Maris - Round 2! {Tulsa Senior Photographer}

I really enjoyed my second shoot with Maris to finish up her Senior Photos!  I got to see a bit of her hometown, which I had never been to.  Even though I am a native Okie, there are still some smaller towns that I haven't been able to explore yet.  It was great to be able to do just that with Miss Maris!

Becky & Co. {Tulsa Family Photographer}

I've always been a big family person.  I love when I get to spend some time photographing fun families!  It was certainly a privilege to capture Becky's family while her husband and son were home and before her mother-in-law took off for the beach!  I'm still jealous that she's getting to spend some time in with her {toes} in the sand, by the way :D

Aurielle & Courtney {Tulsa Wedding Photographer}

I'm pretty sure the hardest part of my job is narrowing down all of the photos I've taken.  It's definitely harder to narrow down the wedding shots, for sure!  Aurielle & Courtney's wedding shots are certainly no exception to that rule.  I know they spent so much time putting each detail together and I want to make sure they have lots of photos to remember them!

Maris - Class of '15 {Tulsa Senior Photographer}

Oh to be young again!  With hindsight being 20/20, what would you choose for your future if you were to go back and do it all over again?  Miss Maris is still working thru her choices for her future and no matter what she lands on, I'm certain she will rock it!

Owasso 8th Grade Basketball {Owasso Sports Photographer}

It has been a *cough cough* few *cough cough* years since I had walked the halls of the Owasso 8t grade center.  In fact, when I was attending school there, it was known as the Junior High.  It was interesting to see how much has changed and how much was still as I remembered it when I went out to take photos of the 8th grade boys basketball team recently.

Matt - Class of '15 {Tulsa Senior Photographer}

Being an On-Location photographer, I never really know what I'm going to get when it comes to weather for our sessions.  Matt's original session date was certainly no exception to that rule.  It was cold and gloomy.  So, we opted to wait a week and I'm sure glad we did.  Instead, we got a fair amount of wind but we also got some sunshine too!  It pays to wait a bit sometimes :)

Q&A with digital detours...

 A little about me and my creations:

I began to discover the wonderful world of photography in 2007.   I feel like the passion had been silently building for quite some time before that, I just wasn’t sure what to do with it until I picked up a cute new point & shoot camera and stumbled upon an old bridge that caught my eye.

Just as my name suggests, my digital journey has detoured into some other fun directions since then.  Not only do I provide standard photo sessions, but I also provide graphic design services as well.  I am also a volunteer photographer for Operation: Love ReUnited.

Where did my business name come from?

While looking for inspiration and things to photograph, I found myself out wandering the streets of Tulsa.  And as any native Tulsan knows, our streets are ALWAYS filled with detours, thanks to the many construction zones that pop up anywhere and everywhere.  It just seemed that digital detours photography was all too appropriate for an identity.  That couldn’t be more true, now that I have ventured into the world of graphic design, which often supplements my sessions.

What do I love about my products?

I absolutely love being able to offer a variety of services for my clients.  Whether they are looking for photos, canvases, prints, greeting cards, custom design services, or just a fun new Facebook timeline with their images, I have just what they need!

What sets my creations apart from others?

In spite of not feeling like patience is my biggest virtues, I seem to get lots of “thank you for being so patient with my kids!” compliments more often than anything.  I absolutely love the little people and I know that it takes a few minutes for them to open up with me at the beginning of our session.  I go with the flow and just wait to capture them when they least expect it.  Those “lifestyle shots” often wind up being my client’s favorite images from their time with me because of that. 

That whole patience thing creeps into my graphic design work also.  It’s hard to see the vision in someone else’s head when they are looking for a logo for their new business or when they are trying to convey just what that Christmas card should look like before it goes to the print lab.  I make sure to take time to listen to what they say without being pushy so that they are over the moon with their service from me.

Where do I find inspiration?

So many places!  To name a few, any place that has fantastic light for my portrait sessions.  I recently photographed a family on the side of the road, close to my house because I have been dying to capture the beautiful tall grass in the afternoon sun.  This is one of my favorite sessions to date.

