Kelly V. Photography blog bio picture
  • Hello and welcome to my photography blog! Here you'll find sneak peeks from my latest portrait sessions and weddings, updates on featured products, details about any new studio goodies, as well as specials and contests.

    And because I think making connections with my clients is important, you'll also learn a little bit about me, too. My favorite things in life usually allow me to get creative — even if it's just decorating one of my mom's killer cutout cookies or coloring with my daughter. In addition to my passion for photography, I love writing and have a monthly newspaper column (which I'll post here), and I could spend hours upon hours in a craft store.

    I've been married to my hilarious husband, Jerry, for six years, we have two amazing kids, Allison and Evan, who remind us to appreciate the simple pleasures in otherwise ordinary moments, and our home would not be complete without our crazy dog, Toby, who likes to steal our socks.

    I am incredibly blessed to have a loving and supportive family and a career that allows me to get to know so many wonderful people. Hopefully you'll be next!

What to wear {Wardrobe Wednesday} | BFFs

I love the idea of doing a best friend session! Jennifer shares some awesome ideas for a sparkly, accessorized get-together, but you could also do a lifestyle shoot playing dress-up at home, having fun at an amusement park or even poolside in the summer. My gears are turning … I want to do one of these!

Until then, here’s what Jennifer has to say:

I have two daughters who are fortunate enough to have the sweetest relationship with their best pal. We get together with them often and try to take as many pictures as possible. My oldest daughter has known her closest friend since she was two, and they’ve been the best of friends for the past five years. It’s been so much fun capturing their bond over the years. The thought of their friendship inspired me for this week’s Wardrobe Wednesday.

How fun would it be for your daughter to have a photo session with her closest friend or friends? I know it’s tempting to put your girls in matching outfits, but this is an opportunity to show everyone how much they are alike while also letting their unique traits show through. While often overpriced (unless you use one of their frequently-offered 40% off coupons), Justice is a perfect place to find some outfits for your fun-loving gals. They always have vibrant, trendy pieces to coordinate and an abundance of fashionable accessories that can add to the session.

Having pictures done with a friend will allow your daughter to relax and show her true personality. The addition of accessories will give them some props to have fun with and talk about. Some of the best images are the candid shots of your girls telling secrets or comparing bracelets. They can be sassy with their hat and stylish with their purses. Add a “Best Friend” necklace and the smile they have on their face while trying to piece it together will be a priceless image to cherish for years.

 

SHOPPING LIST

All of the items found in this week’s Wardrobe Wednesday can be found at Justice.

Kelly & David {couple’s session} | State College, PA portrait photographer

I didn’t know it at the time, but two of my incredible seniors from the Bellefonte Area High School class of 2011 — Kelly and David — were dating. Fast forward a little more than a year, and I was thrilled when Kelly contacted me about a couple’s session. With Kelly enrolled at Penn State and David across the country in training, they don’t get a lot of time to see each other. So during his winter break, they made it a priority to get some great photos together to help them stay connected during the long months apart.

Not surprisingly, they were even more fun to photograph together as they were individually. After hearing they were “up for anything,” I proposed doing a very urban-inspired shoot on a rooftop and Kelly loved the idea. We met on an incredibly cold, overcast afternoon, but I was having such a good time that I didn’t realize how frozen I was until I got in my car to drive home and my cheeks started burning.

It was TOTALLY worth it.

Not only was is great catching up, but I have so many favorite images from this session that it was nearly impossible to narrow them down.

Oh, and before one of their friends or family members sees that I put them in the “engagement portraits” category and freaks out asking to see a ring and Tweeting and causing a crazy chain of events to unfold, NO THEY’RE NOT ENGAGED. It’s just the blog category that fit their images best. But I have a lot of faith in these two. They’re so natural together — so meant to be.

What to wear {Wardrobe Wednesday} | Pretty palette

I’m all about some well-styled neutrals! And Erica nailed it.

Here’s what she has to say:

I decided to get a little more simple for Wardrobe Wednesday this week. I love compilations with lots of color but I know that is not always for everyone. Lately, I have been loving photoshoots with lots of texture and layers and more of a monochromatic theme. No, I don’t mean everyone wears a tan T-shirt but monochromatic can be done and done right! This week I chose brown as my starting color. Brown is probably one of the easiest colors to go monochromatic. All of the shades of brown look wonderful together and different textures are easy to find.  This toned down outfit scheme would have the viewer oohing and awwing over the “soft”, “vintage” and “muted” feel. Also, this would be a great staring point if you did want to add in a little color. A few pops of a burgundy in there would spice up the whole feel. A few accessories like these awesome hand-made leather headpieces or a vintage newsboy hat (there are a ton of these listed on Etsy) will give the kids an individualized look for their solo portraits. Enjoy!

