Custom Couture | Stylized Senior Session | Fall 2014 | Hampton Roads Senior Photographer

This shoot is one of those ones where you envision something, you start to wonder if it's possible, you work hard, and then magically you get to see it come to life before your eyes. I wanted to create something that was elegance, couture, and playful all wrapped into one. Something that focused on a beautiful girl, her gorgeous dress, and a way to create beauty out of very simple details.   

This shoot is that session.

I sincerely could not have pulled this off without the help, love, and encouragement of Hampton Roads' most incredible vendors (so really, go check out their sites!!):

Model: Kelly Lewis (Class of 2016)

Hair: Markia Nicole - MUA/ Hair Stylist

Makeup: Makeup by Vega

Accessories/Shoes: Bridal Boutique of Gloucester

Props: Folk Art by Christine

Macarons: Hummingbird Macarons

Dress: Rent The Runway

Assistants: Kenzie Mathews, Alison Townsend, Jessica Norrell

"Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak."
-Rachel Zoe

XO,
Sarah

How to Shop for your Session When Shopping "Back to School" | Hampton Roads Senior Photographer

It's here! BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING.

With the start of the school year SERIOUSLY just around the corner (we're talking like a week away) there's no time to spare to get in on all of those Back to School specials!

But don't worry, I have one for you that doesn't expire: A guide on how to shop for your session when you're shopping the back to school sales!

So here are FOUR tips for getting the most out of your new wardrobe and keeping your session in mind at the same time:

1. TAKE THE STYLE GUIDE WITH YOU

Every #SEPsenior is given a custom Sarah Elle Photography Style Guide when they sign on for their Senior portraits. USE IT. It's going to be your BIGGEST weapon in the fight against budgeting for your new school clothes. Lets face it, everyone has to make choices when they're shopping, and following the tips and suggestions in the SEP Style Guide will not only make you feel and LOOK incredible you will know which pieces are worth keeping and which ones are worth putting back on the rack. (and this translates into saving some moola!)

2. LAYERS, LAYERS, LAYERS

Since it's "Back to School" all the stores will have Fall clothing out and that makes it THE perfect time to stock up on super cute items that you can layer. Layering an outfit lets you create TONS of different looks simply by adding or removing a piece- or even changing the way you wear one of the pieces! 

For example: If you have a cute cami underneath a button down layered with an awesome light jacket you can easily wear the jacket, drape it over one shoulder, or take it off all together! With the button down you could button it the whole way up, button only the middle button, button the bottom 3 buttons, or unbutton it completely!

See how many options you have when you start to layer?! And all with just ONE outfit!

3. GO CRAZY FOR ACCESSORIES!

One of the biggest things overlooked when shopping for new clothes are all the little details that really pull the entire look together: hats, scarves, earrings, necklaces, rings, watches, belts, bracelets, shoes, etc.

Accessories are (no joke): the glue that holds your outfit together.

You could have THE cutest top in the world but if you're wearing tennis shoes and a baseball cap it's going to throw your look off completely. Adding a cute pair of flats, a trendy necklace, and maybe a belt could give you JUST the added touch you need to completely OWN that look! Don't be afraid to grab a bunch of accessories you like- even if you're not sure which outfit they go with yet-- having them on hand can help you create some pretty gorgeous outfits you never expected!

4. BE YOURSELF!

Don't forget that your style is an expression of you. It's who you are. Crop tops might be "in" right now but do you feel comfortable in them? Maybe. Maybe not. 

If you're not comfortable or feeling AWESOME in your clothes then you won't be comfortable in PUBLIC in your clothes and you certainly won't be comfortable in front of the camera in your clothes. Pay attention to what YOU like and not just what latest thing is being worn on the mannequin.

Now are you ready to hit the stores?! I thought so ;)
And don't forget, every #SEPclient enjoys 25% off their entire purchase at Apricot Lane, Hampton with the custom codeword you receive at your meet-n-greet!

Any other tips you can think of to help shop for your session? Tell me in the comments below!

And DEFINITELY check back over the next two weeks as I roll out the new WEBSITE along with some really amazing prizes, giveaways, and contests to celebrate! You're not going to BELIEVE the grand prize ;)

XO,

Sarah

Out From Behind The Lens | My Own Experience | Hampton Roads Personal

Hi!

