Engaged couple Nicole & Tim!
Later this year Nicole & Tim are tying the knot, so we recently captured fun engagement pictures of them............
We are located in Northeast Ohio, in January...we did not want the weather to interfere with the engagement photo session. So, we agreed to hold the session at my studio. We managed to get 3 completely different looks from our 1 location! The Steelers theme was shot in my actual studio, with a solid white backdrop & studio lighting. The Harry Potter setting is actually the hallway leading up to my studio. The hallway is long with vintage black & white tile floor, wooden doors & brick walls. It was absolutely perfect for our Harry Potter look!
Nicole also wanted a 'normal / classic' outfit, so we headed upstairs in the building & utilized the landing between staircases. They coordinated their outfits with black shirts & jeans while I edited the pictures to a classic black & white finish......
Thanks Nicole + Tim!
"The Ones Who Love Us, Never Truly Leave Us."
-Harry Potter Quote
Looking forward to your wedding day!
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Starry Night
12 Days of Christmas
Let's create pictures full of joy & magic this Christmas!
We are offering three different Christmas specials this year - Magical Wonderland, Starry Night & 12 Days of Christmas.
For our Magical Wonderland we decided to accent our stain glass window with festive Christmas garland, twinkling lights & frosted snow. We also added several red wrapped Christmas gifts to brighten up the wooden wall backdrop. For this setting families are welcome to wear formal attire or casual, both will photograph nicely!
The Starry Night Setting is perfect for matching Christmas pjs or coordinating flannels! We put up a teepee, string of lights, a small green tree & some fluffy snow to create this studio setting. The starry look is added after the session with a touch of photoshop.
Our third studio Christmas special is THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS! This is a must do! For those of you who haven't heard...we take 12 Christmas themed pictures of your loved one(s) without you looking, then we text you a different picture each day for 12 days! At the end of the 12 days you do get an online gallery of all the pictures with the print release! This session has to be held in November because we text the pictures Dec.1st - Dec. 12th.
Availability?
We are a full service photography studio...so no need to limit our sessions to certain days. Keep in mind popular weekends do fill up quickly, so book your session as soon as possible.
Magical Wonderland & Starry Night Packages
Full Session / 10-15 digitals with print release $199
Mini Session / 3 digitals with print release $125
12 Days of Christmas Package
Studio session with 12 digitals / one each day for 12 days $150
Christmas cards, prints, wall art, ornaments & personalized gifts can be added to each package.
Special thank you to our models Mac & Bailey! Thank you to my Mom & Sister for helping with the sets!
Email or call to schedule your session today!
Merry Christmas,
Shyla & Family
]]>Our location was perfect & only a short drive for everyone involved...Craig Beach State Park. This park is a small family friendly state park located in Mahoning County. We only used a sliver of the beach to capture our entire gallery. We met at 7:30am and began shooting about 8am, so the beach was quiet and not full of swimmers yet.
Stef & I are incredibly thankful for two amazing women...Mallori Duvall and Annabelle Himes. They both braved the cloudy morning and let us direct them during the photo shoot. Both women were willing to walk into the lake water for us & we are so glad they did! Here is a sampling of their one-of-a-kind, jaw dropping beautiful portraits...
If you love these photos and would like a session of your own - email us [email protected]
There is so much included...
1) Personal styling session with Cru. Stef will get you on her schedule before our shoot date & make sure you are wearing perfect boho vibes.
2) Beach Photoshoot! Choose which date is best for you July 13, 14 or 15th. Start time will be early morning, around 8am
3) We will have a reveal session at our studio in Canfield. This is when you will see all the pictures we take & get to take home an 8x10 framed print and your swag bag!
This photoshoot experience is only $199. There are limited spots, book yours today! You will enjoy it!
Shout out to Beauty Rituals owner, Mallori and owner of Heroes and Tiaras , Annabelle-they are both radiant souls & are showcased in our blog!
Stef and myself!
Super nice tractor guy cleaning up the beach! Best photobomb!
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Why you need to book a MOMMY + ME photoshoot...because our children grow up so fast, I am REALLY REALLY fast. With a blink of an eye we are in the next stage of MOTHERHOOD. We remember so many firsts...their 1st steps, 1st words, 1st haircut...but as the stages of MOTHERHOOD progress you realize - you never know when their last is...the last time you pick them up, the last time you wait at the end of the driveway for the bus, the last time you cut up all their dinner. This is why you need to book the MOMMY + ME Photoshoot...you want to capture all the fun memories while you can.
