Vintage Spring // Stylized Mini-Sessions

Lately I've been playing around a bit more with the concept of "styled" shoots. In the photography world, you might see these type of shoots referred to as "editorial," or "commercial/catalog" if done for a particular client. I've been embracing my inner artist, doing a lot of pre-planning and coming to the table with a definite vision... setting the scene with props, accessories, clothing, and certain poses/looks to capture a particular mood about it all. I'm still ME, so of course there's still a lot of PLAY involved. But the real magic happens in getting what I see in my head come to life before me, and transform into something even BETTER through the personality of the person I am photographing. The entire process is amazing, and sometimes takes my breath away.

I want to share the experience with you all, starting with my "Vintage Spring" stylized mini-sessions, created with the kids in mind.

And I'm offering my first round of Vintage Spring mini-sessions just in time to create a fabulous gift for Mother's Day! Sessions take place this Sunday, and there are only a few openings left, so click here to reserve your spot now!

Click the image below to see my e-zine and read/see all the details!

Stylized Session; Vintage Spring

By Michelle Carrillo in the Suitcase Studio

20 pages

Let me assure you, this isn't the typical photo experience, and you won't end up with the typical prop-based photos. No cheesy grins or fake-ness here. Instead, I will be creating one-of-a-kind keepsake portraits that make your child look as if they just stepped out of the latest magazine spread.

One last chance...  click here to reserve your spot now!

simple beauty // stylized children's portraits

I wanted to share a bit more from my the Sweetlight Collective workshop I attended recently. Not only did I fall in LOVE with this style of photography, but I also learned a whole lot and would love to share a simple tip with you now: The stylized session doesn't have to be complicated. Simplicity is beautiful, too.

Take this setup, for instance: a bike, wooden fence, banner and some fresh flowers.

And, of course, a child with a beautiful smile. (And a really cool headpiece by Love Crush Bowtique.)

Sometimes it's the simple things that take my breath away. Take away the props... the banners, the bike, and even the beautiful green surroundings. And there's still something there... beautiful, soulful, wistful.

I had just finished editing these two images (below) when I was overcome by emotion. I immediately stopped to soak it all in, and then wrote down these following words before the feeling had passed:

"Currently editing photos from last week's workshop, and I keep tearing up. It's an amazing feeling to see what I envisioned in my mind come to life in imagery before me. And to KNOW, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that THIS is how I should be spending my time..."

My heart feels so amazingly FULL right now.

Such a simple thing to make me feel this way, and yet, so beautiful.

Inspiration & Creation // Sweetlight Collective Workshop

Tears spring to my eyes, my vision blurring as I stare at my computer screen. Hands quickly dashing the tears away so I can see what's in front of me. Only to have the tears come again. This is a good thing.

I did this. Wow... I did this? Yes.

I did this.

My heart is so full it feels it might burst through my chest. My mind is exhausted but still racing... planning, thinking, creating.

It was a process. I'd forced myself to slow down, to take the time to envision. Create it, direct it, mold and shape the scene. Then add touches in post-edit to complete my original vision.

For the first time in a long time, I feel like a true artist.

And I'm excited to see what other creations await.

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I am still reeling from my photo adventure last week. I'd attended a 2-day Sweetlight Collective workshop held by Skye Hardwick of Work of Heart Photography, where the focus was completely on learning to stylize children's portrait sessions, as well as incorporating posing techniques for the full effect. (Which will definitely be utilized in upcoming offerings of mine... hint, hint.)

On Tuesday morning, 12 photographers arrived at the Condor's Nest Ranch in Pala (just past Temecula)... bright eyed and eager to learn. By Wednesday evening, we left with smiles on our faces, but were bone-tired, knowing we had given it our all. It was fantastic.

Not only had Skye set up beautiful scenes for us to photograph, but had provided fantastic models, to boot. It's still strange to think of them as "professionals," but they were very much so. The kids ranged in age from 3 to 15, and most of them had been doing this for years.   You might even recognize a few from Gap  or Ralph Lauren ads.

That's not to say they weren't still kids. I fell in love with one girl in particular, who held herself in such a soulful way... until the cameras went down. THEN she'd launch into a crazy song and dance about a cheeseburger, or runaway lips, and I couldn't help but laugh right along with her. (I'm happy I pulled my camera back up to capture a few of those moments, as well.)

These two days with Skye and the others have been instrumental in helping me find just what I need to make my latest ideas come to life. Inspiration, execution, and all the in-betweens.

There are soooo many amazing photos that I want to share from this experience that I will be adding them to several different blog posts instead of simply adding them all here.

Enjoy the journey.

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psssst: if you haven't heard yet, I will SOON be offering stylized sessions of my own. Make sure you're signed up for my newsletter (click the red tab on the left) to be among the first to find out when this new service is launched.

Ethan turns ONE // Orange County Family Photography

It seems like just yesterday that he was brand new. And now he's a little boy. There are likes and dislikes, movements and gestures all his own. His personality has grown SO much... and his dimpled smile can instantly melt your heart. I was happy to capture an afternoon with this family to commemorate this milestone of Ethan turning one year old. And more than happy to celebrate a few of their everyday moments so they would be able to remember all the little details of their little man at this precious age.

Ethan had recently started walking, and was still a bit wobbly. But that didn't slow him down one bit, as he is also QUITE the explorer.

In one hand, Ethan held his bottle. With his other, he reached up and played with his hair. Over and over he'd grab a piece and gently pull it through his fingers. I learned that his father makes the same exact self-soothing motion.

