Kelsey & Nick at Cameron Estate Inn 2/20/2022
I have two words for you: Brunch Wedding.
The morning of Kelsey & Nick’s wedding was unseasonably warm for late February, and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. They got ready with their families on opposite ends of the property of Cameron Estate Inn before meeting in the conservatory for an emotional first look that didn’t leave a dry eye in the house (including me). They exchanged letters and a moment of privacy before their ceremony began. Shortly after, they were joined by their closest friends and family for an intimate, late morning ceremony in the conservatory. That room was filled to the brim with love, and it was contagious.
After exchanging their vows, the newlyweds and their loved ones enjoyed an afternoon of laughter, some serious quality time, and BRUNCH (equipped with donuts from my personal fave, Duck Donuts).
Intimate weddings have become a quick favorite of mine. There is just something about them that makes them feel a little extra special. There is more time to relish in the magic, tight knit conversations between loved ones, and personal moments that will be forever cherished. I was so lucky to be part of this one.
5 CREATIVE PHOTOSHOOT IDEAS TO PERSONALIZE YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION
5 Creative Photoshoot Ideas To Personalize Your Couples Session
GRAB A DRINK
Head to your favorite local spot and grab your favorite beverage. Let me tell you, there are a lot of aesthetically pleasing coffee shops and breweries in the area that photography very well, and I’m here for it. Grab a latte at your favorite cafe or an IPA at the brewery you frequent and cuddle up while you enjoy. These kinds of photos add a special “date night” vibe that looks like a glimpse into your everyday life, which makes them super personal and unique.
FAST FOOD, PLEASE
MORE SHOOTS LIKE THIS PLEASE! Pick up some chick-fil-a, Taco Bell, a few quarter-pouders, chicken nuggets, pizza, etc. and meet me for a fast food picnic. I promise I will only steal like 5 french fries maximum. I love to add this on to the beginning or end of a “regular” session to add some unique flare and fun to engagement photos.
TAKE A HIKE
This is a MUST for all you adventurous couples out there. Let’s check out your favorite hiking trail or find one with a killer view at the top where you can watch the sunset together. Maybe we can even find some water to splash around in too. When you immerse yourself in nature, you’re sure to find some hidden photo gems that you never knew existed!
HIT THE STREETS
Take a walk through your city. Discover your town squares, quaint city streets, hidden alleys, rooftops, and fire escapes. Hometowns and cities hold such personal memories and, in some cases, play a huge part in writing the story of a relationship. Imagine having photos of you and your lover literally strolling down memory lane. Tell me that isn’t the cutest thing ever.
GET COZY
This one isn’t for everyone but it is one of my all-time favorites. Wear your comfy clothes, pop some popcorn, and cuddle up in the sheets. Cozy couples sessions can be as innocent or as steamy as you want them to be. These sessions are about as intimate as it gets, and they have this beautiful way of encapsulating your love and chemistry in such a unique way. Maybe these just won’t be the one’s we send to grandma…or do. I’m not gonna stop you.
BONUS IDEAS THAT ARE ON MY PHOTOGRAPHY BUCKET LIST:
Skate Parks
Arcades
Roller Rinks
Old book stores or libraries
Retro Laundromat
Long story short, your photos should exude YOU. They are your photos and it is your story. You can be as creative as you’d like, or as traditional as you’d like. Talk to your photographer and brainstorm with them to come up with the perfect idea, location, and concept to tell your story! Trust me when I say that your photographer will LOVE getting creative with you.
5 Tips For Choosing Your Photoshoot Locations
Sentimental Spots
Meaningful locations always take top priority when choosing a setting. These are some of my absolutely favorite kinds of shoots because they add such a personal touch to your photos. Here are some of my favorite examples of sentimental locations that may help get your gears turning:
the coffee shop where you had your first date
the downtown streets of the city where you live
the college campus where you met
the local brewery you frequent
the park where your significant other proposed
your wedding venue
your favorite hiking trail
(photo of me and my husband at our favorite brewery. Taken by Danielle Marie Photography and edited by me.)
Things To Be Mindful Of:
Lighting
Outdoor shoots are typically scheduled in the hour or so before sunset. The sun is lower in the sky, there is less harsh light, and shadows are less of a concern. If the conditions are right, you may also capture that perfect golden glow.
Indoor shoots can be hit or miss with lighting. I personally like to use as much natural light as I can, so large windows are a huge plus. I prefer to schedule these shoots earlier in the day to capture the most light.
Private Property
I love adventures, but I’d prefer not to break the law while I do it. If you are choosing your own location, be sure you are doing your research. No one wants the cops (or a person with a shotgun) interrupting your engagement session!