I'm booking both studio and outdoor sessions. Simply email or call to reserve your session.
Canfield, Oh and surrounding areas.
Happy Mother's Day Mamas! xoxo Shyla
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Our 40 & fabulous Lindie absolutely shined during her photoshoot! This particular photoshoot was the result of our 2022 Tuesday Blessing Giveaway. Myself, Cru & Royal Glow Spray Tanning joined forces and asked clients to nominate a deserving woman to win a full photoshoot, which included styling & professional hair & makeup!
Out of all the wonderful ladies nominated, it was Lindie's fate to enjoy our giveaway! We loved spending time with her and creating new birthday memories that will last a lifetime!
Love our services?
Stef, Kim & our birthday girl Lindie all have business pages...simply click on their business name to visit their sites!
Lindie Instagram @flexie_and_strong
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I have two different studio sets that are available now until Christmas Day...Popcorn & Pjs AND Winter Lantern.
Both Christmas sets will accommodate about 5 people. The price point will leave money in your pocket for the grocery store & gifts! The mini session is only $125+tax and includes your favorite 3 poses as digital downloads. The full session includes 10 poses for only $199+tax!
I am also offering two Christmas Specials!
The 12 Days of Christmas AND Pictures with The Grinch!
The 12 Days of Christmas is my FAVORITE! The session takes place in my studio and is short & sweet, only about 15 minutes long. I will take 12 different holiday pictures of your kids, without you looking! You can turn around or step into the hallway during the session. Then, starting on Dec. 1 I will text you a different picture each day for 12 days! At the end of the 12 days you do get to download all of the pictures as well! This is my BLACK FRIDAY DEAL! The cost is only $125+tax! The session date is Nov.25th! Book Now!
Last but not least...is The Grinch! I'll let the pictures speak for themselves! The dates are only Dec. 3 & 4th! Book Now!
So, don't get your tinsel in a tangle this Christmas, book a Christmas session soon!
Merry Christmas!
Click to email & book your date [email protected]
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We talked to 3 different moms about #momlife & designed photoshoots to portray their current state of #momlife. Let me tell you, each mom had a hard time narrowing down what to include in the photos!
#hotmess #shitshow #overworkedunderpaid #myhousewascleanyesterday #dirtyfloorshappykids #momlife #boymom #furmama #dancemom All of these fun hashtags are sooooooo true! Moms are crazy busy & always deserve a little recognition for all they do.
Balance
It can be incredibly difficult to balance a healthy life style while parenting little ones...for those of you who have mastered eating healthy & working out - good job!!! It truly takes self-discipline to stick with it! Fresh vegetables, H2O & an active lifestyle doesn't just happen overnight, it takes commitment. Our children pickup on our daily habits, especially positive habits.
Our #momlife models created picture perfect portraits of real life moms! Jetts is a strong business woman while balancing a healthy lifestyle & being a girl mom. Mandy is a proud veteran, working mom who keeps up with Noel's activities like soccer & tea parties. Our 3rd mom, Melissa, is a crazy busy mom of 3 & business woman-did I mention mom of 3?!
Stefanie Sobinovsky, owner of Cru - A Fashion Agency & myself loved our #momlife model call & appreciate everyone who participated! Stefanie & I enjoy creating fun empowering experiences for local women. Our next experience is coming soon!
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Our 'Why I Love Me' Confidence Photo Shoot was a success! Our ladies were all different, unique & beautiful! This experience happened in one short day, but the pictures will remind each of us what makes us feel good about ourselves for years to come!
Personal side note....I have been offering model calls & photoshoots for a few years now...this was the first time I decided to have my hair & makeup done & jump in front of my camera...guess what?! I really enjoyed it! I felt relaxed & comfortable while having my hair teased & my makeup applied! There was no pressure of having myself pampered for a wedding or big event-it was for a styled photo shoot right in my studio! I also wanted to join in the positive 'why I love me' campaign! Like many women, I have a long list of things I do not like about myself, but this experience was designed to focus on the GOOD things I like about myself! So, this experience was a win win for me! Hopefully everyone involved feels the same!
