Ashlie & Chris Wedding – {Rainbow Beach Wedding Photography}

Oh my goodness, my first wedding blogged!!! To say that I’m nervous and anxious to show you these images is an understatement too.

Ashlie and Chris (aka Pez), thank you for allowing me the privilege of being your photographer. I usually have a lot to say, but for once in my life I’m almost speechless. There are simply no words for how amazing your wedding day was and my prayer for you both is that the love you share today only gets stronger with each passing day.

Bec x

A massive shout out and thank you to the very talented Angela of Aqua Door Designs for designing and creating the gorgeous cushions that were featured in some of the styled beach shots too! I absolutely adore her handiwork and the quality of the materials and the craftsmanship is second to none. Head on over and check out her Etsy page.

Bec R xx

Ash & Pez – {Rainbow Beach Wedding Photography}

The gorgeous Ashlie and Chris (aka – Pez) were married at Rainbow Beach on Friday 27th April. Although it rained on and off during the day we were fortunate to be able to get some absolutely beautiful shots for the Wedding Album. Here’s just a sneak peek at what’s to come. Check back in on Friday for a full blog post. This truly was a magical day and the light was so, so dreamy!

Guest Senior Photographer – {Nicole Lubin Photography}

Before I introduce you all to today’s awesome Guest Senior Photographer I would like to make an announcement [No...I'm not pregnant - haha]. It’s been just over a year since I discovered photography and I believe I’m ready to take that next step towards making it a viable vocation. This year is going to be a BIG one for me. I will be developing my brand — and with that will come a new name (something a bit more professional than my current name) and a new logo. On top of that, I will also be introducing some exciting and unique products and print option to my packages – which I can’t wait to share with you all – and if time and money allows – I will also be adding weddings to my list of services. But…that’s enough about me….let’s talk about the talent of this week’s Guest Blogger and Photographer – Nicole Lubin of Nicole Lubin Photography!
I stumbled across Nicole’s work late last year and was instantly drawn in by her ability to use light. It dances in her images and if there’s something that really gets me excited – it’s great ‘natural light’ photography! It shows true skill and it highlights the knowledge she has of her gear and its capabilities. Enough said I reckon — it’s time to get crack-a-lackin’.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself….
I live in Baltimore Maryland with my husband and 2 children.  I bought my first SLR after I became frustrated with the shutter delay on my point and shoot.  The delay made it impossible to capture the cuteness of my very busy little daughter.  Once that DSLR was in my hands I quickly became very interested in everything related to photography.  Largely self-taught, I poured over photography websites and forums, taking pictures of everything that crossed my path while trusting my instincts in finding “beauty” and “interest” in my pictures.
2. How long have you been doing photography and how long have you been in the business of SENIOR photography?
I have been in business a little over two years.  My business has always been families and children, so seniors have always been a part of my market.
3. What is it about SENIOR photography that got you hooked?

Oh there is so much I love about seniors.  It’s a transitional period, most are nervous and excited at the same time for the adventures ahead of them.  I love finding their inner beauty and letting it shine, hopefully giving them some confidence for their next step in life.

4. How would you describe your style?

My style is very natural.  I like to document the senior’s life, as it is right now,  like a snapshot in time.  I know it’s likely that in the future they will change their college majors and careers, possibly a few times.  I want them to be able to look at their senior pictures later and reminisce with fondness about who they were then and who they’ve become.

5. Do you have any words of advice for posing seniors?

I like to look through catalogs like JCrew, Anthropologie and pinterest and make my own inspiration/posing guide.  Someone along the way suggested taking pictures and keeping in an album in your iphone.  I thought that was a great idea!

6. What do you think makes a great SENIOR portrait session?

Good dialogue between the photographer and senior where the senior can be relaxed and comfortable allowing the photographer to capture the true and individual beauty of the senior.

7. If you could only offer one bit of business advice to photographers – what would it be?

It’s great to follow other photographers’ blogs for inspiration and knowledge, but know when to step away so you can stay true to your individual vision and business style.

8. What body and lenses do you use most? What is your favorite lens?

I have a Canon 5D Mark II.   In my camera bag I have a 50mm/1.4, 24-70mm/2.8, 70-200mm/2.8 and a 100mm macro lens.  Most of the time my 24-70mm is on my camera, it’s a very versatile lens.  However, I love the creamy results of my 70-200 mm lens, it’s quite heavy so your arms get a workout at the same time!

