Tips for your eSession/Engagement Shoot

A few tips for making your eSession (Engagment Session) the BEST it can be:

• Take care of any hair removal 24-48 hours before the shoot.  Hair removal can leave your skin reddish or irritated - not good for photos!
• Speaking of reddish skin - avoid the sun for several days before your shoot.  Sunburned skin does not look good in photographs.  If you have a sunburn already (any areas exposed during photos), then wait until it has faded before scheduling the session.
• A full-body exfoliation is a great way to get healthy looking skin!  Be sure to follow up with a good moisturizer.
• Get a manicure for sure.  If toes will be exposed, then get the pedicure, too.  Guys - this can also apply to YOU.  If you don't want to have this done, then just make sure nails are trimmed.
• Hydrate!  Start drinking water the day before the shoot.  This is especially important if the shoot will be outdoors during a hot time of year.
• If you can afford it, then have your hair and make-up done by a professional.  Or schedule a hair cut/style the day of your session.  Some salons, like Aveda, will do your make-up as part of your overall service - at no extra charge!  (I personally go to Aveda and love them!  I've shot a wedding and two family sessions for some of the ladies who work there.)
• Make sure you have plenty of time to get to the session and get ready.  The experience should be fun and relaxed - not stressful and rushed!
• Don't have a big, heavy meal beforehand.  If you're hungry, have a light snack instead.  Plan to eat after the shoot.  (Or bring some fun food props!)
• Make sure your clothing is clean and pressed.  And make sure it FITS.  Your outfits should flatter you and each other.  Try on everything beforehand and then look at yourself in a mirror from every angle.  This applies more to the girls - make sure nothing shows that you don't want showing!  Have all accessories and props gathered and ready to go - the day before.  Remember, you shouldn't feel rushed the day of the shoot!
• If you plan to wear some killer heels/shoes, then think about bringing some comfy flip flops along, too.  We may need to walk between shoot locations, and your killer heels may start killing your feet!
• If the session is outdoors, then start paying attention to the weather a few days beforehand - I will, too!  We should talk about an indoor Plan B location - or be prepared to reschedule if there's a good chance of inclement weather, and you definitely want the outdoor location.
• Don't forget the props!  A few fun "props" can be great for any eSession.  If you plan to use a photo for your "Save the Date" cards/magnets, then we can come up with a unique way to communicate your date.  Let's discuss beforehand!  I have many props I'm happy to bring along, too.

Lastly, the most important tip for having a great eSession.....hire Gardner Photography & Design!  Ask us about our "Try Before You Buy" eSession.  It's a way to take us on a test drive before your wedding.  And many of our packages include engagement sessions with photo prints/mats or custom guest books.  Let's talk!

How to Pin on and Wear Boutonniere

I have a wedding on Saturday, and sometimes I get asked about pinning on the boutonnieres.  Honestly, I don't know!  I know they go on the left side, and that's about it.  Usually, the boutonnieres are on the guys before I start taking photos, but it does happen sometimes.  I often carry extra pins, just in case, but I thought it was time I learned a little about pinning on the boutonniere.  A quick Google search resulted in this handy information

1.  With one hand behind holding the stem of the boutonniere, flowers facing away from the wearer and toward you, place the boutonniere at a slight angle on the dress or lapel. This is an average of about 4 inches in from the tip of the left shoulder.

2.  Make sure that the boutonniere is evenly placed on the lapel before attempting to pin it.

3.  Use a Boutonniere Pin to pin into the fabric at the bottom left corner of the stem.

4.  Weave the pin back out from under the fabric. Push it through about 1 inch, laying it at an angle over the top of the boutonniere stem.

5.  Stick the tip of the pin back into the fabric on the other side of the stem. Insure that the stem is tightly in place with the length of the pin pushing it down.

6.  Weave the pin back out of the fabric once more. Be sure that the very tip of the pin does not stick out, nor does it poke under the fabric and touch the skin. 

Helpful Tip: A boutonniere is always worn on the left side of the body. For a clean polished look try weaving the Boutonniere Pin through the underside of the lapel. This keeps the head of the pin from showing, for a smart look. Another alternative to Boutonniere Pins, try using a strong adhesive magnet made especially for corsages and boutonnieres. One part of the magnet sticks to the underside of the boutonniere, while the other side is slid under the lapel, attracting itself to the magnet and clamping the boutonniere in place.

Hope this information helps others who are trying to figure out how and where to pin the boutonniere!

Wedding Makeup - Beauty Tips for Brides

For years, I sold Clinique and did many make-overs. I was the top producer in both Ohio and North Carolina (when I lived in each state). I continue to do make-up, as needed, for photo shoots and weddings. Most recently, I did the make-up of my gorgeous bride, Diana, for her bridal shoot and wedding:

• Bridal Shoot Slideshow
• Wedding Slideshow
  

However, not everyone wants to or can hire someone else to do their make-up. Here are some tips for everyone. Taken from an Associated Content article:

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Every bride wants to be picture-perfect for their big day. You want to look like yourself - but different, more dramatic, fresh... it can feel like a big task. Many brides think that because a wedding is such a big day, they have to go big on the makeup. Well, you've got the perfect groom, the perfect dress, and the perfect flowers - don't overshadow that by making your face as grand as the day itself.

Here are some top tips for helping you create a beautiful look that you will treasure in your wedding photographs for years to come...

Read the full article by clicking here.

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I'll be posting more tips about skin care in the future! I got Diana started on a serious skin care routine months before the wedding, and the results were very evident! Her skin glowed, and her make-up looked more natural. If nothing else, I suggest you exfoliate. Otherwise, make-up can "sit" on your skin and look caked on. But more about this later!