Morgan Dawson Photography

Wardrobe Wednesday {Couples}

I'm guessing you probably know someone who got engaged within the last month. Maybe you! While the wedding may be months (or years) away, it's time to start thinking about booking an engagement shoot. You know your mom will want something for the paper, or maybe you're already thinking about your save the date cards. In any case, the time is now to book a date for your session!

The next thing you'll need to do is figure out what out will make your ring look the best what you both should wear. No worries, Erica May has it all figured out!

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This week I choose to put a few outfits together for a couple’s session. I really wanted to pull in some classic fall/winter colors and give couples some layering options. Although most of these items are a little pricey, I think most of us would be able to find the jeans, shoes, and possibly blazers from our own closets (or a friend’s). I love the option during a session to throw on or take off another layer to really mix up the looks. These bold and rich colors photograph well and look beautiful in color or black and white. Always spring for a nice new pair of dark jeans for your man if his jeans are starting to look a little too worn. 

 

You definitely don’t need to have two different outfits for your couple’s session but if it is in the budget and it is ok with your photographer, it can really give a whole new look to your portraits (it is also good if you are on the fence about what to wear!). This is also a nice time to touch up your make-up, fix your hair, and re-group (the guys always enjoy the break too). The second outfit I put together is a more care-free almost spring-like look. It would be great to throw on for a few more pictures at the end of your session to really change it up (if it is not too freezing!).

Woman – Outfit 1

Silky cascade ruffle blouse – Gap - $44.99

Perfect boot jeans (dark wash) – Gap - $69.50

Ambition Women's Army Green Military Inspired Jacket – Ovestock.com - $35.99

LifeStride Unity Bootie – DSW - $49.95

 

Man – Outfit 1

Three-button topcoat – Banana Republic -  $275.00

Silk/cashmere v-neck sweater – Banana Republic - $59.99

Timberland Earthkeepers City Plain Toe – Piperlime - $80.99

 

Woman – Outfit 2

BR Monogram Clara jacket - Banana Republic - $99.99 (optional) 

Monogram ruched goddess dress - Banana Republic - $89.99

 

Man – Outfit 2

The new classic polo – Indian earth - Gap - $29.99

The vintage khaki – Chino Tar - Gap - $49.50 –  

 

Wardrobe Wednesday {fall wardrobe - couples}

This week Stephanie put together two stylish and very affordable outfits for  couples this fall. Once again, I want to own everything...

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Fall can be such a wonderful time of year to capture the true love at heart. The last couple of weeks we have showcased great wardrobes selections for dressing the families for fall photos. This week, we've decided to showcase the "couple" as family or engaged. As a wedding photographer, I love capturing the story of engaged couples during the fall season. For most, this is the opposite time of year that they'll be married and adds as a great contrast to their wedding day photos. Not only is this a great time to capture the love, it's also a fabulous time to capture the colors of fall. With the leave changing to bright orange, yellow, and red; you can truly have a variety of color added to your wardrobe selection. In this week's Wardrobe Wednesday {where fashion meets photography}, I've decided to showcase two different selections for your fall "couple" photos. 

First we have our classic dressy yet somewhat urban selection that highlights the couple against the colors of fall. With the darker colors, you'll truly stand out from the vibrant colors and allow your love story to be the highlight of your session. Not only will this selection allow you as the couple to be showcased, it also adds a bit of a the romantic european feel. Imagine yourself being amongst the hustle and bustle of urban lifestyle with beautiful brick and colorful trees surround. This selection can be worn with or without the jackets and can certainly be dressed up with beautiful accessories 

Selection number two is more of a full fall attire. With the earthy tones and sweaters your able to capture the true feeling of fall and cuddling next to one another to keep warm. You can choose to go with adding pattern as you see in the selection seen here or change it up a bit with solid more simplified colors. Either way, you're story will be told as a whole with the feel of the fall in love season.

I always try to express to my engaged or couple clients that your wardrobe represents you and your love story. So make sure to pick an attire that will allow your love together to be captured and featured as your story before your future "family" photos. With fall as your backdrop, the colors will pop regardless. What you want is to showcase your love and life together before children and other life's responsibilities. Best of luck to you and if you ever need some suggestions, please feel free to contact any of us at Wardrobe Wednesday {where fashion meets photography}

Look No. One

 

Female

Crossover Dolman Blouse $59.50 Gap

Curvy Jean $69.50 Gap

Ruffle Collar Coat $59.50 Gap

 

Male

Velvet Blazer $98.00 Gap

End on end tailored shirt $29.99

Standard fit jeans $54.50

 

Look No. Two

 

Female

Cropped Toggle "Jet Sweater" $30.00 Old Navy

Long perfect tank $6.97 Old Navy

Diva skinny jean $29.50 Old Navy

McNeff boots $140.00 Aldo

 

Male

Argyle v-neck sweater $16.00 Old Navy

Loose fit jeans $29.50 Old Navy

Yaden shoes $60.00 Aldo

 

 

Wardrobe Wednesday {what not to wear}

Who needs Clinton and Stacy when you have Shannon Dodge! Read her post to avoid being a photo shoot fashion "Don't". 