Choose JOY: the EVENT

Adoption isn't anything like you see on most squeaky-clean tv shows, where someone decides to adopt... and BAM... they've got a kid.  Adoption is a long process. It's complicated. And it's incredibly emotional for everyone involved, from start to finish... and beyond. For anyone who is considering adopting a child, there is an event happening this Saturday, February 9th which you may want to attend.

Full details can be found at www.ChooseJoyEvent.com. 

Created by Emmy Blakely (after her own experiences with infertility and adoption), this faith-based conference is geared towards women who are experiencing infertility and/or looking to build their family through adoption. There will be a luncheon and several breakaway session topics discussed, including the following:

Blending Bios and Adopted children & Transracial Adoption {Jamie Fink} Having a Heart of Hope: Overcoming the Hurt from Infertility {Lesli Westfall} God's Heart for the Hurting; Waiting Hurts, Waiting Perfects {Rachel Goode} Fundraising for Adoption {Kathleen Ellis} Infant Loss & Miscarriage {Julie Carson} When Adoption is your First Choice {Chrissie Rouse} Foster Care {Allison Dalke} Living Hannah's Prayer {Amy Srch} Living in 2 Week Seasons; Waiting in the Lord's Timing {Beth Lauder} When Adoption Fails {Dena De La Toree & Lisa Frattone} Open Adoption {Lesily Davis} Special Needs Adoption {Lyndsay Boulton} The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly of International Adoption {Vanessa Clairmont} The Ethics of Infertility {Scott & Marlo Kurz}

Emmy will be sharing her own story at the end of the event. And the grand finale for the night: funds will be raffled off to one lucky attendee to help their family grow!

I will actually have an info table on-site, helping spread the word of Red Thread Sessions (complimentary portrait sessions offered to newly adoptive families).  If you attend the event, please be sure to come say hello!

For more information about the Choose Joy Event, or to purchase tickets, visit their website at: www.choosejoyevent.com

behind the scenes: coloring & contortionism

I am not a graceful photographer. When I'm on a shoot, I don't dress in cute skirts or heels. I bend. I twist. I kneel and crawl. Whatever it takes to get the shot. I contort myself into some pretty interesting poses. I've never quite seen it from this side of things. But thanks to my husband and his iPhone, I got to see myself act like a monkey. Ha! But thanks to his iPhone, I also got to see another cool side of what happens... something that most clients don't see until they experience it for themselves. The FUN and unexpected moments. Like coloring. Yes, coloring. As in crayons, markers & drawing paper.

Sometimes I'll incorporate it into the actual shoot. I might ask everyone to create a family portrait together.

And sometimes I'll use it to create a pocket of alone time when needed. For instance, I'll ask the kiddos to create a quick picture or card for their parents. They've got 5 minutes... GO! And then in that time, I have some alone time with the parents... where I'm able to get pictures of JUST THE TWO OF THEM TOGETHER. Because, honestly, how often does that actually happen?

And the next part is fun, too. Each kid takes a turn presenting their drawing to their parents. The pure love and joy on their faces... and the hugs and kisses that follow... are absolutely beautiful to behold. And 100% genuine.

And it makes for a FUN... and memorable... experience for all.

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Some behind-the-scene iPhone pictures...

And the resulting shots I was able to capture...

A few more behind-the-scenes with the iPhone...

And some resulting shots...

Contact me if you're ready to play with a session of your own. I promise we'll have FUN.

A New Kind of Family Portrait

The Barone family decided that they wanted something just a bit different than their traditional "sit on the rocks at the beach in matching clothes and smile at the camera" family portrait. And so they came to me, ready for something new. Ready to PLAY. Shelby and Steve were still a bit nervous... as all parents are in new circumstances when they're not quite sure just how the kids will respond. But once we got started, they breathed a deep sigh of relief and were able to really relax and enjoy themselves for the afternoon.

Because we let go of the "rules" of traditional portraits. You know... sit, smile, look here, scoot closer, place your hand here, tilt your head, hold that, do it again, etc. Bleh. That doesn't sound like much fun, and if I was a kid I'd certainly get restless in a portrait session like that, too.

Instead of capturing families in a "perfect pose," I celebrate their personalities. Their interactions, bonds, and everything special about each member of the family as individuals, too. I let each person be themselves, and am there to capture it along the way.

How? By making it interactive. We have conversations. We play games. Which leads to LOTS of natural smiles and laughter.

I focus on capturing what I call the "in-betweens." It's what happens when the person is able to forget about my camera and simply reacts to what's happening. They radiate joy and their personality just SHINES. And all the things that make that person unique come shining through... the way they wrinkle their nose or tilt their head or smile widely... the way they REALLY are when nobody is watching.

THAT's what I strive to capture. Pictures of the people you know and love... cute quirks and all.

Because seeing someone as their true self is to see how beautiful they really are.

Click here to read Shelby's review of her portrait experience with me.

Ready for your own portrait experience with me? Contact me to learn more and get started!

santa baby

Here's a sneak peek from a recent portrait  session... just a little something to get you into the holiday spirit.

LOVE what you see?  Share the love by simply leaving a comment below. If this blog post receives 25+ comments, the family will receive an 8×10 print of their choice.

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Still need to take your holiday family photo? There's still time to book a mini-session with me, which includes a photo session and 25 custom holiday cards. Taking place this Sunday, December 2nd only. Don't delay... click here to book your mini-session now!