creativephotography

Summer Family Pictures

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Spring and summer is a perfect time of year to schedule those family portraits. Personally,  for outdoor sessions we aim for dreamy evening light, green fields (or lush foliage), and colorful southwest accents for your sessions ideal natural backdrop. 

 

I have had several inquiries for dressing the family for professional photos recently,  so what better time to educate, then now! We’ve had our family portraits taken a few times and one of the hardest parts is trying to figure out what everyone is going to wear. Most times (because, like you, I’m an over scheduled busy mom) I wake up the morning of the session and scramble to throw something together, which never leaves me overly impressed. I’ve learned over time that you need to have a plan IN ADVANCE! The most successful sessions, are the prepared ones! We can help assist you in making ideal clothing, and palette suggestions for your session! Professional photos are not cheap. Wearing a TNMT shirt inside out because it’s the only plain white tee your son has is not going to cut it. These are photos that will adorn your walls and make you smile every single day. Let us shot it louder for everyone in the back... Yes, the outfits matter.

 

Example Only- Not Our Image⬆️ 

Example Only- Not Our Image⬆️ 

Here are a few do’s and don’ts for what to wear in a family photoshoot:

First and vitally important, do not dress everyone in the same exact outfit. The reason you are most likely having your family photographed is to hold on to the memories that you are creating at this time in your life. Having said that, wear clothing that reflects just a bit of your personality. It’s best to settlei on a color family and then choose your accent color(s). Incorporate different shades of these colors throughout everyone’s outfits. Mixing in patterns is a great way to keep the look casual and not too “matchy matchy”.

Example Only- Not Our Image⬆️ 

Example Only- Not Our Image⬆️ 

Clothing/fabric with texture(linen, denim, lace, etc.) photograph beautifully, especially if you are thinking of displaying these photos in black and white. Stay away from clothing with large logos, and pin stripes. Accessories are a super quick way to add personality to everyone’s overall look, or add that perfect pop of bolder color.

To recap/illustrate…..

Don’t…. dress everyone exactly the same way. Why? It’s boring, and you’ll all blend. Go for a cohesive look, not matchy-matchy. 

Do….. choose colors that compliment each other. Mixing shades of a certain color or prints in the same color family are easy ways to add more pizazz. See sample image of summer below. 

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Don’t….forget about the shoes, and socks! Professional photographs are an investment and the details (like shoes AND socks) matter!

Do.….think about your home and where you’d like to hang your portraits. Use the color schemes in your home as inspiration and dress in classic tones that compliment accordingly.

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With these tips in mind, I’ve come up with a few of my favorite summer combinations! See examples below! 

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Panetone 

Being that Pantone’s color of the year is coral, I’d also maybe mention it as a notable pairing color as well in the palette above. 

 

Blue 

Blues and whites are all about being bold and crisp. With a slightly nautical vibe, blues and white (particularly navy) are the perfect canvas for adding in a 3rd pop of color – but greens/torquioise or bright colors like yellow and orange will add a sunnier disposition). Don’t go overboard if you decide to add in a 3rd color – do this in accessories.

 ⬇️ Example Only- Not Our Image

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Plaid(s)

Going for a more casual, everyday vibe? Plaid is a timeless print that can surprisingly be mixed and matched very easily. Keep at least one common color to weave everything together and dressing one or two family members in a solid color is a good tip if you are afraid it’s too much. For example, enjoy my family Christmas card from 2018 below!

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Hopefully this helped make what to wear in your summer family photoshoot a little less scary?? Family pictures are supposed to be memorable, and fun. Don’t take that experience away by worrying about wardrobe! If it’s too much to handle, send us a note! We are more than happy to make recommendations.

 

The best advice I can give is start with mom. Then piece together children, and finish planning dad’s wardrobe.. that’s the best place to consider starting! 

Again, don’t hesitate to ask any questions!!  

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The Huber Family - Huber Farms - Gillette, Wyoming

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We have the pleasure for capturing the Huber families portraits at their family farm each year. We couldn’t be more astonished with this beautiful family. They not only raise animals, active participants in 4-h with their kiddos, but they also grow an array for fresh vegitables, herbs, fruits, flowers, etc. their commercial size green House was the perfect setting for this years session.  

 

As we coordinated this session, we took a step back in time, to bring out a vintage-vibe! We love everything about this sweet family, their business, kindness, and genuine personalities. When we said our goodbyes, they sent me out the door with a fresh bouquet of flowers, tomatoes and zucchinis picked fresh from the garden. This incredibly generous family, and awe inspiring session is why we love what we do! Join us on a little trip down memory lane as we share this years family session, at Huber Farms.  

 

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New Office Space

Our studio announced some big news this previous week! We officially signed our lease to the new studio location! As most of you know, due to circumstances beyond our control, PhoenixPhotos moved home to our personal residence until we were able to find the picture perfect location! Well, with the help of the best realtor in town - we found it. Nice big open spaces, lots of natural light, but most importantly - a space that's just for us! That's right, no more sharing! ​

​Our last location downtown, we were unable to officially move completely in, and call ours! We were located in a dark basement, that had more of an apartment set up! It was difficult for mammas with babies carrying car seats. It was a struggle to keep warm enough for newborn session.... it was a work in progress. We were located in that location for 9 months.... when the landlord decided to do something different with the space! We were on the lookout for the right opportunity.

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We appreciate our clients continued trust in us as your photographers, while we underwent these significant changes. We can hardly wait to show you all the new space! I haven't even unpacked our camera equipment, but was able to snap a couple portraits on my phone this afternoon. 

