^ How cute are they? Love the color coordination…it matches, but not matchy-matchy. Perfect!

^ Beautiful miss Kaylie and cutie pie mister Mason.

^ Aww. Could her smile be any cuter?

^ Mason seems to always have an “I’m up to something” look! Precious!

^ Mom and Dad are one good looking couple! Can you believe how beautiful Kelly’s eyes are?

^ Playing with some back lighting… I love the 70s kind of feel it gives these. I also love Kaylie’s goofy smile!

Thank you so much, Kelly & Co., for allowing me to photograph your family! It was a lot of fun. I can’t wait to see the rest of ours! Maybe we can do it again next year.

© Tricia Owens Photography. All rights reserved. Stealing makes me cry.

Christmas is here!

© Tricia Owens Photography. All rights reserved. Stealing makes me cry.

We (me, hubby and doggies) headed to Yorktown for the night on Wednesday and hung out with my family. We started the holiday with our somewhat traditional bar night out on Wednesday then we followed it up with an amazing meal prepared mostly by my mom. Check out that turkey! She is awesome.

This has been a busy year…I finally decided to start my photography business. I’m thankful for (among many other things):

• All of my friends and family who have helped me out while starting this adventure.
• My clients, who have been great…wow…I have clients!
• Most of all, my husband, Ken, who has spent countless nights with me sitting here on my laptop doing who knows what to get this thing going. He is the very bestest.

Now, on with the FOOD!

^ Ahhh…fresh out of the oven.

^ Cheese ball.

^ Deviled eggs with goat cheese and dill. I couldn’t stop eating them.

^ Beer. ‘Nuff said.

^ Fresh Brussels sprouts roasted with pecans. My small contribution.

^ Time to carve that awesome turkey!

^ Last but not least, dessert! I can’t remember what this was called, but it was basically lemon cake with cranberries. It was delicious.

Happy Thanksgiving!

© Tricia Owens Photography. All rights reserved. Stealing makes me cry.

Kelly, your kids are just beautiful and I had a great time this morning.

^ Beautiful family! How cute is Mr. Mason?

^ Kaylie was the perfect little subject. It’s not often you find a seven year old who is good at posing without being cheesy! She is so sweet.

I’ll have more for you soon, Kelly…I’m going to be trying some new processing out, so stay tuned!

© Tricia Owens Photography. All rights reserved. Stealing makes me cry.

© Tricia Owens Photography. All rights reserved. Stealing makes me cry.

Looking Good: Your Style

1. Show me your personality! You are more than just khaki pants and a white dress shirt – show it! If red is your favorite color, wear red. Like stripes? Great! Bring them with you. Simple patterns and bold colors look great on in person AND in photos. Choosing a bold color that is similar to your eye color is an awesome choice too.
2. Add LAYERS and TEXTURE. Think scarves (light weight or winter weight), hats, jackets, blazers, ties, denim, knits and corduroy. Long sleeves under short sleeves, leggings under skirts/dresses. Fun shoes like tall boots or sassy heels. A variety of textures will give your photos some extra punch to go with your great smile.
3. Be a head turner. Wear the blazer that fits just right. Or that dress that makes you feel like a million bucks. It’s a fact; clothes that make you feel good make you LOOK good. If you have the option, why not wear something that makes you want to smile?
4. Avoid logos, bold patterns and character-wear. Leave Dora and Diego at home. Character-wear and logos may be precious in person but will leave you clueless in twenty years when you look back on your photos and try to figure out who that is on your child’s shoes. Keep it timeless and focused on your faces, not your clothes.
5. Along the same lines, pick clothing that fits nicely. It should be neither too tight nor too loose. The clothes should hang on the bodies well, without folding or creasing. And always dress for full-length shots, which means socks and shoes that also match and are in good shape. A lot of times barefoot is best, weather permitting.

Of special note:

• Kids: Think personality. Cheerful, fun prints, polka dots, stripes, camo; whatever showcases who they really are. Add some layers and texture (maybe even a tutu, pettiskirt or tie) and voila! Instant photographic art. Most kids aren’t comfortable in formal dress and occasionally it can show in their pictures. So, if you have your heart set on your little angel in a suit and tie or an elaborate party dress, make sure to bring a second outfit that is more casual and comfortable.
• Families & Couples: Coordinating but not matching. Don’t over-match! The whole group does not have to wear black t’s and denim. Why not shake it up a bit and show some of who each person is as an individual within the whole? Mom should be the belle of the ball in a dress/skirt or fashionable jeans and ideally, heels! Make sure everyone dresses at the same level of formality; either all dressy or all casual, in similar or complimentary color tones. Examples could be earth tones, jewel tones, sky blue and chocolate brown, etc.
• Maternity & Newborn: Be who you are. For maternity, we suggest some simple basics: jeans with a real waist, tight tops that hug the belly, a beautiful dress or flowing skirt and a flattering, comfortable, yet attractive, bra/cropped top/sweater, possibly with a beautiful print. After all, most of this session will be all about the belly. For your precious newborn, au naturale, or just a diaper, is best. We want to capture those beautiful bellies, tiny toes and tooshies. If you have a special outfit be sure to have that ready to go as well. Props work well with newborns too; hats, baskets, bowls, etc.

These cute ideas can all be found at Old Navy…cute and super affordable!

Now that you have the info, where to shop?

Or even to just look for inspiration? Following is a list of our favorite retailers who always have something to offer:

www.oldnavy.com
www.hannahandersson.com
www.gap.com
www.chasing-fireflies.com
www.garnethill.com
www.bodenusa.com
www.childrensplace.com
www.justicejustforgirls.com
www.coollittlekid.com
www.bestdressedkids.com
www.gymboree.com
www.moppetfrocks.com
www.ae.com

Still stuck? Send us an email and we can work through the kinks together: tricia@triciaowensphotography.com

Brea of Cye Photography has given permission to republish her article. Thanks, Brea! You rock!

© Tricia Owens Photography. All rights reserved. Stealing makes me cry.

© Tricia Owens Photography. All rights reserved. Stealing makes me cry.