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 ;)

Accordion Mini-Books | Beyond The Print | Hampton Roads Photographer

Hi!

Welcome to a new series I've dubbed "Beyond the Print!"

 

With so many options besides prints these days it can be 1. CONFUSING to figure out all the options and 2. OVERWHELMING once you start to realize just how MANY options you have. So, to narrow it down, I thought I'd showcase some of my personal favorites!

First up:

The Accordion Mini book!

 

 

I absolutely ADORE these books! They come in a perfect set of THREE books (one for the house, one for the office, and one for grandma!) and are by far the easiest way to send your images to family and friends without breaking the bank!

 

 

One of the reasons I started looking into accordion mini-books as a product option was because of the high volume of military families I get to work with (shout out to all of you lovely and wonderful folks!!).

The accordion mini-book is the perfect size (3"x3") to ship overseas to a deployed parent! PLUS it's lightweight so it's easy to slip into a package you're already sending without having to pay an arm and a leg to get it there!

(that's THREE of them stacked on top of each other! See how compact and perfectly sized they are?!)

Just imagine the look on dad's face when he opens his care package to see this little guy inside with so many beautiful pictures from your session! Facebook pictures are one thing but actually having something to hold on to, look at, and share with others downrange is a completely different thing all together; am I right?!

The other thing I love about these cute little guys is just how many images you can actually get into one book!

See what I mean?!

And lets face it, for the Senior market out there these make AWESOME replacements for those dated wallet prints. Hands down the accordion mini-book is THE best way to show your session off to friends and family. Wouldn't you rather get an actual book you can hold in your hand and look at than a single wallet print that gets lost in your bag on the way home? These fit SO easily into your clutch!

 

So what do you think? Are you team wallets or team accordion mini-book?
Tell me in the comments below!

Best,
Sarah

p.s. check back next month to see the NEXT Beyond the Print Blog!

Location! Location! Location! | Hampton Roads Portrait Photographer

Hi!

Whenever you book your session... well wait.. even BEFORE you book your session you're probably planning it all around a location. Am I right? You may be envisioning a theme (romantic, casual, woodsy, industrial, etc.) or even specifically know where you want to have your session (beach, wooded area, old college stomping grounds, etc.); but one of the very first things you think of and one of the very first things we discuss when planning your session is: LOCATION.

 

Location is important. But it's also NOT important.

 

I know, I know, here I go with my crazy talking out of both sides of my mouth again. But hear me out!

 

Location is important in order to set the mood or tone of your session. It's also important to help guide what kind of wardrobe you're going to wear. You're not going to wear leather riding pants with steel toed boots to a session in a meadow are you? Unless of course you're going for a juxtaposition kind of thing... but for the sake of time I'm not going to head down that rabbit hole ;)

But location is also not important AT ALL.

 

Take a look at this photo. Where does it look like it was taken?

 

 

Romantic field with beautiful golden light.

 

 

And what about this one? Any ideas?

 

Cute, old, brick bike path.

 

 

And this one?

 

Old, vintage brick location with awesome light.

 

But believe it or not they are ALL from the same location! Yep! That's right! Different angles, different sections of the location, different times of the year, etc.

 

 

And what about these two photos? Same location or different location?

 

 

Same location! But you can't really tell can you?

 

The focus of the session is on you- location is really only PART of the story. The rest is on your personality, your smile, the way you touch your hair when you're thinking. It's about your style of clothing and what you feel THE BEST wearing.

 

Let the location of your session set the mood for your shoot; but don't let it dictate absolutely everything you do with your session. So the next time I ask you "any ideas for location?" and you just are not sure yet which spot is perfect for you: don't fret! It's not as big of a deal as you might think ;)

What type of locations do you envision yourself at for YOUR session? Tell me in the comments below!

 

Best,
Sarah

What I've Learned | Personal | Hampton Roads Portrait Photographer

Hi!

The title probably seems like I'm going to tell you all about how I am now, thanks to owning this business, really knowledgeable in tax codes (HA! I wish...) or how I'm now this guru at business license requirements or how to perfect business management techniques or I've mastered contract writing. And trust me- I wish all of those things were true; but frankly I am fairly certain I simply have to accept that someone with far more knowledge and brains in those areas is always going to have to help me figure out those aspects of business owning.

 

No, what I've learned from my business is that this isn't a business. This is my world. This is my family. I always refer to every single person I work with and every single person who follows the facebook page as my "Sarah Elle Photography family"-- and it's completely true: I view each of those people as a family member. I could not continue to nurture and grow my business without the mental and emotional support and encouragement of each person who follows me and books with me.

 

But even more so I am reminded on random Tuesday mornings (like this past Tuesday) when I open up my SEP e-mail account and facebook page just how much of a family you all are to me.

Tucked away in the e-mail inquiries and wardrobe questions and location ideas are messages from other SEP family members sharing a funny video they found that made them think of me, or a cute meme that reminds them of something that happened during their session, or simply a funny story about their day that they know I would appreciate. I have one SEP family member who moved right after their session (talk about a last minute, rescheduling is not an option kind of a day) and STILL e-mails me to tell me about the latest find in GMO research and eating organic foods (she knows I'm interested in learning more about that).

