Senior Spotlight | Graduation Season | Hampton Roads Senior Portrait Photographer

Hi!

 

Today is May 11th (yay! Happy mama's day-don't forget to hug your mom today extra big!) and if you're a High School Senior or Junior in the area then you know that that means graduation is just a little over a month away! WOW. That's SUPER soon!

 

And that also means you've probably got a slew of grad parties to go to, too. Am I right?

 

Whether you're a grad party THROWER or a grad party GOER I've got the perfect list of things you need to make this grad season flawless (and stay tuned to this blog because I'll be throwing out SUPER helpful tips, tricks, and secrets throughout the summer and into next school year too- trust me you won't want to miss ANY of it)!

I'll start with the PARTY THROWER (party goer your blog post will be next week so check back!):

 

Chances are you have a ton of things on your mind right now: getting your shoes for your ceremony, booking your hair appointment for the ceremony, the ceremony itself, making sure you ordered enough wallets to pass out to friends (more on that one later), getting all of your invites out in time, confirming the caterer, cleaning the house since everyone and their sister will be at your party. The list goes on and on and on.

 

So, to help ease your stress level a bit I've collected some of the best go-to ideas for music, games, food, etc. That way your stress level is low and in turn your celebration level is through the roof! Because lets face it: you're only graduating High School once; make it AWESOME!

1. Best Play list for your party

   Your parents are inviting everyone from your neighbor to your great Aunt Milly in Dallas so you will have to pick things that everyone enjoys; that means you need a mixture of things from the 60s all the way to that hot hit that came out last week by Jason Derulo. 

Not even sure WHERE to begin with that task? Here's a good example of a mix to please *almost* everyone (including songs that won't make your grandma blush): http://blog.wondershare.com/graduation-party-playlist-101/

Take that list with a grain of salt, though, because I definitely wouldn't be interested in hearing "If I Can Dream" by Celine Dion (number 49 on the list); but hey, you can't realistically create a list that has every song everyone has ever liked- right? So just make a list, press the "play" button, and enjoy your party!

 

2. Food! (YUM!)

This one will also require a bit of variety. It's fair to say though that with this one NO ONE expects you to have their favorite foods- but variety is key to a happy party. If you're hiring a caterer I guarantee they have some great ideas up their sleeves-- this isn't their first rodeo after all ;)

 

But if you and mom are going to be hashing it out in the kitchen the day before the party, the first rule is to PLAN A MENU. Don't go into it blind. Pick a menu that YOU like and throw in a couple you know your parents like: that will start you off on a good variety to please not only picky palettes but also different age groups.

 

Here's a great link from Rachel Ray (some people say I look like her... thoughts on that????) that talks about different ways to incorporate food into your party (it also has some cute game ideas, too!):

http://www.rachaelraymag.com/easy-party-ideas/party-tips-ideas/how-to-throw-a-graduation-party


3. Decorations

 

Some parties have themes and others are simple "laid back backyard" parties where the sunshine is the only decoration. Whatever you do DON'T forget to celebrate YOU and your graduation! T

 

his your time to shine so show off pictures of you from throughout the year. Don't forget your Senior pictures- whether it's the formal cap and gown shot or your casuals. Don't let this party become just another party: it's about you and celebrating your achievement and your road ahead.

 

Over on Pinterest I've created a board with tons of ways to display you and your accomplishments without being too "look at me! look at me!":  http://www.pinterest.com/sarahellephoto/grad-party-ideas/

 

(while you're there be sure to follow me on Pinterest so you can see all my ideas!)

How are you feeling now? A little less stressed? This is supposed to be a fun, exciting, CELEBRATION time! So use the links above to make things easier for you-- and don't forget, this is about YOU so celebrate you and use those awesome senior pictures to showcase just how great you are!

And if you're the party GOER be sure to check back next week when I link you to some AWESOME grad party gift ideas (budget friendly, too, since you probably have about 30 parties to go to in the next 2 months, right?!)

 

Best,
Sarah

 

Did I miss anything? Let me know what else you might need for your party in the comments below!

 

 

Planning a Styled Shoot | Recap | Hampton Roads Stylized Portrait Photographer

Hi!

If you're reading this there's a good chance you saw the "Alice" blog post last week with all the pretty, warm, colorful images from the stylized shoot.

