Wedding Win Wednesday: What to do if you fall in love with a dress, but not the price tag

August 28, 2019  •  59 Comments

Buttons on the back of a wedding dress.One of MeiLing's bridesmaids carefully fastens the buttons on the back of her wedding dress.

Today’s wedding win comes from one of my most recent brides, MeiLing and involves what I believe is one of the most defining choices about a wedding – the dress.

MeiLing struggled to find the perfect dress.

“I love lace and knew I wanted my dress to have lots of lace, but I had always pictured a dress with long lace sleeves, an illusion top, and a ballgown skirt,” she said. “After trying on SO many dresses at 7 different bridal stores, I found that I was very drawn to strapless mermaid styles instead.”  Bride in a wedding dress in front of waterMeiLing + Ryan - Hornell Main Place Wedding-369Mei:ing's wedding dress looked like it was custom-made for her.

However, the dress she found was nothing like the ballgown she pictured herself in. She fell in love with the “Kiara” style dress by Provias.

She may have fallen in love with the dress, but she wasn’t in love with the price tag, so she left without a dress. But MeiLing was not about to give up on the gorgeous gown.

“A couple weeks later, I googled the style and designer. An ad popped up for preownedweddingdresses.com and I found the style ‘Princia’ by Pronovias for sale (very similar to the dress I tried on), altered to my size, a bustle installed, at a fantastic price, and within driving distance.”

“I messaged the seller and asked if I could come try on the dress. She said yes and I drove out to NYC to try it on. Once I saw the dress I knew it was THE ONE. Everything about it was perfect. I loved the lace detailing, lace hem, the covered buttons, and a long train.”

The dress was clearly meant to be hers.

MeiLing + Ryan - Hornell Main Place Wedding-367MeiLing + Ryan - Hornell Main Place Wedding-367

This was the first I had heard of preownedweddingdresses.com, and honestly, I love the idea.

MeiLing was able to save thousands of dollars, but still wear the perfect dress. You never would have known the dress had been worn before. It was in pristine condition and looked like it was made for her.

This is definitely an option worth looking into if you are still on the hunt for the perfect gown.

Is your wedding dress still wadded up in a ball in the bottom of your closet (like mine is)? It’s also a great option for women who have a wedding dress, but nothing to do with it.

MeiLing + Ryan - Hornell Main Place Wedding-763MeiLing + Ryan - Hornell Main Place Wedding-763In another brilliant cost-saving measure, MeiLing hand-made her own veil. Now that's talent! MeiLing + Ryan - Hornell Main Place Wedding-763MeiLing + Ryan - Hornell Main Place Wedding-763In another brilliant cost-saving measure, MeiLing hand-made her own veil. Now that's talent!

Every Wednesday I will be posting a wedding tip, either from me or one of my brides/grooms, to help others with their wedding plans. Do you have a wedding question, send it to me and I will try to answer it in a future blog post.

 

 


Lily's Senior Photos

August 27, 2019  •  98 Comments

fbLBP_2627 copyfbLBP_2627 copyThe goats at the Stewart Fanily Farm took quite a liking to Lily.

I doesn't feel like it was all that long ago that Lily was in elementary school, walking through the Evening Tribune building in Hornell where I worked with her mom. 

A few years ago I took photos of her and a group of friends before a school dance. Years ago I couldn't believe how old she looked. 

I was shocked when her mom contacted me about shooting her senior photos. A senior already??? HOW?

I have watched Lily transform from a cute, blonde-haired, blue eyed little kid, to a beautiful young woman, entering her senior year of high school.

After graduation in 2020, the Hornell High School senior hopes to take steps toward her dream job of working in the FBI. She showed her respect for law enforcement by posing with a thin blue line flag outside the state building in Hornell. 

The most memorable part of the shoot certainly was the stop at the Stewart Family Farm in Howard, where we arranged to have her photos taken with a heard of goats, Lily's favorite animal. The mischievous goats surrounded us, exploring the zippers of my camera bag, surrounding Lily, and generally giving her more attention than she expected walking into the pasture. 

Yellow being her favorite color, she posed with yellow smoke bombs, near Black-Eyed Susans, and in her favorite yellow pants. Overall, I am thrilled with how we managed to make her senior shoot uniquely hers. 

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Interested in booking a senior shoot with Lynn Brennan Photography? Click here for rates

Getting ready for a senior photo shoot and not sure where to start or what to expect? Click here for my Senior Photo Frequently Asked Questions


Dancing in the dark

August 11, 2019  •  18 Comments

Michael - Hornell Class of 2020-195Michael - Hornell Class of 2020-195

I have been DYING to do a photo shoot like this for years. 