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Whats nice is to seperate our office, and session prep area (hair/makeup) from the actual studio space. Leaving ample room for our clients comfortability. We will welcome our studio guests into a small sitting area, perfect for all our consultations for weddings, grow with me plans, and senior sessions! As you make your way through the room, we have plenty of space for multiple set ups!!! (***huge plus for me!!***)​ This simply means when you arrive to the studio, your entire session is already set up, and ready to go! No more waiting while we replace backdrops. No more down time attempting to keep little ones happy and occupied! Another big perk, is your littles are free to wander! With a larger space, it means we are able to not worry about them knocking something over, or getting into our filing cabinet! 

We are all geared up and ready to fo​r our indoor studio sessions this year. You'll have to bear with us, we made this jump, and are working tirelessly to get it all set up. Once our final touches are made, we will share images of the space! Until then, feel free to stop on by and say hello!! 

Coming this summer: Office hours and walk in appts! ​

Couples Mini Sessions

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​Me and You Couples Mini Sessions will be on April 1st, 2017. We will open up the 29th once the 1st is full.

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  • 20 minute sessions, $50.00 plus tax.
  • 5 digital images, digital download & print release.

Prints and products may be purchased in addition. To secure your spot, $20 will be due within 24 hours. I cannot hold your spot with out a deposit. The remaining balance of $30 will due at your session. We accept cash, check, card and PayPal. Our sessions are extremely limited. Please do not reserve a time slot unless you are prepared to pay the deposit.

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Timeslots are as follows:

10 AM

10:30 AM

11 AM

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11:30 AM

12 PM

12:30 PM

1 PM - BOOKED

1:30 PM

2 PM

2:30 PM

please plan to arrive 5 minutes prior to your scheduled time so that we may begin in a timely manner.

More information can be found at the following link.​

https://www.facebook.com/events/218318671905828/?ti=icl

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contact us to book your session!!! ​

307-660-6335

phoenixphotos15@gmail.com​

www.facebook.com/PhoenixPhotos​

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Maternity Session Tips

This post on maternity tips for our clients will help you prepare for your session!

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Even though pregnancies are anything but easy, considering bed rest, ultra sounds, the works, when we think about each growing soul, I get a little lump in my throat and my heart soars a bit. The entire birthing process is nothing short of amazing which is why the maternal bond develops long before baby arrives. Photographing your baby bump is a special way to capture that pregnancy glow so that you can have something to reflect how you looked and felt being pregnant with the most precious gift!

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NE Wyoming based photographer Deanna Phoenix knows a thing or two about capturing the joy of pregnancy. She has an eye for unique settings and uses light and creative posing to showcase the essence of her subjects. Deanna also specializes in child and family photography, to continue working with her clients as their families grow! Here is Deanna's favorite tips for a successful maternity photo shoot.

1. GOAL: Capture this special time in your life in a natural, fresh, comfortable and fun way. Family members are welcome to join in your session as well.

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2. TIMING: I recommend scheduling your baby bump shoot sometime around 32-35 weeks – perfect timing to show off your belly before you won’t feel like showing it off anymore.

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3. OUTFITS: Color & comfort is key. Pattern is also a good way to add an element of pop to a photo. I often tell families to pick 3-4 colors that tie everyone together and the same goes for a baby bump shoot – An example: navy, turquoise, yellow and lime green. Sometimes we even incorporate the colors of the nursery as a starting point. I also recommend wearing something more on the form-fitting side – a dress, a long skirt with a fitted tank, statement necklace, and a bright cardigan. We want to see the bump but also be comfortable doing it. Comfort translates through the camera, it's imperative you are not uncomfortable with your selected wardrobe. Although we love to feature bare skinned photos, it is never required if you are not interested! If you need help styling, we recommend a couple local boutiques that would be happy to assist in your wardrobe for your session.

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4. LOCATION: I prefer to capture your beauty with natural light. Typically our sessions would be scheduled either early in the day or closer to sunset to capture the best light possible. Being a full service studio, we do offer our indoor sessions as well. Styling and scheduling is the same for indoor sessions.

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Step Into My Office

We finally have everything unpacked and organized from the show this past weekend! We are in love with our new desk, and chair for the studio office! Check out the beautiful model Maryann Lugan whose stunning on our studio walls!   We have enjoyed all our clients, models and friends over the last few years! It's now fun to display some of those memories in our studio to share with others! 

 

Welcome to my office!  

 

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We are  #wyomingproud. We are #Wyomingstrong. 

Google 🌟

Show us how much you LOVE PhoenixPhotos by visiting google and giving us 5 stars! This helps our future clients know what wonderful experiences they can expect from our studio. Feel free to share you experience as well, we love hearing from all our lovely clients!  

visit this link below to leave your 5⭐️ for PhoenixPhotos Photography!!!

 https://g.co/kgs/MauER7

***Vendor Highlight*** J-Cakes

Occasionally we like to feature some of our outstanding vendors who provide exceptional service, and go above and beyond for our lovely clients. We couldn't be as efficient or look quite as great without these businesses who support us.  

 

On the blog tonight is our favorite local cake decorator, J-cakes, owned by Jessica Rennick. We have given her several orders over the last year, and each and everytime we have been astonished at the level of creativity, detail and talent that goes into her work. Jessica always exceeds our expectations ten fold, and our cake smashes wouldn't look as cute as they do without her hardwork. Her commitment to perfection and customer service is prime!

 

In the spirit of small businesses supporting one another, we'd like to refer all our clients, and readers to contact Jessica with J-cakes for your upcoming cake/cupcake needs!!! You will never be disappointed!

J-Cakes

(307) 689-6156  

 

Here are a few of our favorite cakes done this last year by J-Cakes! 

 

 

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