Welcome to Reese Studios FYI

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During my sessions clients ask me a myriad of questions ranging from baby advice to how to move forward with their modeling careers.

I find that I enjoy giving my two cents.

I know photography blogs tend to focus on.. well photography, so I wanted to touch on topics that I think I would've liked to know if I weren't a photographer, but had the opportunity to speak directly to one.

So I am happily sharing what I have learned over the past 10 years and if one person learns anything or is able to avoid a bad situation from one of my past experiences then I would consider my musings (that's what a blog is, right?!) a success. On this rollercoaster that we call life I have learned and grown so much and I look forward to sharing the good, bad but mostly amazing moments!

Getting Great Wedding Pictures

Getting Great Wedding Pictures

Everyone says that All wedding are different. I can honestly say that I have never experienced the same wedding, bride, groom, family connection yet. However, there are a few things that I find to be universal when trying to get those great wedding pictures. I separated what I thought might be helpful to couples and what may be helpful for photographers(although the 1st point pretty much applies to both parties:)

1.***Communication
Knowing what pictures are must-haves before the big day is Extremely important. This way time can be set aside specifically to get these oh so important moments.

{Couples}
1. Relax
We're there to photograph you and often time's candid shots are the couples favorite photos. Don't try to do everything perfectly or be on cue every time the cameras on you. Relax and have fun with your family and friends. Laugh, joke, cry, hug, those are the moments that will make your wedding day photos breathtaking.

2. Take Time for YOUR PICTURES
It's hard not to concern yourself with the comfort of your guests. I mean, many of them came a long way to attend your wedding. However, NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE BRIDE AND GROOM PICTURES!!!! They are the picture's you blow up, the pictures that everyone wants to see, they are your WOW factor. Put aside at least 1 hr for just you and your betrothed, step away from the party and enjoy having pictures together that will last forever.

4. Don't be afraid to get your hem's dirty
You love your dress, I love your dress, but as your photographer I know you will want amazing, dramatic pictures of yourself in the dress against a stunning background. Don't be afraid to step out! Drop your hem and let us capture you're beautiful train across an open field as your husband holds you in his arms. I have never had a bride regret doing this but I have had a few tell me they should have.

3. EPDA ( EXCESSIVE  PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION)
The more kissing, the more hugging, the more touching the better. You can never be too affectionate on your wedding day.

5. Remember we're on your team 
Whenever I'm shooting a wedding it's already in my mind that I am there to get all the moments that you may miss. If you want a certain picture beyond what we discussed please let us know, that's what we're here for.



{Photographers}
1. Stay Calm
You will be juggling 100 things at once and you will have a number of things going on around you that you will want to photograph. It's very easy to become overwhelmed because It IS overwhelming when you try to shoot 1000 pictures in a minute. Focus on the details and the moments that tell the story. This helps me focus and then photographing the wedding becomes less daunting.

2. It's all in the Lists
Keep a small notebook with a list of the pictures you would like to take. 

3. Be a Friend
Have you ever noticed how silly your friends can be with you when you're taking pictures. I think the same rule applies. If a Bride/Groom  (and their family) feel as though were just friends, instead of the stiff, formal pictures, you will get a chance to see the "real" them. If I was standoffish or distant I really don't think we would have the same rapport and wouldn't get intimate, real moments. I've helped couples with hair, bustled gowns, gone out to dinner, walked dog's, I've even served cake to guests. (Mainly because my background is Events, I'm not sure Every photographer would do this:) Because I've been there myself I try to help when and if needed, and I think because the couples see that I really care they are more comfortable around me.

Love is in the AIR

Engagement Session Old Town Alexandria / Copyright S. Reese Photography

As the weather turns colder I realize how lucky we are to be able to sit across from the one's we love and cuddle up to a good (or even bad movie:)
Just enjoying these little moments, and breaking up the day to day stresses is something I'm learning to enjoy. 
I admit it is hard not to think of all the other things I have to do, but I'm slowly learning to be "present" during these rare moments. So today forget about your workload for a few minutes take your loved ones hand and give them ALL of you even if for but a few minutes!

Modeling 101: Test Jaclyn

I enjoy working with models, especially models that are passionate about, we'll modeling. Im sure you've seen Jaclyn in a number of other session's. She's always professional and very easy to work with but most importantly doesn't need a ton of direction.. it's literally as easy as pointing and shooting!! Check out her recent test...**ACTION**

3 Things to Think About Having Ready For Your Wedding Photographer, A Few Stress Relieving Tips!

3 Things to think about having ready for your wedding photographer, a few stress relieving tips!

1: You want a picture of your beautiful dress before you put it on, having it hung somewhere on a nice hanger ready for the photographer to photograph will save on time, and manage the number of people handling your dress.

2: Taking pictures of the wedding bands is something that most couples want. Have the rings together and available for the photographer when they arrive that way they can take the pictures and hand them back before things start to get hectic.

3: A detail that often goes forgotten as a must have photo, but is one thing that couples generally tend to spend a lot of time on is wedding stationery (wedding invitations, menus, programs etc.) Keep an extra copy of all of your stationery to hand over to the photographer. They can take it as a bundled shot or use it as props for wedding rings, shoes, or boutonnieres.

Weddings: Kristy & Ralph Wedding

“I believe in the immeasurable power of love; that true love can endure any circumstance and reach across any distance.”

I love Kristy and Ralph's Love Story! Despite the distance between them one in LA the other in DC they still made it work,and let their love blossom! 

We had the pleasure of capturing their Love at the Bluebird Theater in Petersburg, Virginia.  

Family Portrait Advice: What to wear for Family Portraits

Getting your often times unwilling family together for the quarterly family portrait is, pardon the pun, no walk in the park. Tack on coordinating everyone's outfit's, and of course the back up outfits for those right before you get to the session juice spills, your stress levels can be out the roof. To help alleviate a bit of your stress here are some helpful ideas and links on what to wear.

• wear solid colored clothing
• choose  brightly toned colors that are eye catching
• choose similar tones for your top and bottom (both dark or both light)
• choose 1-3 colours for your group portrait, ones with similar tones that go nicely together and have everyone work within that colour palette. For example: green, navy, and burgundy  OR tan, bright pastel green, and denims
• choose a top with sleeves at least to the elbow
• choose long pants for men/ladies or a skirt below the knee for ladies
• choose dark socks and footwear (unless it’s a barefoot photo on the beach)
• keep jewellery simple and minimalistic(mom)
• Let your kids add touches of their personality with accessories and footwear

Check out these great links for more ideas:
 http://www.pinterest.com/hunybuny/photo-styling-what-to-wear/

http://www.pinterest.com/jenniferporter/portrait-outfit-ideas/