For graphic designs, my clients constantly amaze me with their brilliant ideas.  I love hearing a rough draft of their vision and watching it evolve from their input.

What craft would I like to learn more about?

Thanks to the fabulous world of Pinterest, I am always stumbling across so many cool things that I could easily incorporate into my photo sessions or designs.  I don’t know that I could narrow down many of them without sharing at least 300 different Pins :D

Every day is special and should be treated as a holiday! That being said, which holiday do I wish were every day and why?

I think birthdays are about as special as any day can get!  Who doesn’t love a day dedicated just to them?  Ok, well maybe the first handful of them are pretty great.  The numbers associated with them later on can be kind of questionable though :D

If I could create my own holiday, what would it be and why?

I think Military Homecoming days are up there with birthdays.  They are so very bittersweet.  As an OpLove photographer and Army wife that's has endured deployment myself, I know how special these days are.  This is one of the very reasons I decided to give back to our military and their families by volunteering my services to those undergoing deployment.  Our brave soldiers are missing all of those other holidays so they deserve one of their own when they come home to their loved ones.

How would I describe my work in three words?

Translucent, Emotional, Natural

Links:

Website 

{Etsy} Shop 

Facebook 

Twitter  

Instagram 

Roses are red, violets are blue, poems are hard, Bacon!

We're all a little weird. And life is a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness — and call it love — true love. ~Robert Fulghum, True Love

It's hard to believe it's almost Valentine's Day already!  Wasn't it just yesterday that we were hanging twinkle lights and wrapping presents?  I don't know about you guys but I would really like to hit the pause button for a few months.

Anywho, if you are looking for some super easy and inexpensive Valentine's Day decorating ideas, I have some fun prints available in my Etsy shop!  If you have a moment, drop by and take a look!  They are even available as Instant Downloads! 

Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.

Well, it's that time of year again....

When we start listing off the things we are thankful for.  There are many things and people in my life that I'm thankful for, of course.  One of the most important is my awesome clients!  One of the small ways I show them how much I appreciate them throughout the entire year, is by creating a smartphone app of some of their session images.  This is a super easy way to share their photos with friends and family.

The app also provides an easy way for those friends and family to contact me to schedule their very own session!  There are built in buttons to share the app, call me or to send me an email.  If you haven't checked out the app yet, please contact me to get your custom link.  (Oh, and there just may be a Promotional offer in current client apps.)  For those that just want to check out my app, you can follow this link: http://moblalbum.com/QevzkrwYSJ19

Dogs are miracles with paws.

I talk to him when I'm lonesome like; and I'm sure he understands. When he looks at me so attentively, and gently licks my hands; then he rubs his nose on my tailored clothes, but I never say naught thereat. For the good Lord knows I can buy more clothes, but never a friend like that. ~W. Dayton Wedgefarth

We have 2 spoiled fur babies at home.  One is a black lab and the other is a mix that we rescued.  They are always there for us, with wagging tails and bright eyes, no matter what.  They are always more than willing to cuddle, just listen,  or "help" me in the kitchen.  

I stumbled upon this story in my Facebook feed recently.  I love that she chose to do one last photo session with her dog.  I've done a few of these sessions, for both clients and myself.  

Sweet BooBoo was such a great model for her shoot.  She didn't really know what to think about the camera focusing in on her but she went with it.  

And Hardy was more than willing to pose for me.  After all, I was his momma and even though he wasn't feeling well, he still was happy to spend some time modeling for us.  Mostly because it meant to got to ride in the truck and go to the park, though. :)

Have you ever had a professional photo session that focused on your fur babies?

Family Portrait

I kind of forced my mom, her boyfriend, and my husband into family photos this weekend.  My husband has learned to just go with it when I tell him we're doing pics.  I get his family together at least once a year, while my stepdaughter is home, and make them take family portraits.  

After processing this batch, I got to thinking that it's been quite a while since we did photos on my mom's side though.  I mean, we have tons of fun snapshots and maybe even a few *cough cough* Glamour Shots.  But it's been a while.  

It's not uncommon for my clients to tell me that it's been a long time since they had their photos taken...you know, like all organized and on purpose.  But I don't think any of them have told me it's been over THREE DECADES!  Yeah, the last time your favorite photographer had her family photos done with Mom & Dad was in 1977!  Geez.  That's terrible to admit, huh?  

It's definitely time we work on that, especially since my dad has been gone for 5 years!  How long do you go between family photo sessions?

Take pride in how far you have come. Have faith in how far you will go.

The family. We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another’s desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together. ~Erma Bombeck

I found this link flow through my Facebook feed.  I just love seeing the progression of the 4 sisters over the years.  We don't always pose the same way but I do try to get my family together to do photos as often as I can.  

Not only do I get to watch my own family grow and change but I get to watch my clients families do the same.  That's one of my favorite things about being a photographer.  Do you take photos more than once every few years?

Double double toil and trouble...

With Halloween coming up, I've been trying to decide what costumes will be the most fun for us to try this year.  I really think I'd rather do some more creepy photos though.  What is your favorite part of Halloween?

Photo shoot Preparation

This post will answer some of the most asked questions you may have about what to wear and how to prepare for your photo session so that we can make the most of your photo shoot!

Location

This is often the first question I ask you and the answer has most likely already been established by the time we reach the point of scheduling.  I ask this because I am an “On Location Photographer”.  This means that I do not maintain a studio and I can do your shoot in your home, the park, downtown, an open field or any other location you prefer.   The reason I ask this is to help determine what style you would like to achieve for your session. 

Style

Choosing a style for your photographs is very important. Would you prefer a vintage feel, something more traditional or do you love candid shots? Do you want to use props - fun mustaches, feather boas, frames, balloons, glitter or bubbles? 

Pinterest is one of the many great resources found online that can help inspire the style of your portrait session. I must admit that I have a serious pinning problem myself!  There are so many great ideas out there to try.  This photo shoot is your chance to do some things you may not usually try.  You’re welcome to check out some of the boards I have created at http://pinterest.com/digitaldetours/ or even start one of your own to share with me!

What should you wear?

With a little bit of planning, you can have your family looking natural, comfortable and still be color coordinated, without everyone wearing the same thing. Think outside your comfort zone while still being yourself.  The photos that most likely capture your attention showcase complimentary color palettes rather than all being all matchy matchy.  Choosing colors that are flattering to your skin tone will help dramatically.  Also, if you’re going to be displaying your prints in your home, make sure to consider wearing colors that will the accentuate colors you’ve chosen to use in your home.  

Choose different layers and textures to catch attention.  Using accessories such as jewelry, hats and scarves are the easiest way to showcase your personality!  Try to avoid busy patterns and wearing really bright pinks.  The patterns and reflection of a bright pink top on your skin tones can often be distracting.  

Like I said, I have a Pinterest obsession so I do have a palette board with some ideas to get you started, but there are other great resources online that will help you create just the look you’re going for.  Design Seeds is a fabulous blog that is devoted to showing gorgeous pictures and breaking down the color palette within the picture. You can even conduct a palette search to find the color combos you are craving. 

You may also want to do a Google image search for something like “What to wear family outfits” or cruise Pinterest for outfits choices, if you need some more inspiration.

Choose a couple of your favorite outfits, that will be easy to change in or next to your car if need be. 

What time of day is best to schedule your session?

It is best to schedule outdoor shoots either early in the morning (by 8 or 9 AM according to the season) or in the later in the afternoon (about 2 hours before sunset) to achieve the most beautiful light. Timing for indoor shoots is a little less important because I use a combination of natural, ambient, and a lighting kit, if necessary.  For family sessions, it is also very important to schedule around your child’s napping and eating schedule to make sure they are the happiest during their shoot.

Hair, Makeup and other tips…

Makeup should be slightly heavier than normal. Too much makeup tends to give you that painted look, too little might not show off your features. A loose translucent powder is helpful to eliminate shine especially for oily skin.  Be sure to bring a brush, comb, hairspray, mousse, pins, headbands, make-up and/or other styling aids as needed so you can repair hairstyles and make-up as needed.  Make sure haircuts are about 2 weeks prior to your session so that you’re comfortable with styling it the way you like it.  Having Visine on hand is a good idea if you’re fighting allergies and have red eyes.  Men should be freshly shaven with a new razor, cream & aftershave to avoid bumps and redness.

Nails

Please do not forget the importance of your hands and feet in your portraits, especially if we are showing off that giant rock your honey recently gave you! Whether you choose to do your nails yourself or have a manicure and/or pedicure, remember to keep your nails clean and to have fresh color if you like to have them painted.  Don’t forget to moisturize hands, arms & legs!

Blemishes & Scars

There is no need to cancel your session because you have a blemish, scar or even that bump on your toddler’s noggin. I can retouch your images to remove them.  If you are concerned about a bruise, feel free to email or text a photo to me so that I may check it out prior to your session.

Props

I love for my clients to bring any props that hold special meaning and that you would like to use during your session. Old photos of each other (engagement sessions), your child’s favorite toy, instruments and sports equipment are good examples. Your pets are also welcome! If you bring your pet, please bring treats.

I have some fun props too.  Just let me know if you’d like me to bring my tub full of mustaches, chalk, boas, frames or newborn items!

Getting the kids to go along with our plan

Making sure your little ones are well rested and fed are, of course, a few keys ways to making sure the photo shoot is a little easier on their patience.  Involving them in some of the decisions on what to wear and picking inspiration photos on Pinterest will help with their involvement.

 My approach with kids is to work with their energy not against them. What I mean by that I allow them to be themselves.  If they feel like playing, I let them and I sneak shots while they aren’t paying attention to me. Those wind up being some of the best shots.

Be sure to bring something to drink for them and also some snacks.  We can totally take a time out and let them refresh themselves so that they are happy and ready to take some more photos!

AJ {Tulsa Children's Photographer}

Could Miss AJ be any cuter?  I really don't see how, honestly!  She was the absolute most perfect little model too!  It was a tad chilly during our shoot but she did a phenomenal job :)

Leah & Lyndon {Tulsa Wedding Photographer}

There are so many details that go into wedding planning.  I'm pretty sure choosing the bridesmaids and MOH are the very first thing that get checked off that long list though!  I don't know many brides that would want to celebrate one of the happiest days of their lives without their partners in crime.  Leah was certainly no exception to the rule either.  She even made sure her bestie stayed nice & warm, all wrapped up in her dress just before the ceremony :D

Jimmy & Shelly {Tahlequah Wedding Photographer}

There are so many things to consider when planning a wedding.  Details beyond the colors, flowers and which of your friends or family that will be standing by your side while you say "I do".  It was very important to Shelly to celebrate her Irish heritage on her day and she rocked it out.  From the gorgeous handmade cloak that her mom made for her to the super cute sugar cubes with clovers on them, she didn't miss a beat!

Kristofer & Joy {Wichita, Kansas Wedding Photographer}

It had been a while since I'd graced the great state of Kansas with my presence so I was quite honored to be able to capture Kristofer & Joy's wedding.  I'm so excited for them as they have started their new life together.  Much luck to you guys.  Joy, you'll need it being married to the Army ;)

Suzi {Joplin, Missouri Commercial Photographer}

Suzi recently got her Real Estate license and began selling homes for Keller Williams.  I was super excited when she asked me to sneak over to Joplin to do some head shots for her business cards and such.  She told me that her hublet and kid attempted the photos first and that didn't work out very well.  I'm not even gonna lie, I totally giggled at the vision of them attempting to be photographers :D

Katherine {Tulsa Family Photographer}

If there's one thing I love more than little people, it's little old people.  They are so stinking cute (most of the time haha)!  And Katherine's parents were no exception.  I suppose they remind me of my grandparents and the tight family bond I've always had with them.  It's so nice to be able to capture that for other families too :)