 

I have had the idea to photograph a back-lit dancer, leaping in the air years ago, but try as I might, I struggled to find the perfect model. Then I met Michael. 

 

When we met to discuss his senior photo session, he made it clear he wanted to showcase his lifelong love of dancing. After looking through some of his dancing photos, I knew he would be the PERFECT dancer for this session. 

 

I really was happy with how the images turned out, I learned a lot for next time, and we all had a lot of fun. 

 

Special thanks to his mom and sister for all of their help. We couldn't have done it without you!


What to know before for your senior pictures

June 20, 2019  •  135 Comments

High School senior on a horse.Home school Senior photosOften people ask if they can bring their pets. My answer: The bigger the better.

I have a high school senior! Now what?

What to know when booking a senior photo shoot with Lynn Brennan Photography

Congratulations! If you are reading this, you are probably either a senior, or are a parent of one. Amidst the craziness of preparing for senior year, I try my best to make your senior photo experience as painless and fun as possible. Here is a FAQ guide to help you through the steps. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

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When do senior shoots get scheduled?

There is a wide range for when you can have your photos taken. Most like to have them done the summer before your senior year, into early fall. I have done senior photos as late as the summer after senior year though. If you plan on having a photo taken by me in the yearbook, better to schedule them earlier rather than later. Yearbook deadlines often fall within the first couple weeks of the school year.

I only take on a limited number of seniors in any year, reserve your space early.

Senior shoots should be uniquely you

Probably never before in your life, and never again, will you have a photo shoot this tailored to who you are. Your senior photos should highlight who you are as a person at this important and exciting time in your life.

I always like to chat before senior photos to try to get an idea of your likes, dislikes and other things that make you, you. This will help me come up with ideas for unique locations and themes for your shoot.

Canisteo Greenwood SeniorSmokebombs? Check.

What time of day is best for a shoot?

Depends on the season. In the late fall and winter, any time of day is fine. Any other time of the year I recommend either Morning, Late afternoon, or early evening. NOT in the middle of the day (it’s hot, shadows are severe, and you will squint).

 

I NEED one of your senior videos!

Yeah you do! Just let me know when you book your shoot that you would like a video as well so I can bring the appropriate equipment.  Not sure what a senior video is? Click here. (Turn your volume on).

 

What do I wear?

Here is a guideline to help get you started. You certainly don’t have to stick to it. Sydney Livingston - Hornell Senior Photos-15Sydney Livingston - Hornell Senior Photos-15

I know the shopaholics aren’t going to like to read this, but your senior photo shoot really isn’t the time to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe (sorry). I recommend having 3-4 outfits for your shoot:

Your signature casual outfit

This varies a lot from person to person. It can be as simple as  jeans and a t-shirt. Are you ALWAYS in a hoodie? Wear it. More at home in a romper and heels? Awesome. Live in your pajamas? We will find a way to make this work -- challenge me. This is outfit is about telling your story through your personal style.

Your parent’s favorite outfit

I know, I know, I said this shoot is all about you. But, these photos will be hanging on the walls of their house for the rest of eternity. Let them pick an outfit for you. And remember, they are probably fitting the bill, so they get a say.

Something you feel AMAZING in

This should be more formal. I’ve seen everything from sundresses and button down shirts to evening gowns and tuxedos. The sky's the limit. What would you wear if your crush asked you out on a date? That’s the outfit I am talking about here.

Wildcard

A school uniform, your soccer warm ups, what you wear for your favorite activity. This is about telling WHAT you do with your outfit. Make it as fun as you want. (A cap and gown would be awesome too if you can find one!).

Alexa VasnScoter Hornell-71Alexa VasnScoter Hornell-71

Location, location, location Marcus Tingley-40Marcus Tingley-40

Back to the session being all about YOU. When we chat, please feel free to tell me about your favorite spots. People tend to think that you need HUGE, expansive gorgeous spaces for photos. You don’t. I have a list of pretty spots to go (and we will generally visit a couple of them). But I want to hear from you. Do you stop and get ice cream on the way home from school every day? There’s a spot! Live your life on a football field? Guess where we are going. Spend every free hour working at the local pizza shot? That would be AMAZING! (Don’t laugh, I am 100% serious).  Still stumped? That’s OK too! Some of my favorite sessions come from just hopping in the car and finding new locations.

We can always fall back on my pretty spots, but it’s always special if the location means something to you.

 

 

How long is this going to take?

Plan on two hours. Sometimes it takes more time, sometimes less. But 2 hours is a good rule of thumb.

 

I’m not super comfortable in front of the camera

No problemo! I will talk you through it. I will pose you as much (or as little) as you would like. I also have handy-dandy prompt cards with photos on them that I can show you and say “do this.”