 

That's what makes this business not a business. That's what makes me stop and go: "Wow. I am SO lucky!" 

Sure, there are tons of those tax questions and business management "things" I'll never fully understand that *technically* makes Sarah Elle Photography a business (and trust me, come tax time i'm always banging my head against my desk wondering why it has to be this way). But having those personal relationships, having those family members, makes everything else completely worth it.

 

From the deepest part of my heart: thank you.

 

With love,

Sarah

 



A Very Special Bea-A-B-Y | Personal | Hampton Roads Portrait Photographer

Hi!

Last week I had the absolute pleasure of traveling to Long Island, NY for a shoot. Yes, you read that right, I had a session in Long Island. For a portrait photographer in Virginia traveling to New York for a session is, at least to me, a pretty big deal.

I cannot tell you how excited I was to officially become a "traveling photographer!" 

Even more exciting? This session was the first time I would also meet my newest niece, Bea.

Yep, the people who requested MY services were my very own family (my step-sister to be exact). That is a huge compliment to me- they could have easily hired anyone in their state (or even a state next door!) but instead they requested me :)

I tried to explain that there were VERY capable people in Long Island and across New York city who could EASILY fulfill their newly-born photo request- someone perhaps who even SPECIALIZES in newborn photography and family portraits.
 

Because, as you all know, I am not one of those people.

But they insisted. And I, of course, couldn't pass up the opportunity to meet and capture 6 weeks new Bea, on camera.

Congratulations you guys and thanks bunches for making me a super cute niece ;)
It was well worth the trip through the city :)

Love,
Sarah

Planning a Styled Shoot Part V | Sending Out An S.O.S.| Hampton Roads Stylized Portrait Photographer

Hi!

OH. MY. GOODNESS. it is just THREE DAYS until the styled shoot! The weather is currently forecasted at 70, partly cloudy, and 10% chance of rain. RAIN! Yes, rain. But only 10% That's ok, right???

  

Can you tell I'm anxious?

  

But i'm the BEST kind of anxious! I've been totally freaking out for like two weeks now. Ok, ok, if you ask my team I've been freaking out for longer (shhhh!). But now that we are three days out I've found this weird calm. This sort of... oh my gosh lets rock the frickin PANTS off this thing and just have a flipping blast doing it!

WOooooo!

Ok, but there is ONE thing left I want to put out there in my "how to do it the easy way by reading how I did it the hard way" series on planning a styled shoot. I am, without a doubt, very much looking forward to this shoot. NO QUESTION. But one thing I should have done from the very beginning was:

 ASK. FOR. HELP.

I am a control freak. Just ask ANYONE who has ever met me. But asking for help is not at ALL about relinquishing control.

I had this idea that if I asked someone to help me design the set or collaborate with a professional event planner to bring this vision to life that I would somehow be relinquishing the genuineness of my vision and it would automatically become the event planner's shoot with me just taking the pictures.

Not true.

Of course, this is where you would need to make sure you knew how to explain your vision and your limits and have them help you-- not sit back and watch them do it all for you.

But asking someone for help isn't cheating. (I thought it was)

Asking for help is simply asking for help. It's asking people to help you make the very best out of your vision and your goals. It's asking people to be on your team and work WITH you to reach beyond your dreams.

Asking for help is good for you.

I learned this the hard way and tried to answer all of my questions on my own. But then I realized "Hey! You've got a pretty awesome team on your hands that KNOWS about this stuff- ask them their professional opinion!" Unfortunately I did this later than I could have and probably missed out on some pretty awesome stuff had I asked for help earlier. But I still asked for help. And next time I plan to actually collaborate with a professional.

Is my shoot still going to rock? You fricking bet it is!

But could it also be something totally awesome with an event planner? For sure!

There is no right or wrong. Alone or with someone else- doesn't matter. Both will be awesome! But just don't let yourself believe that asking for help or collaborating with someone means it isn't still your vision.

It is. It's just your vision developed side by side with someone who does this kind of thing for a living.

I'm a photographer! Not a party planner or set designer. What makes me think I should be able to do all of this without any issues? That's silly! And you shouldn't let yourself think that way either. ;)

Best,
Sarah

P.S. DO NOT even think about missing the shoot this weekend! Stay tuned to the facebook page to see sneak peeks!!

P.P.S. Any guesses as to the theme yet? If you get it right there might be a surprise in it for ya! ;)

Last clue before the reveal!

In case you missed the others: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV

Snow Day Session | Cady E. | Hampton Roads Portait Photographer

Hi!

With the impending yucky weather this evening {again} I thought I would feature Cady's images from the impromptu snow day shoot we had last month. This shoot was a LOT of fun. Maybe it was the random spontaneity of it; the fact that we had beautiful pieces of furniture in the snow; or the fact that I got to meet and hang out with some super neat folks that day thanks to the networking powers of Luke and Ashley Photography.