9. What motivates/inspires you?

I’m inspired by other photographers, fashion magazines, and goodness, I could spend hours on pinterest.

10. Why should someone consider getting SENIOR portraits done?

Well I think about it with regards to myself.  I know I’ve changed a lot since I was a high school senior.  I changed my major at least 4 times and I’ve had 3 distinct “careers”.  I love who I’ve become but I also realize the path that brought me here is quite special as well.  It’s nice to have mementos from that time.  And the obvious reason, get some great pictures before gravity takes over.

After seeing Nicole’s images I’m sure you’re all wanting to know where you can find her on Facebook – click this link and ‘like’ her page and leave some love. Nicole Lubin Photography Facebook

RR xx

Guest Senior Photographer – {Jessica VanDerMark}

Jessica VanDerMark is a Senior photographer from California in the United States of America.  She owns a business called Jessica VanDerMark Photography, and is located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana! I discovered Jessica one day whilst doing a Senior Photography google search. Struck by her outstanding and captivating work I immediately started following her page on Facebook and got hooked! Ah-mazing! A huge thank you to Jessica for agreeing to be this weeks’ Guest Senior Photographer!

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself….

Geez…I’m not good at this, but her a few things that I love!

College Sports:  LSU first, SEC second

Michael Buble: His voice instantly puts me in a good mood!

High Heels:  Ok…truthfully, this one is more like an addiction

Canadian Men: My husband being #1 and Buble a close second.  A really, really, really close second!) And why not throw Ryan Reynolds in there while we’re at it.

Music: All types of music.  It truly feeds my soul.

Culture: Drop me off in a great historical city or on the bayou where I grew up and I’m a happy camper.

People: I love meeting people, being inspired by them, sharing experiences. The unexpected outcome of a chance meeting.

My hometown: Spent my whole life thinking it was awful, only to grow up and realize its uniqueness.

Those are just a few of the many things in life that stimulate me, inspire me and make my heart sing. Photography, my children and family goes without saying!

More random facts: I am proud to be Cajun. I’m not much of a morning person. I miss living in California. I talk A LOT! An afternoon baseball game is a perfect way to spend my day.

Phew!  That’s it.  I think.

2. How long have you been doing photography and how long have you been in the business of SENIOR photography?

Photography has been a part of me since I was a child.  I was always the friend who had the camera at all of our outtings.  Professionally speaking, I’ve been doing it right at two years.  I had my very first Senior session November, 2010 and have been hooked ever since!


3. What is it about SENIOR photography that got you hooked?

Haha..that’s funny…I just used the word “hooked” in my above answer!  For me, it was many things.  I love the energy of the Seniors.  I love that this is such a big milestone in their life and I’m there to capture it.  The fashion, the fun, all of it.  I also really like working one on one with a subject.  With Seniors they are usually up for anything, so you can really stretch and get creative.


4. How would you describe your style?

Modern, Fashion forward, fun!
5. Do you have any words of advice for posing seniors? Watch their body language and tweak it.  Most people will fall into a natural pose and one that will look good on them.  From there it’s usually just a few minor adjustments and your done!

6. What do you think makes a great SENIOR portrait session?

I know that they hire me to photograph them, but honestly if they leave the session laughing and having had a great time, I know it was a great session.  Plus, the pictures always show that they had a good time.  I think we are selling an experience.

7. If you could only offer one bit of business advice to photographers – what would it be?

Never Never stop educating yourself.  You have never arrived and you will never be at a place where you have learned it all.

8. What body and lenses do you use most? What is your favorite lens?

I’m a Canon girl!  I use 50mm, 85mm and 70-200mm most often, but the 70-200 is my favorite.

9. What motivates/inspires you?

These questions always stump me.  I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about this stuff I guess.  I’ve always been motivated by success.  So whether it’s photography, being a good mom, or playing Angry Birds, I want to be the best I possibly can be at it.    I’m inspired by many things.  People, music, the love and support my family has shown me.  My Seniors inspire me.  I truly enjoy meeting each and every one of them and if I wasn’t so old and lame, I would totally be friends with many of them.  Doing a great job for them both motivates and inspires me to always be pushing myself to be better than I was yesterday!

10. Why should someone consider getting SENIOR portraits done?

Name another time in your life when it will only be about you?  You will get married and they will insist on sticking the groom in your pictures…then you will have a family and those children you decided to have will sneak their way in. I joke…sort of.   This is a time when it’s 100% about you and only you.  What a treasure to have.  What a gift for your children and grandchildren to have these photographs someday.  It’s a time in your life when the whole world is in front of you and for the first time you are in control of writing your own story.  What better way to start that journey than with photographs documenting that milestone.   I think the question really is, why not?

