What To Wear This Summer

The hot weather has finally arrived in Skaneateles and it is time to start planning for humid summer portraits. Here are some useful tips for dressing for your portrait session (Thanks to Corina Nielson for providing these inspiration boards!):

  • Coordinate outfits

Now this doesn’t mean everyone has to 100% match with khaki pants or jeans and a white shirt!  You want to complement each other’s outfits by choosing colors that work well together. I find that if everyone is wearing the same clothing, people will all tend to blend in together and there won’t be too much pop and life to the images. Coordinate VS. Matching…. let’s not get cheesy!

  • Use colors & patterns

Colors are everywhere around us and bring things to life… why not bring your images to life as well! Again, be sure the colors you use coordinate with each other and you don’t just end up looking like one big rainbow family! When picking patterns, choose smaller ones that won’t distract attention away from the main subject/s. Use patterns sparingly…. if one person is wearing a print, try to avoid putting someone else in a competing pattern. When thinking about texture, choose different ones that will give photos some interest such as lace, corduroy, denim, etc. Avoid large logo’s, emblems and graphics like “GAP” and “Old Navy” because again, these will typically distract attention away from the subject. We want your faces and emotion to show, not promote the clothing company you purchased from!

  • Be timeless

For some fashionista’s, this may be a difficult concept, however you are going to want these images to stand the test of time. Pick outfits that aren’t t considered too trendy, but will be able to be enjoyed and displayed for many years to come. One example of something that is timeless is jeans… classic look and style yet you can still incorporate your own flair into the outfit with your tops and accessories. Still be YOU, never forget that!

  • Let your personalities SHINE

Perhaps the most important “rule” in my book. The purpose of these photos is to hopefully capture each individual as they truly are, to capture the family, the relationships, and people in the photos just as THEY are. Forcing children to wear outfits that are uncomfortable and unfamiliar to them may cause some anxiety and stress to them which in turn will inhibit really capturing their personalities during the session. Same goes for adults. Wear clothing that YOU feel good in and the pictures will emanate those feelings. If your child wears a pair of rain boots everywhere he goes, it makes the most sense to have him wear them for pictures as well. Remember, you want to capture everyone as they are NOW. Capture these moments as they are!

  • Dress for the season & location

Obviously you want your images to make sense. One typically wouldn’t be wearing jeans, boots, and a jacket to the beach in the Summer so why would you for pictures? Dress the part and be aware of your location. For example, if you are shooting at the beach, ladies wear a pretty dress and sandals, put dad in a short sleeve shirt and shorts OR pants (which you can also roll up), put your little girl in a sweet Spring or Summer dress, etc. You will want to make sure that everyone is on the same page and coordinates in both colors AND styles.

  • Layering

One of my favorite “tips” for clothing choices! In the Summer months, this may be more difficult to pull off but during all of the other seasons, definitely layer your outfits. Not only will it provide more visual interest in each photo but it will also allow a lot more variety in your shots and poses. Have a ton of images of yourself in just your dress or cute top and jeans? Throw on a little sweater or jacket and a hat and you have entirely different look.

  • Personalize It

These are YOUR images and of course you want them to speak volumes about you and your family. Discuss things your family enjoys doing together and bring “props” and accessories that will help compliment who you are. If your family enjoys playing music together, bring your instruments to your session. If your family enjoys boating, suggest doing your session on a boat or at the very least near the water. Bring along items that will represent who each individual is AND who your family is collectively.

  • Remember where you came from

Typically, not something everyone will keep in mind before their session. However, I always encourage clients to think about their home, their decor, colors, and style of their homes. Chances are, at some point after your session, you will be ordering prints or digital files. Why not keep your your decor in mind and ensure that it all blends into your home. This will ensure that any large portraits will coordinate beautifully.

  • Plan ahead

Make sure you have given yourself enough time to think about all of the details of your session.  Plan ahead so that #1 you can truly think about your photos and everything you want out of the session, #2 you aren’t rushing and stressing out right before your session, and #3 if you have decided to go for a new look for your session or someone gets a bad haircut, you still have time to fix things if you need to.