Aren’t those leather headpieces gorgeous?? Julia over at Leather Blossoms has graciously offered a 5% discount off anything in her shop for our readers! I absolutely love her beautiful headpieces! Go check her out!

 

Shopping Guide:

Woman:

Leather Headpiece – Etsy – $48.00
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55501045/cream-flower-headband-leather-cream?ref=sr_gallery_6&sref=&ga_search_query=cream+flower+headband&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

ELLE Embellished Halter Top – Kohls – $18.00
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/womens/tops_shirts/halter_tops/PRD~948844/ELLE+Embellished+Halter+Top.jsp

Dana Buchman Open-Front Crochet Cardigan – Kohls – $44.99
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/womens/sweaters/view_allsweaters/PRD~931325/Dana+Buchman+OpenFront+Crochet+Cardigan.jsp

LC Lauren Conrad Slim Bootcut Jeans – Kohls – $31.99
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/womens/jeans/bootcut/PRD~902871/LC+Lauren+Conrad+Slim+Bootcut+Jeans.jsp

Jellypop Preston Flat – DSW – $39.95
http://www.dsw.com/shoe/jellypop+preston+flat?prodId=236523&category=cat20068
Man:

SONOMAlife + style® Plaid Flannel Casual Button-Front Shirt – Kohls – $22.99
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/mens/shirts_polos/flannels_shirt_jackets/PRD~834105/SONOMA+life+++style+Plaid+Flannel+Casual+ButtonFront+Shirt.jsp

SONOMA life + style Bootcut Jeans – Kohls – $54.00
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/mens/jeans/bootcut/PRD~334188/SONOMA+life+++style+Bootcut+Jeans.jsp

Timberland Men’s Earthkeepers Chukka Boot – DSW – $79.95
http://www.dsw.com/shoe/timberland+men%27s+earthkeepers+chukka+boot?prodId=208664&category=cat20236

 

Little Girl:
Robeez Kendall Mini Shoez (Infant/Toddler)    $30.99
http://www.zappos.com/robeez-kendall-mini-shoez-infant-toddler-espresso

Cecilia Crinkle Dress – Tea Collection – $24.50
http://www.teacollection.com/product/1F13204/girls-dresses-cecilia-crinkle-dress.html#mushroom

Flores Pequeñas Leggings – Tea Collection – $17.50
http://www.teacollection.com/product/1F12305/girls-leggings-flores-peque-as-leggings.html#mole

Long Sleeve Purity Tee – Tea Collection – $22.50
http://www.teacollection.com/product/1F32001/boys-and-girls-t-shirts-long-sleeve-purity-tee.html#oatmeal heather

Cream flower hair clip  – Etsy – $28.00
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55720848/cream-flower-hair-clip-fascinator

 

Boy:

Ernesto Stripe Tee – Tea Collection – $24.50
http://www.teacollection.com/product/1F22002/boys-t-shirts-ernesto-stripe-tee.html#moss

Daytripper Jeans – Tea Collection – $34.50
http://www.teacollection.com/product/1F23301/boys-pants-daytripper-jeans.html#bio-stone wash

Herringbone slip-ons – GapKids – $9.99

http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=74351&vid=1&pid=850384&scid=850384002

Vintage Page Boy Hat – Etsy Vintage Listings -  $20

http://www.etsy.com/listing/90301909/dorfman-pacific-tweed-paper-boy-or-page?ref=sr_gallery_1&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=boys+hat&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_page=1&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage

What to wear {Wardrobe Wednesday} | Boudoir

Last year, in honor of all the ladies looking for something different to give to their guy on Valentine’s Day, I did a post explaining boudoir photography and put together a few different looks to personalize your session. You can find it here.

Now that you’re a boudoir expert, I thought I’d help you get a little more organized while putting together that perfect ensemble!

I do a lot of these sessions all year with my boudoir division Black Lace Images, and I would argue that “what to wear” is probably more important for my boudoir clients than any others. You want to feel comfortable, confident AND sexy. So rather than frantically digging through your entire closet, dresser and jewelry box looking for SOMETHING, ANYTHING that will work, here are a few tips on how to plan and decide what to bring to your shoot.