Guest Senior Photographer – {Zasey Photography}

What a  month it’s been! I trust that you’ve all had a safe, joyous and eventful Christmas break and hope that 2012 promises to be an awesome one!! On that note – I’m not holding back with the talent and the caliber of photography that we will be graced with here at Lil’B Photography…starting today with the incredibly inspiring work of Amber Strickler from Zasey Photography!! Amber rocks Senior Photography and each and every session she puts up on her page has me going ‘Yeah! That’s how you do it! That’s how I want to be able to do! Far out! Awesome!’ Another thing I totally admire is the consistency of her work – it’s never hit or miss – it’s spot on…and in an industry where the client is very self conscious and critical of their appearance – the difference between gaining or losing them leaves you no room for error. Without any further ado – here’s what Amber has to say about herself and Senior Photography:)

1. Tell us a bit about yourself…

This part is awkward, talking about myself…so I’ll keep it short.  I am a music loving, photo taking mother of two.  I was born and raised in the great state of Texas.  I have been married for 9 years to my stud muffin.  He stands exactly 12 inches taller than me (yes, I am vertically challenged).  I have recently discovered a passion for baking….for others, not for me.  I can do without the extra calories.  I’ve always enjoyed art so when I was forced to take a beginner’s photography class in college I discovered an amazing creative outlet and I have been addicted ever since.

2. How long have you been doing photography and how long have you been in the business of SENIOR photography?
I’ve been shooting for the past 4 years, but went full time just two years ago with seniors starting about the same time.

3. What is it about SENIOR photography that got you hooked?
Being part of such a wonderful transition in someone’s life.  There is so much of life still ahead of them.  It’s exciting.  My clients have amazing spirits that I just enjoy laughing with them and being a part of what is one of the biggest milestones in their lives!


4. How would you describe your style?

Hmm, that’s a hard one.  As an artist I am constantly evolving.  I’ve discovered a love for the warm orange glow of the sun in my images.  I love seeing it wrap itself around my subjects.  I don’t do much post-production either, so the colors are more natural, with the exception of my never-ending obsession to turn every image I take black & white (which I often have to exercise restraint).


5. Do you have any words of advice for posing seniors?

I’m a fan of more natural and playful poses so I try to put myself in their position and ask them to stand or sit in ways that I would either be most natural or comfortable in.   I’ll often stand opposite them and demonstrate how I’d like for them to position their bodies.  Showing your subject what you want them to do, rather than just telling them, is more effective and efficient in my opinion.


6. What do you think makes a great SENIOR portrait session?
Again, if it’s natural it’s great.  It should encompass everything they are at this stage in their life.  They should have some say in the choice of location; actively discuss wardrobe and accessories that would be great additions to their shoot, focusing on choices that are reflective of them.  And you should make an effort of getting to know what interests they have.  Being a music fan, like so many 18 year olds, I can often relate to my clients on that level.  It gives us something casual to talk about until the initial nerves ware off.  By being able to relate to your client their smiles become more natural and what you’re capturing is the more “raw” them.  And if there isn’t a shared interest I always ask them what they ARE interested in and we talk genuinely about those things during the shoot.

7. If you could only offer one bit of business advice to photographers – what would it be?
For me it’s to not waste money on print or Internet advertising.  Your best advertising is the clients you photograph.  Give them a great experience and they will sing your praises and refer their friends.  {Great advice!!!}

8. What body and lenses do you use most? What is your favorite lens?
I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark ii and I have 3 lenses that accompany me on every portrait session.  I carry with me a 35mm 1.4, a 50mm 1.2 and a 85mm 1.2.  My 85mm is my fave of the three.


9. Why should someone consider getting SENIOR photos done?
It’s a monumental time in a High School senior’s life.  Life changes so drastically and we become different people when we’re out in the “real world” that documenting where we were before we get to who we became is just so important.  It’s no different than a new mother documenting her child’s first year of life.  It’s change and memories and it is time that should be saved.

Typically I would say something else at this point – but Amber has hit the nail on the head!! Senior Photography is no different from any other genre of photography in that it’s about capturing a time in one’s life that should never be forgotten or overlooked. Go Amber!!

In true Lil’B Photography style – I have another great Guest Photographer lined up for next weeks interview. You don’t want to miss it!

RR. xx