So, I thought I’d do something a little different today.  It’s a combination of an “inspiring post” as well as “suggestions.”  If you’ve never seen my What to Wear post, & are looking at booking a session, then please go check it out.  It’s a simple guide on ideas of how to dress for your portrait session, assuming you want to take it a step beyond t-shirt and jeans. : )

This is something of an addition to that.  It’s a list of props (and accessories) that can add that bit of personalization and pop to your portrait session.  I’m presenting images from other photographers to give you a boost of inspiration (and me too).  : )  They’re all from Senior Sessions, since we’re in that time of year.*  And, as always, if you click on the link, you’ll be sent to the web page/flickr account of the awesome photographer.

One final note before the photo goodness: if you do plan to bring a prop, which I would love, do let me know.  That way I can think about what fabulous images to take before we get there. : )

Emma from aephotographyblog.

Playful, imaginative & just a touch whimsical? Balloons. Whether a whole handful or just one lone balloon. They’ll add a bright pop of color to your photo (and we’ll do our very best not to loose them). : )

shinnphoto on flickr.

Personal & Memorable. Your instrument.  Tuba, Sax, Drums, Guitar, Flute, it doesn’t matter to me as long as you bring it.  Even if it’s large & hard to move – like a piano – we’ll work out whatever we can.  You’ve spent hours learning how to play it so there’s no reason to not include some shots of your talent.

Nasai from Gunnar Cook on flickr.

Great Accessory? Hats.  They can add a vintage touch, tell your favorite sports team, or be immeasurably fun.  (And if anyone wants to take off their high heels/converse & get into some water, definitely don’t be afraid to let me know).

Zach by Jharp242 on flickr.

Hobby or Sport.  Skateboard, baseball bat / glove,  basketball, photography.  It is undoubtedly important to you – you’ve spent all that time learning it, after all – so include it in your photo shoot.

Kristie from Sarah Lane Studio’s Blog.

Unique & just a little out of place? A chair (or other piece of furniture).  I love the bright color that the chair adds to this image (and her skirt, but that’s not the topic).  If you have a prop that’s bigger, let me know.

Likewise, if you have a chair that’s brightly colored and can be moved by a single person (me) but that you don’t want anymore, do let me know.  I’d be happy to get a chair specifically for portrait sessions, and while I have my eyes peeled, I’m looking for unique furniture & so instead of tripping over it in the garage, I’ll take it off your hands. : )  Or if you just know where to get one because you saw an awesome chair, but knew it wouldn’t quite fit with your current decor, shoot me an email!

Tracy by LaurieNowling on Flickr.

Vintagey & Modern? A bright flower headpiece, a headband made of pearls, a peacock feather clipped into your hair.  Perfect.  (And don’t forget the nice conglomeration of necklaces she’s put together).

*Although, I’d feel remiss if I didn’t add that doing your Senior Portrait session in the Fall is actually a better idea since you have more time to get ordering done, announcements made & printed, etc.  But I know that the spring semester is when the end of your senior year is in sight & you remember those little things you needed to get done. : )

Alright!  Finally, I have finished the Noah images.  Yay!  : )

He was born on September 3rd at 8:53.  And I got to photograph him on September 5th & 6th!  That’s right, he was less than a week old. I guess that’s what I get for being the auntie.  : )

Now, I promise I won’t make you wait any longer.  Here he is!

Room details. : )  Cute, right?

You can’t see it, but his arms & legs are kicking like mad.

He has my brother’s feet.  His mommy said so.

And, of course, the oh-so-proud mommy & daddy & Noah.

I love his expression.  : D

One of his aunts on his mommy’s side painted the lovely image that you can only see a piece of here.  But it’s fantastic.  Curious?  Here’s Noah & a full shot of the image.

His mommy is musically inclined.  Very musically inclined.  In fact, she has a website to prove it.  His daddy is computer inclined, but they decided an image of Noah on his computer wasn’t worth it (Noah was getting tired of being a model!)

And, of course, a final, beautiful sleeping picture.  Isn’t he precious?  I’m so very proud of my newest little nephew (and Caleb & Gabrielle’s first little one!)

Congratulations to the new mommy & daddy!  Be sure to stock up on diapers & make sure to get some coffee for his daddy! ; )

Well, as  you know, I shot my first wedding solo last weekend.  It was fantastic!  : )  But scrolling through & editing over 2000 pictures takes a long time… that’s right, you heard me, over 2000 pictures… I’ve gotten it down to around 500 though since I deleted redundant photos, closed eyes & blurs (plus I take at least 5 for each group photo so I have better chances of getting a good one – that means during group photo time, for every 5 I take, only 1 will be a keeper).  And low-light is best friends with motion blur, so they like to show up in images together.

However, I didn’t want to leave my poor little blog empty until I get the editing done, so I wanted to at least put up a little something.  And besides that, I have updates as far as my blog & site are concerned.

First, go check out my regular site(edited)www.greenshoesphoto.com.  My wonderful husband has been helping me update some of it & if you’re interested in viewing and ordering photos from the Loveland wedding, you can enter “Client Galleries” on the first page & follow the instructions to receive an email to let you know when I get some pictures posted.  Of course, if you’re just interested in the blog & not in ordering photos, keep up with this & I’ll be blogging their gorgeous images before *too* long!

Now, for a little image love:

I took that photo for my Photo I Darkroom class for Tech almost 2 years ago.  It’s an image of my uncle’s guitar from another cousin’s wedding. : )  I developed the film & printed it in the darkroom all by myself & then scanned it onto the computer so I can have the digital file forever so I couldn’t loose it!  Hurrah for digital (I loathe developing my own film!).  Anyway, you may also have seen it on my site, but I wanted to briefly add that if you’re interested in purchasing any prints of images, and they don’t have to be from a session of yours with me, do let me know.  I’d love to see this image hanging over someone’s fireplace, or in someone’s studio. Maybe I’ll do it myself when I have a fireplace or a studio!