Trend Alert - Fringe

Wow - fringe is EVERYWHERE for Fall 2015.  Every fashion magazine and website is featuring fringe.  So...I thought I would give you some ideas on how you could wear fringe for senior pictures.  Of course we aren't sporting bags, but there are lots of other ways you can incorporate fringe into one or more of your outfits and look fashionable without being overly trendy.

This outfit is a great transition set.  If it is still hot outside, the cute tank and jeans will work great with the boots for several pictures.  We could throw the sweater over it to change up the look for a few pictures.  The fringe looks great, but doesn't take over the attention in the outfit.

spring fringe by lejlamoranjkic featuring tree home decor

This is a casual and simple outfit with lots of style.  The top would be slimming with the long fringe.  If your session is in one of the cooler months, you could substitute jeans for the shorts and add a short denim jacket. 

Fringing...www.stylemoi.nu 9 by pokadoll featuring silver jewelry

For girls that love the "Texas" look, this outfit is perfect.  While the boots aren't traditional cowboy boots, the fringe makes up for it in style.  The hem of the lace dress mimics the fringe on the boots.  You could take the jacket on or off for two different looks.  A really colorful long necklace would be adorable with this.

Fringe lace and denim by natasha-r-catz featuring h&m dresses

Wow...just wow.  I am in love with this outfit.  The vest is so adorable and would look cute with the brown skirt or a pair of jeans.  It is a simple, more BOHO, less western side to the fringe trend.  I love the fringe necklace on the simple white tank top.

On the Fringe by easystyle featuring a beach hat

Ok...so this last outfit may be a little "out there".  However, for the senior who has a bold sense of style, this outfit would really be fabulous.  I see large round sunglasses with this and a loose low bun on the side. 

Orange Fringe by romaritasenorita featuring Giuseppe Zanotti

I hope you are inspired to add a little fringe to your senior session - or just to your wardrobe if you have already had your pictures done. 

Until next time,
Aimee

Tori Grace - McKinney Christian Academy Class of 2016

I was so honored to have Tori Grace join my senior model team this year.  She is not only beautiful, she just has such a sense of fun about her.  We had a wonderful time planning her session as she came full of different unique ideas to make her session her own.  These are truly some of my favorite images! (Be sure to note her BFF in one of the images!  We love to have BFFs come along and jump in a picture or two!  What a fun memory for both of you!  Thanks for coming along Anna Grace!)

8 Questions to Ask Your Senior Photographer

So you are looking for the perfect high school senior photographer.  How do you know who to choose or what to look for? 

You want your senior pictures to not only be fabulous, you want to work with a photographer who also provides a fun and memorable experience; as well as final images that reflect you and your personality.  Most of all, you want to make sure that you are working with a professional photographer – someone with the education, experience, and business practices to deliver what they promise.  With that in mind, please consider the following questions before hiring your senior photographer

1. Ask if they are a print or a digital photographer

Some photographers provide only digital images, some only prints, and some provide a combination.  Why is this important? 

• A photographer that only provides digitals will require you to print your own images.  Consumers don’t have access to professional labs for printing and the final product won’t have the quality you may desire
• Print photographers will often offer low resolution digitals with their prints for you to post on social media.

2. Ask what the average client spends on senior pictures

• Many photographers will tell you the price range of their packages or how much an 8x10 costs.  This doesn’t give you the information you need.  Asking how much the average person spends will give you an idea of if the photographer is truly in your price range.  If the average client spends $1,500, you can figure you will spend anywhere from $1,000-$2,000 depending on what you want.
• Also be sure you understand what the fees are
• What is included with the session fee?
• Are there outfit change or location restrictions in the session fee?
• Is there a minimum purchase?
• Is there a “pose” limitation on packages?
• Is retouching included or is that a separate fee?

3. Ask to physical samples of their work

Sadly, in our digital age it is common to hear of photographers putting other people’s work on their website.  If they can show you physical samples, you know the work they are showing you was produced by them and not “right-clicked” from a website.

4. Ask about what products are offered

• Prints
• Albums
• Digital images
• Gallery wrapped canvases
• Custom senior yearbook page design

4. Ask about hair and makeup options

• Does the photographer have a stylist available?
• Is the hair and makeup included in the session fee or an extra charge?
• Is there an option to have the stylist stay for the entire session to keep you fresh?