Crowds
If you don’t want a bunch of strangers in your photos, or you aren’t a fan of canoodling in public, be mindful of the time and place of your shoot. For example, a Saturday Morning outside the Lancaster Central Market will probably be pretty packed. Photos with crowds in the background can have a really cool vibe to them, but they certainly aren’t for everyone. (reference the photo above, taken at the crowded Elizabethtown Fair)
Rescheduling
If you are electing to have photos done in a place that requires a date-specific permit or ticket for admission, be aware of the possibility of rescheduling due to inclement weather. It sucks, but it happens.
Fields get mowed, flowers die, & leaves change
Everyone loves a field of tall grass (including me)...until it gets mowed down. This has happened to me. Don’t let this deter you from choosing this type of setting, just be aware of changes and have a potential back up plan.
dear wildflower fields…I love you. But I hate when you die. If you’re looking into a wildflower field session, be aware that these flowers have a very specific and very limited lifespan.
there is a reason why fall is a photographer’s busiest season. THE COLORS. If you are dying to have those fall colors, the best time to schedule in Central PA is late October-Mid November.
Consider The Unique Spots
maybe the you prefer something a little more atypical. Think outside the box with these suggestions:
coffee shops (I know, it’s the second time I mentioned coffee shops. I just love them ok?)
record store
antique/ thrift shop
county fair/carnival/amusement park
airbnb
abandoned, forgotten buildings or ruins (beware of the whole trespassing thing, though)
airplane hanger (long shot, but it’s on my bucket list)
(photo taken in an antique store in Columbia PA. Taken by me during an associate shooting gig for Kylee B Photography)
Ask Your Photographer!
No idea where to start? Don’t stress about it! Ask your photographer!
Don’t get me wrong, us photographers LOVE discovering new locations, but most of us have a collection of favorite locations that we know like the back of our hands and love to shoot at. We know all the good spots, where the sun will set, where the lighting is best, and where the golden glows will pop (weather permitting).
If my couples ask for recommendations, I will try to get a feel for the “look” they’re going for (urban vs. nature-y), and then I typically send a list of local spots with photos for reference.
(photo taken during golden hour at Overlook Park, Lancaster, PA)
Make It Reflect YOU
You can choose the prettiest, trendiest location that there is, but in the end, if it doesn’t reflect you and your relationship, what’s the point?
Above all else, choose a spot that feels like you. If you don’t have a specific place in mind, or you feel like you’re struggling, let your photographer help you find a spot that fits your needs.
Also- keep in mind: the focus of the photos should be YOU. Yes, we want a cool backdrop and great lighting, but you are the stars of this show, the location is just the stage.
(photo taken in downtown Lancaster, PA)
Amazon Finds For Your Photoshoot
One of the number one questions I get before a photoshoot: “what should we wear?”
Honestly, this is one of my favorite questions to answer. If you want a more in depth answer about colors, patterns, etc., check out my more informative blog post here: What To Wear For Your Engagement Photos
But if you’re looking for some quick and easy suggestions, you’ve come to the right place.
Ah, Amazon. One of my favorite corners of the internet. It’s also the reason why I crave instant gratification and won’t settle for anything less than free 2-day shipping. I have scoured the depths to find adorable outfits so you don’t have to. And don’t worry gentlemen, I have stuff for you too!
Fair warning: if you have seen my work, or read my other blog post about what to wear, you may have figured out that I have a thing for earth tones and neutral colors. So prepare your eyeballs. They are about to be accosted by copious amount of beige and brown. Enjoy!
Dresses
Women’s Green Ditsy Floral Dress
Women’s Tunic Style Mini Dress
Women’s Textured Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
Tie Strap Maxi Dress
Women’s Casual Tops
Women’s High Neck Cropped Tank
Women’s Sleeveless Bodysuit
Women’s Ribbed Knit Cropped Tank
Women’s Botton Down Blouse
Fall/ Winter Outerwear
Women’s Long Plaid Coat
Women’s Brown Corduroy Jacket
Women’s Beige Sweater
Women’s Plaid Shacket
Women’s Khaki Quilted Jacket
Skirts/Bottoms
Women's Corduroy Overall Skirt
Women's Shein Distressed Boyfriend Jeans
Levi's 724 High Rise Straight Jeans
Women’s High Waisted Wide Leg Pants
Women’s Shoes
Women’s Nike Sneaks
Women’s Lug Sole Chelsea Boot
Women’s Snake Skin Print Booties
Women’s Platform Sandal
Men’s Casual Shirts
Men’s Henley Style Short Sleeve (pictured in both brown and khaki)
Men’s Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Men’s Khaki Linen Short Sleeve Button Down
Men’s Outerwear
Men’s Corduroy Button Down
Men’s Levi Denim Jacket
Men’s Plaid Flannel
Men’s Khaki Utility Jacket
How I Grew My Photography Business in One Year
I feel like the beginning of my photography career was a little different than most. It was a bit of a whirlwind, if I’m being honest. I picked up my camera, learned the bare basics, and just kind of jumped off the ledge without looking back. I did a lot of different things in this first year to establish my business and grow as a photographer. None of them are ground-breaking, top-secret, sure-fire answers, but I do believe that everything I did helped me get to where I am today.