I really do try to make it a fun experience, but be warned, my jokes are bad. (Stolen from my 7 year old bad).

 

Who can come with me?

That’s all up to you and what will make you the most comfortable. Bring a parent/friend/sibling, whoever will help you come out of your shell. If you would rather it be just the two of us, that’s fine too. I’ve found that, especially with girls, bringing a best friend can be super fun. Try not to bring more than two people though. 

Berardi Senior Photos Canisteo-Greenwood-64Berardi Senior Photos Canisteo-Greenwood-64

What if it rains?

Well, we have a couple options. I watch the weather like a hawk, and if it looks like the session is going to be a complete wash out, we may have to cancel, but I try not to. I do have access to a couple outdoor locations where we can shoot and not get wet. Feeling adventurous? Let’s shoot in the rain!

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So I love your work, but I want to do something COMPLETELY different than everyone else

Yes, yes, YES. The more different, the better. Let’s chat.

 

How many photos can I expect from my session?

Generally you can count on about 50 photos. For a two hour session, this may not seem like a lot, but it will when you decide which prints you want to order… trust me.

 

Let’s talk money. What do I owe you?

There is a $300 sitting fee due at the time of your session. That fee is applied toward the cost of the package you choose. For information on my current packages, click here.

 

I want to have more than one session

Totally doable. I’ve done this a few times. For example, for someone who wanted photos in a field of flowers, but was also a superstar skier. An additional $200 sitting fee would apply.

Alexa VasnScoter Hornell-71Alexa VasnScoter Hornell-71

 

Can I see examples of past senior sessions?

Sure thing, just ask!

 

How long do I have to wait to see the finished product?

Let’s be honest, we all love social media, so I will post a sneak peek of your session within 48 hours of your shoot. (If this is something you would rather not have, just let me know.) For the whole gallery, turnaround depends on the time of the year. I try to get your rough proofs back within two weeks.

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Speaking of social media, once I get all of my photos, can I share them?

Absolutely! I LOVE when clients share my images. I just ask that you not add any filters (if there is something you would like done to an image, let me know and I will edit it for you). It would also be great if you can tag Lynn Brennan Photography when you post them.

 

I love the proofs! Now what?

Now you pick a package. I can either send you a form to fill out to choose which images you would like, or we can sit down and figure it out together. It can be a daunting task.

 

Please feel free to reach out if you have any additional questions. 

To schedule a shoot, Message me on Facebook, or Call/text me at 607-382-5026

 

 


When a photo shoot turns scarily adorable

June 10, 2019  •  85 Comments

When a photo shoot turns scarily adorable

 

Little girl surrounded by purple flowers.Finley and LandonMeet Finley. As the old saying goes, though she is but little, she is fierce.

The best photo shoots seem to happen when you take an idea and tweak it just a bit. That is exactly what happened during Finley's Phlox photo shoot in  Hornell Sunday morning. Sometimes I write in detail about the events of a shoot, the planning, etc. 

This time I will just let the photos speak for themselves. Little girl in a field surrounded by purple flowers. Finley and LandonWhen Finley's mom heard about my Phlox mini sessions, she knew she had to have photos taken of her little girl surrounded by her favorite flowers. When Finley's mom heard about my Phlox mini sessions, she knew she had to have photos taken of her little girl surrounded by her favorite flowers.
Little girl sitting on a blue blanket.Finley and LandonFinley's session started out like any other. Finley's session started out like any other.
Boy in a Jason mask coming out from behind a tree.Finley and LandonBut then things took an interesting turn. But then things took a turn.
Jason Blog 4

Look out behind you!!! Jason Blog 6Finley and LandonThankfully, Finley noticed the "monster" creeping up behind her. Thankfully, Finley noticed the "Jason" creeping up behind her.
Jason Blog 5Finley LandonLuckily she is fast and began to run. Luckily she is fast and began to run.
Jason Blog 8Tables have turnedBut then Jason had the tables turned on him, and Finley stole his machete and ran off with it (and a flower).

Somehow, Jason had the tables turned on him, and Finley stole his machete and ran off with it (and a flower).
Jason Blog 7Run Finley, run

 

Using her pretty eyes and charming personality, Finley was able to show Jason the error of his ways, and even convinced him to stop and smell the flowers. And even pose for a few photos. 

Jason Blog 10Jason Blog 10

Jason Blog 11JasonHe even was willing to pose for few photos. Special thanks to big brother Landon, who was all too willing to participate in his little sister's photo shoot. Jason Blog 13Jason, unmasked Interested in putting an interesting twist on a photo shoot? I would love to hear your ideas! Contact me today, 607.382.5026 or [email protected]

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