Meet Lauren. She’s 7. She’s got a wit about her that puts her more at 15, and has a natural comfort about her that puts her among the most experience models. I loved photographing her in Marietta Square on President’s day, and I think she had fun, too! There are so many amazing backgrounds for photography in the Atlanta area, and I find myself getting to Marietta quite often. We spent about 45 min walking around and captures some amazing images. This is my favorite image from the session, I believe it’s quite glorious.

This is Sullivan. He is 2. He is also a stud.
Happy Birthday Sullivan!

I had boudoir sessions this weekend at the W Hotel in Buckhead. The room had amazing light, and Mrs. M knew exactly what she was doing. This is my favorite image from her session (aside from one that I can’t show!).

We shot Kelsey’s boudoir session at the W Hotel in Atlanta. She looked stunning in every look that we did, but there is something glorious about this Fishnet and chair setting. I love how simple and sexy it is. This was my favorite from her Boudoir session, a gift to her hubby for their 1st anniversary.

I had a wonderful time photographing Hayley at the Grand Hyatt in Atlanta for her Boudoir Session. I try to pick one ‘Glory Image’ from each session, the image that I believe is the most beautiful and cannot stop forcing into people’s faces. This is hers.

(Disclaimer, other photographers with varying styles may or may not agree with this. This guide corresponds to the style we shoot in and what we’ve discovered works best)

1) NO logos (or phrases)-  This is probably the first thing that comes out of my mouth when talking about what to wear. Why no logos? Logos are meant to be seen, and if you’re wearing a shirt with a large ‘POLO‘ or ‘GIRL’S JUST WANNA HAVE FUN‘ across the chest, that is what will be seen, not you. These images are about you, and who you guys are, not what you’re wearing. Save your giant horses and ‘Juicy‘ bottomed pants for home.
2) Be aware of your environment- Think about where the session will take place, and what type of clothing is appropriate.  Will it be casual? Outdoors? Cold? Hot? While your new 5-in Louboutin’s may be gorgeous, they likely are not suitable for hiking around Central Park (or any park!). If the shoes are a clutch part of your outfit, consider bringing comfy ones to walk around in and changing when it’s time to shoot. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a modern and classy background for your images, such as the W Hotel or a City-Skape, jeans and a t-shirt likely won’t accomplish the look you are going for. If you don’t think ahead, I’m not photoshopping a Calvin Klein suit onto you…

3) What about colors? – Here’s where it gets a little more tricky. Colors can be funny, what looks great on one skin tone may not looks good on another. If you’re unsure of what looks great with your skin tone, check out our good friend Google. In general, though, Good colors include: pinks, blues, reds, sow yellows, blacks (NOT head to toe), and pastels. I always tell my clients to stay away from white since it can rob your pictures of their uniqueness and become harshly bright during day-time sessions. As for patterns, patterns are a great way to vary up your color palate but beware of huge stripes, large flowers, or crazy prints. Those can draw more attention to your clothing than you want, and remember the images are about you, not what you’re wearing.
4) ‘Pants on the ground, pants on the ground..’: Wear Clothes that FIT- Why am I even saying this? Your clothes shouldn’t just fit your for your engagement session, they should fit you in life. Baggy jeans, oversized shirts, too-tight dresses, or sleeves that cut into your arms are a few of the more popular violations on the ‘clothes that fit’ guide. Your apparel should accent your body, not hide it. It should flatter your body, not draw attention. Lines and ripples in the wrong places caused by too-tight clothing (or too-loose hanging fabric) will look awful in your pictures. Yes, certain styles may be popular, but if the camera adds 10lbs and your tunic adds 20… You’re on your way to hating how you’ll look.

I want you to look your best and be comfortable in your clothes. The more comfortable you are, the better your images will look.

Extra Tips:
Makeup For Women: There’s no need to cake it on like you’re going on stage for your next Broadway production. Of course, you don’t want to be so au naturale that you look sick. Makeup is meant to highlight features, not (necessarily) create them. The general rule of thumb is to wear your makeup slightly heavier than usual. I recommend 100% going to get your makeup done for the session. Your artist will know how to make you look your best for the camera (their trained for that!!), plus who doesn’t love a great pampering?

