{BLUE}

Ok, couldn't help posting this one, because really...LOOK at those eyes!

{"H" Family Sneak}

I've got much editing to catch up on, but I wanted to share a few photos with you all.  Maybe they'll hold you all over for a bit ;)  If you see that I'm not posting much over the next several days, it's because I'm getting photos ready and having more sessions - so that I have more to show you all :)

I've known this family for several years, and I was delighted to see them (it'd been awhile!) and take their photos.  Aren't those 3 brothers so handsome?  Of course, look at their mommy and daddy! 

{No Title Needed}

{Like Mother, Like Daughter}

I promise people smile in my photos :)  But you know, there are just some who can pull off the serious look, and well, these 2 did it for me!

Like mother...

Like daughter.

Gorgeous, yes? 

I'll post some more photos later with these 2 wearing smiles :)

{Anguish}

The pose in this photo was the model's idea. I remember he referred to it as "anguish". I loved it when we took the photo. I love it even more now. Maybe because I can apply it to some things in my own life. Everything from the way he's clenching his hair, to the muscles in his arms, to the watch on his arm, to the way he's looking down and shades are covering his eyes. I think the word 'anguish' fits this well. I wanted to add a little something different to this photo, a little drama, hence the different coloring, something I don't usually do. Hope this image speaks to you in *some* way.

{Littleton Love}

{turn up the music on the site...sit back and just enjoy this}

Each session I have touches me in a different way.  It can be someone's smile, someone's story, someone's laugh, someone's tears (yes), someone's word, someone's speech, someone's love...

The Littletons are an amazing and beautiful family.  They touched me in so many different ways, I don't know that I can explain the feeling I had when I left them.  There was just something about this session.

Scott and Erin, thank you for the opportunity.  Thank you for the love you so portray with your family.  You all have been blessed beyond measure.  Thank you for passing the blessing on to me...

{Mini-sessions in Charlotte, NC}

I will be in Charlotte on Saturday, May 14th to do a photo session for someone,  and so I've decided to offer mini-sessions to the rest of you while I'm there.  I hope you all in that area want to and are able to take advantage of this offer!  Here are the details...

What: Mini-sessions, $30 (disc included).  I suggest clicking on the "Investment" tab at the top so you can see what a mini-session generally involves.  Nothing changes except the rate - it's normally $40, but I'm running a $30 "special".
When: Saturday, May 14th (yes, plenty of time away, but you gotta mark your calendar!)
Time: 1-4 PM (pick a time slot below and e-mail me with which one you want)
1:00 *booked*
1:30 *booked*
2:00 *booked*
2:30
3:00 *booked*
3:30  *booked*
Where: Charlotte, NC - Mint Museum (outside)

Nothing to it really.  You show up at the time slot you've selected and emailed me about, and we do a session for about 20 minutes and that's it.  Your disc will be ready a couple weeks later. 

On a side note...just to explain the images below.  Sometimes there's a lot going on during a session, especially when kids are involved.  I thought you all might enjoy the following images.  If you're a 'fan' on Facebook, then you'll recognize this first one...

{First Day of Spring Contest}

**CONTEST NOW CLOSED**

It's officially spring.  The weather has been beautiful around here.  After my little vacation, I have a new-found passion for photography.  So, I wanna spread the love, heheh :)

First, this contest is only for those who haven't won a free session before.  I want to give others a chance!  First 5 to come, first 5 to serve.  So, here's the EZ-PZ contest to win a free (no small print) session.  All you have to do is this...

1. Be a 'fan' of Boy & Girl Photography on Facebook (if you already are, even easier for you)
2. Tell a friend to 'like' Boy & Girl Photography on Facebook.
3. Send me an e-mail (boyandgirlphotography{at}gmail{dot}com) and say something like, "Hi, my name is _____ and I'm a Boy & Girl Photography 'fan' on Facebook, and my friend/family member _______ just became a 'fan' as well".  Do not send me an e-mail saying, "My friend said she's gonna 'like' you".  Only write when both you and your friend/family member are 'fans'.  I am able to check the list of 'fans' to see if you're on there. 

You and the other person you recommend to Boy & Girl Photography on Facebook who becomes a 'fan' win free sessions after completing the step above.  That's a free session for you (to use as you please) and a free session for them (to use as they please).  Make sense?  (and yes, this makes a total of 10 free sessions)  Also, your free session includes a disc with your best images!

That's it.  Don't hesitate to contact me with questions, but be quick! 

{fam·i·ly}

If you aren't in some way moved by this photo, then we need to chat...

{I'm Back}

I am back from my vacation.  Actually, I got back Monday but am just now getting around to kind of getting into the routine of normal life.

So, I went to New Orleans with my bestie from high-school.  Hadn't seen her in about 12 years, so you can imagine the excitement and fun of seeing each other and hanging out again.  It was awesome!  It was a much-needed, relaxed vacation!

