365

365.

To some of you those are pointless numbers.

To some, it's a full calendar year.

And to me, for the second time, it's a year long project to push, test, and challenge me.

For those of you who didn't follow me the first time I did this insane project- a 365 is a photographer's fun way of saying- I'm nuts!

A 365 is where I vow to take an image, 1 photo each day, non stop, no cheating, for 1 full year, for 365 days.

I did my first self portrait 365 back in 2010 with my DSLR. It helped me gain a TON of knowledge about portrait work and off camera flash.

I'm revisiting the 365 this year with.... it's true... my iphone.

WAIT! Before you judge me, hear me out!

What does an iphone offer that a DSLR doesn't!?

Ok, so quality is NOT on that list, nor is options- but that's the point for me!

I no longer can rely on crisp details to captivate my audience, I can't edit out mistakes, I can't enhance anything blah. All I can do is take a picture.

Wow. Talk about going back to the basics. My phone (3GS) doesn't even have a flash. All I have is a crappy camera, natural light, and my arm. No timer. No tripod. No tricks. Just me and the camera.

So why a phone and not a camera?

2 reasons. I needed to go back to the basics. I needed to push my creativity and realize what can be done when you don't over think things. Sometimes reverting back to where you started can help you grow and see things. Reason number 2- I am busy. Ridiculously busy. I knew if I had to set aside time each day to set up, pose, photograph, edit, post, I would fail, and.... I've been there, done that. I needed something quick and to the point.

I also wanted to prove- with the right light, the right creativity, you can accomplish great things, even with a phone. Is this a push for people to substitute professional portraits for iphone images? NEVER. I'll be the first to tell you I am SO over the 1 click retro edits that push people to think they are the next big artistic statement, but there's no denying- this is a digital age. People LOVE their camera phones. Why not embrace that. Why not have some fun!

So, here we go. 364 days left to go. Are you with me?

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Be your own personal stylist

Another question I get asked A LOT is "What do I wear?"Well, what do you want to wear? What do you feel comfortable in? What is YOU!?That will give you a pretty good start. After that- here are some dos and don'ts to really make your portraits POP!1. Layer up! (my number one rule )

Photographs are not like every day life, there isn't any movement and the world as the viewer knows it is completely flat (the world of photography does indeed prove Magellan wrong) so it's up to you and your background to create that movement and depth. Layers, from a stylistic stand point, also make you look like you are a complete fashionista all the time (even if every other day you wear t-shirts.) It gives your outfit just a little added extra.

2. The days of matchy matchy are OVER, but that doesn't mean you still can't coordinate!

While matching is not a rule, it can add a nice cohesive feeling to the photograph. While all dressing in clean white or looking sophisticated in all black can still pass as ok in modern times, picking any other 1 solid color and plastering everybody in it is just too much! If everyone can't agree on one color to coordinate with, at least picking common color tones can still give you that same color cohesion you might be looking for.

3. Pick a pop of color

To add a little visual interest and excitement to your portraits try picking an extra fun color and throwing that into the mix! This is especially great to do with kids!

4. Accessorize

You can not believe how much an accessory can add to an everyday outfit. Maybe it's a headband, hat, showy necklace, scarf. Whatever it is, it adds some visual interest and goes with the layer rule- it makes you really look like you know what you are doing in the fashion world.

5. Add a little personality

There's nothing that I love more then when people let their true personality shine through! Don't be afraid to do something a little different and a little over the top! If you want a portrait like you see in the magazines and on the web, then you need to dress the part. Most of the time what people don't even realize is that half the reason why they love an image that they draw inspiration from is not just the lighting or the pose, but the outfits showcased. They can really set the tone and give the portrait true individuality. 

6. Don't forget the details

Details are what's going to separate you from the little guys. They are the things people often over look, and although they may be small, or go unnoticed in some shots, the 1 shot they DO show up in, you'll be so happy you took the time to remember! Things like shoes, painted nails, rings, belts...

I have my prints, now what?

This year my focus is educating people. I know I keep saying that but I feel like it's really important! I want them to understand what an awesome experience professional, custom photography is. I want them to understand it's far beyond walking into a room, smiling, and then placing a simple order.

To help with that, I've reconstructed the way I do things.

NOW when you book a session with me you get a pre and post session consultation, along with other bonuses.The presession consultation helps me better understand you and what you are looking for and it helps you better understand me and my creative process- but this WHOLE thing is for another entry!The post is where we do a viewing and put together an order for you.

Along with that I want to show people how their portraits can become their OWN art and how it goes past just ordering some prints. Why fill your walls with images from places you've never been, or $20 mass produced meaningless sunsets? Why not take what you love, what you base your whole life around, and showcase THAT on your walls! Not only will it constantly bring a smile to your face, it will help keep you in check in times of a pitty party- it will remind you of what truly matters most in life...

With that being said, that also evokes what I hope to be, again, a whole new blog entry sometime soon (picking out print sizes and wall layouts for your home) yet also brings me to my main point-

What happens once you get your prints!?

First off I want my clients to know I am there to help, 100% beginning to end! You need help with frames, you call me! You need help figuring out a wall collage at your house, I'll come over! I'm not going to ditch you at the most important part of this project- the final display. Although, if you have your own handyman or are good with visuals, then you got this! It's not a scientific method, it's whatever looks right and makes your room feel whole!

In short (bc like I said, this is a whole new entry) you have prints in hand, you've picked your wall, you know your configuration.... now what? 

Here are a few tips I have for you:

On a budget- Hobby Lobby.

