Virginia Wedding - Shane & Erica

What a gorgeous day for Shane & Erica in Lexington, Virginia. I shot this wedding 8 months pregnant with twins!

West Palm Beach Florida Wedding - Arielle & Mike

Arielle & Mike had the most gorgeous beach front wedding in West Palm Beach. We went out the night before the wedding and did a session at The Breakers. It was phenomenal.

Hermitage Hotel Engagement Shoot

Isaiah and Hanna had the stay of a lifetime. Gorgeous views of Nashville, the most historic and stellar hotel, and amazing photo memories.

Collin + Robert

Bonneville Salt Flats

Vendors: @urbanbay

👨🏻‍🦱 @r0bertrenteria

👦🏻 @collinclouds

⛺️ @picnic_under_thestars

🌷 @lilyandjuniperblooms

👩🏾 @kaytmurrs

👱🏻‍♀️ @lyssahendo_24

👧🏾 @chaltussalon

🕴🏻 @tomnoxmensshop

💇🏼‍♀️ @amandamoncursalon

👰🏼‍♀️ @fantasybridalut

✂️ @saraithehairbender

💓 @lovelylooksby.lisa

Tim + Juliya

This shoot, styled, at sunset was.. spectacular-spectacular. It’s everything I could’ve dreamed, and planned in just three days!

🌿 Floral : @kissmekatecustomfloral 💄 Hair & Makeup : @beauty_by_bre_e 👰🏼 Dress : @aw.bridal

Anthony + Kim

Wow, what a spectacular May day in the Columbia River Gorge. We started at a Hood River Winery (to loosen up, you know?) before we ventured out. Vast views, intimate moments, and special blasts of color. This day was truly magical.

20 Engagement Shoot Posing Ideas

Let me guess. You’ve got the editing down, the lead generation, the website looking fresh, and you LOVE your couples… but once you get to the shoot, you just don’t know what to do with them?

I’m here to help.

Posing is an art; it’s not something you can just look up in a textbook. Every couple is different & it is imperative that you get a good feel for what the couple is comfortable with before you embarrass them (and yourself!).

Getting great photos (often times) relies on composition and posing is your own way of getting them to do the lovely things that make a great photo. Some people think that “posing” means you aren’t capturing candid moments and that is completely NOT true.

Posing tips are not stale. It’s more like a suggestion and less like a rule.

So, let’s get started.

I chose Anthony + Kim because I felt like their affection was just want I needed to show you what I’m talking about. Also, they haven’t had a professional photoshoot like this before- so it is a fresh perspective and a good test.

ONE : Using Props will always help with a pose. I mean, c’mon- it’s already a fun third item.

TWO : Get dramatic with angles. Play with the focus! Have them lift their hands up!

THREE : Use the background to create a more interesting layout for a simple pose.

FOUR : Instruct them to get realllly close. Tell them that being super close in person doesn’t look as close on camera!

FIVE : Focus on eyes. Brighten them up. Make sure that you can see the emotion. It always helps to instruct the couple to be touching each other’s face.

SIX : I always try to get a few “formal” looking photos in. Just tell them to cuddle up and look at the camera… CHEESE! This is great for gifts (grandparents love seeing a smile!)

SEVEN : Holding hands and walking creates intimacy & movement!

EIGHT : Tell them when and where to kiss if they look “lost.” It will help give them something sweet to do.

NINE : You know me and the cozy poses. When they are sitting, you can always have one literally sit down on the other! And it will create a few belly laughs.

TEN : You can tell them to tell each other dirty secrets, or just.. secrets in each other’s ears.

ELEVEN : Dancing is ALWAYS a win.

TWELVE : It’s also up to you to get some different angles. Have them turn around or run around them for a different background.

THIRTEEN : Have them play with their own dress, hair, or shirt.

FOURTEEN : Give them silly instructions. The worst that can happen is it is a bust and you move onto the next pose!

FIFTEEN : Even telling your couple to laugh ends in real laughs, I’m telling you. Instruction is key.

SIXTEEN : Do the classic “pick up and twirl.”

SEVENTEEN : Create a mood by immersing them in a more intimate space (like grass).

EIGHTEEN : Always ask for more kisses!