  • Keep make-up natural, but still have some on

You will want to avoid using very heavy makeup, but a bit of color on your lips, eyes, and cheeks will help bring you to life in photos. Be sure to bring some lip gloss with you as well.

  • Outfit changes

If time allows it, bring another set of outfits. Again, you will get a lot more variety in your shots so why not capitalize on the opportunity and get the most bang for your buck! Also if the ladies plan on wearing a short or tight skirt please bring a pair of pants, shorts or a long skirt to allow for more posing options.

  • Ladies & their shoes

I’m all for a sassy pair of shoes, however they may make for a very long and painful session. If you plan on wearing heels, be sure to bring a pair of flats or flip flops that can help you get from point A to point B without any pain. You can just swap them out as you need to.

 

what to wear July 2013what to wear July 2013what to wear July 2013

If I were building outfits for my family this is how I would do it:

  • Keeping your location and season in mind, start with one person. Don’t try and think of everyone at the same time. I find that mom or a little girl makes the most sense since they would typically be the ones wearing a print. So mom will be wearing a floral print dress (small pretty pattern that is).
  • Now move on to the next person. You will be pulling colors from mom’s dress so begin to think about who in the family would look good in what colors. Dad doesn’t look so good in XYZ since it tends to drown out the tone in his skin. Let’s pick ABC for him instead. And so on.
  • Then start to come up with ideas to personalize the session. Your little boy may have a security blanket or teddy bear he never parts with…be sure to bring that with you. Your little girl may like crafting so have her make a cute matching headband or clip for her hair. Mom loves tulips…on your way to the session pick some up. Make thoughtful choices and be sure to discuss the ideas with me, it’s always nice when the family helps and truly ensures a “custom” session!

What to Wear this Spring

The first day of Spring arrives tomorrow, it might not seem like it in Skaneateles since a snowstorm just hit us last night but it is time to start planning ahead for Spring portraits. Here are some useful tips for dressing for your portrait session (Thanks to Corina Nielson for providing these inspiration boards!):

  • Coordinate outfits

Now this doesn’t mean everyone has to 100% match with khaki pants or jeans and a white shirt!  You want to complement each other’s outfits by choosing colors that work well together. I find that if everyone is wearing the same clothing, people will all tend to blend in together and there won’t be too much pop and life to the images. Coordinate VS. Matching…. let’s not get cheesy!

  • Use colors & patterns

Colors are everywhere around us and bring things to life… why not bring your images to life as well! Again, be sure the colors you use coordinate with each other and you don’t just end up looking like one big rainbow family! When picking patterns, choose smaller ones that won’t distract attention away from the main subject/s. Use patterns sparingly…. if one person is wearing a print, try to avoid putting someone else in a competing pattern. When thinking about texture, choose different ones that will give photos some interest such as lace, corduroy, denim, etc. Avoid large logo’s, emblems and graphics like “GAP” and “Old Navy” because again, these will typically distract attention away from the subject. We want your faces and emotion to show, not promote the clothing company you purchased from!

  • Be timeless

For some fashionista’s, this may be a difficult concept, however you are going to want these images to stand the test of time. Pick outfits that aren’t t considered too trendy, but will be able to be enjoyed and displayed for many years to come. One example of something that is timeless is jeans… classic look and style yet you can still incorporate your own flair into the outfit with your tops and accessories. Still be YOU, never forget that!

  • Let your personalities SHINE

Perhaps the most important “rule” in my book. The purpose of these photos is to hopefully capture each individual as they truly are, to capture the family, the relationships, and people in the photos just as THEY are. Forcing children to wear outfits that are uncomfortable and unfamiliar to them may cause some anxiety and stress to them which in turn will inhibit really capturing their personalities during the session. Same goes for adults. Wear clothing that YOU feel good in and the pictures will emanate those feelings. If your child wears a pair of rain boots everywhere he goes, it makes the most sense to have him wear them for pictures as well. Remember, you want to capture everyone as they are NOW. Capture these moments as they are!

  • Dress for the season & location

Obviously you want your images to make sense. One typically wouldn’t be wearing jeans, boots, and a jacket to the beach in the Summer so why would you for pictures? Dress the part and be aware of your location. For example, if you are shooting at the beach, ladies wear a pretty dress and sandals, put dad in a short sleeve shirt and shorts OR pants (which you can also roll up), put your little girl in a sweet Spring or Summer dress, etc. You will want to make sure that everyone is on the same page and coordinates in both colors AND styles.