This store has the answers to all my life questions, I swear! Better yet- they offer sales ALL the time! You can wait and purchase frames for 50% off or just download the Hobby Lobby App for your smart phone and you have 40% at your fingertips 24/7! Brilliant!

When purchasing a frame try to get something that will complement your image and the style of your home. Don't go cheap- this is the finishing touch.

Try to find a frame with matting included. This will not only make your print look more finished it will prevent the print from being pushed directly onto the glass, causing air bubbles, and if it gets moist, damage.

Custom look on a budget- Hobby Lobby Backless Framing

Backless frames are just that- backless. Most common in large sizes, they are not 100% custom due to the fact that are premaid but they can give you that custom look by you getting a larger size, adding matting in the color of your choice, and having HL finish it off for you by cleaning the glass, securing the image in, paper the back AND putting a hook on it for $1. You seriously CAN NOT beat this option!

You can still use your 40% off on the frame, bring a friend, have them get 40% off your glass for you, and now you have a custom look for a lot less!

Not only does it make your print look "finished" and more special, look at the size you gain! In the example below you can see how we've taken a print and added atleast 3 extra inches to it's width and height by adding a thick frame and matting- this is good bc it not only protects the print like we talked about and makes it look very high quality, but it also can save you some money on your prints if you are on a budget. You can now "fake" the next size up by adding matting and a frame!

Handmade Options- I'm going to be honest, do I really like doing "shout outs" for big box stores- no, not really, but I like to think realistically and in a way that makes things simple for busy people. BUT! Let's not forget about the DIY projects. Pinterest is OUT OF CONTROL with DIY projects. Get a can of spray paint and go at it!! Look out of the box at resale shops like Kristy's Kloset in Port Huron or even the Goodwill! Don't want to do it yourself, look up amazing handmade products on sites like Etsy.com I am all for supporting the local art community so ask around!

Custom Framing-

Although people think of this as a pricey option, sometimes it's a must. Sometimes your house, the shape of your wall, the look of the room calls for something 100% custom. This is where they build a frame to exactly what size you want, they cut the matting in the style you choose, and they insert the images, finishing them off with the paper back and hook like I mentioned above. This option is great for wall collages bc it allows you to mix and match sizes. It's also great for sequence images or images you need to showcase together to create drama. Above all else this look is YOUR look 100% and is MADE to fit YOU! I'm sure there are several great options out there but one local business that has a great reputation is Proper Framing in Down Town Port Huron.

The "skinny" on my editing

So what's the top question I get asked as a photographer?

Come on- take a guess first!

Let me specify- top question from women?!

Ok.

It's the awkward, self conscious, laughable, "Can you make me skinny?"

And I'm serious.

We, as ladies, feel the pressure to look fabulous, and up to magazine like standards often, especially in a photograph that's going to hang in a large size for all to see in our homes! And I'll be the first to admit, if you're going to freeze me for a moment in time and plaster it up for the world to see, I want to look good! I don't want to be having a crappy hair day, I don't want to be in my bummy clothes, and I don't really need you to showcase the awful side profile I get when I laugh really hard. And, fair enough, no one wants to have a 30x40 of their double chin, their accidental muffin top from sitting on the floor, or a squished thigh from squatting down. I get it!

So- does that mean I can make you skinny? Well, first off, no, I'm not going to do that simply on principal. You are who you are, be proud of that, and if I did this for everyone who asked, I would even be taking 5' 10'' 120 pound ladies and sucking them in. You crazy, crazy girls! Plus, if I did grant your wish, it's going to be even more awful when people realize we've manipulated you and that's not really what you look like in real life!

BUT! Here's what I will do for you, it's what I like to refer to as, "taking good care of you."

First off, I'm going to make you "skinny" on site. And when I say skinny, I simply mean I'm going to pose you, no matter what size or shape you are (children and Dads included!) in a way that flatters your body! I'm going to remind you to not hunch over, cross your legs, turn to the side... We know for a fact we all come in many shapes and sizes and we can rock all of them!!

The picture below is a perfect example of this tactic, and it's so easy! A lot of people think they know what looks good and, to be honest, people do the silliest things when they get in front of the camera. Girls start to give odd "cutesy" smirks, they get into what they think is a flattering pose, and most of the time, it's actually accentuating parts of your body in an unflattering way. Does this mean you're doomed? No. We simply just rethink the pose and get you in something that's going to now accentuate you in all the right places!

The next thing I am going to do and NEVER tell you I did it is, again, "take good care of you" during my editing process. Why do I do this and when do I do this? Well, the last few years have taught me what to look out for, and I make minor changes when I think it will help you appreciate your photo for the moment it captured. People don't like double chins. They don't like awkward bulges. And I understand that, but as a lifestyle photographer, and taking images that are not perfectly posed all the time and are sometimes captured genuinely in the moment, you can't plan around these things, and I have seen people turn away beautiful, intimate moments between their family in a frame due to the fact that 1 person was not happy with how they looked because of a bulge or itty bity imperfection. Again, us ladies LOVE to pick ourselves apart!

When you come to a session with me I want you to be comfortable during your photo process and not be afraid to be yourself, interact, and just enjoy the moment. I don't want you living in fear of what "bad angle" you might create in the process.

I'm NOT making this post to tell you I'm all about changing people, or making them into a standard America has created. I will be the first to say over processed people look ridiculous and fake. I simply want to install comfort in you and allow you to be who you are during your session with me and know, as I guarantee you, that before, during, and after your session, I will be her to "take good care of you!" So laugh hard, sit comfortably, and let life happen!