CUPCAKES, GIFT BAGS, DRESS-UP, AND PHOTO SHOOT.. WHAT?!

That's exactly what these sweet girls experienced here at Studio 21. What they didn't know is that this photo party has been planned since November! This photo session was their Christmas gift from a family member.

They had been waiting since December (that's a loong wait for little girls!) ..and THE day was finally here! They were giggly and ready to party. First, they gobbled up their strawberry shortcake cupcakes, then changed into their first outfits. They each had beautiful dresses they wanted photos taken in. Then, they changed into their Cardinals gear and posed with hats and sunglasses. The girls reeeeally enjoyed getting dressed up. They especially loved choosing which necklace and earrings to wear from the Studio 21 dressing room. As you can see, they have good taste and look fabulous in the portraits!
 
They led the way on where they wanted to have pictures taken next... it was the tire swing, then with their stuffed horses under the arbor, and on the tractor tires. Of course they all loved the flower swing and I have to say, they are my favorite photographs of them!

If you know some children who would love to have a photo party please contact me at 217-962-0048. You bring the children and I will do the rest!

One little girl once told me that he favorite part was everything! ♥

As a professional photographer, I know a lot of thought and planning goes into getting your portraits taken. You've taken the time to research the perfect photographer that fits your style; light and airy, dark and moody, purest, or not. Then, you decide on the look your going for with all of your favorite outfits and accessories. Hair and make up, and oh yeah! Buy some (more) new clothes and shoes. Now, finalize plans. Where and when to meet. Aaaand it's time to head over to get this party started!

Put the brakes on! (insert sound effects here) Some things got left behind. What?! Well, have you taken a look at your fingernails? Are they in need of a good clipping, filing, and/or paint job? No one wants an awesome photo of themselves with gnarly nails! Toes nails too!

One things that really opens a person's eyes up are a good brow waxing! Most salons do this service and no, it isn't painful. I suggest doing this one or two days before your portrait session. You'll thank me for it someday!

This one is mostly for little people's caretakers: Dirty hair. I can do a lot with Photoshop but one thing I cannot do is clean hair. Sorry. lol Oily hair is very evident in photos. It's best to have a clean scalp before your portraits unless you are have an appointment for hair and makeup and the stylist says otherwise.

Hair color is fun and funky these day with all of the pinks, purples, electric blues, and even greens. With all that fun comes regret.. not today of course. Some day, oh, say in ten or twenty years from now, you may ask yourself what were you thinking?! I highly recommend staying as close to a natural hair color as possible for your portraits.

Speaking of hair... I also highly recommend that you do NOT go for the latest hair cut trend right before your photo sesh. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard the regret of someone who has chopped their locks and hate it! Hold off for the neon colors and A-symmetric cut for afterwards. As a friend to snap a few pics.

Clothing choices are essential to how you feel during your session. If they are too tight or too loose, you are not going to be confident. Have those outfits out and ready for a fun fitting fashion show for a best friend to help you pick and choose. Solid colors are easiest to photograph. Neon colors are tough to photograph because they do what is called color cast. Your hot pink shirt may transfer to your neck and chin. (^_^;) I really don't have a thing against neon. lol Promise.

What goes UNDER the clothes is important too! Ladies, it's best you wear under garments that are close to your skin tone. Stark white may be your favorite and wild colors and prints are fun buuut they will wreck your photos.

Of course, if you have any questions about the aforementioned, please talk to your photographer.

Melissa M. Harden, Professional Photographer
Studio 21 Mattoon

Where boring is impossible!