  • Layering

One of my favorite “tips” for clothing choices! In the Summer months, this may be more difficult to pull off but during all of the other seasons, definitely layer your outfits. Not only will it provide more visual interest in each photo but it will also allow a lot more variety in your shots and poses. Have a ton of images of yourself in just your dress or cute top and jeans? Throw on a little sweater or jacket and a hat and you have entirely different look.

  • Personalize It

These are YOUR images and of course you want them to speak volumes about you and your family. Discuss things your family enjoys doing together and bring “props” and accessories that will help compliment who you are. If your family enjoys playing music together, bring your instruments to your session. If your family enjoys boating, suggest doing your session on a boat or at the very least near the water. Bring along items that will represent who each individual is AND who your family is collectively.

  • Remember where you came from

Typically, not something everyone will keep in mind before their session. However, I always encourage clients to think about their home, their decor, colors, and style of their homes. Chances are, at some point after your session, you will be ordering prints or digital files. Why not keep your your decor in mind and ensure that it all blends into your home. This will ensure that any large portraits will coordinate beautifully.

  • Plan ahead

Make sure you have given yourself enough time to think about all of the details of your session.  Plan ahead so that #1 you can truly think about your photos and everything you want out of the session, #2 you aren’t rushing and stressing out right before your session, and #3 if you have decided to go for a new look for your session or someone gets a bad haircut, you still have time to fix things if you need to.

  • Keep make up natural, but still have some on

You will want to avoid using very heavy makeup, but a bit of color on your lips, eyes, and cheeks will help bring you to life in photos. Be sure to bring some lip gloss with you as well.

  • Outfit changes

If time allows it, bring another set of outfits. Again, you will get a lot more variety in your shots so why not capitalize on the opportunity and get the most bang for your buck!

  • Ladies & their shoes

I'm all for a sassy pair of shoes, however they may make for a very long and painful session. If you plan on wearing heels, be sure to bring a pair of flats or flip flops that can help you get from point A to point B without any pain. You can just swap them out as you need to. Mary Buttolph PhotographyMary Buttolph PhotographyMary Buttolph PhotographyIf I were building outfits for my family this is how I would do it:

  • Keeping your location and season in mind, start with one person. Don’t try and think of everyone at the same time. I find that mom or a little girl makes the most sense since they would typically be the ones wearing a print. So mom will be wearing a floral print dress (small pretty pattern that is).
  • Now move on to the next person. You will be pulling colors from mom’s dress so begin to think about who in the family would look good in what colors. Dad doesn’t look so good in XYZ since it tends to drown out the tone in his skin. Let’s pick ABC for him instead. And so on.
  • Then start to come up with ideas to personalize the session. A little boy may have a security blanket or teddy bear he never parts with…be sure to bring that with you. The little girl may like crafting so have her make a cute matching headband or clip for her hair. Mom loves tulips… on your way to the session pick some up. Make thoughtful choices and be sure to discuss the ideas with your photographer! Believe me, most are full of ideas however, it’s always nice when the family helps and truly ensures a “custom” session.

What to wear this Winter

I can’t believe we are getting ready to welcome a new year...2012 was a complete whirlwind and more than ever, I am SO excited for 2013! I have several portrait and engagement sessions coming up in this wonderful winter-wonderland that we are currently experiencing and I wanted to share some ideas on how to coordinate without being too matchy-matchy this winter. Colors are everywhere around us and bring things to life… why not bring your images to life as well!  Be sure the colors you use coordinate with each other and you don’t just end up looking like one big rainbow family! When picking patterns, choose smaller ones that won’t distract attention away from the main subject/s. Use patterns sparingly…if one person is wearing a print, try to avoid putting someone else in a competing pattern. When thinking about texture, choose different ones that will give photos some interest such as lace, corduroy, denim, etc. Avoid large logo’s, emblems and graphics like “GAP” and “Old Navy” because again, these will typically distract attention away from the subject. We want your faces and emotion to show, not promote the clothing company you purchased from! Thanks again to Corina Nielson for the guides!