Regardless, I cannot want to do it again! So every time we get a "winter weather warning" I say: BRING IT ON!

Thanks again, Cady, for your awesome willingness to play in the snow!
Best,
Sarah

Planning a Styled Shoot Part III {Budget} | Hampton Roads Stylized Portrait Photographer

Hi!

If you're just joining this series you won't want to miss Part I and Part II as they cover both {Key Players} and {Timelines}- the first two big lessons I learned very quickly while planning this particular shoot.

For Part III I thought I'd let Abba handle the introduction:

That's right, Part III is all about BUDGET!
Even if you have a fantastic superwoman team of vendors on board who are graciously donating their services, skills and magical expertise, chances are there are still some things that may need to come out of pocket- YOUR POCKET. At this point your creativity is probably flowing big time and, take my word for it, not having a budget can let things get out of hand pretty quickly.


A personal example: One of the visions I had for this specific shoot included those beautiful awesome GIANT round latex balloons and I was thrilled to find I could get exactly what I wanted for only $30! But guess what? Balloons need helium. Big giant balloons need a LOT of helium. A whole slew of big giant balloons need a WHOLE LOT of helium. Helium is not inexpensive.

So now my $30 balloon idea has turned into something that just isn't reasonable for this particular shoot. So I scrapped it.

It was then that I realized I needed to set a SERIOUS BUDGET.

First steps: Write down everything you want and then go back through the list and figure out approximately how much everything will cost you. I happen to be an over-estimater. I'd rather be prepared to spend more than I actually spend instead of unprepared- so I always guess high when I budget.  But obviously you can do what works for you!

Once you have your final total figured out based on exactly what you have in mind for the shoot it's time for some DECISION MAKING. Is your final total something you can handle? If not, look over your list again and start deciding what you can live without.

I will say this: If your list gets to the point that you've taken a lot of things off and your vision just isn't going to be achieved with what you have left: think about holding off on your shoot until you can afford it. Don't stifle that beautiful idea just to get it done because you're itching to shoot it- wait until it's the perfect time and you can afford exactly what you want. 

Trust me, it will be worth it!

BUT if your budget is on board and you can afford what you need then GO FOR IT BABY! But remember to stick within the budget- don't hurt yourself or your business for the sake of your creativity.

I know I know why did I have to bring up money? No one likes the money talk. But someone has to be honest and rip the band aid; and keeping within a budget for styled shoots really is an important piece of the big picture- so don't leave it out!

Best,
Sarah

Read Part IV here!

Hint number 3 from the inspiration board for the shoot. Only 6 weeks left until the big day! Anyone have a guess as to the theme yet?! ;)

Danielle + Lance {Ft. Monroe} | Hampton Roads Engagement Photographer

Hi!

After first meeting Danielle and Lance at their in-person consultation I came home and almost immediately started writing this post. I was just so excited about them and getting to work with them that I wanted to make sure I remembered everything just as it was: so I started blogging!

When two people are as in love as Danielle and Lance are it is hard to hide the admiration and care they feel for each other. During our meeting it was difficult for me to pay attention to what they were saying because I was so in awe at how they looked at one another. Every time one of them spoke the other looked at them with such love and support and never once took their eyes off of the other. 

You know how in normal conversation even the listening parties tend to engage with everyone in the conversation and interact or interject as one person is speaking? That doesn't happen with these two lovebirds: if Danielle is speaking Lance looks lovingly on at her while she speaks and vice versa!

It's BEAUTIFUL to witness.

 Even more exciting (if that's possible) was the fact they not only wanted to include their pups in the shoot but they didn't want the "typical" overly romantic and obviously lovey-dovey kind of location. They specifically requested something more urban and "industrial."

Ft. Monroe was the perfect spot!

(Aren't their pups just the cutest duo ever?! Ok, maybe they're tied for first with Danielle and Lance...)

Of course, I can't help myself: I love romance; so I couldn't help but want to snag some "near a big giant tree with beautiful sunlight" kind of shots- and fortunately they liked this idea, too ;)

 

(I love these ones!! ^^^)

One thing I really like to do when working with couples is to get a little bit of "secret intel" on each of them ;)
(Get ready Danielle and Lance, because I KNOW you've been dying to know what the other had to say!)

Danielle says that her absolute favorite thing about Lance is "how he makes [her] feel special and important every day" and that one thing she loves about him that he doesn't know is how he "still acts as if he is in the 'new' phase" and that they "have not gotten into an old boring routine."

Lance's favorite thing on the other hand is that Danielle isn't one to just sit at home but rather she enjoys doing things with him and his friends and family. (This next one might be my favorite answer...) When asked, Lance said that one thing he loves about Danielle that she doesn't know is "how smart and honest she is" and the fact that she does "not take advantage of people and situations that most people would. This shows how good of a person she really is."

 If their pictures don't show it enough for you then their answers clearly do: these two are so very much in love :)

Danielle and Lance, I am SO happy for you both and am excited to see pictures from your Michigan wedding next Fall! Thank you for making my last session of 2013 so enjoyable!

Congratulations!!!

Best,
Sarah