WHERE TO WEAR.

The two most frequently asked questions after clients secure their session date seem to be, “where should we shoot?” and “what should we wear?”. Both valid questions and an important decision. I thought offering my opinion on these topics via the snoop bloggy blog might help shed some light when ironing out the details.

LOCATION:

First thing’s first. Location, location, location! When my lovely clients say to me, “we trust your judgment, you go ahead and choose the location.” I turn to them and begin asking questions. What are you hoping to get out of these photos? Are you looking for candid fun, intimacy, fierce and fashionable, made up, silly, or natural? Once I have established what type of session is important to them, I let them know that it’s imperative to choose a location where they feel comfortable. Somewhere they feel happy, sexy, pretty or fun. Perhaps it is a sentimental spot loaded with memories or maybe it is a venue that embodies their unique personalities. If someone were to say to me, “listen… this one time he held my hand near this dumpster, in a dark alley and it was the most romantic moment of our lives. Can we recreate that?” Id say, “heck ya! Get down with your paper bag princess self.” Now should that circumstance ever arrive I may hire Mr.T to watch my back in your dark alley, but don’t worry, he wont make a scene.

The point is, although I can dream up creative visions and storyboard in my head what I’d like to see unfold, its not going to mean a thing if those being photographed aren’t at ease and feeling good about their surroundings.

WARDROBE:

Whether it’s a group, a family, a couple or a baby – selecting wardrobe can be underestimated.

This is my stance: (*sidenote: ha! Writing that word just brought me back to karate lessons as a kid. Why oooooh why does my mother not have photos of my younger brother and I posing in our gee’s??)

Colour is your friend. Yep. It is. This goes out to all of you fine folks who had planned on showing up to your sessions and surprising your photographer with the ever so popular 1993 Levi’s Commercial fiasco. (which translates to, everyone wear your black tee and jeans look). Im going to go out on a presumptuous limb here, believing that I speak for creative photographers everywhere when I say, “for the love of God, please, NOOOOOOOOOOOOO.” Hats, gloves, colour, patterns, prints and accessories. Don’t be afraid to funk-i-fy yourself and take risks. Choose attire that speaks for your personality and reflects your true self.

I've put together a smattering of examples taken from popular clothing stores. By no means am I suggesting anyone needs to rush out and buy new clothing for a photo shoot. Just look deep into your own closets and tickle trunks for articles that are appealing. If you are looking to pick up a new addition to your wardrobe in light of having photos taken, don’t rule out local vintage and second-hand stores where you can find inexpensive and unique pieces.

Below are three compilations of generic suggestions in the categories of Dressy, Casual and Family.

I’m aware and love that every human has their own flavour, flare and sparkle so please interpret this at the basic level it is. If I ever have the privilege of shooting YOU in the future, I hope to see your own shine come through.

Happy Canada Day Eve!

MATT AND KARLIE.

This post is slightly difficult to view as a professional engagement session. You see Matt and Karlie both are people I have deep love and adoration for. Friends I can count on and hold near and dear in my heart of hearts. I have the honor of attending and documenting their wedding this summer, and Sean has the pleasure of standing in the line up of groomsmen next to Matt.

This pair have been a couple for six years and share with each other every aspect of their lives. She supports him as he writes and performs with his band The Champion Heartache, and he waves his "Karlie is #1" foam finger from the bleachers of every sporting event in which she participates.

I cannot wait to capture the raw emotion I know will be present on the day Karlie becomes Matt's wife. And later, in the evening hours, I will put down the camera, slip on my dancing shoes and rock the night away with two of my favourite people on the planet.

Shown here are a few sassy images from their E-Session last month.

Matt. Karlie. Words fail me. You are family to Sean and I. xo.

MADE-UP : Vol.1.

One of my dearest friends, Lacey has embarked on a new adventure in her life and turned to me for assistance.

As an emerging make-up artist, Lacey is currently building her portfolio and has graciously asked that I prepare creative bridal sessions so she may showcase her talent.

I will point out that the model, a mutual friend of ours, does not need one touch of make up. She is adorable and incredibly beautiful au natural. (ya girl you are!) However, without fail, Lacey somehow made her even more stunning for this shoot.

I will continue to blog the "Made-Up" sessions as they occur, and when Lacey's professional website is ready to be unveiled I will ensure to give you all the juicy details and links for contact.

Thank you is in order for Amanda (pictured here) for her willingness to participate and for her dreamy come hither stares.

Lacey and Amanda, I love you both more than Kawartha Dairy mint chocolate chip ice cream. Thats a lot.

BRIAN AND KATIE.

Meet Brian and Katie.

Sean and I found ourselves sitting amongst the sweetest most humble two women you could ever hope to meet, one icy January evening. The adorable bride to be, Katie, and her elegant mother, Brenda, painted visions of how the big day would unfold. "yellow!", Katie smiled. "My girls will be in canary yellow, and we'll have the ceremony early in the afternoon down the street at our family church." Her mother watched, genuinely smiling as her little girl covered every detail, and knowing that she was not so little anymore.

That night, as Sean and I were driving home, we both admitted this was an event we could not wait to attend. We knew if the two most important women in the wedding were as beautiful and down to earth as we believed, the rest of their loved ones would be nothing short of divine.

Entering the home where the bride, her parents and bridesmaids were preparing themselves for the ceremony, I noticed a calm, solace energy. It was a warm, bright May afternoon and a slow breeze filtered through large open windows. I passed family members and canary yellow dresses to greet Katie who was alone in her mothers bedroom seeing herself in her dress for the first time. I felt myself get teary eyed, which, as hard as I try to give myself a "pre-game" pep talk about remaining completely professional, I always seem to do. She was perfect. And calm. And collected. And ready.

The day seemed to fly as we moved from the house, to the ceremony, to a steamy bride and groom photo session on the grounds of the reception. The staff of Whispering Ridge did a fine job preparing the dining hall, and as Sean and I made our exit, guests were arriving with open arms to the stunning groom and his gorgeous bride.

This is their story.

WE ARE LOTUS PHOTOGRAPHY.

Hey hey!

So I finally found a blog site that Sean will allow me to have.... cause apparently my idea of spending $3000 wasn't his idea of reality, or bringing us any closer to owning our first home. pffft! When all is said and done, I'm pumped to have been able to create this space with my partner in crime tonight. Oh what dreams will come blog!

Soon enough this bad boy will be filled with images, videos, raves, stories, a little sarcasm and a whole lotta life! what what!!! For now please visit our online gallery.

Much Love,

Amanda & Sean

... and since posts are always better with photos, here is a recent one with two of our favourite girls – Lennon and Maisy.