Recently I had the opportunity to have my pictures taken by the VERY talented LeZandra of LeZandra Photography. We had talked about this for a couple of weeks and then one Thursday it all just sort of came together and the next day I was in her house, in her makeup chair, getting AIRBRUSHED by the stylist you all know and love, Markia (she works with LeZandra a whole bunch just like she works with me and my clients!).

*SIDENOTE: My experience with airbrush makeup needs its OWN blog post so be sure to check back soon for that one- it was INCREDIBLE*

Here's the thing: I have a new brand coming out very very soon- you may have seen some hints towards it lately (packaging...session guide overhaul...dropping hints...etc.) and with that a completely NEW website is happening as well!  My business is growing and with that I felt the need to grow with it...

Cue the photo shoot ;)

LeZandra is a very well known boudoir photographer in the area and while I had every intention of keeping my clothes ON for this shoot (and did keep them on thank you very much) I knew she had the style, the brand, and the business mindset I am working to achieve and therefore she was the perfect fit!

PLUS we've been online friends for a while so I was excited to actually have the chance to spend time with her :)

But despite all that I was SUPER NERVOUS that day! HOLY MOLY.

I mean.... she's fantastic. And has double the time in business that I do and she's really confident and she's all around a pretty awesome person! HOW COULD I NOT BE NERVOUS?!

But oh my goodness let me tell you: It was fantastic! Maybe it was a combination of the fantastic airbrush job Markia did plus the fact that I LOVED my outfit choices- but I had THE BEST time!

No wonder LeZandra is so good a her job- she made me feel SO comfortable and beautiful!

And, as promised, here are some of my absolute FAVS from the shoot! (Trust me it was hard to narrow them down)

Stay tuned because in just TWO WEEKS I will be unveiling the entire new brand AND throwing a pretty awesome celebration with goodies and giveaways you won't want to miss!!

XO,

Sarah

p.s. which picture above is your favorite? I'm curious if your favorite is my favorite ;)

Taking That Phone to College | The Best Apps for Freshman Year | Hampton Roads Senior Portrait Photographer

Hi!

It's the second week of August and not only is August a beautiful month but the buzz for "back to school" is starting up- and that includes the ever-so-exciting FRESHMAN year of college! 

Oh my goodness I remember how exciting that was. Nothing like finally being able to pick what to eat, where to eat, what to do, how late to stay up, which parties to go to, which groups to hang out with, buying 4 lattes in one day just because no one was there to say no {that totally didn't happen btw... just an example! ;) }

You've hopefully already seen my DORM ROOM SHOPPING blog from last month. If not be sure to check it out and get on that shopping list- QUICK- times-a-tickin! Well this blog features all the MUST HAVE apps to survive Freshman year (and the rest of life pretty much, too).

Sure, you've probably already got all the necessities: Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Glide, Facebook, Spotify, Songza. You name it, it's probably already on your phone, right?

But go ahead and give these ones a try, too. I bet you've never even heard of some of them and I pretty much guarantee you'll find at least ONE on the list that you fall in love with. And then when you get to school you can be 2 steps ahead of the rest of the folks in your dorm; and there's nothing wrong with that, now is there ;)

SPARKNOTES- If you don't already know Sparknotes well... that's actually a good thing. It means you read all the stuff you were supposed to in High School! In case you need a shorter version of something because...well... college is a super busy courseload, check out the Sparknotes app to get condensed versions of popular books as well as pretty awesome study guides to go along with them! Nothing says efficiency like a pre-made study buddy!

FIND MY CAR- Oh man, I think everyone needs this app. You turn it on when you park your car and it records the route from your car to wherever you're headed. This is ideal for people attending LARGE colleges and will need a little help remembering the quickest route back to their car after a day of learning.