NINETEEN : Big hugs are the best.

TWENTY : Have them run, skip, or jump to add some movement. Also… DANCE!

Hopefully these give you some good ideas for your next shoot!

xo

Chelsea

8 Ways to Be Comfortable in Front of the Camera

You may find that being in front of the camera comes natural.  When you were 4 years old, your Dad pulled out the vintage VHS video camera and you were jetting out into the hallway in your princess dress, having stolen Mom’s shoes and smothered her lipstick all over your mouth without her knowing.  Some of us were just *born with it.*  We love the limelight, the spotlight, and the camera flash.  However, some of us were more… run into the corner and cry when Mom comes out with the “First Day of School” picture idea. 

What I’m trying to say is, this stuff starts at a YOUNG AGE.  Some of us just aren’t natural runway models and that is A-OKAY.  I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to be comfy cozy New York Fashion Week material to get great photos of yourself and your loved ones.

For those of us who only sing in the shower.. and not at karaoke.

For those of us who have Nordstrom do our makeup for a… date.

For those of us who need a personal stylist.

For those of us who all these girlie external things just *don’t come natural,* well, this blog is for you.

So, let’s get into it.

When you are working with a photographer, obviously, you want to like your photos (duh).

There are literally only two key ingredients to loving your photos:

1.     You had a good, positive experience

2.     The photos are good quality and stellar images

Let’s dissect these a bit.

ONE : GOOD, POSITIVE EXPERIENCE

This does not just mean, the actual photoshoot moment.

This encapsulates the moment you came into contact with this photographer.

+ Did their work resonate with you?

+ Did their captions mean something to you?

+ Did you feel connected to them as a person, as a friend?

+ Did you have a smooth experience on their website?

+ Did they get back to you right away?

+ Did they seem warm and inviting?

+ Did you trust them?

Wow! These are all things that happen before the camera even makes its debut.

So then, what about before the shoot?

+ Did the photographer get to know you and your needs?

+ Did you feel valued?

+ Did you feel heard when it came to your wants and needs?

And of course, during the shoot:

+ Did the photographer make you feel comfortable?

+ Do you feel like you were able to freely be yourself?

+ Was the photographer clear about their goals and intentions during the shoot?

+ Did you enjoy the mood and vibe of the shoot?

And… can’t forget the “post production,”…

+ Did your photographer follow through?

+ Did you get what you desired?

+ Were you happy with the way you were treated?

+ Did the photographer go above and beyond?

As you can see… that 2-part ingredient sure does break down into a whole host of important questions within. 

Also, notice that maybe 5% has to do with you, as the client.

It is our job as photographers to make you happy.  To make you feel like you are safe, taken care of, and valued.  It is our job to give you the best images, but also become a trusted confidant.

These are some of the most precious moments of your life… you want to be “cool” with the photographer seeing you in them.  You know?

TWO : GOOD QUALITY PHOTOS / GREAT IMAGES

Okay, this needs little to no explanation at all.  If you are a photographer, this is just a given.  Have good images! The (unreal) fact of the matter is that most normal folk can’t tell the difference between a remarkable photo and a mediocre photo of themselves.  They will adhere MUCH more to PART ONE.  People don’t always remember what you said or what you did… but they will always remember how you made them feel. 

this is key.

People love photos of themselves, guys.  Everyone does! Don’t be ashamed.  Having amazing work is just simply on the conscious of the photographer because trust me, we know when we are giving 110% and you will not ;). I’d encourage any photographers reading to try to go above and beyond… even when your clients won’t notice the small differences!

So let’s get back to the main point of the blog:

10 Ways to Be Comfortable in Front of the Camera

I really want to help you with a few tips (whether you are the photographer or the client).

1 : Play Music

This is totally up to you.  Some people think it is distracting.  Some just don’t vibe with music.  If you love music and it will help you take your mind off of the fact that you are making out in front of us photographers… then bring that Beats “Pill.”  Or… request your photographer bring it!

AUSTIN + DESTINY

Check out their Pacific City, OR Proposal Moment Here

2 : Speak Up

If something makes you feel awkward, let us know.  Some people are more dare devils than others.  Some want to go into knee deep water and ruin their dress, some don’t.  And that is TOTALLY okay.

