Alice in Wonderland Family Portraits

Yes, you read the title of this post correctly...I got to help a family create a lifestyle family portrait session photographed by good friends, Session Nine Photography, centered around this family's favorite story, Alice in Wonderland. SOOOOOOOOOO FUN!!!

You may recognize Christine Valero from a disco styled shoot I did a while back. I mean, how can you forget her awesome red hair?! Christine is a hoot! This girl is a fireball of energy and joy. I LOVE being around her. Her family is just as awesome, even their ridiculously strong, fluffy dog Delilah.

The Valero family drove all of the way up to the Westfork Trail in Sedona, Arizona to have their magical dreams come alive. I would definitely say it was WELL worth the drive. We got to use a run down apple orchard that had old stone and brick. Of course, the green ferns and grass were just as perfect to create the setting.

Christine didn't want the clothing to be the exact costumes of Alice in Wonderland, so we took what we could find in closets and created the Queen of Hearts (Christine), the Mad Hatter (Steve), Alice (Paris), Tweedle Dee (Valen) and the White Rabbit (Delilah the dog).

Christine also had great props such as vintage chairs, glass apothecary bottles, keys, mushrooms and the story of Alice In Wonderland, of course.

I mentioned this in the 40's style engagement shoot I posted about yesterday, but I LOVE working with clients that aren't afraid to think outside of the box and express what they enjoy. This shoot was not only fun to create, but the family REALLY enjoyed themselves. It was awesome to watch them bond during something that can often times be wild and nuts. Sure, there were some crazy moments - most can be attributed to Delilah the strongest dog in the world - but I don't think many families get to be creative in mall photo studios.

If you could have a creative family portrait session, what theme would you center it around?

I think Ryan and I would do something about being nerds. We both consider ourselves to be nerdy. We have glasses and geek out on our computers every night.

Make sure to check out more photos from the family portrait session on Session Nine Photography's blog!

Ann He

Ann He is a photographer that I have been very inspired by lately. It's not just because her photos are GORGEOUS, but because she is only 16 years old and the professionalism, talent and beauty that comes through her work just floors me. Regardless of her age, I am an admirer, but the fact she is so young makes me respect her all of the more. I'm exactly 10 years older than she, and I hope that my future work shows just as much spirit and beauty as hers. Who knows, maybe one day I'll get the opportunity to style alongside her. :)

Here are some of my favorites of hers, especially the one directly below. The combination of minimalism, color, light and posing is perfection in my mind.

Epiphanie Photo Shoot Part 1

This summer I had the AMAZING opportunity to work with Epiphanie Bags, and style a photo shoot for their ADORABLE Lola Bag.

Epiphanie Bags was created by genius Maile Wilson who saw a need for stylish camera bags for the growing photography community. Being a photographer herself, she was tired of lugging around the boring, masculine black bag, so she designed a line of bags that incorporated color, functionality and style.

The concept behind this photo shoot came from Maile's desire to use real life photographers from around the country as models for each bag in the line. Enter Promise Tangeman.

Now, if any of you have checked out her blog, you know that this gal is plenty stylish on her own. So, to come in and create "promified" outfits for this shoot was a bit intimidating.

Of course, I gathered a bunch of inspiration before setting foot in her closet. Here's what I came up with...

As you can see, there's an indie, relaxed and natural vibe in most of the clothing. We wanted her shoot to feel free-spirited and fun.

Stay tuned for Part 2: Epiphanie Photo Shoot Reveal.

Part 1 - MJ's Photo Shoot Inspiration

This past week I had the opportunity to style Melissa Jill, a very well respected photographer across Arizona and the country.

MJ and I first met when I was HER client - she photographed my wedding day. =) Since then we have reconnected through Promise Tangeman, and now she's MY client. haha.

When MJ decided to get some photos taken for her website and promotional materials, she asked if I would come on board and create an Anthropologie feel for her. I obviously jumped at the chance.

Here's the inspiration I used for her hair, makeup and clothing.

Photos to come soon!