So buckle up. Here we go.
I offered free photoshoots & model calls
When I was first starting out, I was grabbing whoever I could get my hands on and putting them in front of my camera. I was forcing friends and family to act as my models as I learned my settings and practiced with some posing and prompts that I had seen on TikTok and Pinterest. Once I got some practice and some content, I ventured out beyond my own social circle. I put up posts on Instagram and Facebook asking for couples to model for me in different locations with the promise of free photos in exchange or their time. I got practice, I learned SO MUCH, and I got my name out there. Several of my early models have sent their friends to me or come back themselves as paying clients.
A year later, and I’m still doing putting out the occasional model call. Why would I do this when I have paying clients? When I am doing a photoshoot with a paying client, those photos are for THEM, not for me. And they should represent THEM. I will sometimes do a safe amount of experimenting with poses and prompts, but for the most part, I am sticking to what I know looks great, what fits my couple’s personalities, and what I know will give us great results. When I do model calls, I am creating content for MYSELF. I have the freedom to be as crazy and creative as I want. I have the freedom to experiment and take risks. And I have the freedom to make mistakes. It is low pressure and low risk. For me, that is the best situation for to learn and grow. This has been my avenue for trying new poses, new locations, new lighting situations, and new creative techniques.
I attended styled shoots and content days
In case you don’t know what a styled shoot or content day is, allow me to teach you. A styled shoot (or content day) is a collaboration between multiple different vendors (typically a planner, venue, models, florist, hair/makeup artist, bridal boutique, jeweler, rental company, etc.). Everything is set up and styled like a real wedding with models acting as the couple. This is basically a photographer’s playground. Planners or organizers of the styled shoot will usually offer only a certain number of tickets to photographers in order to keep things manageable and prevent over-crowding. Typically (depending on the size and caliber of the styled shoot), there will be stations. Photographers are divided up into groups and rotate through stations. Stations could include details, bridal portraits, couples portraits, table-scape photos, etc. Smaller shoots may not include these stations. Each photographer takes a turn directing or “taking lead”. In the end, each photographer will go home, edit their gallery, send it to the organizer, and they will distribute the photos to all the vendors who participated. You get content, they get content. Win-win.
The pros of a styled shoot:
It is a completely stress and risk-free environment to experiment & learn
You get to see other (sometimes more experienced) photographers in action and maybe learn some new poses, prompts, and techniques
It is a wonderful portfolio builder
It is a great networking opportunity. I have ended up working with several vendors that I met from networking at styled shoots.
Advertising! When you post from a styled shoot, you tag all the vendors that participated. If those vendors happen to share your post, they are spreading your name on their page as well.
The cons of a styled shoot:
The price. I set a price limit on the styled shoots I attend. I will typically spend no more than $300 on a styled shoot. I have heard awful stories of fellow photographers who have spent THOUSANDS on a content weekend or retreat only to be disappointed in their experience. There are a million different styled shoots out there. You can find low-key ones close to home, or extravagant retreats to the Mid West. Check out Facebook to find styled shoot groups in your state.
Depending on how they are run, styled shoots can sometimes be a free for all. In that case, if you aren’t assertive and get yourself “all up in there”, you will end up being in the back of a pack of photographers and not able to get any good or usable shots. Thankfully, most shoots that I have attended have been well organized and gave every photographer a chance to direct and be the “lead”.
I shamelessly put myself out there
If there was one thing that was truly tested as I grew, it was my comfort zone. And it continues to be tested on a regular basis. In the beginning, I did something that I have literally never done in my life. I was sliding into DM’s like my life depended on it.
I messaged local photographers and simply introduced myself. I said something along the lines of:
“Hi! My name is Lizzy. I am a new & aspiring photographer in the Lancaster, PA area. I have been working hard over the past few months to build my portfolio and have an interest in wedding and couples photography. I am reaching out in hopes of getting my foot in the door serving as an assistant or second shooter with some awesome local photographers. If you ever have a need, I would love for you to keep me in mind!”
I started quite a few working relationships with that DM. And also developed a lot of lasting friendships with local photographers.
I sought out mentorship
I would never be where I am now if it weren’t for the encouragement and mentorship from fellow photographers. Working closely with photographers who inspire you will teach you more than you ever could imagine. My mentors helped and continue to help me not only with my photography skills, but also with the business end of things. Pricing, contracts, advertising, tax questions, and so much more.