  1. All about the accessories: A basic bra set can become incredible with a unique accessory. Think long necklaces, chandelier earrings, even a beautiful hair clip or headband. If you love the soft, romantic look, shop for anything along the line of bridal jewelry. If you want images with a little more punch, you can’t ever go wrong with black thigh high stockings. It’s a simple purchase for less than $10 and can make a big impact.
  2. Nothing else needed: I think there’s a misconception that you need to be completely decked out from head to toe for a boudoir shoot. Sometimes the incredible detail in lacy lingerie is absolutely magnificent all on its own. If you have a highly detailed bra and underwear set or corset, you don’t need a bangly, spangly bracelet, flashy earrings and a bulky necklace. They’ll either upstage it or just compete with each other. Sometimes less is more.
  3. Coordinate an outfit: If you’re after a specific look, then go for it! Plan an entire outfit just like you would for any portrait session. You don’t have to just bring a mish-mash of things you unearthed from your closet. Whether you want vintage, flirty, a pop of color or, heck, even dominatrix if that’s your thing, put together something that expresses who you are.

Here’s an example image from one of my recent sessions that kind of illustrates all of my points in one. Ally is wearing a basic bodice, paired it with an awesome accessory (without overdoing it by adding earrings or any other jewelry at all), and she paired the two of them together because she wanted a vintage look.

 

And of course it wouldn’t be a Wardrobe Wednesday if I didn’t put together a few outfits to illustrate the point!

All about accessories

Nude bra set: $78 for both, The Bra Company

Thigh highs: $7.50, Berkshire

Ribbon headband: $54, Etsy.com

Crystal lariat: $44.62, Etsy.com Birdcage veil: $17.99, Etsy.com

Chandelier earrings: $70, Etsy.com

 

Nothing else needed

Mimi tatin silk bra: $89.08, ASOS

Mimi tatin boy short: $70.90, ASOS

 

Coordinate an outfit

Lace bodysuit: $40, ASOS

Glamour Hollywood earrings: $65, Etsy.com

Ofelia heels: $514.95, Bruno Magli

Valentine’s Day boudoir mini sessions!

*** Two spots just reopened because the girls upgraded to full sessions! Get ‘em before they’re gone! ***

 

I’m not the type to knock a box of chocolate on Valentine’s Day. Even if it’s cliche, heart-shaped and wrapped in glittery foil doilies, it’s still chocolate! But if you’re looking to step it up on Valentine’s Day this year and give a gift that will REALLY knock his socks off (perhaps even literally), then look no further.

I am offering a ONE-TIME only event: Boudoir mini sessions. Tastefully intimate images to show off your inner vixen.

Let me just take a quick second to say that EVERY woman should enjoy a boudoir session at some time in her life. It’s not about size or even an expensive piece of lingerie. I am the first person to embrace a great reason to shop and splurge on yourself, but boudoir imagery can be absolutely amazing with what you look like right this second wearing something you already have in your closet or dresser. I’ve seen it time and time again –it’s about confidence and feeling good about yourself.

And, trust me, you won’t believe how incredible you really look. But don’t take it from me. Here are a few raves from past clients:

 

“Oh my goodness Kelly! My photos are AMAZING! I just keep looking at them and thinking ‘Holy Crap!!! was that me?’ ahahahah. I just can’t believe I look like that. I guess in my husband’s eyes that’s how he really sees me. Thank you for allowing me to see myself this way! I am so glad I found you! Maybe now I will feel more confident about my outward appearance. Thank you, thank you, thank you with all my heart! You have an amazing talent. I’m so thankful you shared it with me!”

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so so so so excited … just saw the pics you posted and they are INCREDIBLE! I want to tell you I had such a great time with you too. Definitely worth the 4 hours of driving. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!”

“KELLY, HOW DO YOU DO IT?! Seriously! I can’t believe how amazing my photos are! I look like a model! Dan is going to pass out when he sees them … if I can wait until his birthday to show him!”

 

I get so many boudoir session requests throughout the year from people all over the northeast that I’m anticipating these to book very fast. Not only is the demand high, but this is an incredible offer. Regular weekend boudoir sessions are a minimum $500 investment, so not only is this your chance to take advantage of a special offer, but you ALSO get some awesome extras.

In addition to champagne and chocolate, I’ll have the latest Entertainment Weekly magazines to flip through and a “Sex and the City” marathon while you wait. So feel free to book with a friend and come early! If enough girls express interest in hiring a hair and makeup artist, I’ll even line up someone for the group! Then you can get styled while you relax.

Okay, ready for the details? The sessions will take place in my home studio on January 21 from noon to 6 p.m. The following time slots are available:

 

12: 00-12:30     1:45-2:15     2:30-3:00     3:15-3:45     4:00-4:30    4:45-5:15     5:30-6:00

 

 

Want to see more? Check out my boudoir site Black Lace Images and the Black Lace Facebook page.

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