 

Since I did a 5 part series on planning the styled shoot (in case you missed one or two: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, and Part V) I thought it was only fitting to do a wrap up post on what I learned since shooting the session.

  

And OH BOY did I learn a LOT.

 Let me first start off by saying that no matter how prepared you think you are you will NEED to be flexible and know the definition of compromise- because things will not go as planned.

Don't get me wrong: things will be beautiful and incredible and a whole BUNCH of fun! But things are stressful- and everyone else involved does not live in your head- so you will need to be flexible and able to communicate your needs.

 

Let me tell you what, though: my team was freaking AWESOME. They were a BLAST to work with, they had fabulous ideas, and they were even interested in helping beyond their "roles" (e.g. my model's mom even offered to haul things in her van and helped clean up the entire set! Stuff she completely did NOT need to do at all- but my Sarah Elle Photography family is awesome like that!)

Ok, so things I learned after completing my very first solo styled shoot:

 

1. Have EVERYTHING ready to go at least 4 DAYS before the day of the shoot.

I had a few little things I needed to pick up the morning of the shoot and figured "hey, no big deal, I'll grab those in the a.m.- everyone isn't set to show up until late this afternoon anyway- no big deal!"

Despite being a planner, I somehow manage to continue to find ways to add stress to my life. Waiting to pick things up until the day of the shoot is one of those ways-- because guess what? While I was out getting those "few little things" I received a call that the furniture for the shoot was not going to be able to be dropped off as originally planned.

*cue the screeching tires on my "no big deal" morning*

I now had to find a way to get a vehicle big enough to haul furniture over to NORFOLK (remember my fear of the bridge tunnel?!?!) and back in time for hair and makeup that afternoon.

I won't bore you with a description of my trip over the water so fast forward a few hours and mission accomplished (thanks to the HUGE HEARTS of my ridiculously wonderful neighbors who let me commandeer their explorer the entire rest of the day).

  

But having everything with YOU days in advance will really help you the day of the shoot: you'll officially be prepared and will simply have to execute the set-up. Trust me this will alleviate large amounts of stress the day of your shoot. And anything to reduce stress levels is a big gold star in my book!

 

2. Have a bunch of helpers.
It's awesome when you've got a fabulous team of folks who are willing to help in any way they can but, for me personally, iIlike people to be able to enjoy themselves and not be overworked- so while I did have a designated helper that day one person was not enough. So don't be afraid to have multiple people on board to help out-- things will go faster, easier, and everyone will be able to have that much more fun with even more awesome people around!

This is also probably one of those times where having collaborated with a professional designer/event planner would have really made a difference!


3. Have the session at a location that can accommodate on-site hair and makeup.

I didn't realize how important this idea would be until the day of the shoot when I was running back and forth between the set location and hair and makeup. I can't be in two places at once. I tried. It doesn't work.
 

Having hair and makeup AT the set location means you can oversee the set-up of everything while still being accessible for your model and the rest of your team. Plus that means getting more done at once- and who doesn't love efficiency? You're being an awesome host to everyone and there to answer questions for your model and hair and makeup team while still directing and helping with the set-up of your set. Pretty great!

So, if you have the ability: choose a set location that can accommodate the model prep.

 

That's it. Those are three really BIG things I learned from the styled shoot. It was truly an incredible experience and a fantastic time. I love each person involved and truly could not have done it without them- so a huge THANK YOU to everyone involved (from my neighbors, to the model, to my model's mom, to Papa John's for delivering awesome pizza really fast, to my friend who helped that day, to the hair and makeup team, to the vendors, and to my husband for dropping everything to get me across the bridge and back in a really short period of time).

So what's stopping you? Get out there and plan your OWN styled shoot! Because I know with all the things I learned from this experience I'm definitely doing another one!

Which reminds me: what theme do you want to see next for a styled Senior session? Give me your ideas for what you want to see next in the comments below! If your theme gets chosen I may just need your help to plan it!

Best,
Sarah

"Alice" | Stylized Shoot | Hampton Roads Senior Portrait Photographer

“There is nothing so very remarkable in that;
nor did Alice think it so very much out of the ordinary to hear the Rabbit say to itself
'Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be too late!'

...but when the Rabbit actually took a watch out of its waistcoat pocket,
and looked at it, and then hurried on,
Alice startled to her feet...."

 

“If I had a world of my own everything would be nonsense.