3 : Try to forget about the camera

Get all nuzzled up.  Get intimate.  Be yourself.  Just focus on the person you are with and not the snapping of the shutter.

4 : Take a drink

If you love a good tequila shot, this is definitely an appropriate moment for it.  If you love wine, bring a picnic blanket and a bottle opener and go to town.  You might as well make it a part of your special moment.  Don’t be afraid to do the things that will loosen you up and make you feel good during the shoot.

5 : Get to know the photographer beforehand

Even if it’s a Facetime call, just get familiar with them. 

Learn about each other. 

Become friends and not strangers.

6 : Get some extra beauty done

You don’t (by any means) NEED to have your hair done and your nails done… but if you are feeling a little out-of-sorts with the whole thing, go and get that spray tan.  Do whatever it takes for you to feel beautiful!

7 : Ask for help

If you need more help with posing, just let us know.  Sometimes you guys look like you are doing great (from our end) but you might feel uneasy, and that is totally okay… just let us know if you need specific ideas!

8 : Bring lots of outfit changes and options

You know those days where you put something on and you just aren’t feeling it?  Make sure you have a whole bag of clothes in your trunk for those moments where you just want to try something new.

 Overall, this is about Y.O.U. You are the one paying the big bucks to get photos that you will love the rest of your life.  These are the special moments that we want to capture in the best way possible. 

Whatever you do, make sure that you communicate exactly what you want out of your shoot. 

It’s all about YOU and getting you spectacular, meaningful images.

Hope this helps!

XO

Chelsea

Jesse + Lily

Nothing was gonna stop these two. With all of the panic in the media, these two were still going to make their wedding day special. They’d been talking about April 26th for 2 years.. that was the day! They dreamed and planned for countless hours. When this whole catastrophe arose, we were just postponing the whole thing, but as things started to settle a little bit - we decided that we would turn the special day into an elopement (you know, social distancing as much as possible && under 10 people). There was so much laughter and it was a day to remember. Congrats, you two!

7 “Getting Ready” Ideas for Your Wedding Day

The first moments of your wedding don’t start at the first look.  The whole vibe and tone is set by those first few hours where you are getting ready for your BIG DAY.  It’s SO important that you feel comfortable and fresh the morning of what will be THE BEST DAY of your LIFE.  We all know you’ve got to get a good night sleep the night before… but what else?  How can you make your “getting ready” photos the best they can be?

Here are some ideas!

ONE : Bring the floral into the Bridal Suite

Whatever is in your bridal suite is going to be… in your photos.  It is really hard to get stellar photos when the clutter is unreal.  Maybe brief the girls, you know? Let’s keep it tidy.  One way to draw the attention off of the massive amounts of stuff scattered throughout is to bring in some décor.  The flowers are the BEST BET. 

Look how chic this looks?

TWO : Get Action Photos, but All Done Up

So, some people think the photographer needs to be there taking photos the whole time the bride is getting makeup and hair done.  This is NOT true.  You really aren’t going to want photos with your makeup half done.  The best way to do it is to wait until the bride is almost 100% and just “pretend to put on mascara” or “hold the lipstick up to her mouth.” 

This is key!

THREE : Detail Shots

Detail shots are best done during that “getting ready phase,” as… you don’t have your jewelry and shoes ON when you are getting ready.  It’s the first thing I typically shoot.  It is super important to have all of these things in the same spot.  Rings, shoes, jewelry, earrings, necklace, perfume, your paper invitations (bring two), and even some florals.  Make sure your dress is also handy!

FOUR : Take off the leggings

Okay, I get it.  It might be cold outside and you wanted to be modest running in and out of your car and to the venue… but once you get to the venue, remove those leggings.  It looks so much “fresher” and more intimate.  Also, when all of your brides are in robes getting ready, it creates more of a uniform look.  When you get your make up getting ready photos done, it just looks better!

FIVE : Know who will put you in your dress

This is critical.  You don’t want any tears from people who thought they would be helping you get into your dress on your special day.  Typically the Mother-of-the-bride is the go-to, but if that isn’t your style, don’t feel pressure to.  Just do what makes you feel best, but also let the photographer know beforehand.  Also (this is big), let that person know they need to be ready when you are and you are usually the first one ready (as a bride).  I like to call bridesmaids the “least helpful people at a wedding” despite “maid” being in their name.  It’s crazy.  I have never seen girls take so long to get ready!

