S is for Serenity (newborn)

 I had the opportunity to meet with little Miss Serenity, her Mommy Amber and her big sister Annabella on Tuesday.  The first newborn shoot I ever did was done with Annabella so it was nice to come back after much growth and do a session with her new little sister.  From start to finish the session was great!  Amber was busy with her oldest, so she let me set up in Annabella's room, where I had the first time and work while she watched after Annabella.  The lighting is spectacular in that room!  My set up was a bit of a new experiment.  Long story short, there is an incredible newborn prop called the newborn posing beanbag or the newborn posing ottoman.  For the best they run a cool $95 with the grand total being $107 after you buy the beans to put inside.  Not wanting to spend so much on something I was afraid wouldn't be as great as everyone said, I got the bright idea to strike out and make one myself.  You must first know that I'm not a seamstress.  About 10% into the sewing part of the project my sewing machine broke.  Quite determined, I decided I would hand sew the rest of this glorified bean bag.  Two days and many finger pricks later with too many hours to mention without embarrassment, I finished the posing bag.  I had made it a little too big for the amount of beans I purchased and I wasn't wanting to sink any more into my "do it for as inexpensive as you can" project.  I was tempted to scrap it altogether and wait for my Mom to help fix the sewing machine so I could cut down the size but I found a way to make it work.  My original goal was for a Geo Metro version of their Jaguar.  I ended up with, in my opinion a little scooter version.  Yes the kind those kids drive that are too young to operate a real car.  It's not pretty but I'm so pleased to announce it did the job and for only $24 and some change.  This cool little prop puts the baby on an easier viewing plane and gives you much more creative access.  While I can't speak for the baby, I'm sure it's much more comfortable as well.  My setup before was an oversized Boppy pillow, that while it worked, presented many challenges and roadblocks.  I'll make another post detailing this posing bag a little better and showing my newborn set up.  For now though, I'd like to share with you a few of my favorite from Serenity's shoot.  For those that would like to view the entire album on Facebook (you really must!), cut and paste the link below into your address bar.  

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.215893585116783.53784.100000884290765&l=7d281bd4d4

Below are a few of my favorite standouts.  The pink was a hat Amber already hat.  The green and purple hats were made by a local Louisville woman named Casey.  She's been a joy to work with and out of all the hats I've used for shoots, her's are my favorite.  You can find her shop on etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/clamors.  

 

I love her half smile in this next one.

And the post wouldn't quite be complete without a picture of one of the cutest little cries ever.  And by little cry I mean that literally.  She let out a whimper of frustration due to me disturbing her sleep which lasted about as long as it took to take this picture.

*Tip* Newborn shoots are best in the first ten days with five through ten being the best.  Babies are most sleepy and flexible during this time allowing for cool poses and an easier shoot (for everyone) in general.  Serenity was 10 days old the day of this shoot.

Until we meet again God bless and have a safe Fourth of July weekend!  

Amber

Shane & Shawna (wedding)

For those of you who do no know, Shane is my husband's brother.  Shawna is one of my best friends.  Seeing everything each of these two has went through and the joy they've found in one another...there just aren't words to describe how happy I am for them.  Last year Shawna and I did a vogue inspired shoot.  We found the perfect gold tinted dress at a thrift store in Louisville that under the late evening light of early summer made it look offwhite and very much like a wedding dress.  That day we promised when she got married we would have the best session ever at that exact spot.  A year plus later she found the man of her dreams, that we never expected would be Shane and would make us sisters.  I wish I could say we made the trip back to Elizabeth, IN for that shoot we promised...buuut gas is outrageous and we stayed in Jeff instead.  Shane and Shawna got married in March in a very small ceremony with the intention of having a bigger ceremony this month.  Needless to say the bigger ceremony was canceled.  That didn't stop of from having a vintage themed "wedding" session though!  They dressed in the attire they would've worn for their wedding and we headed off.  Not only was the shoot beautiful but it was just as fun!  There were far too many inappropriate jokes about how Shane looked Amish, comical new inventions (that he really should do!) and the correct pronunciation of the wooly mammoth in Sesame Street.  As much as it pains me to say..Shawna..you're right haha!  I just looked it up (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloysius_Snuffleupagus).  Getting back on track :)  To view the entire album on Facebook, cut and paste the below address into your address bar.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.215214685184673.53488.100000884290765&l=90590afdc3

Here are a few of my favorites.