Nothing would be what it is because everything would be what it isn’t.

And contrary wise: what it is it wouldn’t be,

and what it wouldn’t be it would.

You see?”

 

"There is a place.
Like no place on Earth.
A land full of wonder,
mystery and danger!
Some say to survive it:
You have to be
MAD AS A HATTER.
Which luckily I am."

THE BIGGEST THANK YOU to....
Paper Goods: {Paper} Dolls Design

Dress and accessories: Bridal Boutique of Gloucestor

Cake and table design: Sugar with Vanilla

Cupcakes: Sweet Bite Cupcakerie

Chairs and Vintage Props: Folk Art by Christine

Tables: Southern Belle Custom Furniture and Decor

Hair: Markia Nicole MUA/ Hair Stylist
Makeup: Makeup by Vega

 ...and my good friend Tiffany, of Tiffany Joyce Photography for her unending help the day of the shoot and for helping me trudge all the furniture from here to the moon and back.

Best,

Sarah

Rayanne | Agent Spotlight | Class of 2015 | Poquoson High School

Hi!

I cannot even begin to tell you how much I am looking forward to working with Rayanne!

Rayanne is representing Poquoson High School's class of 2015 for my Sarah Elle Photography Senior Agent model team and she is, simply put: a fantastic fit!

She has this awesome unique style that truly is her own- you know the kind that only a few girls can really pull off but lots of people try? (ok maybe it's just me and I always try to have the look Rayanne has and I seem to just fail miserably...)

PLUS she is super active in school: band, French Honor Society, Spanish Club, Key Club, AND she is part of International Club and gets to travel to the Czech Republic starting THIS WEEKEND for a trip with the club! How cool is that?!

Oh! And maybe the neatest thing I learned about Rayanne at our meet and greet? She just had a BREAKFAST CLUB inspired birthday party!

Yep, you read that right: BREAKFAST CLUB inspired! She had all the foods each cast member ate during the infamous lunch scene and everyone dressed like their favorite character. 

I was seriously blown away when she told me that! I may just have to have a party like that next year (not even kidding)!!

 But beyond her awesome birthday party choices Rayanne is a fantastic big sister to her 3 younger siblings. I love how much my Agents love their brothers and sisters- so much so that when I ask them to send me pictures of themselves they think to send me one of them with their family!

And of course, it's no surprise that Rayanne has a supportive and sweet mom who didn't miss a beat when I asked her to share images of Rayanne for her blog and happily sent these along to me:

How cute is she?!

Everyone please join me in welcoming Rayanne to the Class of 2015 Sarah Elle Photography Senior Agent model team and wish her one AWESOME time in the Czech Republic!!

Best,
Sarah

p.s. new here? Be sure to follow the facebook page to see Rayanne's Junior shoot later this month! You won't want to miss it!

Stephen P. Class of 2014 | Hampton Roads Senior Portrait Photographer

Hi!

Did you ever have a time where someone said something to you just to be nice? "Oh we should get together some time" or  "I'd love to do that when it gets warmer" or how about "Oh we should definitely have you do Stephen's Senior photos next year!"

That last one? That last one came true ;)

Last year at ALMOST the exact same time I had the fantastic opportunity to do an extended family shoot for Stephen and his family while his grandparents were in town for Thanksgiving. His family was hands down one of the funniest sessions I've ever shot- they were just so full of laughter and jokes and knew exactly how to push each others buttons (and by the end of the shoot the grandpa had figured out how to push a few of mine, too!)

So when Stephen's mom, Desiree, said at the end of the shoot "We'll definitely be in touch to have you shoot Stephen's Senior photos next year" I thought to myself "that's so sweet of her....but that won't happen."

Fast forward to a couple of months ago when she contacted me and I JUMPED at the chance to work together again! So now, here is Stephen in all his Senior year glory!

Stephen is just as fun as the rest of his family and we were laughing and poking fun the entire session. I do however have to submit a formal AND PUBLIC apology for calling him pretty after some of his shots. He just looked so nice and handsome and the word "pretty" just came spilling out!

Stephen, I am sorry. You are not now nor shall you ever be: pretty. You are handsome and rugged and all things Abercrombie and Fitch.

One really neat thing about Stephen is that he already has everything all planned out and knows exactly what he wants to do and where he wants to head after High School. If the sweatshirt is any indication then you guessed it, he is going to enlist in the Air Force!