Mary Buttolph PhotographyMary Buttolph PhotographyMary Buttolph Photography

FAQs

Couples interested in booking Mary Buttolph Photography always have more questions about me and my services, here are a few I get on a regular basis. For more information please feel free to contact me using the above contact form. Central New York Wedding Photography, Syracuse Wedding Photography, Skaneateles Wedding Photography, FIngerlakes Wedding Photography

Q: What sort of training do you have? A: I graduated from RIT with a degree in Photography and then I earned a Masters degree from Newhouse at Syracuse University. I also taught courses at Syracuse University and freelanced for several major publications before I started documenting weddings.

Q: Why weddings? A: I started my career in photojournalism by shooting stories for news outlets and I loved dropping everything to work on those projects until I had my darling daughter, Charlotte. Once she arrived in our lives I chose not to sacrifice meaningful and significant time with my daughter and husband for jobs that would keep me away from home for days and sometimes weeks on end. I have discovered that I find great joy in telling a love story and knowing that the images I create are going to be cherished throughout the lifetime of my couples.

Q: How many weddings do you shoot in a season? A: I strive to provide a boutique experience so I will only book a maximum of 15 weddings in a year to insure that all of my couples get my complete attention.

Q: What is the wedding day timeline? A: I work in conjunction with your other vendors to create a detailed timeline of your entire wedding day to make sure all parties are communicating. It helps to keep the vendors coordinated but it also a great item to circulate to your loved ones to organize them on the busy day!

Q: What does documentary style wedding photography or photojournalistic wedding photography mean? A: A photojournalist strives to make images that have not been altered or staged by the photographer, my goal during your wedding day is to quietly and unobtrusively capture real moments as as they happen.

Q: What products do you offer? A: I can provide you with a wide range of high quality photographic products. Please see my look book for a complete listing.

Q: What are "sweet light" portraits? A: The best time to shoot portraits on your wedding day is just before sunset when the light is the most flattering. I encourage all my couples to take at least 15 minutes at this time to create some stunning portraits.

Q: How far in advance are you booked? A: Most couples contact me about a year before their wedding but I have booked weddings in as little as 4-6 months in advance. Please contact me to check my availabilities.

Q: What are your favorite venues for receptions? A: I consider myself a Fingerlakes and Syracuse wedding photographer and I love shooting weddings in my hometown of Skaneateles, NY because it just so lovely. We are blessed with so many stunning locations for receptions, they include the Skaneateles Country Club, Sherwood Inn, Hobbit Hollow Bed and BreakfastMandana BarnMirbeau Inn and Spa, Frog Pond Bed and Breakfast, Lourdes Camp, Anyela's Vineyard and the Lodge at Welch Allyn. I also absoloutley adore shooting at the Aurora Inn and the E.B. Morgan House over in quaint Aurora, NY. I recently had a trip to Ithaca where I discovered some awesome locations that I hope to shoot soon, they include the John Joseph Inn & Elizabeth Restaurant, Cornell Plantations, Johnson Museum of Art, Taughannock Farms Inn, The Statler Hotel and the Benn Conger Inn. The Fontainebleau Inn in Alpine, NY is one more gem of a location that I am also looking forward to photograph in the spring!

Q: Do you travel for weddings or engagement sessions? A: I love destination weddings especially if I get to travel to weddings in South Carolina, Georgia, & Virginia (I have lots of family in those states) but my primary location to do weddings is in the Fingerlakes region of New York. Please contact me to discuss the details if you’re interested in booking me for a destination wedding or engagement session.

Q: How many images will we receive and how long will we have to wait to receive our images? A: I usually hand-over between 500 and 900 individually toned high-resolution color images on a USB drive about 4-6 weeks after your wedding. I also create a stunning black and white version of all of your wedding images at no additional fee and I include them on the USB drive as well.

Q: Can I have a copy of every image you take? A: It is not part of my policy to release all the images.  With my artistic integrity, I find the best images from the entire day to edit and deliver to you.  The rest are mostly duplicates of the ones you already have, but with the improper exposure/closed eyes/etc.  And, it would devalue and misrepresent my work to give you un-retouched images. I would be happy to dig through my take and try to find a photo of "so and so" or "this and that" if there something that you wish you had images of that I may have missed during the editing process.