 Feather headband by Amber Middleton (me!) 

And as a mixture of blackmail and proof of how much fun we had...

 

Yes she let go and popped him hehe!   

"Mr. Yoder" and his prized crops he so painstakingly grew this year. HA!

 

S is for Savannah (newborn)

Yesterday I posted a sneak peek post with my favorite picture from the shoot.  Here's the official post but be sure to check out the post!  I had the absolute joy of spending some time with Savannah and her Mommy, Brooke yesterday.  It's been fun seeing the milestones in Brooke's life through the photos of Foxtree.  I did her and David's engagement photos, then their wedding.  Now I've been able to capture their new little bundle.
To say that Savannah is a good baby would be an understatement!  With most newborn shoots there are diaper changes, feedings and lots of holding, rocking and cooing a crying baby.  Savannah didn't cry once the entire time (just shy of two hours).  She let me put her in any position I wanted which yielded a great result!  She has the best skin I've ever seen a baby have and is just down right beautiful!  I LOVE MY JOB!!
If you hadn't noticed the links to the albums have been experiencing issues as of late, so I'll have to do it the old way.  Below is the address to view the Facebook album in it's entirety.  Cut and paste the address into your address bar to view all the photos.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.215177471855061.53474.100000884290765&l=e0959679f2


Now for a few of my favorites!  (It's so hard to pick just a few!!) 


**click the image to see it in true size**

S is for Savannah

I just got back from my newborn session with Savannah.  I've only been able to see a few in depth.  I'm about ready to run out for another shoot so i can't make a full post but I can't resist showing you the most adorable newborn picture I've ever taken.  Savannah's official post will come in the near future.

Hat was made by Clamors Handmade.  You can find her on Etsy by clicking the word link.  She's sweet, super talented and local for you Kentuckiana readers.  Help support local business by going to her shop today.  Tell her Foxtree sent you!    Keep your eyes peeled for the official post.  

Amber

Anamaria

This past Thursday we enjoyed a mildly warm day after a streak of super hot days.  Lucky for this little lady her shoot fell on this said day.  When I met Anamarie for her shoot she was napping in the van with a faithful, loving entourage there to help.  With the help of a chicken nugget happy meal, her Momma and two awesome Aunts she modeled with ease.  She did so good!  It's difficult to pick just a few images from the shoot, so be sure to check out the FB album in it's entirety by clicking the word link.  This is another example of where I'd love to take Foxtree in every single shoot.  Thank you Susana for working with me and running with the ideas I gave you.  Below are just a few of my ultimate favorites.

**If the link doesn't work cut and paste the below address into your address bar**
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.212251025481039.52672.100000884290765&l=24360e9044




Tip: If you'd like to see the image in it's true, original size click the image and it will pull up the image on a separate page.

Ralph & Miriam (wedding)

On June 11th Ralph and Miriam exchanged vowels in what will, I'm sure remain the most memorable wedding I've ever experienced.  I firmly believe as all the guests left the wedding and reception there was no doubt in any of their minds that these two were meant to be.  Thank you Ralph and Miriam for letting me be apart of your special day.
To view the entire album on FB clink the word  link.  Here are a few of my favorites.

**If the link above didn't work cut and paste the below address into your address bar to view the entire album on FB**
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.212257708813704.52677.100000884290765&l=721a373cfc

 

What to wear?

So you've decided you'd like a photo shoot.  You find a day that works best for you and your family, then schedule the session.    Then you think...what should we wear?!  I'll give you a few tips then show you a couple of examples.

Important things to remember when planning your wardrobe for a Spring/Summer shoot.