Always smile & feel pride within yourself! xoxo Shyla & Stef
Special thank you to Stefanie Sobinovsky, owner of Cru and Kim Strawbridge Foerster, owner of Royal Glow Spray Tan.
Watch for our next photo shoot experience, details coming soon!
]]>About 10 years ago I decided to quit my job at the post office so I could stay home full time with my babies...I am so incredibly glad I did! My husband & I watched what we spent & made it work. We created childhood memories in our backyard with our boys. I knew once my youngest started kindergarten I wanted to work again...when that day came I took a chance & began charging for my photography (this is the simple short version of me becoming a photographer)! My youngest is in 5th grade already...time flies!
The TRUTH behind my career is YOU!
I'm able to be a photographer because so many people fall in love, get married, graduate, start families, celebrate milestone anniversaries & run their own businesses...I have years of hands-on experience with capturing posed pictures, candid photos, product images and meaningful portraits. Each new client and returning client contributes to my career. Thank you so very much, I enjoy being a busy working mama now (now that my babies are a little older)!
Please, give me a call or shoot me an email the next time you need a photographer...I love my photography career & would love to share it with YOU!
Happy New Year!
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The Grinch!
Number 1 - Let's have some fun!
His heart is 2 sizes 2 small! Let's show him some love & have a ball during the photoshoot!
Number 2
'Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.' Christmas is more than just presents...it's about experiences & making memories!
Number 3
All The Whos down in Whoville liked Christmas a lot...you can style your hair like Cindy Lou Who for the shoot!
You can see Santa every Christmas...this year for 2 days only you can visit The Grinch!
Sunday Nov. 28th or Saturday Dec. 4th
The Grinch Experience Includes:
-mini studio session in our Grinch theme set
-meet & greet & pictures with The Grinch
-about 5 digitals emailed to you with print release
-a small gift (pop-it) for each child
-option to add-on prints & personalized gifts
Only $99 + tax
Location 132 S Broad St. Canfield, Ohio 44406
How to Book?
Simply click on our email link & request Nov. 28th or Dec.4th
We will email back with availability!
*This studio set photographs up to 6 people comfortably.
Email soon! Limited availability!
Merry Grinchmas! Shyla & The Grinch
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We have come up with a FUN FALL photoshoot to help you let loose & destress for a few minutes!
Grab your BFF & meet us at our undisclosed crime scene, I mean photoshoot location!
We want to help you bury your negative energy!
Check out all of Jaime & Stef's pictures!
So, who has your back?! Do you have one BFF or an entire gang?! Give them a call & book your session now! Only $50 per person (with a minimum of two friends per shoot)!
We provide props, such as an old tarp, vintage shovel & rope, 19 Crimes Wine bottle & wine glasses, Penguin City Beer & white t-shirts!
I will let you know the location once I know how many will be in your group, it will be a location like our sample pictures. The shoot will last about 30 minutes & you will receive your pictures via email within 1 week from the shoot date! The owner of Cru, Stefanie Sobinovsky will be assisting with styling the shoot (let her know your t-shirt size)!
We welcome any added props, like a vintage chest or Halloween mask?!
This Model Call is for Oct. 7th & 8th 2021 Only!
Get in touch with either Cru Boutique or myself to book your session!!!
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After so many long years… hundreds of hours spent on homework and studying… and what feels like an entire lifetime… you have finally made it to graduation! I want to be the first to congratulate you on all of your hard work and achievements. Capturing the excitement of a new chapter opening is one of my favorite things to photograph! I make getting your graduation pictures easy and stress-free. After all, the hard work is already done, and now it is time to celebrate! Whether you have a couple of years of school left or are about to graduate, here are my helpful tips and tricks to get you ready for an exciting and fun photoshoot.Wardrobe
When picking out the “perfect” outfits (yes, outfits), keep in mind that we want everyone to see YOU and not necessarily your clothes. I recommend shying away from busy patterns and bright colors as they can be pretty distracting. For girls, be aware that short skirts and dresses limit your posing options. A great test to see if something is “too short” is to try posing in a mirror, and if you feel uncomfortable or if you would be embarrassed to show your grandparents, you have your answer. Large logos across your chest can also be distracting as well as date your image. If you must wear a logoed shirt, make sure that your other options do not have logos. Adding a sports jacket is a great way to make any look more professional and comes in handy when applying to jobs in the future. My camera can pick up on the minutest of details, so please do your best to make sure your clothes are wrinkle-free, and when transporting your other outfits, keep them on a hanger. If booking a studio session, my studio does have a dressing room, so please bring your outfit changes with you. My last tip for choosing your outfits is to bring a large variety. Something casual, professional, and dressy.
Some of the most popular modern brands are H & M , Gucci & Nike. Girls, if you like to shop local & preloved check out Cru Boutique.
Accessories
Scarves, hats, jewelry, etc., are great ways to change up your entire outfit in a flash. The less time you spend changing, the more time we have to capture every moment. This is also a great time to wear special items with sentimental value to you (ex. class ring, etc.) or represent your high school or future college. To keep all jewelry organized, you can place it in separate baggies and hand over the corresponding outfit hanger.
Grooming
Nails and Polish – Both girls and guys should have clean and filed fingers and toenails. Girls, if you have chipped nail polish, remove it before your pictures. No polish is always better than chipped polish. Nudes, pinks, and French manicures are safe options.
Makeup – If you have oil-prone skin, wear foundation makeup that does not have oil in it and wear a translucent powder during the shoot. Face blotters also work well to absorb the excess oil and to keep your makeup intact. Girls, consider having your makeup applied by a professional. It's not necessary, but does photograph well. Ensure to moisturize your lips before your shoot & bring a bottle of water, your lips will thank me later!
Hair – Careful with using too much hairspray, gel, or other product in your hair; your hair should move with you when you tilt your head or if a pleasant breeze blows by. Don’t forget to take ponytail holders off your wrist the morning of your shoot. No last-minute haircuts! If you must get a haircut before your shoot, give yourself at least a week to grow it out some.
Tanning – Who doesn’t want a nice glowing tan when they get their picture taken? Unfortunately, I would advise against sun tanning for at least a week before your photo. Yes, tan lines can be edited, but I always prefer natural beauty. A safe alternative to suntanning is a spray tan...I highly recommend Royal Glow Spray Tanning, located in Canfield, Ohio.
My last and most important tip is to be YOU. Don’t try anything new for the first time on the day of your photoshoot. If you are uncomfortable, then everyone will see it in your photos. Be comfortable, and don’t forget to smile!
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Sweet September Photoshoot
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For those of you who don't know - I have offered these sessions as a fundraiser for a few years now. These sessions have been FREE in the past, I simply ask you make a donation to Jackson-Milton PTA at the time of your session.
We all know this year is not like any other year! This year some of us will be homeschooling our children while some of us will be sending them to school. Regardless how we decide to teach our students they will persevere. Our children will flourish, love like they have never loved before & feel gratitude like never before.
Lets capture authentic pictures of your children at the beginning of this memorable school year.
The details are simple
- Sessions will be outside in the fresh air.
- Sessions are FREE with a DONATION to JMES.
- Sessions include up to 4 digital images emailed to you with print release.
To book your session email [email protected].
FAQ
- How long is the session? Short & sweet about 10 - 15 minutes
- How much should I donate? Any amount is appreciated. The average donation is $20 to $50.
- My children do not attend JM can I still book? Yes!
This year's theme does include a vintage feel...if you would like to bring your child's laptop or tablet I think that would make a perfect prop as well! Limited availability, please email for openings.
Everyone reading this blog owns a camera-everyone! What's your camera like? Is it built into your phone? Old & vintage? New & modern & mirrorless? Mine happens to be a Canon & I love it! No matter what name brand, make or model your camera is now is the time to use it! Here are some photo ideas for you to try at home!
1) Sunlight! When the warm spring light is shining in the window & your pets are sunbathing...take advantage of them & shoot away! Or step outside & practice focusing on a tree...try standing so the sunlight is behind the tree then move & take the same picture with the sunlight shining next to the tree!
2) Perspective! When your kids are busy playing take a picture of them that tells a story without asking them to pose. Think outside the box and do not even include their face in the frame. My examples show when my son climbed a tree & played football. Without showing his face or the entire picture you know exactly what he was doing in each picture.
3) Nature! You may have a large field behind your home, a row of trees or a tiny window garden...regardless the size of landscape you can use it to practice the settings on your camera. If you have your camera on automatic take time to try manual. Both of my sample pictures below I took my time with (because flowers don't mind waiting on me) & I changed my settings to create that nice bokeh background!
Hopefully I inspired you to try something a little different with your camera!
When this shut down is over I hope to book many sessions & photograph portraits...I'm enjoying trying new recipes & sewing but I simply love creating photographs!
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Easter fun!
Where's my peeps at? Parents...this blog is for you, my peeps! I'm offering Easter mini sessions with fun in mind...read the 5 quick steps below & view the sample pictures!
Step #1
Give me a call 330-469-0012 or shoot me an email [email protected] to book your session!
Step #2
Treat your kiddos to new spring threads!
Dress them in something fun & trendy...check out H & M, Target or Cru for the latest spring fashion!
Step #3
Session time! Help your little ones find eggs! That's right...I will gladly hide a few eggs around the studio for kids to find!
The last thing kids want to do is sit in one spot & say cheese. Soooooo let's help them have fun during the photo shoot!
Will some of the pictures end up being their little butts because they are facing the wrong way-probably! But guess what little kids' bottoms are cute! Just check out this next picture...
Step # 4
Sort through the pictures with me! Directly after your session we will look at all the pictures together! We will laugh at the bad pictures, write down your maybes & purchase your must-haves! You do not have to wait weeks to view your gallery! I show you your pictures fresh out of the camera!
Step # 5
Enjoy the pictures we capture for years to come!
Bonus!
Mention this blog to save 10% off your Easter session total!
]]>When our boys play a sport I often take my camera & capture action shots of the teams. I also take studio pictures of my boys for our own personal fun & memories. Our boys LOVE seeing their images...it's not your average picture! Our latest session is showcased in the slide show...check it out!
Mini Sports Session Run Down
- Throw on your favorite team apparel or dance outfit.
- Look like the strongest player is about to pass you the ball or look like you're about to dance your heart out.
- Let the photographer direct you & pose you.
- Show off your muscles & body!
- Embrace studio lighting & a plain backdrop so the spotlight is on you!
- Use minimal props-such as a ball or pair of cleats, jersey or even shirtless.
- Trust the photographer to add a few photoshop actions & a little cropping-it creates a big impact.
January 2020 Sports Special
Studio Session
3 edited digital downloads with print release
$99 + tax
Details
$50 due at time of booking with balance due at time of session.
Basketball or football is provided. If you would like a different sports prop please bring it.
Length of session about 20 minutes.
Digitals will be emailed with print release one week after session.
Prints and extra digitals may be purchased.
Location: 5555 Youngstown Warren Rd. Unit 906 Niles, Ohio 44446
Inside the Eastwood Mall next to JCPenney
Thanks for reading! Now let's create your sports portrait!
Call 330-469-0012 or email [email protected] to book your session!
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Each family has a different approach or style for this timeless tradition.
Some wear their 'Sunday Best' and hire a professional photographer-booking a year in advance. These families are my personal favorite. Some search high & low for the cutest matching pajamas and all say cheeeessseee when the camera flashes - this is always adorable! Some families pose themselves in a line from youngest to oldest in each picture while others sit on the couch in a big happy pile of people! The ugly sweater families make me chuckle, I find them funny! Some families always wear the same color or the classic jeans & a white shirt. No matter which category your family partakes in keep up with the tradition...it's truly heartwarming to reminisce through the years, isn't it?
So now you have hired (Shyla Wolf Photography) to capture your family Christmas picture...what to do with it? Yes, you can leave it in the digital world-that's completely fine...but you can also...
1) Black & white photos add a little glitter! The photograph can be any size you would like. You probably have some sort of clear glitter glue with your craft supplies-if not next time you're out grab some or visit Amazon Prime then simply apply it to just the Christmas tree in the picture or the Christmas bulbs. Just a touch of glitter will add sparkle to your picture!
2) Deck the halls with your photos! No time to frame your prints but want to display & enjoy them? Place holiday garland on your mantel or in a special place in your home or office. Simply set several of your fav 4x6 or smaller photos along the garland!
3) For the fun candid pics you have on your phone & social media print them out as wallet size & use them as gift tags on your Christmas gifts! Use a hole punch to create a small hole in the top of the picture & slide a small piece of ribbon through it to hang on the handles of a gift bag or easily tape to the top of a wrapped present. This is useful, creative, simple & fun!
4) Personalized Christmas cards is a must and a given...seal the deal for the best Christmas Snail Mail with a coordinating personalized stamps! Simply visit USPS for more details on how to easily create & order personalized photo stamps!
5) Give your family photo as a holiday gift. Choose the family member or friend who would truly appreciate your picture. Your bestie who lives on the opposite coast or your fav family member who displays your family pictures proudly all the time! The picture can be framed for a tabletop, turned into a magnet or even an ornament for the tree!
This holiday season don't forget to capture your family photo and be creative with it.
To book your next family session with me simply email [email protected] for more info!
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Between myself, Michelle and our interns we have samples of family pictures, weddings, engagements, seniors, babies, cake smashes & boudoir throughout the studio. We also have sample products...metal prints, canvases, albums & greeting cards to name a few. We enjoy filling the studio with smiling faces...book a session & come see for yourself! We would love to photograph you!]]>{The number one response I hear when women talk about a boudoir session is...when I loose weight I want to do a boudoir session.}
See for yourself...these women look BEAUTIFUL just the way they are!
When you're not a size extra-small it can be difficult to feel comfortable when a camera is pointed in your direction. Some women are born & blessed with great self-confidence...for those of you who need a little help in this department please keep reading!
#1 Color Scheme. Black on black is a subtle way to slim down your appearance. We used this effect twice during our shoots & fell in love with the results! The black lingerie & the little black dress are wonderful examples of black on black.
#2 Details. Focus on a sexy detail like her hair, manicure, chest, necklace or tattoo. In our picture of Jamie we angled the camera above her, slid the pearl necklace down her back & was sure to include her tattoo in the shot! Sexy!
#3 Comfort. When a curvy woman (or any woman) comes to us for a boudoir session making them feel comfortable during the shoot will lead to the best pictures. If a woman requests to add her own personal touch into the session we always say yes! In Amanda's case we had her bite a bullet...that's right her boyfriend likes hunting! Her facial expression sold this pose! She felt comfortable enough to have fun!
Featured models-thank you for sharing your pictures! We hope seeing our local ladies looking seductive & pretty will inspire other women who have similar body shapes to feel good about themselves!
Special thanks to
Stefanie Sobinovsky, owner of Cru A Fashion Agency
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April 6, 2019 Pictures with The Easter Bunny!
April 10, Throwback 90's Glamour Shots Party!
April 12, 2019 Adultified Easter Egg Hunt!
April 25, 26 & 28 Little Loves Mini Sessions!
I'm looking forward to the first Saturday in April, I will be joining the IBW (Inspiring Business Women) Group during their 1st annual Craft & Vendor Show in Canfield! April 6, 2019 drive to Canfield for a stroll around the Craft Show, while you are there stop & have your child's picture taken with the Easter Bunny! You will be happy to know the beautiful face behind the Easter Bunny costume is a fellow MOM! She is very excited about donating her time & energy to this event! The craft show will feature several local vendors, raffle baskets & plenty of delicious food to purchase!
Next & back by popular demand is our 90's Throwback Glamour Shots Party! Gather your girlfriends & join myself, Cru & Proposals by VR on April 10, 2019. We will dress, style & hand you a mimosa all before taking your glamour shot picture! Jeannie, owner of The Color Cut Bar, will be curling iron ready to tease, curl & hairspray you for the ultimate 90's look!
Next on our calendar is another 1st annual event! Sponsored & hosted by Ovation Events.........ADULT-ified Easter Egg Hunt!
Bring your friends, flashlights & fun to the late night party on April 12, 2019! Centrally located in Trumbull County at The Hidden Cafe guests may bring their own adult drinks to enjoy while hunting for eggs! Everyone has a chance to win prizes! Who doesn't love to win a prize?!
Another April highlight is perfect for anyone who loves the cute adorable 'mama & me' type pictures you see on Pinterest! We have partnered with Cru A Fashion Agency to host LITTLE LOVE Mini Sessions! This is more than just a quick photo session-let me explain! Stef, the owner of Cru & myself have created a complete experience for you! You will first meet with Stef so she can give you her expert fashion advice! She will listen to your ideas & work with you to provide you with a complete wardrobe! You and your little one(s) will be in matching or coordinating outfits, completely provided by Stef! The day of your shoot she will meet us at the studio with your entire wardrobe! All you need to remember is your niece, daughter or bestie! The photo shoot will take place in our Niles studio and the set will be tailored around your look(s). The example pictures are a few samples of what we have to offer, we do offer other clothing & sets. Each package comes with either 1 or 2 looks, complimentary drinks, prints & digitals! This event is limited to 3 days only! Book your session today!
Last but not least is our Spring Fundraiser for The Second Harvest Food Bank. Simply book any session with The Gallery 360 or myself and donate nonperishable food goods to receive a FREE digital image! That's right...it's more than just a picture when you help out your community!
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I love the effort families put into carving out time for one another. Photo sessions are time consuming...not just the day of the shoot but also preparing for the actual shoot. Involved parents know how rewarding a nice successful photo shoot is. Families walk away from sessions with photographs that will last a lifetime.
Take a look at your latest family portrait...you love it don't you? You love the nice haircuts everyone had, the way your puppy was pulling everyone around on the leash, the coordinating outfits, the huge smile on your toddlers little face! Think about it...the haircuts grew out shortly after the photo session, the puppy is older now, the outfits are a little dated & hanging in the back of your closet and the toddler has grown like a weed! Everything has changed in that photo! Aren't you so stinking glad to have that photo? Don't you just love looking at it and knowing it will be in your life & your child's life forever? I bet you even love where that photograph is right now...hanging in the living room, or in a photo album or it's the screensaver on your laptop.
Trends come and go. Family members & pets grow way too fast. Life is constantly changing. Your new family portrait will be considered old before you know it! What's awesome is you will enjoy that old family portrait forever! Your family portrait will never go out of style, it will never change! When you look at it you will see a happy moment in your life.
I first photographed beautiful Mia & her family in 2014. She is a natural posing for the camera! I always look forward to finding a new location to photograph this family!
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Guess what?! Valentine's Day is right around the corner...this is the Hallmark Holiday that some women LOVE & others HATE! And some women have a love/hate relationship with Valentine's Day! Regardless if you like it or not it comes every year. This year it has inspired my latest boudoir blog....Boudoir Posing 101.
First, know you are not alone when you want to book a boudoir session but you think to yourself...I don't know how to look seductive!! Every woman is different when it comes to posing. Some women know the look they want, know how to pose & look amazing while posing! For the rest of us (including myself) we need guidance.
During a boudoir session keep in mind you want to look relaxed, which is not always easy. I suggest practicing the pose you want, hold your body in that position, then take a moment to relax. When you are confident and ready with your pose then have the picture taken.
Posing for boudoir, for most of us, means stepping out of our comfort zone. A slight arch in your lower back and bending your knees just a little more will instantly change your pose from normal to flattering.
When posing, your hands can create the mood! Want to look sweet & seductive? Lightly run your hands through your hair or touch the nape of your neck softly. Going for the tough badass look? Grab yourself intensely and hard.
The best part about boudoir posing is that most of the work falls on the photographer. That's right. Once you are posed the photographer can get several different pictures from the same pose. It's up to the photographer to change the perspective of each pose.
Boudoir posing 101 recap...take your time & practice before the picture is taken, relax, arch your back, your hands make a big impact and you can get several different looks from just one pose and the right photographer!
Love it or hate it Happy Valentine's Day!
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It's time to update your family photo! What should you, your spouse, children (and pets) wear?! This can be challenging for many. These are going to be pictures you display in your home, give to your grandchildren (years from now) and share with friends. Let the following tips help direct you to the perfect wardrobe for your next family photo session!
1) Coordinate colors...do not match!
2) Avoid all white or all black. These colors can loose detail or simply get lost in the background; if you're heading to a studio for your session you do not want a black background with a black shirt (your head will look like it's floating)! If you like to wear white, try an off white or ivory instead.
3) Keep your home decor in mind when planning out your wardrobe. What will match your style? Bold & bright / plain & neutral?
4) Wear accessories! Not only do they add to the picture but they may help with posing! Not sure what to do with your hands? Hold onto your scarf.
5) Consider your background. If you're outside in the snow bright red would look sharp! If the setting is fall, ivory always looks nice.
6) Children - avoid characters & logos! Do not give in to your child who wants to showcase his/her favorite cartoon character or sporting apparel namebrand. You do not want to date your picture or distract from the purpose of it. Planning ahead will help with this. Lay out your outfits before the day of the shoot so your child is prepared & knows what they are wearing.
7) Texture adds personality to your photographs. Wear the belt you usually forget to put on & the corduroy jacket you usually don't wear.
8) Fitted clothing is something to remember. Women sometimes feel more comfortable if they are in a baggy shirt or loose fitting dress, but this can make you appear sloppy or larger than you are in a photograph. Remember to try your outfit on in advance and try for garments that are not too big or too tight.
9) Small plaid & complicated patterns are usually a 'no'. They do not always translate nicely in the camera.
10) Think timeless not trendy. By choosing simple classic clothes you will help your pictures give that perfect timeless feel.
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I'm trying to blog once a month...it's the last day of February-I made it! I was thinking about what photography advice I could give in this month's blog. Technical advice is out the window. I experienced an emotional aspect to photography that has overwhelmed my life in the past few days. One of the family sessions I photographed had tragedy touch their lives. I only met this family for the length of an average studio session...but unknowing at the time this session will stay with me forever. My photography advice is to treasure your loved ones photographs. If you have been putting off scheduling a family session or any type of important mile stone session, do not put it off any longer. Photographs of your loved ones will comfort you in the future. They will help tell your story to future generations. I love the photographs I have of my grandparents, I am able to put a face to the name when I talk about them with my children. I love the photograph of my niece in this blog, I will forever remember her requesting this pose, fixing her her & situating her in this huge tractor tire. We created this eye-catching photograph together. Photographs of yourself when you are young, old and each day in-between do not go unnoticed. You never know what tomorrow will bring, but you do know that photographs help embrace the past. ]]>
A little sparkle can go a long way! Congrats to my covered bridge couple! I have been enjoying using this picture to show how a touch of photo shop can brighten up a picture! Yes, this picture looks great in color as well, but I enjoy changing things up a bit! Thanks Pat and Elizabeth for letting me photograph your fall wedding day!]]>
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This picture makes ME smile even though my family is NOT smiling! They look so COOL RELAXED & NATURAL! How did I capture the looks & feel that I wanted? First I had their outfits (coordinating, but not matching clothes) that I knew they were comfortable in (no dress shoes!) ready for them to put on. Even their socks were ready for them. Second, I knew the location would need to be FUN...boys like climbing trees, perfect! Third, timing! As soon as we were done with the photo shoot we were heading to the pumpkin patch! Yes, that is bribery, but as ALL parents know...it works! So to recap how to get that awesome picture: 1) Don't just plan out everyone's outfits, have them put on ready! 2) Location, location, location. 3) You may think it's timing, but it's really bribery (if it's your husband or boyfriend you need to bribe-schedule the photo shoot right BEFORE a football game LOL)!]]>
I do not know this woman's name & I may never know her name. I spent time photographing her last Sunday, both in the studio & in a garden. She does not speak English, she is from Korea. I want to share her picture because I think she is beautiful & kind. The hug I was given at the end of the session made my day! Her hug spoke to me.]]>
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My 1st blog was written a while ago, but never posted. I wrote a long sentimental blog about myself & my two business partners. I was told it was too wordy...so here it is in a nut shell...short & sweet.
For those of you who are not familiar with how The Gallery 360 came about-let me explain it (quickly). Myself, Michelle & Megan are sharing photography studio space inside the Eastwood Mall. When we went to sign the lease we were told to have one company name even though we are three individual businesses. No problem-it would be fun coming up with a company name. It was sorta like naming a baby, except instead of my husband shooting down my name ideas it was Michelle & Megan! We love the name we finally decided on and love our businesses as well.
We each help one another with marketing ideas, photo editing, covering the front desk...the list goes on & on - but this is suppose to be short & sweet so you get the idea - we are three individual photographers sharing one studio space.
The Gallery 360 LLC
'Exclusive Photography for Every Occasion'
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