EVERNOTE- This one is huge. There is a LOT of stuff going on in it but once you take a little bit of time (like 10 minutes...seriously) to go through the walkthrough and play around a bit it's really pretty great. Write lists, take snapshots of documents you need to save, install their extra app "skitch" to write on pictures to keep track of notes, set timers for your different "to do" lists, and so on. It's pretty neat! PLUS you can sync it to any device: tablet, computer, another smart phone- free of charge! Definitely check this one out :)

STUDIOUS- I wish I had this when I was in college. While Evernote (above) is great, Studious is designed specifically for classes and class schedules. It makes me want to sign up for a class JUST so I can use it! All you do is download it, put in the info for a class (say, History 101, M/W/F 12:00-1:30), tell it what you want you PHONE to do during that time (this is the super cool part)- you can have it either go silent, go into airplane mode, vibrate, or stay on and it will AUTOMATICALLY go to the chosen setting every day at that time. HOW COOL, right?! You can then also put in tests, notes, and homework assignments specific to the class and it will keep a calendar for you. For real, I want to go back to college now.

YOUR BANK- I guarantee whatever bank you set up an account with for school will have an app. Get it. It's awesome to be able to one-click and sign in to check your balance before making plans for the weekend. PLUS if mom and dad (or grandma) send you a check to help out a bit it's pretty great to not have to leave your room to cash it-- simple click a picture while in the app and deposit. Easy peasy!

CRIMEPUSH - This one isn't available a lot of places but I really like what it has to offer so I wanted to include it so you can look up a similar app at your location. Crimepush is a way to easily report crimes. They are specifically attached to whatever area is mentioned in the one you download and it sends it immediately to the police station. This is a great way to be helpful without necessarily directly trying to stop something. Of course, in emergency situations ALWAYS dial 911. Forget the app. Call the cops.

There are TONS of apps out there. Some great. Some AWESOME. And some so-so. But this list should get you started with some great ways to make life a little easier as you go off to school. And the easier things are at college the more time you have for fun! :)

What are some other apps you just can't live without? Tell me in the comments below!

XO,

S

Ashley | Life: As it is | Hampton Roads Portrait Photographer

Hi!

This might be the most moving Life: As it is installment I have shot to date- eyes were welling up with tears on both sides of the camera. 

I met Ashley almost 2 years ago when she hired me to do her family photos- back when I VERY first started my business here in Virginia and long before I started this project. Little did we both know we'd stay in touch and soon enough I would get the honor of featuring her in Life: As it is.

Don't let her images fool you- this woman is a hilarious, somewhat inappropriate at times, dirty joke loving type of gal. But she is also an incredibly strong and giving human being. You see, Ashley SHAVED her head to give it away to be made into wigs for kids with cancer.

I have known people who have given their hair away before and I in fact have given it away TWICE in my lifetime... but NEVER have a met someone who actually shaved their head in order to do it.

Even more moving is that in the process Ashley raised money for the St. Baldrick's foundation, an organization that raises money for kids with cancer- you don't think she'd cut her hair for nothing do you? ;)

So now that I've told you the "what" of Ashley's story I'll let her tell you the "why:"

"I had a cousin who passed away from cancer in her early 20’s, my grandmother had breast cancer, aunts and uncles have had skin cancer, and another cousin’s son had leukemia. Seeing and knowing that these people were fighting for their lives made me want to do SOMETHING, I just didn’t know what. Cancer is truly a bully. I figured the least I could do was shave my head. Of course, I had naturally curly hair, which never seems to grow, so I wouldn’t be doing it for less than $100. Many of my friends thought that was way too low, so I upped it for $250.

 I was $90 away for what seemed like WEEKS. I posted a link on my facebook page daily, I told everyone I met what I was doing and why. Suddenly, on a Wednesday, I not only made my goal, but surpassed it by a few extra dollars! Someone was calling my bluff I think! Well, that Friday, I did it. I shaved my head. I didn’t go completely bald, but I kind of wanted to. Looking back, I think I was a little selfish that I didn’t. Those who are fighting cancer do not get the option of keeping their hair."

"It’s funny, and maybe a little corny too, but I feel more confident with short hair. I think it’s because deep down I know WHY I did it. I have been asked many times if I plan on growing it out and shaving it again, or if I will keep it short. For now, I will grow it out. BUT I wouldn’t hesitate on shaving it again for a second if another loved one were to face cancer!"

I absolutely LOVED being able to feature Ashley in my Life: As it is project. She is the embodiment of strength, confidence, and selflessness and is the definition of an inspiration. 

If you're interested in donating to her cause you can still do so here until September 28th.

And, in case you're curious: Ashley has raised over $650 so far and was able to donate 14 inches of hair!!

A huge thank you to Ashley for allowing me to tell a bit of her story and feature her in this installment of Life: As it is.