SIX : Take a silent moment to recoup

What can you do to re-center before your big day?  You can look over your vows.  Journal.  Just sit on the bed and have a glass of champagne.  If you feel tense, shoot, you can even call a loved one or your soon-to-be spouse who will no doubt make you feel better.  Just make sure you don’t get all frazzled and are taking time to chill out!

SEVEN : Have a strict timeline

If everyone needs to be ready by 3… make it 2:30.  Tell people an earlier time so that there is wiggle room.  I’m telling you, things take longer than you think!

Well, folks.  I hope you got a little out of this.  I really think these photos are a precious, important part of your day… so take them seriously!

Xo

Chelsea

10 Outfit Ideas for Engagement Photos

The time has come, the question was finally POPPED and you are ready to start Wedding Planning. But first, Engagement Pics! This is one of the most exciting times, yet when you burst open your closet doors… you just can’t seem to decide on what would make a great outfit for photos!

Hopefully, this blog will help.

ONE : FLOWY DRESSES

Okay, this is K.E.Y.

Dresses that flow in the wind are surely the best and brightest answer for your Engagement Photo Needs. You don’t have to break the bank at Nordstrom for this one, especially if it is something you may only wear once. It’s okay to get something special that feels a bit “over dramatic” for your photoshoot, it really is. It doesn’t have to be something you would wear to a grocery store! Fashion Nova & She In are two of my favorite sites for cheap dresses that look amazing in photos. I typically go one or two sizes larger on She In, but Fashion Nova is pretty true to size (both have curvy sizes too!).

FLOW IN THE WIND, GIRL

TWO : FLANNEL

Flannel looks REALLY good on guys, but a little texture and print can look good on the ladies too! I would try not to have every single outfit a flannel-moment, but definitely one. It works whether you are city-folk or country-bumpkins!

STAY WARM, WEAR FLANNEL

THREE : EXTRAS, PROPS, & “THE THIRD ITEM”

In blogging, we like to call a hat, purse, or sunglasses “the third item.” It really adds dimension to the photo. If you can, grab a wide billed hat, Pendleton blanket (you can get one second hand here or a look-a-like here), or even some Ray Bans to spice up the photos. It may just be me but I would leave the cheesy signs at home. Sometimes (if it’s special and memorable), they can add something fun to a photo, but for the most part- stay classy. These are photos you are going to hang around your house and you want them to be timeless.

If you play guitar, bring that! Trumpet? Throw it in the trunk. Let’s GO.

Try to think of things you really love and incorporate them into the photo. Beer? Yes please.

CHEERS, BABE.

FOUR : BIG SWEATERS

You want your photos to show that you are warm and cozy, so be… warm and cozy! I try to stay away from stark white sweaters, just because the camera already adds 10 lbs (ya know?), but if you can get something trendy and fun… do it!

COMFY SWEATER OBSESSED

FIVE : BOOTS

Cowboy boots, fancy boots, high heeled boots, all of them; throw them in the bag. There is something that just “sticks out” when it comes to boots. Be a little dramatic! You won’t be sorry.

SIX : A FANCY MOMENT

This is a special, special time for you two. Dress it up! Act like you are going to your fanciest date and get all dolled up. Guys look SO good in a dress shirt with either a suit jacket or sweater. Ladies, dresses are a MUST.

OH YOU FANCY, HUH

SEVEN : JEAN & LEATHER

Speaking of jackets; jean texture and leather (of any color) are SO CHIC. They really add to the whole look. Jean jackets can really dress down a dress and leather jackets can add a little pizazz.

SUGGA HOW YA GET SO FLY?

EIGHT : ANIMALS

I guess this isn’t something you wear… but it is still a very important aspect of your photo! Bring the little fur balls and add your “whole family” into the photos! You can even take them out to the beach or the Gorge!

NINE : MONOCHROMATIC

Instead of matching exactly, change up the textures and keep the color palette.

MATCHY-MATCH!

