location that had the wildflowers she wanted. I say remote, but it was really on the side of the road. HA!! But, it was actually quite remote. I suppose. It was smack dab in the middle of nowheresville! I’m sure Esther was wondering what on earth we were doing out here, but the flowers were so pretty!! And it totally looks like a flower field! You’ll have to see for yourself below!
I’m so thankful for the wonderful opportunity to capture such special moments like these for Esther! One of the specific things she asked for was a throwing her cap in the air shot, and as you can see, we did just that! I think it is so important to make the shots that are requested a priority in getting!
Best of luck with all you do, Esther!!
See? Prefect for her, right?!
She got her cap throw!!
Can you even tell this was on the side of the road? I think not!!
Thank you so much for being here and viewing our blog!! If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment below.
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.
We met over the July 4th weekend for this sweet session in small town Homer, Louisiana with Micah’s family while they were in town and I can’t express what a joy it was to meet them all! When we first arrived we were greeted by some warm hellos and cute little boys peeking at us behind the bushes. They were nonstop fun!
It was a perfect July evening in North Louisiana. In fact, it was really unusually nice for this area. Typically July is so hot and humid that you’re miserable, but this evening was perfect. We couldn’t have asked for better temps!
Micah and her family were some of the sweetest people that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting! Her boys were the cutest little things. I couldn’t get over the curls! Maybe it’s because I have curly hair, myself, but I just love seeing curls on little kids. It’s just the cutest thing! And that little smiley Sully Baby. Oh my word!!
I had the pleasure of meeting Micah’s brother and his family along with her mom and dad, as well. They had the most precious little southern baby girls. One of which, being the same age as my Emma. Two is a fun age that comes with lots of unpredictability, but she did good! And those eyes. Goodness, she had the cutest big brown eyes!
I think it’s safe to say that by now you know just how much I loved this session and this wonderful family. It was an absoulte dream!!
Are you ready to see these sweet images?? I know you are!!
Thank you so much for being here and viewing our blog! If you enjoyed these images, please leave a comment below!
Oh Brooke. The sweetest little thing I ever did see. It seems like not too long ago I was photographing her as a 5 pound newborn and now she’s 18 months! Where does time go!?!
Brooke is my little niece. Her and Emma love each other so much. They are the best of friends and boy do they cause trouble. HA! They are both so much alike it’s not even funny. But they sure are a cute cousin pair.
When our Wisteria was in bloom on our land just between Minden and Homer, LA we had watned to get some pictures of Brooke but things never aligned right and they faded out before we could get anything. Our wild roses on the land came in bloom this past week and so we decided to give those a try. I had never photographed this spot before because its always been overgrown. But, thankfully, Brooke’s daddy saved the day by cutting all the overgrowth around them out with his tractor! YAY!! We rushed down the field with only 10 minutes to shoot beofre a storm rolled in and we got it done!! As soon as we were done, in fact, it started to rain. HA! Good timing, right? I think so.
Now that I know what these roses look like in camera, I may have to get my girls down here too. I love the pops of pink!
Now to the reason you’re here in the first place- here’s sweet Brooke!!
Thank you so much for being here!! If you have enjoyed this post, please leave a comment below!
Abigail and Kimberly and soon to be LA Tech graduates and registered dietitians!! These two ladies have endured some long, hard days in Ruston, LA but the light is being seen at the end of the tunnel. They still have some to go before they are licensed, but they have come so far! I couldn’t be more proud of and impressed by them! It was only fitting to do their graduation portraits together because they best friends and have come through so much together. I think it’s so awesome to have your friend go through college with you and even majoring in the same thing. That’s a strong friendship!
These two are not only beautiful and intelligent, but their love for the Lord shines so bright through their lives. I have so admired watching them grow into the wonderful ladies they are. Although myself, not being too much older then them, I have still watched the change that has happened in their lives over the years and it has been such a blessing. They are some of the sweetest girls you’ll meet!
We knew that their portraits should take place at LA Tech in Ruston, LA, where they have spent the last few years of their life. It was only fitting, right?! I had actually never beem to tech before so it was a treat for me. There are so many neat buildings on campus! The time literally flew by as were shooting these portraits. At, what felt like, half way though we checked the time and it had already been an hour and a half!! WHAT?!!? I thought I was reading my watch wrong, but nope! We just had that much fun. And also walked alot. haha!!
But I couldn’t be happier with these portraits and I am so thankful they entrusted me to capture this special season of their lives. I wish you all the best Abigail and Kimberly!
Thank you so much for being here!! If you enjoyed this session, please leave a comment below!
Sweet little Payton! She was so fun to photograph. Little ones can be a little tricky to photograph becuase they do not always want to cooperate. And I definitely understand their concern!! A big black box is all up in their face and someone they don’t know is behind it being weird. haha!! That’s sure to make anyone nervous. Payton was a champ though! With a little coaxing she warmed right up and we had a good time! She is just too cute and spunky! I loved her personality!
She trusted me pretty well until she stepped in mud by the water, then she felt I had betrayed her. haha!! Poor thing. Mud all over her shoes and pants. Do you blame her? Me either! But we got past that little issue and played a little tug of war. She loved that!!
I think being able to really get down on little one’s levels and just playing with them for a little bit rather than only sticking that camera in their face can make a world of difference! They learn they can trust you and that you are fun then you can really capture their true personality! It works almost every time!
Alriht.. enough of me chatting. Let’s get on with these fun Lake Bistineau portraits!!!
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.
Thank you so much for reading our blog!! If you enjoyed this or found it helpful, please leave a comment below!!!
North Louisiana Lifestyle Family and Newborn Photographer 