1. Wear light, airy clothes so you don't add to the heat of outdoors and make yourself miserable.

2. Wear clothes you're comfortable in.  If you're uncomfortable your true personality can't show through.

3. Try to stay on the lighter side of colors.  Those pesky biting insects are attracted to dark clothing.

4. Match, match, match!!  A few years back it was all the rave to wear white shirts with kakis or blue jeans.  Is this wrong?  No, I don't think it's wrong.  There are however ways to make you and your family be individual and still match.  I personally love lots of color and think it can really take your photos to the next level.  The idea with matching is to pick a few colors that match and run with it.  In the pictures below you'll see exactly what I mean by this but I'll go ahead and give a quick example.  Let's say you've decided to use blue and purple.  Do they all have to be the same shades?  No, just make sure they match.  A super wild neon purple might not look so good with a lilac purple.  So, take your two colors (purple and blue) and see what you can come up with.  My personal favorite place to shop when planning a shoot is Old Navy, Gap and Banana Republic.  You can find great deals and items to match for the whole family all in one store or website.

5. Layers and accessories are always a plus too!  What do I mean by accessories?  Headbands, other hair pieces, hats, jewelry, cool shoes, belts...you name it!

I hope this helps!  If you have any questions, please feel free to shoot me a message on Facebook or email (www.foxtreephotog@aol.com)

Amber

Friend Referral Contest

I'm a little late on this post but earlier this month our first ever friend referral contest ended with much success!  Basically those who participated sent their friends and family to both our business Facebook page and the blog.  Their friends and family then left comments or sent emails letting me know who sent them.  The fun part?  The winner, the one who sent the most referrals got a shoot and 10 edited images with full rights to print for freezies!  Congrats again to Victoria Ross!!  I look forward to her upcoming shoot.  Keep your eyes and ears ready because I'll most likely be hosting another friend referral contest in the near future.

Amber

Giovanna aka GiGi Pt 2.

The two collages were too big for Facebook aaand the blog so I've had to do some tweaking.  I had to lower the resolution, resize and crop down the second collage to make it fit.  Sad face.  I sure wish I could display the original ones but this will have to do.

Can we say dancing queen?!  Groooovy!

Now this song will be in my head the rest of the night.  

In the spirit of the70's I'll throw out a special goodbye.

Peace out <3

Amber

Giovanna aka GiGi

Yesterday evening I met with GiGi and her Mommy Adrienne (owner of cafe/bakery Adrienne & Co in Jeffersonville).  It was so unbelievably hot but the semi shaded area we used offered some relief.  Adrienne and I had been planning this shoot together for several weeks so the amount of anticipation was incredibly high and even got me a little nervous.  Usually the only shoots I get nervous for our weddings but I had built it up so high that it got to me this (.) much.  Once I set everything up the nerves disappeared and the next hour or so flew by.  The shoot far exceeded my hopes and I am beyond thrilled with each and every image.   Little GiGi was so easy to work with and her Mom jumped in on the prop mania and brought a few goodies herself.  It's so fun when you can share your vision and someone else picks up on it and helps you run with it.  Most shoots I come out with a few favorites.  This shoot has no front runners.  I'm literally in love with each and every image.  THIS is exactly where I envisioned taking Foxtree.  I cant express how liberating it is to be able to pour myself into a shoot with all my ideas however silly they may seem on paper and reap an image that exceeds even my ultra vivid imagination.  I have so much excitement, energy and creativity to throw into the rest of this year!  It's like all your childhood birthdays and Christmas' combined!!  It was hard enough to pick a few favorites for the album on FB and I know it'll be even more difficult to narrow it down once again to blog photos.  For those that would like to view the entire album on Facebook follow the link below.  It's ok if you don't have a FB the link will work for those without accounts too.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.210183942354414.51865.100000884290765&l=19291633ab


I feel like a Price Is Right girl unveiling the next grand prize ;)  

Looks like I need to break this post into two parts.  Pt 2 coming in a few minutes!

Amber

Alex re-edited

I've talked about the new Foxtree and so far you've seen one new shoot but I want to show the newer editing on an old shoot.  To view the original photos you can find Alex's old post here on the blog or in the Facebook album.  To view that album follow the link below.  Don't have a Facebook page?  It's ok, you don't have to have an account to view the album.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.152716978101111.23878.100000884290765&l=379357bfe4

Here are a couple before and afters.

There are a few exciting upcoming shoots.  Talk to you soon!
Amber