Reach out to photographers that you admire. Ask if they offer mentorships. The worst they can say is no.
I am present on social media
Let me preface this by saying something very important: the number of followers you have on instagram doesn’t mean sh*t and has zero reflection on your worth or the quality of your work.
Ok- now that I go that out of the way…
Here are some ways that I have used Instagram to grow my business
Posting content consistently: I used to post every day, but that got old pretty quickly. Now, I try my best to post about twice a week. Posting consistently keeps your name and your work on people’s radar and allows you to showcase your most recent work.
Putting my real self on my stories : I am a firm believer that showing your true personality is the best way to advertise yourself on social media. I roast myself. I show up, even when I’m not looking my best. And I don’t censor my goofy, stupid behaviors. I do try to keep it (semi) professional, but I pride myself on being 100% me. Instagram is a highlight reel. It is literally a showcase of everyone’s best moments. Real people identify with real people. So be real!
Making Instagram Reels: speaking of keeping it reel (see what I did there?). A while ago Instagram was really pushing Reels. I was so sick of hearing about it. How can Reels grow my account and get my work out there? I had no idea. But I tried it. It flopped. I tried it again. It flopped. I kept trying. They kept flopping. And then all of a sudden….out of nowhere…one of my reels went viral. And several more have done the same. To think that these stupid videos have allowed my account to reach millions of people is absolutely mind-blowing to me. I was out of state for a family wedding this weekend and their photographer (based in Florida) told me she had seen my reels. WHAT?!
There is no right or wrong way to grow your business. We are just all out here doing our best, am I right? These are just a few things that have worked for me and that I hope might work for someone else. There is no sure-fire way to make sure your business succeeds, but there is a sure-fire way to make sure it fails. And that is by not putting yourself out there and stepping out of your comfort zone. So get out there and make it happen, babe. I’m rooting for you!
some photos taken at styled shoots during the first few months of my photography career
What To Wear For Your Engagement Photos
When my husband and I got our engagement photos done (before I became a photographer), I stressed for WEEKS leading up to our shoot over what to wear. I didn’t know what colors would look good. I didn’t know how “match-y” we should be. I really didn’t know anything, if we’re being honest. Once I started my photography career, I quickly began to figure out what “worked” in front of the camera. Since then, I have discovered that helping my clients with their outfits is one of my favorite things to do!
Here are a few of my favorite tips when it comes to choosing outfits for your engagement or couples photo session.
Neutral Colors
I have found that neutral colors go with pretty much any backdrop. They also just look better with my style of editing (earthy, warm tones). Neutral colors are super easy to coordinate with each other, too, which makes putting together outfits a breeze. One thing that I really love about neutrals is that they don’t distract from the focal point of the photo. Bright colors are great (no shade on my hot pink lovers out there), but they have a tendency to “pop” in photos, which can be distracting and draw attention away from the main attraction: you and your significant other.
2. Comfort
This is important!!!! Make sure you are comfortable in whatever you choose to wear. I personally incorporate a lot of movement in my photos, so I like to tell my couples to wear something that they can move around in without risking a wardrobe malfuction.
And when I say “comfortable” I don’t just mean physical comfort. I’m talking confidence as well. Wear something that FEELS LIKE YOU! When you are feeling confident and beautiful (or handsome, guys), it will show in your photos.
3. Don’t “match”. Coordinate!
Don’t stress about being matchy-matchy with your significant other! Choose colors that compliment each other instead of perfectly matching. I actually prefer the look of outfits between significant others that look more “precariously thrown together” over ones that are meticulously color matched.
Here are some of my favorite color combos:
cremes/whites, browns
sage/army green and beige
rusty orange and tan
white and blue denim
4. The Truth About Patterns
Don’t worry, I’m not going to tell you that patterns are a no-go. I actually love incorporating patterns and textures into photos. But I do have some advice on the matter!
If one person is wearing a pattern, the other should stick to a solid to eliminate the risk of clashing.
Smaller/subtle patterns are less overwhelming and distracting.
my favorite patterns:
dainty florals
gingham
flannel (in the fall and winter)
my favorite textures:
denim jackets
corduroy
chunky knit sweaters
5. Accessorizing
Using accessories is one of the coolest ways to express yourself, and a killer way to spice up any outfit. Beware of over-accessorizing of course, as it can lead to distractions in your photos. I typically lean toward minimal or dainty jewelry pieces to keep the focus on you (and the engagement ring, of course). One of my favorite forms of accessorizing lately has been spicing up a neutral outfit with cool booties or a trendy hat.
BONUS TIP: bring a trendy hat or a jacket with you during your session. You can pop these on and off during the session and BOOM, bonus outfit without doing a full outfit change!
More Outfit Inspo:
