I may be a portrait photographer, but I have a serious love of lifestyle photography as well. One of my favorite projects are "day in the life" photo stories. Well little man just turned two and I was feeling a bit nostalgic so the only logical thing to do was to break out my camera.
o without further ado, here it is- a day in the life of Riley.
Kindall Family | Mikaela Joy: Savannah Family Photographer
Can I just say one thing- twin moms are super-moms. And twin moms who also have a toddler? I don't know how you do it!
But Kindall and her family seem to have it down. They've got the sweetest toddler girl, and two tiny and adorable twins. They really are a perfect family.
I loved shooting this session because of the interactions between the family members. The twins were holding hands while worn, the parents playing with everyone and having a great time, and of course I love hanging out with toddlers. We had a lot of fun with races through the botanical garden and telling jokes to get her parents to laugh.
And of course we took some beautiful photos- see for yourself!
If you would like to book your own family portrait session please contact me to set up your complimentary consultation appointment.
Riley 18 Months | Mikaela Joy: Savannah Portrait Photographer
My little man is 18 months old (well, he was a month ago. I'm a little slow to share). I can't believe how fast it's all gone by.
As of right now, Riley is obsessed with wearing other people's shoes, so this photo session seemed like the perfect way to remember this stage in his life. He's got some big boots to fill!
Alexis at the Beach | Mikaela Joy: Savannah Portrait Photographer
Ahh summer. There is something so comforting about the salty air and feeling of sand between my toes. Nothing says summer quite like an early morning walk along the beach. But I can one up that- what about a photo shoot with this beauty?
Alexis and I were up bright and early to catch the Tybee Island sunrise for this shoot. She's an aspiring model who is building her portfolio, and a total natural. She rocked this shoot! But don't take my word for it: See for yourself!
If you are interested in your own portrait session, please contact me to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Ruiz Family Maternity | Mikaela Joy: Savannah Portrait Photographer
I really love maternity sessions. It is so amazing what a woman's body can accomplish in just 9 short months. The changes a woman goes through, both physically and mentally are astounding. There isn't much more beautiful than the curve of a pregnant belly, the strength in a new-mom-to-be's gaze as she thinks about her future child.
Like I said, I really love shooting maternity.
So I was obviously thrilled when the Ruiz family wanted to do a studio maternity session. We had a good time from the moment we started shooting. Both of these beautiful women have the type of personality that puts you at ease instantly, like we were already long time friends. Because of this we were able to jump right in and get some really great shots!
These two have the most handsome baby boy now. I'm so happy for them, and excited to see their little one grow up. And someday in the future I hope they can look back on these photos and remember this wonderful, fleeting time. It goes by so quickly.
Congratulations Ruiz family!
Helen Family | Mikaela Joy: Savannah Portrait Photographer
It was such a pleasure to have Helen and her two boys in my studio. This was my second session with Helen, and I already knew her youngest was a blast to work with. But this time she brought her oldest as well. We were able to get a great family portrait, some brothers shots, and and some solo portraits of each of the boys. One of these shots even ended up working perfectly for my display at Tater Bugs!
This family was a blast to work with, as usual. I can't wait to do it again!
Gwen | Mikaela Joy: Savannah Portrait Photographer
When I first met Gwen at a birthday part, I knew I had to get her into my studio. She is two, and already a perfect model. She's got bright blue eyes, an adorable smile, and she LOVES being in front of the camera. As soon as I held up the camera her eyes would light up and she'd strike a pose. Immediately afterwards she would run over to see the back of my camera. I don't normally show sneak peeks, but when someone this little and charming asks, I can't say no.
It turns out Gwen loves being behind the camera, too. She spent almost as much of the shoot playing with my backup camera as she did modeling. Time to train up a new assistant? I think so!
One of the photos from this session actually ended up being the star of a display I put up at Tater Bugs in the Tanger Outlets in Pooler. Here's a shot of the whole display:
If you'd like to set up your own portrait session, please contact me to schedule your free consultation. I can't wait to here from you!
Eryn Glamour | Mikaela Joy: Savannah Portrait Photographer
It's been a while since I've done a glamour shoot. It's been even longer since I worked with Eryn (remember our pinup shoot?)
Eryn has been working on some lifestyle changes and getting into shape (which she is doing a killer job of) and wanted to commemorate that by doing a session in her newly-fitting prom dress. Of course I was all over that- a studio session with a pretty dress and a model that can do her own makeup? Yes please!
Eryn looked gorgeous as usual, and was a blast to work with. I love how confident this girl is. She's got it and she knows it, and she killed that prom dress!
Selan Family Session | Mikaela Joy: Savannah Lifestyle Photographer
One thing that I find to be the most fun about working with children is watching them grow up. I worked with this little girl last at Halloween when she came into my studio for a mini session. She was in that perfect "sitter" stage for photography where she couldn't really do much but pose. Not so much this time! She is all grown up and running all over the place.
With this family it seemed fitting to make this a fun, laid back session. We ran around Forsyth Park, picking flowers, watching the fountain, playing at the playground, and chasing the beautiful morning light. We had a blast and got some pictures that I feel really capture each of their unique personalities. Watch the video to see for yourself!
If you are interested in your own family portrait session, please contact me to schedule your complimentary consultation today!
Kristin Motherhood Session | Mikaela Joy: Savannah Portrait Photographer
Breastfeeding photo sessions always end up being my favorites, and this one was no exception. Kristin and her little boy are coming to the end of their breastfeeding journey, and wanted to commemorate the bond they shared with some photos. It's a bond like none other and deserves to be remembered.
Breastfeeding is a lot of things. It's full of drool, and spit up, leaky boobs, and getting kicked in the face. It can be frustrating, painful, and monotonous, whether it's the hours spent on the pump or when baby wants fed for the third time in an hour. But it's so much more than all of that. There's something so amazing about being able to provide everything a little person needs from one's own body. It's about those late nights when the baby falls asleep on your chest and sweetly suckles in his sleep, or those moments when you make eye contact and he smiles up at you. Breastfeeding is a crazy, frustrating, never-gonna-end/is-it-over-already roller coaster. And it's damn beautiful, too.
I'm so happy that Kristin trusted me with these memories. It was so wonderful to meet these two strong, beautiful people and share this time with them, because moments like this shouldn't be forgotten.
Throwback Thursday: Riley 9 Months Ago | Mikaela Joy: Savannah Portrait Photographer
I love recreating photos as Riley grows. It's so much fun to see how much he's changed in what feels like such a short period of time. Case in point: these two shots. These were both taken at the same swing at Tom Triplett park in Pooler, GA. In the first one, he is 9 months old. The second was taken very recently (he's almost a year and a half, now).
I can't get over how grown up he looks now!
Jami Glamour | Mikaela Joy: Savannah Portrait Photographer
When I think of Jami, I think of someone with everyday glamour. No matter where I see her, it's always with high heels and makeup. When the rest of us show up to a party in yoga pants and messy buns, Jami is still looking her best.
So setting up a glamour shoot for her was no stretch of the imagination. She showed up to her session with freshly dyed hair, makeup on point, and a collection of outfits to chose from, all of which were perfect for her session.
With all of that out of the way, our session was a breeze. We played with different backdrops and outfits, and just had fun.
She looked amazing, of course. But there was never any doubt in my mind that that would be the case.
If you are interested in your own portrait session, please contact me to schedule your complimentary consultation today!
Riley in the Studio | Mikaela Joy: Savannah Portrait Photographer
Have you been following my 365 Days of Riley project?
I can't hardly believe we are already 6 months in. This kid is growing up WAY too fast.
And I'm happy to report that over 175 images later, I'm still not tired of taking his picture. He's my favorite model!
So You Can't Pose? | Mikaela Joy: Savannah Portrait Photographer
I hear it all the time from women who are nervous about being photographed:
"I don't know what I'm doing"
"I can't pose."
"I'm terrible in front of a camera."
"I'm not photogenic"
Well let me let you in on a little secret: unless we are talking to a professional model, most women would agree that they aren't photogenic and can't pose. Taking a selfie is one thing, (how many get deleted before that perfect shot at that perfect angle?) but to sit in front of a professional with a big DSLR camera- well that can be intimidating. We aren't professional models, after all.
But let me let you in on another little secret: being photogenic is a skill that can be taught
Wait what?
When you think about the word photogenic you probably think of that friend you have that looks amazing in every picture, whether she's in messy bun and sweatpants or a fresh blowout and a ball gown. You know who I'm talking about. It has to be just how her face is, right?
Wrong. Being photogenic is all about posing.
And guess what? I know a lot about posing.
Honestly, you don't need to worry about it one bit before coming into my studio. But if you are like me you probably want to research every aspect of everything before you come in. So let me give you a few tips so you know what you are doing.
- Chin forward and down.
You are going to hear me say this a lot during your session and I'll be honest with you, it's going to feel awkward as heck. This is not a comfortable, relaxed position by any means. But it will do something pretty amazing for your portraits. Any traces of a double chin will be replaced by a nice defined jawline with one simple movement- chin forward and down. - Shift your weight to one hip.
Whether you are curvy, thin, or somewhere in between, there is one thing that we are always going for in order to create a flattering, feminine portrait- curves. Shifting your weight to one side or the other will create gorgeous curves at your waistline and will effect the way your entire body is positioned. This leads quite nicely into our next tip: - Push anything that we want to slim away from the camera.
Everything is about perspective when it comes to photography. The things closest to the camera will look the biggest, and the things farthest away will look the smallest. Let's use this to our advantage. If you lean in towards the camera you will instantly look slimmer- no diets necessary! - Keep your neck long.
Posture is everything! Models look like models not because they are tall and skinny, but because they have long elegant limbs. The more you lengthen your neck, straighten your back, and drop your shoulders, the more you will embody that same look.
These may seem like tiny things, but they make such a huge difference in how you look in a portrait. It can be a lot to keep track of, but lucky you, that's why you have me. During your portrait session I will instruct you how to pose from your toes to the top of your head. All you have to do is look pretty (and I promise, you are better at it then you think!)
None of these lovely ladies thought they could pose either. Psh.
Erika Glamour | Mikaela Joy: Savannah Portrait Photographer
I love working with Erika. I have done quite a few sessions with her and her family, throughout her pregnancy, and after with her little girl. But this session was unique for us. This was all about her. And isn't she gorgeous?
It's so easy for us moms to get in lost in the identity of being a mother, so this was a great opportunity for me to showcase Erika for who she is as an individual. We had so much fun with the hair, and makeup, and twirling around in a tutu, and although she was a bit nervous at first, she warmed up to the camera quite quickly.
And of course her photos turned out gorgeous! How could they not?
Interested in your own portrait session? Let's chat! Contact me to set up your free consulation today.
Meg Glamour | Mikaela Joy: Savannah Portrait Photographer
It's been a few years, but I finally got Meg in front of my camera again. When I was just starting out as a photographer I shot a photo of her with the sunlight through her hair (above) and it's still one of my favorite shots. I've tried to re-create it several times, but nobody does it like Meg does, I guess.
I've been wanting to get Meg into my studio for glamour portraits for a couple of reasons. For one thing, she is not a girly girl. I see her in her police uniform all the time, but never in a dress. In fact, you should have seen her face when I showed her the outfits I had in mind for her. "You want me to wear a dress?!" And makeup? Forgettaboutit. So it was fun to transform her from a southern girl in her flannel (nevermind that she's not actually from the south), to all dressed up with curls and pearls.
The other reason I've been wanting to photograph Meg is because she just does so well in front of the camera! She think she's awkward, but there's something model-esque about it. Maybe it's because she's built like a model: tall and lean.
I had a really great time working with this gorgeous girl! Check out the video below for a look behind the scenes at how it all went down!
To book your own portrait session, please contact me today!
Renata Glamour | Mikaela Joy: Savannah Portrait Photographer
Look who's in front of my camera again, it's Renata! This girl should be a model because she photographs like a dream. Seriously, she's gorgeous.
This shoot was an absolute blast. She let me dress her up, and was totally open to all my crazy ideas ("Oh, you want me to spin in circles in a makeshift dress while you point a blow dryer at me? Sure!")
These studio sessions have been such a departure from my normal work, and I'm really excited about them! There is just something so special about the experience of it- you dress up and I do everything I can to make you feel like a superstar, and in the end we are left with gorgeous pictures to commemorate an amazing day. You really can't beat that!
Check out the great shots we got from this session! (Like I said, she's gorgeous!)
Angel Glamour | Mikaela Joy: Savannah Glamour Portrait Photographer
Earlier this week I showed you my retouching process for the above image, now it's time to show you the rest of the shoot!
As usual, Angel and I had a blast during this session. We did up her makeup, raided the studio closet for clothes, jammed out to some good music and had ourselves a photoshoot!
Here are some of the final shots!
She makes it so easy for me. Seriously, she's gorgeous.
If you are interested in your own glamour portrait session, please contact me to schedule your complimentary consultation. I can't wait to hear from you!
High Speed Glamour Retouch | Mikaela Joy: Savannah Glamour Portrait Photographer
How about a little look behind the scenes today?
As you all know, I've been working on something a bit out of my norm lately- glamour photography. I'm intrigued by the makeup, the posing, the retouching- all the things that go on behind the scenes to get the shot.
So many of us women are filled with dread when we look at pictures of ourselves. I'm sure you know what I mean. That little notification pops up on facebook that says someone tagged you in a photo and you have to prepare yourself for what you are about to see. And then it comes up and everything you are self conscious about hits you like a ton of bricks. I hear it all the time- "I don't like my nose," or "my arms look fat in that photo." Heck, I often have those same thoughts when I see photos of myself.
The Cady Family | Mikaela Joy: Savannah Family Photographer
Can I just say that I love working with the Cady family? Danielle is one of those people that is up for just about anything, and it makes working with her a breeze. From the initial planning stages of this session, all the way through, she let me take creative control and just let the session happen. Because of this, it was very easy to capture the uniqueness of her family and really showcase their personalities.
And boy do they have a lot of personality :)