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

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

SHOPPING! | Seniors | Hampton Roads Portrait Photographer

Hi!

Now that graduation party season has died down it's time to talk DORM SHOPPING!

 

WhenI was a freshman in college (*cough* 2006 *cough*) we were forced to live with at least one other person-- that is unless we paid EXTRA to have our own room-- and if we did it usually ended up being a tiny broom closet at the end of the hall. SO, needless to say one learned VERY quickly how to NOT be a pack rat and how to get creative with their organizational skills ;)

 

I've learned from some of this year's Seniors that their dorms are apparently going to be much nicer and a lot of them are even getting a shared kitchen space and semi-private bathrooms!! (i'm a little jelly!)

 

Either way I can pretty much guarantee you'll still need to find some unique ways to store your stuff and get the most out of your space.

 

SO to save you some headache and creative brain cells I've compiled a list of some of what I deem as the MUST HAVES for your dorm (and a few fun gadgets thrown in, too-- just because):

1. First thing's first: check out your dorm rules.
Some places will let you hang any and everything on the walls and some will require an oath in blood before you can even LOOK at the walls- so it's a key piece of the shopping puzzle to first know what you can and can't have (for example I was NOT allowed to have a hott plate in my dorm. Did this include candle warmers --ya know, the things that melted the wax so you didn't have matches?--no one knows. But i had one anyway! shhhh!)

If you can hang things on the walls my first "MUST HAVE" is shelves!
-Shelves get things up off the floor and help spruce up the place! You can place pictures of you and your besties, pictures of mom and dad, pictures from your senior session we had, flowers, mini-vases, the teddy bear your boyfriend won at the fair for you last summer, a framed hand-written note from your gramma, cards your mom sends you, and on and on and on.

Shelves are an obvious choice to help decorate AND help with clutter (that is IF you're allowed to have them).

 

2. If you can't actually drill holes into the walls to hang shelves the next great option are these:
http://www.target.com/p/over-the-door-6-hook-rack-chrome/-/A-10788144#prodSlot=medium_1_25&term=hooks

 

It's not a shelf, of course, but it will help get little things up off the floor or keep them from getting scattered all over the bed and night stand. Use it on your closet door or even the door to the room. You can use it to hook purses, hats, umbrellas, or even your bath robe!

I also used the individual ones with the sticky gum on the back and put them all over one wall to make a sort of decoration with the purses i had to hang up.
Like these:
http://www.walmart.com/msharbor/ip/SCOTCH-Scotch-Command-Adhesive-Mount-Metal-Hook-Large-Brushed-Nickel-Finish/14881957?action=product_interest&action_type=image&placement_id=irs_middle&strategy=PWVAV&visitor_id=79468684548&category=0%3A4044%3A90828%3A1075664&client_guid=46f7f0d7-8c59-4949-8dca-c7ea6b062588&config_id=0&parent_item_id=32512007&guid=6d963302-2879-4ac2-99a8-c669f8152790&bucket_id=irsbucket011&findingMethod=p13n

Gets them off the floor AND helps decorate just a bit!

3. LARGE MIRRORS (and decorations)

Large mirrors, if positioned strageically in a room, can really help open up a place. Plus, decorating a room instantly makes it feel more inviting and a little bit more like home- so don't be afraid to go a little extra mile in the decore department. You'll be happier to come back to your room and it may even make you feel better about having to study ;) Just tell your parents that when they're telling you that you don't need that super cute throw pillow or awesome multi-colored bedside table.

"Mom, if my room is nicer I'll want to spend more time in it and I therefore won't be out at Jackie's apartment gossiping about Pretty Little Liars and ignoring my studies. I'll actually WANT to be in my room- and when I'm there I can't help but pick up my books."

{See how that works? ;) }


4. Cube Units

I love these. Hands down they're AWESOME. I have a set in my office, in fact, and I am in love with them. They not only help keep things organized but they are cute and space for decorating, too!

(My office!)

Trust me, everyone can use more shelf space for clothes but these are best used for storing books, picture frames, gadgets, purses, and all the other little things that don't have a good "home" but need to be up off the floor. PLUS you can pick really cute baskets in multiple colors to really add decoration to your space!

