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 ;)