Makeup for Dudes: Hey guys, you’re not exempt! Nasty blemish? Razor Burn? It’s nothing a little concealer and powder won’t fix. You don’t have to tell the guys, and no one will know unless you decide to use the powder puff as a prop in the picture.

Shoes: If someone shows up to a session with me in white tennis shoes, I’ll assume they are wanting to go to DSW and shop first. This, of course, I am totally ok with, as DSW and I have a great relationship. Leave the white tennies at home, as well as the flip flops. Also, as mentioned before, if your cutes shoes aren’t made for walking, bring along some that are and switch to the cuties when your in front of the camera.

Tanning: I’m not sure some people realize how ‘tan’ they really are. Just to clear something up, ‘orange’ isn’t tan, it’s orange. In the camera it will look orange, and in 10 years your kids will be scared to eat carrots for fear they will turn into one. Please be wary of tanning before the engagement session, and if you must, please have your last lay about a week before the session. If you do tan, or maybe you just got back from the beach (why didn’t you take me with you!?), please think ahead as to weather you’ll have visible tan lines for your pictures. Tan lines are equally as distracting as a giant ‘POLO’ across your chest or a neon-orange Missoni Pattern. If you ask me to photoshop them out, I will glare at you evilly until you buy me wine and tell me a joke.

Hopefully this guide offers a world of information to create a successful ‘look’ for your engagement session. A warning to my clients, if you read this and neglect it, and then ask me to just ‘photoshop’ it out, don’t assume I just know how to make you look good, I also know how to photoshop on a mullet, zits, and 30lbs. Just kidding

These two love each other dearly… and when I say dearly, I mean that ‘fight-for-each-other-ignore-the-rest-of-the-world’ kind of dearly. Enjoy the following images from their engagement session, I’ll blog their Stone Mountain Wedding here in a few weeks!

There were smiles all around for this gorgeous June  affair. Ian and Fanta invited their closest family and  friends to join them in what certainly deserves to be  called a ‘celebration’. The two were making it  official, and in the words of TImothy Bloom making  ’this house into a home’. The chase was over – well,  for now (I have a feeling Ian will be chasing Fanta  for life!).

The couple chose the Grand Atrium at 200 Peachtree to host their affair. I remember Fanta’s eyes lighting up while she told me about the chandeliers and the elegance of the atrium, and I couldn’t wait to see how Randi Moore of RSVP Design and Events would transform the space. The day arrived and nothing was without charm. Special thanks to those mentioned above, as well as: Shawna Elizabeth for the gorgeous makeup throughout the day, Black Tie Barbeque for catering to make you tip the scale, and Three Ring Media for an amazing job documenting the day with video. To see their wedding trailer, view here: Wedding Trailer.

Fanta’s figure rocked this gorgeous dress from Modern Trousseau.

The couple decided to see each other before the wedding, so we worked together to create a cinematic ‘meeting’ of the two in Atlantic Station. I love these few moments that the couple get to spend together before embarking on what can be a hectic day. Sometimes it’s the last ‘alone time’ they will get all night; plus we get a chance for some pretty kick-ass images

Here is Fanta preparing to walk to Ian.

You two are beautiful!

The Atrium looked gorgeous for the ceremony, and the staff did an amazing job turning the room so fast for the reception.

The party lasted all night with DJ Kwest_on, whom Ian has been following for years. He flew in from Chicago to spin for the couple’s reception.

200 Peachtree is gorgeous at night.

I wanted to take the couple outside for a few night portraits, but it had started POURING (go figure, Summer in Atlanta!). We improvised and I love the results.

As the night wound down, the couple enjoyed a last dance and were then off to the Ritz for the night. We were thankful to the police for stopping traffic, but these two could have accomplished that all by themselves!

Thank you Ian and Fanta for choosing me to be a part of this day with you!

Since today is Friday, I wanted to share the most mind-dulling video I found this week. You’re welcome.

Happy Friday- “Way Ho!”