Thursday, January 13, 2011

What to Wear...What Not to Wear

Since I am a on location photographer and I do everything outside many of my clients will ask "What do I wear" or "What should I not wear" so one of the photographers that I follow on her website she has posted what you should wear when you do outdoor sessions.
So you have booked an outdoor portrait session, but then there’s the complexity of what to wear or what looks good for a photography session. The goal is really to keep things simple during the session with the basic ideas of what will look good on you.


WHAT "NOT" TO DO:
Patterns and bold accessories are fun if you’re at a costume party but at a photography session it’s best to avoid the cluttered looks, bright stripes, or strong patterns. It doesn’t mean that patterns don’t work for a photography shoot, but for the most part, patterns are generally distracters.

Funky hair-dos, large accessories (i.e. hats, ornate earrings, pink fluffy scarves), and overly heavy make-up should be avoided.

Avoid outfits that show your tan lines or underclothing (i.e. bra straps).

Do not plan a new haircut, using new make-up or testing new styles before your session to avoid potential problems (i.e. skin breaking out, hair cut that’s not flattering)

WHAT TO DO:
I prefer the casual look when shooting outdoors. Jeans work really well with a simple one pattern top. In my opinion, photographs that stand the test of time are the ones that keep to simple, classic, and casual themes.

The typical recommendation is that you should wear long sleeve tops (for adults) and long pants/jeans/skirts etc. This draws attention to your face and eliminates potential distractions from your arms or legs. The rules are certainly not set in stone so if you prefer wearing short-sleeves tops, skirts/dresses/shorts; just be aware of the cut of the fabric and make sure it complements your skin-tone and body-type.

Good color choices would be neutral and earth tones like green, brown tones, black, darker blue, and black/gray. Those colors go well with light/dark colored jeans or pants. Darker colored shoes are also usually better under these combinations of colors.

Darker colors are slimming but if you prefer white (or lighter colored) tops; then combine it with darker pants or dark blue jeans for contrast.

Layering is also a good idea! For example: A tailored or well-cut jacket is a great combination with a light top and jean bottom

Solid colors are more appropriate for outdoor sessions. Some pattern is acceptable but if it clashes with everyone else in the shoot (i.e. fiancée, children, husband), it may be a distraction.

For photo shoots with two or more people, similar solid colors are preferred to create uniformity. For example, if blue is the choice of color, then a combination of people wearing “light” blue and “navy” blue would be fine. Pay attention to shoe colors and accessories as “clash in color” can create additional distractions.

Be conscious of your body! Wear what realistically flatters your body and fits you the best; not what fashion dictates. The worse things to see are photographs of a person in a too-tight top or bottom that don’t flatter them or their body-type.

Make-up is difficult to explain but it’s a good idea to find a balance between natural and slightly glamour (heavier) coverage! Wear make-up that complements your skin-tone. Don’t be afraid to apply a little bit heavier coverage (powder, concealer etc.) to cover any blemishes or skin discoloring. For the purpose of photography, heavier coverage (than the natural look) does look better but you don’t have to go “heavy” on everything that you end up using on your face

It may be tempting to wear heavy (and dark) eye liner and eye color, but I find that natural coloring (or neutral/earth colors) around the eyes show up much better on camera. It avoids the “raccoon” type look (for the lack of a better description) or dark circles around the eyes.

You may select to retain your individual style in this process and that is certainly your prerogative, but these are some helpful suggestions based on what’s recommended for a typical outdoor photography session. At the very least, hopefully this guide has helped you get started!