5. Ask about turnaround times for products

Be sure to ask in advance how long it takes to receive your products.  This varies with different photographers and also depends on the products you want to purchase.  It is always a good idea to know how long the entire process will take from shoot to deliver so that everyone has the same expectations.

6. Ask about a personal consultation

It is a good idea to find out if the photographer will meet with you before the session in person to plan the details.  It is always a good idea to know if you connect with the photographer in advance.  Meeting in person is the best way to ensure a good fit.

7. Ask about the photographer’s reschedule policy

• What will they do in the case of bad weather?
• What is their policy if you need to reschedule?

 8. Ask about the photographers flexibility

These are your pictures and you want to make sure the photographer will do everything they can to make the final images all about you.  Depending on your expectations and desires, the questions would vary, but these are a few suggestions:

• Does the photographer choose your outfits for you or work with you on your choices?
• Can you bring your own props to reflect your style? (instrument, car, pet, etc)
• Is the photographer open to your thoughts and ideas for the session?
• Can you bring a friend with you?

While this is certainly not an exhaustive list, I hope these questions help you in your quest for a senior photographer.  Is there anything I forgot?  Please let me know.  I wish you the best on your quest and if you are in the Dallas area, please give me a call.  I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Aimee

 

International Photographic Competition

This year on August 1,  I went outside my comfort zone entered the International Photographic Competition (IPC) sponsored by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA).  This was my 2^nd year to enter the competition. Truthfully, I have been intimated for years to enter this competition as the best of the best enter and are honored for their photography.  Each photographer is allowed to submit 4 images to the competition. I am inspired every year by the images that are chosen for PPA's General Merit Collection and the Prestigious Loan Book.  The photographers who enter this competition are simply amazing.

Wow...just wow!  I was so blessed that 3 out of 4 or my images were honored by peers and jurors for high-quality photography.  One of my images was accepted into the General Collection; and 2 of my images were accepted into the prestigious Loan Collection My work will be on display Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, Jan. 10-12, 2016.

 A panel of 45 eminent jurors from across the United States selected the top photographs from 5,190 total submitted entries at Gwinnett Technical College in Georgia. Judged against a standard of excellence, less than 40% of the  images were selected for the General Collection and less than 20% were selected for the esteemed Loan Collection—the best of the best. The Loan Collection images will all be published in the much-anticipated "Loan Collection" book which will be published at the end of 2015.

 The following images were my merited (honored) images:

I am so humbled and honored to have my images hang alongside photographers whose work I have admired for year.  I am so thankful to my family who has supported me more than I deserved.  I am truly blessed!

Aimee

About PPA:
Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest international non-profit association created by professional photographers, for professional photographers. Almost as long-lived as photography itself, PPA has roots that date back to 1869. It assists more than 27,000 members through protection, education and resources for their continued success. See how PPA helps photographers be more at ppa.com.

Caroline - Lovejoy High School Class of 2016

I have known Caroline since she was a little girl.  Her mom is part of an exclusive club called "The Vault" - well...not so exclusive...just a group of my BFFs.  What is said in the Vault, stays in the Vault... but I digress - this is about Caroline.

Caroline is a beautiful girl - inside and out.  After I met with Caroline at her consultation, I discovered her love of art and photography.  I asked her to assist me the rest of the summer on our other senior sessions and we have had so much fun.  When you see our crazy videos on Instagram - that is usually the product of Caroline catching some laughs in the background. 

I am so excited to share some of the images from her session.  Her creativity and fun personality really came out and I just love the resulting images!

 

Have a great senior year Caroline!  Live it to the fullest - which I know you will!

Aimee

Avril P - Plano West Class of 2016

I am so excited to share some of the images from Avril's session!  She is one of our Class of 2016 Senior Models.  Avril is beautiful, fun, stylish, and just a blessing to have on our team. We started our session at the historic McKinney Cotton Mill - the location of our studio and ended at my favorite field.  We were sooo hot, but our stylist kept Avril looking amazing and fresh the entire time. Congratulations Avril!  Have an amazing senior year!