I have to admit that I’m having way too much fun making these What to Wear boards.  Its almost like shopping.   This time I went with a more classic and chic look for a family of four.  The “neutral” colors are grey and black and this time a splash of turquoise blue was thrown in (did you know that turquoise is the “it” color for 2010?).

Enjoy! xoxo,

Karen

The question I get asked from clients the most is “what should we wear?”   Often, I find that clients resort to something that is “easy”: white shirts & jeans; black shirts & khaki pants.  Trust me … I understand how intimidating coordinating a group of outfits can be.  But, I’m hoping this new series that I’ll share on my blog will help with sparking your creativity.

There are a couple of things to consider when coordinating outfits for a photo session:

• You don’t have to fall back on the easy combinations of black, white or khaki — don’t be afraid to think outside of the box
• Choose something that matches the personality of the people being photographed: modern & funky, colorful and fun, conservative and classic.
• Don’t be afraid of color or pattern; however, don’t overdo it.  Choose one outfit that is full of color and pattern and have the other outfits coordinate with it, but not overpower it.
• Don’t think that neutrals are only black, white and khaki.  Green, blue, brown can also be neutrals.
• Don’t forget to coordinate your shoes!  Yes, your feet will be in the photograph.
• Going “shopping” in your own closet often reveals some real treasures.

The first group of outfits I’ll share with you is a group for a sibling session: baby girl, older girl, older boy.  The grouping is colorful and fun, BUT its not overpowering.  I actually saw the baby girl’s dress as I was shopping the other day and considered getting it for my daughter — I loved the bright colors, checked pattern and splash of green and pink.  I definitely think its a signature piece.  When choosing the outfits for the older siblings to wear, I went with “neutral” jeans for the bottoms.  I wanted to pick up the pink and green from the baby girl’s dress, so I went looking for tops that were in those colors.  Notice I didn’t go for solid colored shirts.  But, each shirt has a subtle pattern that, again, doesn’t overpower the rest of the grouping.  And, I didn’t forget the shoes.  For the girls, I pick pink sandals and for the boy I went with a classic Converse sneaker.  All of these outfits (including the shoes) are from Target and are very affordable.

Stay tuned for more “What to Wear” combinations.  Enjoy! xoxo,

Karen

What does Chick-fil-a and KarenLeslie Photography have in common?  Well, aside from the craving for chicken biscuits every now and then, its the Cutest Cow Clad Kid Contest (whew … say that 5 times fast!).  This Saturday (March 6, 2010) from 9am – 12noon, KarenLeslie Photography will be on site at the Chick-fil-at Kirkman Shops located at 4752 S. Kirkman Road in Orlando (its at the corner of Kirkman Rd. and Conroy Rd.) I’m going to be taking pictures of tons of really cute kids and your kid could be one of them.  Every kid will receive a FREE 5×7″ photograph of their mini-mini session and be entered into the contest where they can win 1 year of free weekly Kids meals from Chick-fil-a, a photo package from KarenLeslie Photography worth$300 and a $50 savings bond.  This photo contest is open to kids from ages 1-4.

I hope to see you on Saturday! xoxo,

Karen

What a crazy winter we’ve had so far (and I can’t believe that I have to say ’so far’, but it doesn’t seem to be ending any time soon).  I don’t want to complain too loudly because I know the HOT summer will be here before we know it.  I have to admit, that I thoroughly enjoyed this amazing Spring-like day we had when I did this session at Dickson Azalea Gardens.  The pink azaleas were just peeking through, which only added to the beauty of the morning.  This little beauty is only 12 weeks, but so adorable and alert!  I had a lot of fun meeting this new family.

KarenLeslie Photography :: Orlando Children's Photographer

KarenLeslie Photography, Orlando Children's Photographer

Enjoy! xoxo,

Karen

Earlier this week I met this wonderful family who was in town from Michigan vacationing in Orlando.  They were staying at Reunion, so I met them at their townhouse and we found some great spots on the Reunion property.  I have to say that these three kids were an absolute delight to photograph — they were fun and very well behaved.  I had a great time with them.

Enjoy the rest of your visit in Orlando. I’m crossing my finger for beautiful, warm weather!

xoxo,

Karen

As I mentioned in my blog post yesterday, I had two fun maternity sessions this past weekend.  This is the second one.  I loved working with this couple.  They are so excited to meet their little one in April!

Isn’t she absolutely beautiful!?!

Enjoy, xoxo

Karen

I’ve been swamped with maternity sessions lately … but you don’t hear me complaining.  I love doing them!  Plus, the bonus is that there’s a newborn session right around the corner. Yay!  This past weekend I had two maternity sessions and had a blast collaborating on the creativity of each sessions with the beautiful mamas-to-be. I’ll blog one today and one tomorrow, so be sure to check back to see the next one!

Enjoy! xoxo,

Karen

I’m so excited to share these photos with mom & dad because it took a lot of work to get this little girl photographed – ha!  The goal for most newborn sessions is to get the baby into a deep sleep so I can get all those adorable sleepy, squishy newborn poses.  Well, this little girl had some ideas of her own!  (I can totally relate because my daughter is exactly the same.)  Mom and I did get her to sleep … for a little bit.  But, it really did seem quite appropriate to photograph her wide awake!

See? She really did sleep!

And, aren’t you in love with all of her beautiful dark hair! Her Daddy’s going to have to be on his toes for sure!

Enjoy!

xoxo,

Karen

The next two mini sessions will be held:

• Sunday, February 21 (at Dickson Azalea Gardens, Orlando)
• Sunday, March 14 (at Loch Haven Park, Orlando)

Here’s how it will work:

• On one day every month I will offer mini sessions. I will publish the date in advance on this blog.
• The mini sessions will be held at a pre-determined location.
• Each mini session will last 20-30 minutes and you will sign up for a time in advance.
• Mini sessions are prices WITH product — as a package deal. There are no substitutions on the product included. (See below.)
• Mini sessions are perfect for kid sessions, family sessions (4 people/pets or fewer), dog sessions, maternity sessions. Mini sessions are not available for newborn sessions or extended family sessions (more than 4 people/pets).

What do mini sessions cost? And what is included in the package?

Mini sessions are $395 and include: 4 – 5×7″ prints, 2 – 8×10″ prints, 1 – 11×14″ print , and all your proofs in 4×6″ bordered prints or 1 high resolution digital file. Additional products can be purchased at VIP prices.

Mini sessions are ideal for:

• For anytime in the first year when you want to capture a milestone like sitting up, clapping, standing, walking, etc.
• When you want a great photo for her first birthday invitation
• When he loses his first tooth and looks adorable
• A dog session
• An engagement session
• A maternity session
• A quick family photo
• A couples-in-love session

So, you might be asking what is the difference between a Full Session and a Mini Session? Well, I put together a handy charge that outlines the differences.

This post was supposed to happen late last year, which is when Mom originally booked this cutie’s session.  Well, a serious of very strange (and slightly funny) circumstances, we had to postpone the session.  Well, I’m kind of glad we did because the new session took place on the day of this little one’s first birthday party. How fun is that?  I showed up a little bit before the party to get the guest of honor’s first birthday portraits done, and then stuck around for the sweetest (literally) first birthday party I’ve ever seen! Good job, Mom.

This little one had the best and cutest personality.  She gave me the best smiles and giggles during our session (hats off to Dad for helping make that happen!) This next one made me laugh out loud when I saw it!

Her cousin joined us for a couple photos and we got some great interaction shots.  Love this!

See what I mean by the “sweetest” party?  Yum!

Enjoy!

xoxo,

Karen