http://www.touchofedenphotography.com/links/what_to_wear.htm

Friday, January 7, 2011

*My Equipment*

So I wanted to share with everyone what kind of camera that I use and how much I love it! I first started out with a Canon Rebel Xsi! It was a great starter camera and when I purchased it however I didn't know that black was more professional then silver...so I ended up buying the silver one. A friend of mine who is an awesome photography Melissa C. she let me know that black was more professional looking when you are doing photography. So that was my first mistake in that camera purchase! I used the camera for a year and a half until I came to my decision to buy a more upscale camera with more megapixels and one that was black. I read reviews after reviews and at this time the T2i just came out and it had video with it, but I wasn't impressed. Just as I was looking up camera I ran across the 60D which is one of the newest additions to Canon. Oh boy was I excited! It of course was more out of my price range, but I knew it was the camera I wanted. So I had to have it!!! I ended up selling my Xsi bc it was Silver and will be purchasing another camera in the next year for back-up.
The Canon 60D as shown above came with an exceptional lense the 18-135mm! It's a great lense and 95% of the time thats the lense I use on it. I have a few other ones, but this is definatley my favorite lense right now.

After the purchase of my 60D I had to have a fabulous camera bag to go along with it! I had a Rebel camera bag that went with my Rebel camera so when I sold my camera I also sold the camera bag. I had wanted something different, something unique, and something LEATHER! So after a lot of thought process I orderd my first KELLY MOORE BAG! Yes, I said it KELLY MOORE!
This bag is so awesome! I'm able to fit my camera, lense hood, and two lenses, and one flash. Thats usually what I carry to every shoot. This is not including my extra bag in my car that includes backup batteries, camera cleaner, batteries for my flash, and candy for the kids! Gotta get those smiles somehow!

So winter is upon us here in ole Kentucky...im not a fan! After Christmas I'm ready for warmer weather. So I dont usually do any sessions between now and March. So hurry up warm weather! I'm ready to photograph my clients! 

This year I want to try new locations for my sessions. It seems like I always end up going to the same ones. Hopefully I will get inspired for new locations before my sessions begin.

If you haven't had a chance to view my website it http://www.bdile.photoreflect.com/ or you can look me up on facebook at www.facebook.com/bdile  - I hope everyone stays warm and cozy if your in the state of KY!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Christmas, New Years, & 2011

With the holidays over with I'm trying to get out of lazy mode and get back into my busy routines. Seems like when Old Man Winter visits all I want to do is sleep. If anyone knows me knows that I love to sleep. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I was so glad to have gotten together with my family & friends and to celebrate the Birth of Jesus! I was extremely blessed this year for Christmas! My dad bought me an iPad which I had no idea I was getting and I LOVE IT! Mom bought me some furniture and I had no idea I was getting and I love furniture! I got a matching coffee table, and two end tables that are black and distressed. They are beautiful!!! What a wonderful Christmas! I didn't receive any camera/photography items, but thats ok! I have everything I need right now!



New Years Eve was spent with a great friend of mine and we went grocery shopping at Wal-Mart! I'm definately getting old!

2011 is the start of a new year and new beginnings! It drives my crazy though the day after Christmas you go to Wal-Mart and you see weight loss dvd's, books, movies, and etc. You turn on the t.v. and all you see if weight loss and dieting shows. Seems like everyone wants to get in shape and lose weight as soon as the new year comes along. I know I do it and I try and do really good for a few months and by summer time comes around its to hott to work-out at the gym and to hott to go walking! I'm not lazy by no means! My problem is finding time to work-out when I do get busy. The winter months you dont do a lot and stay inside a lot so working out isn't hard you find time for it. I have been watching " I Use To Be Fat" on MTV and it's a great show and these kids have 13 weeks to get in shape and lose weight before starting college. The past two girls have both lost 90lbs with a trainer. Maybe thats what I need...a good looking trainer. HA! That would definatley keep me motivated. I can't watch "The Biggest Loser". It just breaks my heart to watch these people and here I am eating my yogurt or bowl of Special K and these people are dieting so hard and here I am on the couch eating not doing any physical activity...I think there is a problem with that picture.  Anyways I made no New Years Resolution this year. I always seem to break them. No use in setting any. I do plan on making time to stay active in physical activity and eating more healthier. I eat a lot of healthy food I'm actually a health food nut, but I do love my junk food too....ok my ice cream! LOL!