Q : Do you offer multiple packages? A: I have a base price that includes a complimentary engagement session, 8 hours of wedding day coverage, a second photographer, digital negatives on USB drive complete with a copyright release and an easy to use online wedding gallery to share with family and friends. Additionally, you can add albums, collages, canvases, cards, professional prints and other items from the a la carte list at any time. NOTE: I offer a 15% discount on my Premium album if you place your order when booking your wedding.

Q : We don't want an engagement session, can we skip it for a price reduction? A: I insist on shooting an engagement session! This time allows you to get comfortable in front of the camera with me, figuring out how we work best together before the wedding. Second it gives me a chance to get to know you so I can better tell your wedding day story. Third, you can showcase your personalities in a more casual setting, while creating some fun images for wall portraits, your wedding sign-in book, sign-in board and for your Save the Date cards and invitations.

Q : Is your price negotiable?  A: Generally, the answer is no because I feel that my price is fair and reasonable. If you are planning a wedding in the off-peak wedding season my price may be negotiable.

Q: What happens if your gear breaks? A: I carry two complete Canon 5D Mark iii camera systems on me at all times with a third back-up incase those should fail. Additionally I shoot all of my weddings with an assistant and they carry multiple cameras as well.

Q : Do you shoot same sex weddings? A: Absolutely! I fully support the LBGT community and I look forward to documenting same sex weddings.

Q : Should we have a first look session? It’s a new age, so it’s no longer considered bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding. What’s more, there are actually some pretty big advantages to a first-look session prior to the wedding. Not only are the bride, groom, bridal party and family in top form, the bride and bridesmaids’ hair and makeup are fresh, and the groom and groomsmen are still OK with being in their tuxes. If you do decide to go with a pre-ceremony formal portrait approach, be sure to set aside 15 minutes of private time for just the two of you. These private moments, before you start taking more formal, posed portraits, are often the most special for the bride and groom. You are able to say a prayer together, or exchange meaningful gifts, relax and think about the moments to come. This quiet, contemplative time also serves as a break to calm your nerves. This healthy pre-ceremony atmosphere created a smooth, steady flow through the day’s events. Getting this step out of the way early in the day frees up the rest of your time to spend with your guests.

Q: How do I reserve my date? A: Your date is officially reserved once your completed contract with the 50% retainer fee is received. The remaining balance is due 30 days before your wedding date.

Q: What is special about your photobooth? A: Please watch this little video. My photobooth is unlike any you have ever seen before! I created a unique and interactive experience that you don’t really appreciate until you’ve had a chance to see it in action. I set up a studio at your reception and after your guests take their picture via remote control the image is projected life-sized on the background for all of your party to enjoy. Less than 24-hours after your event all the photobooth pics are uploaded to a web gallery where your guests are able to order high quality photographic prints. Additionally all the high resolution photobooth pics are included on the USB drive along with your wedding images.

Q: Do you have references or testimonials? A: Please check out my testimonials.  I am proud of the work I have done and how happy my couples are.

What to wear this Fall

October guides are in and I can’t wait to share them with you!  Fall is absolutely my favorite season to shoot portraits because there are so many options for clothing, so many opportunities to LAYER and maximize the variety in your images.  The more easily and readily you can “change” outfits, the better!  Take the opportunity to bring along a nice tailored jacket, bring a scarf, a pair of sexy high heels and for the kiddos, don’t be afraid to dress them in layers also!  Simply peel away the heavier clothing as the session goes on.  You will be thankful to have lots of images to choose from!  With that, here are my looks for October! Thanks to Corina Nielson for providing these inspiration boards!

For those of you preparing for your Christmas cards here are some inspiration for you...

 

What To Wear this Summer

Keep your location and season in mind and start with one person--typically mom or a little girl. Let her choose her outfit and then pull colors from the ensemble to coordinate the rest of the family. After settling on clothing for the family be sure to add accessories and props that will personalize the session. Thanks to Corina Nielson for providing these inspiration boards!