TEN : BE BOLD

If there is a crazy style you’ve been wanting to try, a special occasion dress (try last year’s Easter dress!), or even a color you have been meaning to debut… just go for it!

a few other tips:

Come in your first outfit (this may seem obvious but trust me, half of the world does NOT think this is obvious)

Remember that y’all can wear the same pants twice. You don’t need to change into three shades of jeans unless you really want to, boys.

Pick a location that really speaks to you.

have SO much fun!

I hope this gave you some ideas :)

Happy Quarantining.

xo chelsea

Austin + Destiny

Wow. Indescribable. God really does work wonders and He clearly had planned for these two to be in my life and in my images. Back in October, I got a text "I need to talk to you, I have a surprise for my girlfriend," and my heart sank. Austin was going to propose mid photoshoot. I got butterflies watching them. I still do. So, here we are, just months later.. 1,000 miles away and they *spontaneously* needed a photographer when their original plan had changed. I had originally planned to only be in AZ until Tuesday but I was compelled to extend it and guess what.. I'm so glad I did. Austin and Destiny have a true *joy* that you can only achieve when you have a real, authentic love in front of you. Hearing their vows made me tear up. These two are going to do amazing things together. I'm so glad I got to be a part of their special day. <3 Here are some of my favorites

The Night Before the Wedding

Should we make this a thing? Being "engaged" is a special time. Calling your person "fiance" is just, really sweet. Don't take for granted this beautiful space in your relationship! I'm happy I got to document their last moments before the big day. I'm so excited for these two to take on the world!

SW Brides

I had the wonderful opportunity to work with these 4 lovely Southwestern Brides in various areas throughout the Greater Phoenix Area. Each one has its own take. These photos were a way for me (and other vendors) to express ourselves and produce our best work. What do you think?

Jesse + Lily

I can’t wait to shoot this lovely couple’s wedding in the Superstition Mountains in April. They literally glow with love. Enchanting, really. Here are a few of my favorites from this lovely shoot.

Hair/Makeup @awmakeup_hair
Dress @Luv_Bridal
Photographer @UrbanBayPhotography

Alaska

Here are some of my favorite images from my November 2019 Trip to The Last Frontier.

Abe + Haley

Let me set the scene.

Abe calls me up about a month ago, he's sure. He's sure that he wants to marry the love of his life and he wants it to be -perfect-. He also knows that Haley is a little nosey and it is going to be a challenge to put together a seamless "surprise" engagement... so we start plotting. I rig a fake giveaway (sorry, folks!) and we coordinate with Haley's friend to tag her in the giveaway. She of course, wins, and WA-LA! She is setting up her own proposal shoot.

It took a few tweaks and turns, but we got her.

After convincing her she needed to do three outfits (because we wanted to turn this into a pseudo-engagment shoot as well, she was in. She had a small "inkling" that this would be the day, but I did a good job making sure it sounded like I knew nothing about them, asking questions like "Oh, did you two just start dating?" and "What do you do for work?" Like I didn't already know her whole story.

We set off to hike up Coyote Wall (which I have never been to) and we completely miss the start of the trail and end up walking along this long, what used to be a car drive, and ending up at the end after about a mile. As we headed back, we saw this little peak.

We set off to hike up Coyote Wall (which I have never been to) and we completely miss the start of the trail and end up walking along this long, what used to be a car drive, and ending up at the end after about a mile. As we headed back, we saw this little peak.

They can come back up to it for picnics and anniversaries in the future.

The sun was bright, but not too harsh. The air felt crisp, but not too cold.

And then... Abe pulls out the ring and Haley's face lights up. They popped the champagne and we all cheers'd to beers (including me, you know, I've got to get in on the action.)

The sun set and Abe and Haley had their first moments as an "engaged couple."

It was magical.

Austin + Joey

Watching Joey laugh brought me back. It brought me back to times when we were young and she would light up the room. Little did I know her smile could light up the gorge. Austin is soft and kind and truly such a gift to someone very special to me.

Something I love about taking photos is that it truly brings a community together. You see old friends, connect, share adventures, and find truly amazing moments worth capturing. To say that I am lucky would be an understatement. I am so blessed and thankful that I get to wake up and do what I do.

Can you believe this dreamy November fog and this sunshine as we near the end of Fall? Remarkable.