We will see. I will be posting my some more pictures later..everyone have a great day!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

My Favorite Things.......

I read a blog this morning from a fellow blogger that I follow and she listed items that she liked for her readers to get to know her better, and I thought this would be a wonderful idea! So thank you Blogger for being an inspiration. I will give credit where credit is deserved! So to all my readers friends or strangers here are 10 things that I love besides God, Family, My Dog Levi, & Friends.


1. Photography – This is what I love! I love everything about photography and no I’m not a professional by no means, but having that camera in my hand and being able to capture stilled moments that bring back memories it’s such a wonderful feeling I get. I use to shoot with a 210 camera when I was younger and oh how I love that camera. So now not only do I do photography on the side other then my full-time job I also carry a camera with me no matter where I go. If it’s not my small point and shoot, my DSLR, or my phone. I love having those moments with friends, my vacations, or family to look back on.
2. Ski – This drink is my addiction. Every morning I must have one. I don’t try to drink them all the time bc they are so bad for you with so many calories in one can and unhealthy, but I love my ski!
3. Cardigan/Scarves – I could wear a cardigan and a scarf everyday! I love the layered look and love how you can dress up a cardigan or dress it down. I wear both these items a lot and my friends can tell you I have just about every color in both!


5. Heels – Beauty definitely is pain, but when your 5’4 it’s well worth it. I love the way it feels when I put heels on. I don’t wear them everyday bc since I am a realtor its hard to go out and show property wearing heels..trust me I’ve tried already! Plus I’m a little clumsy, but when it comes time to dress up you can guarantee that I have heels on!
6. Coach – I have several Coach Items and absolutely love their purses, wallets, perfume, & well everything! I love to shop at the Outlets bc most of the time you can receive a 20% discount off your purchase. If you go to a Coach store you may get a percentage off like once a year through a coupon in the mail, but you gotta spend $500.00 first. LOL! I have 7 Coach Purses right now and can’t seem to part from any of them right now.
7. Scrapbooking – I’m not that best of scrapbooking, but it goes hand in hand with my photography. I love to take pictures of friends, family & trips and be able to place them into something so special that I created myself. It also gives me a great way to be artsy with my CRICUT!
8. Longaberger – Oh how I love LONGAGER baskets & pottery. I have several several baskets and pottery items. These baskets are great for decorating, storing items in, and serving food in!
9. IPod – How could I not go a day without music? Really? I listen to everything! I mean everything! It gets my morning started with ski in hand and while im driving in my car my Ipod is plugged in and when I go to bed at night my Ipod is docked on the IHome…So without my Ipod I would have to listen to a radio full of commercials which I’m not a big fan of.
10. Scary Movies – Scarier the better, and if I haven’t seen it then I will. Love scary movies! Have been a fan since I can remember my mom watching “Tales from The Crep” or “Chucky”..I use to be scared and I won’t deny that…now I laugh at those movies that once scared me.
11. Christmas – My favorite holiday of the year! I start decorating the day after Halloween. I know everyone rushes Christmas and seems to not care about Thanksgiving. I do care about Thanksgiving, but what’s better then Christmas? It’s the time of year to spend with family & friends, trees decked in ornaments, houses lit up like a Griswold Christmas, shoppers running over one another and fighting over $1.00 towels on Black Friday, wonderful FOOD & candies, presents, and most of all celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Remember to keep the reason for the SEASON! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
movie Pictures, Images and Photos



Monday, November 22, 2010

Life is a Ride

This was from last weeks photo session. Alex F. was definitely an amazing senior who is going to go far in life.  She was up for anything which made my job more fun!  Alex will go far   far in life and  that day her personality definately showed through in her pictures. She likes to enjoy the ride...isn't that what we all should do in our life? Enjoy the ride and live for the day...each day we receive is a blessing from above. Everyone have a great Monday!