My favorite one ^^^

Did I mention he brought his dad's purple Challenger to the shoot? HOW NEAT IS THAT?!

Good luck in the Air Force, Stephen; I know you will be a fantastic addition to the U.S. Armed Forces and I know your dad must be so proud!

Thanks again for putting up with me ;)

Best,
Sarah

Married & Phobic | 9 Goals for a Hampton Roads Portrait Photographer

Hi!

I'm married and I couldn't be happier- but the truth? I'm a commitment phobe!

It's true. When it comes to really setting things down in stone and deciding "hey this is what I'm going to do" and truly OWNING that decision: I am a total scare-d-cat! I hem. I haw. I ramble. I avoid at ALL COSTS and then finally...I JUMP!

So here I go. I am officially going to outline my goals for Sarah Elle Photography for 2014. (I avoided this last year and again avoided it this year until I was faced by a fellow tog friend who said JUST DO IT- thanks Tianna. Plus I have a good friend I meet with via skype every 2-3 weeks who forces me to set goals for the business and be held accountable for them- I officially dubbed her my accountabilibuddy :) So I kind of sort of owe it to our time together to actually make 2014 goals. See...here I go rambling and avoiding again...)

JUMP:

1. Get 3 Senior Agents for the Class of 2015
- I have found over this past year of business that I am absolutely over the moon in love with working with High School Juniors/Seniors. L-O-V-E it! So I really want to focus that love and energy and get 3 Agents this coming year (I had one this past year). 

2. Book 6 "I Love You" Sessions

- These are the "just because I love you" sessions that are such an incredible treat that very few people give themselves. They go hand in hand with my "Life: As it is" sessions where couples book a session just because they want updated pictures or it's their 6th anniversary-- no huge milestone, simply love that needs to be captured :)

3. Styled Senior

- I have this huge vision for a styled Senior shoot and believe it or not it's already in the works-- adding it the list means now I have to make sure it happens!

 

4. Streamline My Workflow

- Basically this means I want to keep things consistent. I plan to have a "start to finish" process I follow for each session and each client with whom I work. This *should* (aka WILL) help me be more efficient and in turn be able to spend more time with my family (Charlie Dog has been complaining to my husband as of late...)

5. NAIL DOWN BRANDING

- It's time to truly focus and begin confirming who SEP is and expressing that through my branding. I'm really looking forward to nailing this down in 2014 and implementing it throughout the Sarah Elle Photography experience.

which leads me to number 6:

6. Packaging

-My  next huge goal after I figure out my branding will be to express that through my packaging. I want nothing more than to be able to deliver your images and prints in the cutest most unique packaging anyone has ever seen-- figuring out what that is requires number 5 (above)--so this one is on serious hold for now. But since it's on the list it's official and I'm holding myself to it!

7. Get Published

- This is a very new one for me. It's easy for me to tell people "you won't win if you don't play" but when it comes to actually submitting my own stuff I'm all over the place. So there. It's on the list. Now I have to keep submitting sessions for publication-- no excuses!

8. Shoot 4 Installments of "Life: As it is"

I love this project of mine SO much. But I'm so sad because I feel like it has been pushed a little to the side after the first shoot this past Fall. Whether it's been because of other sessions and being "too booked" at the moment or weather pushing back a shoot and it end up having to be canceled or what have you-- it's been pushed aside for too long and I am going to make sure it continues.

9. One-on-One Mentoring

This past year I did a Q&A, a "Sounding Board Session," and a one-on-one mentoring session and I was floored at how rejuvenating and EYE-OPENING they each were! It is a serious investment in myself as a photographer and as a business owner that I feel shouldn't be overlooked- so I am going to book another one-on-one session in 2014!

So there are 9 HUGE goals for 2014 for SEP. Whenever I make concrete decisions like this I usually feel a little sick at first (and it really peaks when I hit that "OHMYGOSHWHATDIDIDO" moment) but then, almost immediately, joy and excitement and pride flood in to me with having truly owned who I am and what I want for me (and for finally making a decision)! And having actually written out my goals for 2014 and owned them? Well, now I'm  over the nerves and avoidance and ready to go!

Today is 12/5/2013. I'm officially ready to take Sarah Elle Photography and OWN 2014. 

Here goes nothing!

Best,
Sarah