Believe it or not, I didn't take hardly any pictures with my camera.  I did use my cell phone camera a lot, but well, the quality's not so great.  I wanted to really enjoy the scenery and take in the culture, and so I decided to give my camera a rest.  And you know what, I'm glad I did! 

I will leave you with one picture though.  This was taken near the Jackson Square area in New Orleans, on the boardwalk.  The weather was p-e-r-f-e-c-t that day, and the bikes belonged to a couple sitting nearby.  I just thought everything about that moment was amazing.

P.S. Looking forward to upcoming sessions and booking more!  I've missed you all :)

{On Vacay 3/6-3/14}

Hi, everyone.  Just wanted to let you know I'm on vacation beginning today, Sunday, March 6th.  I will return all phone calls, emails, texts and any other kind of messages on Tuesday, March 15th. 

Be back soon!  Have a wonderful week!

{What To Wear & Not To Wear}

So, a couple weeks ago I mentioned I'd be posting on what not to wear - and what to wear - to a session.  I've had many of you ask me that question, "What do I wear?" and so I decided it was time to write a post designated exactly for that.  Take time to plan what you wear.  Don't just walk out the door on the day of your session with no thought to what you're wearing.  Trust me, it makes a difference.  Clothing can make or break a session.  But don't let it stress you out either!  Enjoy planning it - you will be happy you did! 

Let me start with what NOT to wear to a session.  Of course these are just suggestions.  Take them or leave them.  But, I promise they make a difference in your photos.

1. Do not wear clothing that is too tight or unforgiving.  Put something on - look at yourself in a mirror.  If you for a second hesitate, then don't wear it.  Clothing that makes things stand out (I don't think I need to go into detail here) will not be flattering in your pictures. 

2. Do not wear clothing with huge print or logos on it.  If you're doing a themed shoot (like sports - where everyone is wearing their favorite teams apparel), then logos are fine, otherwise logos or big print are very distracting and take away from YOU.  I don't know how many times I've seen a photo that's great - and then that huge logo on someone's clothing pops out at me.  {Edit}

3.  Don't wear hats - unless it's YOU (meaning you wear them ALL. THE. TIME) or unless it's a hat like a newsboy cap, beret, skull cap, floppy sunhat, etc.  Hats like the ones I just mentioned can actually be very flattering in pictures!  They are cute and stylish. 

4. Don't mix prints and patterns.  Flowers on someone's dress more than likely will not look good standing next to someone who has stripes on their shirt. 

Here are some things to wear or do.  Also just suggestions.  Take it or leave it :) 

1. Do accessorize in moderation.  Put on a scarf, big bracelet, tie, etc.  Wear a hat like the ones I mentioned above.  And when I say a tie, I don't mean to come wearing a suit (unless you're doing a business session).  Ties look great as just an accessory to jeans and a polo shirt.  It works, believe me. 

2. Do layer.  Put that cardigan on over your shirt and then add a scarf.  Put those leg warmers (yes, they are so 80's but so back in style) over your skinny jeans.  Put a navy blue top over a peek-a-boo yellow striped cami.  Get where I'm going with this?  Layering can be really fun and cool! 

3. Do mix and match your colors.  Everyone doesn't have to be "matchy-matchy" in a session.  In other words, everyone doesn't have to wear all jeans and white shirts.  If that's what you want to do, then ok, but color-cordinating is a lot more fun and attractive. 

4. Do wear prints - BUT if you're in a session with multiple people, avoid too many prints, especially if they're all different.  A couple people can wear prints (that cordinate) and then the others can wear solids that match the prints.  Make sense? 

Here's a picture of clothing for a family session that works well together.  It's not my photo.  Just one I found on Bing.

And one more that's more springish.  Also not my photo.  Borrowed from Bing (thanks to whoever took these photos!)

So, I hope this has been helpful to you all.  And if you have any questions or just aren't sure if an outfit looks right, feel free to ask me any questions!  I love fashion and style and will be glad to help you out!

{Another Contest}

CONTEST NOW CLOSED

**This competition is NOT for those of you who have already won free sessions.  This is a chance for newbies ONLY, those who have not won a free session yet.**

I know you all have been waiting for this.  I got at least 6 emails yesterday asking, "When are you gonna post that competition for a free session?".  You all make me smile :)

I'm going to make you all work a little for this one.  So, here it is...

I'm giving away 3 FREE sessions to the first 3 to do this - send me a "home" picture (no professional photos) of yourself or your family and tell me why you deserve to win a session.  First come, first serve.  Also, I *will* be sharing these photos and reasons on here and probably on Boy & Girl Photography on Facebook, so if you're gonna be embarrassed or shy, then this competition is not for you :) 

Remember, this is first come, first serve, so as soon as I get the first 3 with a picture and reason why you deserve the free session, then I will let the rest of you know the competition is closed. 