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“Over the years, there have been certain things that have stood out during photo shoots. Sometimes it's been really evident during the shoot, and other times it wasn't apparent until I started editing.  You want to look your best, yet be yourself, correct? So be yourself! BUT there are certain rules and regulations when it comes to classic and well put together ensembles for your portraits! That's why I decided to put together a "What Not to Wear" segment for our Wardrobe Wednesday this week! 

First up: Your entire outfit.

• It's OK to coordinate your colors but, let's leave entire matching outfits to little girls, shall we? Mix and match your colors and coordinate...it makes for much more interesting images!  Notice I mentioned the word color. :) 
• Solids and small prints photograph best...beware of loud stripes or plaids. 

Next: Shoes.

• Shoes can be tricky, I know. They can make or break an outfit.  You want to be comfortable but please leave the Crocs at home! They tend to be an eyesore in photos. They are bulky and bright and they draw a viewer's eye down to the ground. You want people to look at YOU not at your Crocs. :)  
• If you choose to wear sandals or flip flops, PLEASE do not pair them w/ socks. 

Finally: Details.

• Look at your nails. Is the polish chipping? Do you have on an obnoxious color that's going to draw attention to your hands and only your hands? Neutral nails photograph best.
• How are your highlights holding up? Don't forget to check your roots, girls! :)
• If you don't normally have a tan, now is probably not the time to run and get a spray tan or lay out in the sun all day.  You don't want to look like an Oompa Loompa or a lobster.  
• PLEASE check your bra straps. If you are wearing a tank top, make sure your bra straps are not visible. Wear clear straps or better yet, buy a bra strap concealer that converts your regular bra into a racer back bra...they are cheap and easy to find!

I hope you find these tips helpful. Booking a photo session is fun and exciting. Make the best of your photos by dressing your family adorably and paying attention to the details!”

 

Wardrobe Wednesday {one stop shopping - spotlight on Boden}

This week we’re all about saving time and adding convenience.

That’s because I had to figure out: What’s a girl to do when her Wardrobe Wednesday post is unexpectedly due a week early? It’s easy! One-stop shop at a place that picks the outfits FOR you.

I’m probably the last one to the Boden party, but better late than never, right? Not only do they have adult clothing, they also have lines for kids (mini Boden) and teens (Johnnie B). So when you’re shopping for a family, this is really a great place to start. It also helps that Boden has a chill, relaxed style (who doesn’t love clothing you can actually live in!) and a tendency to feature bright colors. Always great for a photo shoot!

Often we suggest picking a piece or color and creating an outfit around it. With Boden, once you select an item you’ll see photos and links to other clothing and accessories that will complete the look - from head to toe. It’s that easy! 

Are you visual (like me) and need to see a few more outfit combinations? You’re in luck (as long as you’re shopping in the women’s section). Boden provides an outfit creator that allows you to add and subtract items on a virtual mannequin. I’m great at picking out individual pieces, but when I’m buying for myself, I struggle with creating an entire look. This is such a huge help. 

Need a few more reasons to check out Boden? 

1. Check out their clearance items. While some places wait until the season is over to start pricing things down, Boden isn’t afraid to discount current styles. 
2. You can order items for your entire family and only check out once - with a flat shipping rate of $10. 
3. If you call Boden you hear the most polite voice recording from owner Johnny Boden himself - with a charming British accent :-)

Cheers and happy shopping!

 

Ellyn and Peter {anniversary photo shoot}

So often, couples who have been together for a long time tend to forget about how special a portrait session with just them can be. (Okay, or just them and the dogs!) Ellyn and Peter have been together since school days, more than two decades, and they've become good friends over the years. I was thrilled that they decided it was time for a couples shoot!

I hope they love these portraits. I think they capture their easy-going nature, their natural way with each other. And I hope they inspire other couples to think about how special their own portraits can be. 

Enjoy the sneak peek, happy anniversary, and here's to many more decades and memories!