Here's a great one from Bed Bath & Beyond: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/real-simple-6-cube-storage-unit-in-white/201339?device=c&network=g&matchtype=&mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_storage_&gclid=CjkKEQjw_N-cBRD2k73X3OjJ8eMBEiQAbdPic2l_riesgQqfE4f-i6ViNGBA3H50xqrMcuBEeMPBkcTw_wcB

So, to wrap things up, when you go dorm shopping start looking for things that do the following:

- help you stay organized and get things UP (off the floor, the bed, the desk, etc.)
- don't shy away from getting things that help decorate the space and truly make it your own
- and be SURE you check out the dorm rules before you head to the store! No need to have to make a whole trip back to return it all later

What's the first thing you're going to purchase? Tell me in the comments below!
 

XO,

Sarah

You Did it! | Class of 2014 | Hampton Roads Senior Portrait Photographer

Hi!

Oh my goodness this is SUCH a huge week! Can you believe the school year is OVER?!?!

I'm kind of in shock. I'm not going to lie, I do like the summer because-well-i live near a school and not having to hear the bells go off for each class change is a little nice ;) But I can't believe it's already here!

I just wanted to take this blog post to say THANK YOU to the Class of 2014 Seniors whom I had the absolute pleasure of getting to work with this year.

 

Each one was so fantastic in their own way and provided me with incredible memories and experiences. Each Senior is heading toward their own path- from college to active duty military service to sports teams! It's incredible how driven and talented this year's seniors are!

 

Cait, Rebekah, Lindsey, Stephen, Kristin, and Cait: I can't thank each of you enough for stepping into my life this year and for allowing me to capture one of your most exciting times! I wish EACH of you the very very best and can't wait to see all the incredible things you all do with the rest of your lives :)

Congratulations Class of 2014!!!

Best,
Sarah

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

#SEPagent | Class of 2015 | Hampton Roads Senior Portrait Photographer

Hi!

This is going to be one of my most favorite posts of 2014 so far! That's because I get to showcase this year's SENIOR AGENTS from their JUNIOR SESSIONS!

 

If you're not sure what a Sarah Elle Photography Senior Agent is be sure to check out the blog post here, first. You may just want to be one after you read it ;)
 

I am so excited to show you their Junior session that I am not even going to waste any more time with words and instead get straight to their sessions!

Greer, Poquoson High School:

Allison, Smithfield High School:

Claire, Tabb High School:

Rayanne, Poquoson High School:

I am absolutely SMITTEN over the fact that each Agent is so obviously different from the rest- in style, in looks, in attitude, in personality, and on and on and on. And even more awesome is that they are all SO very very sweet. I could NOT have asked for a better model team to represent Sarah Elle Photography.

 

Be sure to snag one of their rep cards and help them out by booking your Senior session with their rep card! PLUS you get an AWESOME deal, too, if you use their card to book; so it's truly a win-win-WIN for everyone!

Ladies, I am honored to have you all as Sarah Elle Photography Senior Agents! Can't wait to see what your Senior years bring for you all!

Best,
Sarah

Allison | Agent Spotlight | Class of 2015 | Smithfield High School

Hi!

Meet Allison- this year's representative for Smithfield High School!

You maaaay recognize her from last week's Alice shoot (more from that session will be on the blog this weekend- so don't miss that!).

When I got in touch with Allison and her mom for the role of "Alice" I immediately fell in love- Allison is sweet, friendly, and has a fantastic laugh- just one of those people you feel immediately comfortable around-- know what i mean?

A few days after signing on as "Alice," Allison's mom contacted me about the Senior Agent position- so of course I said YES!

(I mean, seriously, how could I not accept her as an Agent? She is clearly a SUPERSTAR! haha)
 

Allison is a Navy kid and the eldest sister to her three siblings (two brothers and a sister). She is actively involved in her school's JROTC program and works after school at the local pharmacy (she just started this job, by the way, and already loves it!).

Allison is one of those sweet souls who is content just being with her family or spending time at dance class, drawing, or cooking. But since working with her on "Alice" it's obvious she has a fun, outgoing side to her, too.

 

And of course, when I asked mom for a picture of Allison she had to include one of her as a baby cheesin' for the camera:

Allison, it is a joy to be able to welcome you to the Sarah Elle Photography Class of 2015 Senior Agent model team and I KNOW working with you the rest of the year is going to be GREAT!

Best,
Sarah

Greer's Agent Spotlight, Rayanne's Agent Spotlight

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