Come on, don't be shy :)  Just find that picture that you know you have on your computer and email it to me - boyandgirlphotography{at}gmail{dot}com. 

And just because every post is better with a picture, here's a few from when I went to the circus last month.

{Regarding Session Booking and Deposits - yes, again}

Hey, everyone, it's Friday!  I don't know about you all, but I always look forward to my weekends.  It means Travis is not working, so there's extra help with the kids.  It means there's usually lots of sessions - especially now that the weather is getting so springy (yay!).  Usually on the weekends I get to do something for myself - shopping, hanging out in one of those big comfy chairs at a bookstore, or just laying on the couch at home and watching movies (I can't do these things unless Travis is home).  Anyway...wait, this wasn't the reason for this post :) 

Ok, so I hate to do this, because I don't like to feel like I'm fussing at you all, but it's a must.  It's a long read, but you need to be informed on this stuff if you're wanting a session with me.

First of all...regarding booking a session.  I book 3-4 weeks in advance.  This means that if you want a session for say, June 18th, you need to get in touch with me around the middle to end of May.  I cannot and do not book sessions for the week we're currently on.  Unless there's a cancelation (or several), I am never able to book something for the same week we're on.  Yes, I do stay that busy.  Not only do I have sessions, but I also have a family to care for.  As much as I LOVE you all and my sessions, my life does not revolve around my sessions.  I wish I could book sessions for you all anytime you want them, but it's just not possible.  I'm sure you all can understand.  Also, something to keep in mind for the nice spring months coming up...they book FAST!  So, if you're wanting a spring session, I recommend booking now, because my calendar is already looking quite full.  This applies to both paid sessions and those of you who have won free sessions.  Oh, and stay tuned because I have another competition coming up soon!

Now, regarding deposits.  This is something I just recently posted on, but there seems to be some sort of miscommunication or misunderstanding going on.  So, let me try to clarify again.  When you contact me and say, "Leah, I want to book May 17th at 2:00 for a family session", I look at my calendar and I say, "Sure, May 17th at 2:00 works great.  I'm going to pencil you in, HOWEVER, I need a 50% deposit to hold your session, because someone else may contact me wanting that same exact spot you want".  So, if you've recently contacted me about booking a certain day at a certain time but have NOT given me your deposit, then your session is NOT guaranteed to you.  In other words, this is almost like a first-come, first-serve kind of thing.  I don't want to not give someone a session because I haven't received your deposit, but here's what happens a lot of times.  I get a request from someone for a session on a specific day and time.  I put you down on the calendar and then I either 1 - never hear back from you or 2 - you cancel for whatever reason (I understand there is validity to the reasons sometimes) or 3 - someone else wants the same day and time you requested and you cancel on me at the last minute, and then I'm left with a session I could've booked to someone else that had a deposit ready.  Does this make sense?  If you're like, ok, the deposit thing is annoying and I don't want to deal with it - then well, I'm not the photographer for you, because I DO require a deposit.  So, that being said...if you have a session with me now and have not given me a deposit, there is absolutely NO guarantee that your session will be available to you.  Your deposit secures your session.  There are several ways to get your deposit to me - you can mail a check (or I can meet you somewhere), you can pay with cash (I can meet you somewhere), or I accept Paypal.  So, there's not an excuse of, "I don't have a way to get the money to you", because there are several ways it can be done.  If *I* have to cancel on you, your deposit *will* be returned to you!  And remember, these deposits are only for people with paid sessions.  If you've WON a FREE session :), then this part on deposits is not for you.

I realize that my business is still a baby, and I'm still trying to figure out what works best for me, but to keep my business growing (and boy, I'm SO excited at how it's grown in just a years time!!), I have to set some ground rules both for myself and for you.  If I don't, my business will be at a stand-still, and I don't want that.  I know you all can understand.  And...I appreciate you all so, so much! - even when I have to fuss at you a little :) 

Now, book away - and contact me via e-mail - boyandgirlphotography{at}gmail{dot}com.  I do not post my number on the internet, so if you prefer to call/text, then shoot me an e-mail and say, "Can I have your number?" and I'll be glad to give it to you.  I look forward to hearing from you all!!

Here you go - a couple more from Steven's session.  Oh, and if haven't yet, 'like' Boy & Girl Photography on Facebook, because sometimes I post things on there that I don't post here - and vice versa.  So, check out both the blog and Facebook! 

{Steven | Young Adult}

Fresh, hip, young, laid-back and handsome.  SUCH an easy model :)  There are way more where these came from, and if you all are nice, I might give you more to look at in a couple days.  For now, enjoy these...

Ok, fine, here's one more: