Empowerment Portrait Session: Julie Ross

A note from Whitney: 

Several people have asked if I get bored shooting in my studio. This is such a crazy thought that I find myself laughing out loud at the question. There is NOTHING monotonous about photographing humans. I became a photographer to capture people, to show my subject's strength, beauty and individuality. So perhaps it seems strange that I photograph on such simple with such a simple background, black, white, brick. But to me - every human is so unique and that's the point. Take everything else away, and let's focus on what's important - YOU.

Everyday, every person is a new adventure. The people who walk into my studio wow me. My clients give ME strength and perspective and humility. They show me that life is hard and you survive. They show me that you can take on terrible loss and come out the other side, more confident, more powerful and more present.  Working with a warrior like Julie Ross is a perfect example of the inspiration I get to experience daily. She exemplifies someone who I would nominate for an Empowerment Portrait. Nominate a woman warrior in your life and she could be surprised with a complimentary photo shoot and styling.

To Julie - thank you for sharing your strength, your humor and your generosity of spirit. I know you inspire so many to keep moving forward. 

Words from Julie Ross:

In general, I'm not a big fan of getting my picture taken. Somehow, I always find myself being captured in an awkward position or flashing a weird smile. I have convinced myself I am so much cuter in my imagination and most of the photos I take are not real! Because of these thoughts, the last time I sat down for a studio portrait was in 2004 - 13 years ago. As I have gotten to know Whitney and followed along with her portrait work, I saw she seemed to bring out a relaxed version of each person she photographed.

#TBT 2004

Even with all my hesitations, I also know the importance of having a reflection of yourself for loved ones to cherish years down the road. Having lost my husband at an early age, I was grateful for each and every picture I had and especially the recent portrait of him taken at Pioneer. So, I decided to reach out and do a portrait session with Whitney.

I actually felt pretty relaxed before the shoot. I decided to wear just one outfit -  my “uniform.” A lovely jacket with a simple blouse, leggings and a fabulous heel. How could I go wrong? It’s what I normally wear so there was nothing to labor about. I chose to have Whitney’s make-up artist style me (which I love doing!) so I showed up in jeans and let them do their work! 

Confidence is a tricky thing and its what the camera picks up the most. I tend to be a confident person and live by the motto of “Never Let Them See You Sweat.”   I wanted these photos to be a reflection of my motto and I knew I needed to use my body language to convey that emotion.  I am not a particularly dainty person, I like to lean, cross my legs in a masculine position, fold my arms…you name it!  I'm confident about this body language in person, I am always nervous about awkward angles in front of the camera.   How is it that every 20 year old knows how to pose to look 10 pounds thinner and the only way I know is the one that makes me look 10 pounds heavier? In the past, I've worried that the photographer I was working with wouldn’t look for the best angles and moods that fit me but Whitney immediately jumped in and put me at all the right angles (clearly, if you have seen any of the pictures we chose.)  She took control and made me feel like a zillion bucks. She also shot enough variety of images and poses that I knew there were going to be a few that we both would love.   

I simply loved getting my make up done, putting on a great pair of heels and having a photo shoot that was all about me.  I may be on the mature side of life but I still feel beautiful now and again and this experience made me feel beautiful, young and alive. I think we should all do this for ourselves once and awhile.  I am grateful I have several photos that really capture the essence of who I am today and someday my kids will enjoy them and take pride in these images. Thank you, Whitney for the heavy dose of mojo that you have given me!!!

Empowerment Portrait Session: Kim Wall

"I don't photograph well."

I have heard this defensive line more times then I can count. It's usually one of the first things people say when they meet me. Its definitely uttered consistently on the phone when future clients are booking me for portrait sessions.

Here's the thing guys - in bad lighting, with a wide angle iPhone or in mediocre lighting with a mediocre photographer - we ALL have the potential to photograph poorly. Being the subject of a photo is NOT an easy thing to do. Our bodies were made to move. They were made to function and protect us. They were made to get us through long work days and consume beautiful meals - they were not meant to stand static in front of a lens and be frozen in time.

So when someone says, "I don't photograph well," I have only one response. "That's OK! I do!!"

I do photograph well. I have spent the last ten years photographing every single type of person you can imagine. No one's face is a challenge. No one's body is a mystery. I truly love the uniqueness of every person - of getting to show someone who "doesn't photograph well" just how untrue that mantra is.

Kim was an amazing example of this sentiment. If you have ever met Kim - even in passing, you know that she shines. She is positively vibrant with energy and beauty. Her perfect porcelain skin and gorgeous red hair, combined with her bright style and fabulous glasses make her immediately memorable. So when Kim told me she didn't photograph well, I just chuckled and thought - we'll see about that!

As you might have guessed by now - I have proven Kim wrong. Not only does she photograph well - she photographs brilliantly. Her confidence shines through in EVERY SINGLE photo. And if that's not true beauty - I don't know what is. This is exactly why I'm doing an Empowerment Portrait for one truly amazing lady. Nominate a woman who is beautiful inside and out. Tell me how she has inspired you. She could end up with a complimentary Empowerment Portrait Session!

Hear from Kim on how she felt about her portrait session:

It's amazing how empowering it can be to see yourself through someone else's eyes. Someone who doesn't share your self-doubt, but instead sees your best self.

Before my shoot with Whitney, I was nervous. While I know I'm a strong, powerful and dynamic woman, I don't usually like photos of myself. I'm not quite where I want to be fitness-wise at the moment so I beat myself up for that. I don't always like my smile because I have a noticeable-only-to-me crooked thing happening so I hold my face weird. The negative self-talk overrides my otherwise confident self in photos - and I know it. So it's no surprise that I overthink things during photos and awkwardness ensues. I'm a work in progress, actively banishing the negative from my life. But it creeps in there sometimes.

Whitney was able to guide me from start to finish in every aspect of the shoot, leaving nothing for me to overthink. The experience was actually super fun! She instinctively knows how to make what's inside shine on the outside. She understands a woman's body and accentuates what's uniquely beautiful without hiding what's real.

The result? Photos that capture me - the real me. I'm strong, I'm confident, my personality comes out and slaps you in the face and, most importantly, I see my beauty and strength both inside and out. Notice I didn't say "you see." I see it for myself which is the biggest win of all.

Peace out, self-doubt.

The First Look: The Positives and Negatives of this New Tradition

There is one moment of the wedding day all brides and grooms look forward to - the moment they see each other for the first time. This moment happens in so many different ways with varying degrees of tears and tradition but one thing remains consistent, there is no replacing the electricity (and the photos) of this once in a lifetime experience. 

The new tradition of seeing each other before the ceremony is called "the first look." Some will say it's bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony and many people look forward with anticipation to the public first look offered by walking down the aisle.  But as wedding days have gotten longer and guests' attention spans have gotten shorter the traditional wedding timeline has undergone some modernization. Now most guests are baffled by a long break between ceremony and reception, especially if your ceremony and reception are held in the same location. I'm not sure who the first brave souls were that bucked tradition and started their wedding day with a private "first look" moment, but I offer them my sincere thanks.  Here are my positives and negatives for this wedding day choice.

Celia and Shawn: October 2014

Positives:
1. You get to experience a real private moment. For most couples, this is the only time they spend together all day. Also, you can cry as much as you want because your stylist is still around and prepared to reapply the mascara. 

2. You actually get two big entrances! The bride still gets to walk down the aisle on the arm of her father. Your guests still get to see her for the first time as you make the walk of commitment towards each other. Double the moments, double the sensation, double the awesome photo opts.

3. You go into your ceremony UNITED. You've talked, gotten out your jitters and calmed down. I can't tell you how many couples were nervous wrecks right up until the moment they saw each other for the first time. I love seeing my brides and grooms exhale and grin like crazy when they final get to be with the one they love. After the first look, the ceremony is a piece of cake. 

4. There is more time for photos! This is a super selfish reason to love a first look, but one I find benefits the couple and their wedding party immensely.  After we capture a beautiful moment between the two of you, I usually head into the "romantics," those weddings photos you're going to hang on your wall, make your Facebook photo and generally adore for the rest of time. Doing these photos ahead of times allows us to take exactly as much time as we need and not be rushed. We also take your bridal party photos during this time,  ensuring that the groomsmen can take off their tie get to the bar as soon as they've exited the ceremony. Everyone wins! 

5. There is no need for a receiving line because you'll be at the cocktail hour! This timeline allows for maximum attention to be paid to your guests on the biggest day of your life together.

Negatives:

I've got to be honest. There are very few negatives to the first look from a photographers perspective, but I will outline some objections I've heard throughout the years.

1. It goes against tradition. For many grooms, that's right, this objection is almost always coming from the groom, seeing their bride walk down the aisle for the first time is the ONLY wedding detail they've imagined. They haven't thought about the dress, the cake or table favors. They have thought about their bride, walking arm and arm with her father towards him. I tell my couples all the time that the first look still feels special and exhilarating, and I've NEVER had a couple regretted their choice to take the more modern route, but some men have their hearts set. And what the heart wants, well you get my meaning.

Ok- so this is the only negative I could come up with, but it is completely legitimate and must be paid attention to. At the end of the day, gut feeling and a bit of scheduling are most likely going to make this decision for you. If a first look seems like the best approach to maximize photo opts and guest mingling time. then lean into it. Think of it as the only time that day you'll get to be alone together. Well, not completely alone. I'm there, but I've got my long lens on and I'm not saying a word. So you go ahead and cry if you want to.

A note from Tim:

"I forgot how totally awesome I look in these pictures. Kristen looked okay too I guess...

Obviously Whitney already knows we loved all of our pictures, and I know we both enjoyed the first look segment - though I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a nervous wreck throughout the ordeal. Probably can't see it on my face though because we were just having fun with it. Neither of us were really set on observing most of the normal wedding traditions aside from having a great time (and of course having it arftully documented), and I always thought this one was weird anyway, so no argument or coaxing needed. The most important thing I learned from my own wedding was just that - it's our own wedding. Just do what you feel comfortable doing and let everyone else do the worrying about whether the appropriate niceties and pomp are attended to. *steps off soapbox* Having supremely easygoing and understanding parents on both sides is always a plus, of course.

Anyway, we loved our pictures, had tons of fun with the first look, and I agree with all of the points in the blog post both positive and negative. Thanks again Whitney!

A note from Celia: 

As I am sure you'll recall, I was initially dead set against the idea. I am so eternally grateful that you (ever so gently!) talked us into doing this, and will happily testify to any of your new brides who might be on the fence - this was, without a doubt, one of the most treasured highlights of our entire wedding day experience. But here's a real question for the pro: Will viewing your coverage of our "first look" ever STOP making me cry? To my friends and family who are currently planning their weddings: Please check out this blog post and consider allowing your photographer to capture your "first look!"

Albums are Forever: The Lachants

I make wedding albums for my couples. The creative and collaborative process it takes to craft an heirloom of this caliber speaks to the heart of who I am as a photographer. It also speaks to the relationships I build with my clients. I am accountable for delivering a memento that will stand the test of time. The Lachants were the perfect couple to share this journey with. Kind, easy going and always up for a laugh. Thank you Jamie and Dan for sharing the story of your best day ever.

- Watch the video of Jamie and Dan's album unveiling! 

"Our wedding album is amazing!!  It is such a wonderful composition of the highlights and incredible photographs from our big day. I am so excited that we will have it always. Our photos captured every moment beautifully and looking through the album reminds me of all the happy memories and fun times. I knew Whitney would produce an artistic, elegant and expertly curated account of our wedding, and I was definitely not disappointed.  She did not miss a single detail and I could not have asked for a better person to guide us through the process.  Everyone who has seen the album absolutely loved it and many have teared up!  It truly is the perfect keepsake of the best day ever and certainly something we will treasure our entire lives!"

- Jamie Lachant, Bride 2015

Capturing Your Always: The Lovely Langs

One of the greatest honors as a photographer is being able to watch families come together and grow. Nick and Allie have created a beautiful family that exudes happiness and gratitude. It has been a pleasure to get to know them individually and as a unit. Below, Allie share's a few words on her journey as a wife and mother. Thank you both for allowing me into your home and hearts.

"I feel as though when I became a mother, the world began spinning faster. Days, weeks, and months fly by so much more quickly than they did before. This new fast-paced way of life has not been easy on me with my slow and steady, sentimental nature. I find myself grasping at all of these new, little moments, trying to commit them to memory. Having a family photographer in Whitney has allowed me to freeze and capture the most important moments in the lives of my ever-changing family. 

When we decided to get married, Nick and I did not want a big, complicated event. We chose a more intimate setting and only invited our closest family members to witness our vows. It was important to us that our wedding photos be able to capture not only the actual event, but also the emotion and beauty of each moment and that is exactly what we found in the work that Whitney did for us. She was able to make us and our family members comfortable in front of the camera with her encouragement and simple direction and was in turn able to obtain some very beautiful and meaningful photographs. Not only have our family and friends complimented our photos, but I feel that they have been able to experience our wedding through them as well."

"Not long after our wedding, we welcomed Miles into our family. Those first few weeks home were spent learning about him, as well as discovering who we were now as parents. That time in my memory is a blur of feeding, rocking, swaddling, and catching sleep while we could. It was in the middle of all this that Whitney was able to capture another set of photographs for us. The morning she arrived at our house, we felt tired and disorganized and I was still having trouble finding clothes that fit correctly. I know I wondered to myself once or twice while Miles cried and we needed to take nursing breaks if maybe we should’ve done this a different time. Whitney was once again a positive and encouraging presence. Viewing those photos now, I am so grateful for them. They depict our little family at a time that we could never recreate. I look back at them in awe of how tiny and new Miles was. And even as we were overwhelmed by our new responsibilities, those photos allow me to tangibly remember how overwhelmed by love we were as well."

"Miles managed to grow from that tiny newborn to a smiling, babbling, crawling baby overnight. I can and have tried to document his amazing growth through taking a million and one cell phone pictures. However, not only do these do little justice to the fullness of his personality, but my husband and I are more often than not absent from them. And in truth, as much as our baby has changed each month, so have we grown and evolved right along with him. We had another set of photos done just after Miles turned six months old. It was a brisk Fall morning when we got to the park, but Whitney was ready to go and quickly found a great area to use as our backdrop. I can’t imagine that it’s easy to pull together two adults, a distractible baby, and an anxious dog to form a cohesive image, but Whitney managed it easily and we were out of the cold and back in the warm car faster than I would have ever expected. As I have now come to expect, we loved these photographs as well. With a family photographer, we have gained the unique perspective of documenting how our family has grown together."

"The images we have received from Whitney have been beautiful. They are something I know that we will treasure for many years. Not only do they document the important moments of our lives, but they have also been displayed as art in our home. I love that I can walk into our bedroom and be reminded of the promises and anticipation of our wedding day or look up at the living room wall to see the family we have become. Thanks Whitney!"

Capturing Your Always: The Van Houtens

Meeting Carrie is feels like meeting the human version of the sun. She just glows. Always smiling, always full of energy - her family circles around her with obvious love and respect for the warmth and steadiness she brings into the household. It was a pleasure to photograph Carrie and her amazing clan. I can't wait to do it again next year. 

"I decided to work with Whitney for many reasons - two of them being her confidence and positive attitude. She also has the reputation of being an amazing photographer. We had experienced too many years of disappointing and over-priced mall/department store photos!  Some of our family photos definitely deserve to be in the "Awkward Family Photos Hall of Fame"!  The photos Whitney took are COMPLETELY the opposite of these! Honestly, I was a little nervous about getting family photos taken at our home. I have three small kids,  three dogs and a husband which sometimes seems like an impossible herd to wrangle.  Whitney made the whole process easy and the time went quickly! The kids immediately liked her, and with all the encouragement she gave them, they quickly wanted to please her!   She even managed to get my husband to smile naturally. I'm so glad we invested in these photos. These treasures are worth every penny. The time when children are very small is very short. I love looking through my photos and sharing them with friends and family.  Thank you SO much, Whitney!"

- Carrie Van Houten: Wife and mother of three.