boys will be boys // stylized camping shoot

They were loud. Boisterous. All over the place, wanting to touch, move and PLAY. And sooooooooo different from the group of girls that I had just finished photographing. Ha!

They were all boy... playing off of one another's energy and constantly trying to out-do one another with their noises, movement and stories.

I witnessed other photographers struggle to get the boys to do what they'd already envisioned in their heads as the "perfect picture"... they directed, cajoled, and grew more and more frustrated as the boys grew more and more antsy.

But I just smiled to myself, stepped in, and took a different approach.

I watched them PLAY.

I encouraged the boys to pick up the props and PLAY with them. No... don't worry about posing... just PLAY. Can you make a sound with that horn? Can you find US on that map? Those flashlights can double as light-sabers, you know?

It was beautiful to behold. All of a sudden, their energy was channeled somewhere, they were excited to welcome me into their game, and their personalities just SHONE.

And once they were relaxed, and without them even realizing it, I was able to get some pretty awesome posed pictures, as well.

Here is MY TAKE on the "camping trip":

Images were taken during the Sweetlight Collective workshop held by Work of Heart Photography.

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Ready to PLAY with a styled session of your own? Good news... my stylized portrait parties are HERE! Contact me to get started.

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.

tea party for Jillian

When Jenny and her twin sister were one year old, their mom had their "one year" pictures taken in a tea party setting. So how amazingly perfect was it that Jenny found me in time for her daughter to have tea party pictures for her "one year" pictures, as well? Introducing, the incredibly adorable Jillian...

Jenny even supplied her own special pieces of china for the event. Imagine my delight when she pulled these carousel horse pieces from the blue Tiffany's box.

Appreciating the silly faces that appear at this age.

It helps to have a cheer squad, too. Many thanks to Jenny's friends for coming to play along... armed with books, toys, and an iphone with a playlist ready to go, we were able to coax lots of smiles out of this little cutie.  And many thanks to my own husband, as well... who has tuned out to be a major babe-BABY-magnet!

Click here to see even more images from her session.

sign up for the TEA PARTY mini-session!

Kids are magical creatures. There's something about the simplicity of watching them play that touches my heart every time. Those moments are filled with pure creativity, where there are no strict rules or regulations. It's not a performance... it's simply PLAY. And so, I invite you to join me on Sunday, April 22 for a day of mini-portrait sessions where we're having a make-believe tea party! But this isn't just any ordinary tea party... our table is a tree stump and our tea room is a field of yellow flowers.

There will be plenty of props on hand for your child (or YOU) to play with... including a tea set, mini-treats, teddy bears to use as extra guests, flowered hats & pearls for the girls and hats & ties for the boys. (Please note... no actual tea or food will be served... we're using the power of make-believe.)

And... hint, hint... the resulting images will make for some FABULOUS Mother's Day gifts!!!

CLICK HERE to sign up for your very own Tea Party Mini-Session!

CLICK HERE to sign up for your very own Tea Party Mini-Session!

Announcing the TEA PARTY Mini-Portrait Session

Announcing an extra-special day of Mini-Sessions!

TEA PARTY themed mini portrait sessions.

(Hint, hint...) these photos will make FABULOUS Mother's Day gifts...

CLICK HERE to book your TEA PARTY Mini-Portrait Session!

In the name of PLAY I have fully embraced the "stylized" session... because it's FUN to play dress-up and make-believe.

This unbelievably CUTE set-up will be tea-party themed, and will include lots of props for your kids to play with and make the magic happen. Teacups, floppy flowered hats & pearls for the girls, hats and ties for the boys, and lots more. (Sample pictures will be posted by early next week... but I recommend not waiting till then to reserve your spot!)

For only $75, you will receive:

     - 15 minute photo session

     - 15 creatively edited images to select from

     - 8x10 print

And, as an added bonus, you will also receive a $25 credit towards a future signature portrait session or day-in-the life portrait session, or a $50 credit towards a custom stylized portrait session!

Additional prints and products will be available for purchase. The mini-digital playground package (including all digital images) will also be available for the mini-price of $250. Contact me at michelle@theSuitcaseStudio.com for detailed pricing information.

Mini-Session Details:

Mini-Sessions will take place on Sunday, April 22 in a field located in Irvine (specific location to be shared with participants only)

Full payment of $75 will be required to hold your spot. In the "notes" section of the payment page, please indicate the time slot you prefer. (Available time slots are listed here on the event page.)

Each mini-session can include up to 5 people; there is a $10 fee for each additional person. Your final images will be ready for viewing within one week. Images will be hosted online for 2 weeks, where you will have the ability to purchase additional items directly from the online gallery/shopping cart. *Please note: if you require your item in time for Mothers Day, your order must be placed within 24 hours once your gallery goes live.*

IN CASE OF RAIN: These portrait sessions are scheduled to take place OUTDOORS. If it rains on the day of the mini-sessions, you can either: (1) take your chances and play in the rain, (2) put your session fee towards the cost of a full session to take place at a later date, or (3) receive a full refund of your session fee.

CLICK HERE to BOOK your TEA PARTY Mini-Portrait Session!

stylized session: bohemian gypsy

I'm starting to find myself drawn more and more to the stylized session. Because... while I LOVE to capture true-to-life images, sometimes it's just plain FUN to play dress-up. And while recently digging through my archives for inspiration, I came across these images from last year and realized that they had never been shared here on my blog. These images were taken last year during a ShootOut workshop which was themed to present a bohemian/gypsy feel. And this was my very first introduction to the playground known as the stylized session:

VENUE: The Tangled Vine http://www.thetangledvineonlosrios.com/

LEADERS:

Matthew Saville www.matthewsaville.com

Erin and Gavin Wade www.gavinwadephoto.com

Pye Jirsa www.linandjirsa.com

Joe Barnet www.barnetworkshops.com

Salvador Ceja www.studioceja.com

Corina Shauntele www.photogsunleashed.com

VIDEO: Kiera Faye and Joshua Voelker of Jakfoto Productions www.jakfoto.com

STYLISTS:

~ For Models: Heather Skelton www.thesoundoflace.blogspot.com

~ For Tablescapes/Venue: Kaylee Sizemore http://www.twoworldsphotographyandart.com/

HAIR AND MAKEUP:

Makeup –

Jeanette Pulecio  - www.jennettepulecio.com

Heather Renee - http://www.mirroredimages.org/

Hair -

Diego Ortega - http://DiegoOrtega.net

Assisted by: Kristen Macchio

Special thanks to the sponsors of our giveaways:

UNDFIND www.undfind.com

Kelly Moore Bags www.kellymoorebags.com

Pixel 2 Canvas www.pixel2canvas.com

Spwebbooks www.Spwebbooks.com Kelly Moore Bag www.kellymoorebag.com Kubota Image Tools www.kubotaimagetools.com Barbour Backdrops www.kubotaimagetools.com Pixel2Canvas www.pixel2canvas.com Photographer’s Unleashed One2Ones  www.facebook.com/unleashedworkshops