XO,
Sarah

Jazmine & Nate | Just Because I Love You Session | Hampton Roads Portrait Photographer

Hi!

 

Jazmine and Nate are one of the many military couples I have had the pleasure of working with; however, their story is a little bit different.

 

Nate is actually living out of the country at the moment and has been for almost TWO YEARS now. Yep, you read that right: TWO YEARS. He does get to come home once per year and fortunately she has been able to go visit him twice, as well. But seriously: 4 visits in TWO YEARS?! Oh goodness I am just in awe of their strength and love and determination and awesome relationship.

 

So, of course, when Jazmine contacted me to do an "I love you" session for one of his trips home I JUMPED at the chance! AND she wanted to shoot in the oh-so-gorgeous Williamsburg, too: I was in heaven!

 

Even more awesome? I got a pretty neat friend out of it, too (Jazmine's sense of humor is just as witty and mildly inappropriate as mine is)!

 

 



 

I am so happy to have met you both and am really excited for you that Nate will be home in the coming days! I wish you both ALL the best at your next location and hope to cross paths again one day!

 

XO,

Sarah

Beyond The Print | Gallery Wrap Canvases | Hampton Roads Portrait Photographer

Hi!

 

Today I am going to show you all something I bet you already have in your house somewhere (and if not you've been dreaming about getting them for a while now):

 

Canvases!

 

Gallery wrap canvases to be exact.

 

Gallery wrap canvases are the kind where the image is printed on to the canvas material and then the material is wrapped completely around the frame; creating a beautiful way to display your images in your home.

 

(see how it wraps completely around?)

 

Some people like BIG canvases to create focus pieces in their living room and others enjoy creating collages out of them to help tell stories about the session or their family.

 

Regardless of which way you enjoy canvas prints I have yet to find someone who does NOT like them once they see them!

 

One of the BEST parts about the gallery wrap canvases that I offer (besides, of course, their awesome quality and beautiful colors)? They come completely ready to hang in your home!

 

 

How great is that? No hassle, no fuss, just a nail and hammer and you're good to go!

And an added gem (and one of the reasons I love ordering these through my lab) is that they come completely closed up in the back. This is a unique feature as it provides an added layer of protection to the canvas. Having the backing makes it a lot more difficult for folks to accidentally damage or puncture the canvas portion during moves or when hanging it in your home. A lot of companies do not provide this feature so I am happy to be able to offer this little added layer of protection to your beautiful images :)

 

 

And, of course, I love these so much I can't help but have them all over my own house -- including a trio grouping in my bedroom :)

 

I'm dying to know: are you a focal piece canvas person or a collage? Or maybe you love trios like I do?! Tell me in the comments below!

XO,

Sarah

 

Images of me and my husband taken by Luke and Ashley Photography.



Cait W. | Class of 2014 | Hampton Roads Senior Portrait Photographer

Hi!

One day earlier this Spring I opened my e-mail to a really unique inquiry that included the words "sorority" and "rush package." I was in a sorority in college (don't act surprised- it was awesome!) so to say I was intrigued is an understatement! The difference was: the school I attended did not require a "rush package" so I was a bit at a loss for how to proceed.

(cue the frantic google search!)

 

As I got to know Caitlin and her mom and learn more about what they were needing it quickly became clear why a rush package and professional photos were necessary: Caitlin is PROUDLY going to attend The University of Alabama-- Southern sororities are far more serious and a challenge to get into than Northern sororities; so the need for these photos and what we would need to produce together became a lot more clear!

 

Fortunately for Caitlin she has GORGEOUS looooong brown hair that is thick thick THICK- so big, curly "Southern hair" was a MUST for this session.

 

 

We also wanted to try to evoke a sense of Southern hospitality and pride so Caitlin wore sweet summer dresses and colors of blue and white.
 

 

Isn't she gorgeous?!

 

 

 

 

I have to admit I'm surprised we got ANY decent shots since we laughed throughout almost the entire session! Caitlin is so sweet and has such a great laugh that I know she is going to have a TON of houses to choose from (for those not in the Greek Speak world she's going to have a ton of sororities accept her and she will have to choose between them).

 

 

Best of luck at 'Bama, Caitlin, and I can't wait to hear which house you end up in!!
Best,
Sarah