Snow Shoot with Elise (Northville, MI, Model Photographer)

I am just going to be totally honest with you all. Winter is NOT my favorite season. I love warm weather, colorful leaves and flowers in bloom.... none of which are present this time of year.

But one thing that I DO enjoy about the bitter cold few months we have here in Michigan is how pretty the snow looks. As a result, this year I have decided to do at least a handful of photo shoots that display winter. The snowy backdrops are just too amazing to pass up.

Here are some images from my latest shoot with Elise, a 20 year old local model. We met at a field/woodsy area and were aiming to produce some artistic images. She did her own styling, although we collaborated on concept.

She loves textures and fun color toning....and anything artsy in general.

Just want to point out that she is laying IN the snow... wearing only a sleeveless dress on a 30 degree day. We were freeeeezing!!!!! But I love this image:

Doesn't she have a fabulous look?!!?

We left the woodsy spot and I noticed that the light at a nearby field was just beautiful. So... we stopped and took a few more:

Then, I saw the blue sky and part of a different golden field and made Elise hang around for a few more artsy shots. lol. We had to work fast though because the wind was much stronger in this area and (again) it was quite chilly. She was so fun to work with.... very dedicated!

Thanks for making the 2 hour drive, Elise... and for braving the cold. I had a great time with you guys! Keep in touch. :)

Holiday Give-a-Way

I am thankful for so much this holiday season and just want to take some time to give back. Starting now... I will be accepting nominations for a person/family in need. I will be giving away one Winter Portrait session + CD of retouched images + 11 X 14 mounted print to a lucky winner.

Please nominate someone you think REALLY deserves a break this holiday season. There are lots of folks out there who have recently lost jobs and just cannot afford the luxury of custom photography right now . I know there are many single moms out there struggling just to make ends meet and would love some beautiful images of their children. Or perhaps you know of someone that just needs a bit of a boost spiritually... send me a story: jenlynnalder@aol.com

This is a $750 value and the ONLY time of year I do such a large give-a-way.
I am really looking for a family or individual in need out there that loves (or at least tolerates) winter weather and would enjoy some art !!!

Rules:

1- You may not nominate yourself
2- Winner will be notified on Dec. 21st (the first day of winter)
3-Winner must book and receive portrait session during the month of January and be willing to have fun at an outdoor location.
4- Please include name and age of those nominated and a picture, if possible (photo not required)
5- Only one nomination per person
6- You must provide a reason why this person is in need.
7- Please include YOUR name and contact number, along with the nominee's name and contact number.
8- Deadline for entries: Dec 19th.

Good luck everyone!! Happy Holidays!!

Modeling in December (Northville, MI Model Photographer)

Well...it has been awhile since my last Blog post. The holidays keep me VERY busy, so be sure to cut me a bit of slack. ;) If you are a client of mine- know that I am "officially" caught up with all holiday orders and if you do not yet have your products, they are in route!

Yep, I am still plugging away with model shoots.... despite the cold weather. LOL. But, in my defense, I will mention that most of the time goes into planning and a lot less time goes into experimenting in the field when the temperatures are like 30 degrees. Yesterday it did snow, but it has not really accumulated here and so you cannot yet see it in my images. The shoot which you are about to preview was originally supposed to be a snow shoot. I still felt that the woodsy area we planned on using had a bit of a fairytale feel to it and was pleased with the pale color it flaunted, so we decided to proceed without snow.

I was fortunate enough to meet up with Tressie Davis and Jacqueline for a very chilly and fun photo shoot at a local park area yesterday afternoon. I have previously worked with and just adore both ladies. Have a look:

Blended in some textures here:

Isn't she lovely??? I love to work with this lady- she is not only talented and beautiful... but she is a TROOPER. Never complained about being cold and we were outside for an HOUR. I did not show any shots of this- but she was actually even barefoot for awhile. I am going to stop with image sharing from the woods because Tressie was shooting with me and will be showing more in the future. Trust me, hers will rock!! I saw exactly what she was shooting out there and loved it. You can view some of her shots here. :)

And here are just a few of my standard close up work...

And here we are. Tressie:

And myself:
Thanks for a wonderful time, ladies!! And thanks to all who stopped by my Blog... I hope you enjoyed. :)

Boudoir Sessions Available (Northville Michigan, Boudoir Photographer)

Hi everyone! I hope that each and every one of you had an amazing Thanksgiving. I did. My fiance, Ryan, and I had a wonderful family dinner at my Aunt Jo's house. It was a beautiful day- great food, the best company ever and Soooo much to be thankful for. My family is a blessing. And so is my relationship with my fiance. I think successful relationships are a gift- they should be appreciated and celebrated. I believe that certain people are in our lives for a special reason.

This is one of the reasons I do boudoir photography.
BUT..... I do NOT post pictures from these sessions on my website and/or blog. I respect that the images taken at these sessions are for the eyes of your significant other only.

I have recently added information to my site with my "G- rated" image below:

Boudoir sessions are popular these days! Females WANT to give their significant others classy, sexy images of them. Why not? Oh, and for those who are a bit anxious about modeling lingerie.... now, please... keep in mind that I do retouch images ;) NO worries. Little flaws are all erased. LOL.

We can schedule these sessions at a nearby hotel and/or your home. I even do very limited amounts of Boudoir Session Parties- please inquire!!! You and a small group of friends can all get in on the fun. :)

With every Boudoir Session a "Little Black Book" (5X7 black leather album of photos) is included. These make INCREDIBLE gifts. They are perfect for his:

• Wedding gift
• Valentines Day gift
• Anniversary gift
• Christmas present
• Birthday surprise
• or ....just to celebrate womanhood

Did I say they make INCREDIBLE gifts? They do! Guys Loooooooooooove them.

Oh, and .....Yep, I am a female so that means you can feel extra comfortable taking these pics with me. I do not show them to other people or display them anywhere. And I have some fun props to use as well. You will look amazing in the images. :)

I also have stylists available who, for a small fee, can bring out your beauty like you would not believe. Lots of optional talent available. Send me a note to plan your session today.

Don't wait- availability is limited!!!

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* Coming up pre-holiday blog posts- probably a couple of model sessions, a newborn shoot, perhaps a family or two...... and probably some sort of holiday give-a-way. Stay tuned. December will be busy for me but I will do my best to keep you all posted.

Kelsey in the Country (Ann Arbor, MI Model Photographer)

A few days ago I met up with one of my favorite models to work with, Kelsey. You may remember her from this shoot. This time I got to work with her as a blond. ;) We met out at a farm area that had lots of open fields. I wanted to give her some western sort of images for her portfolio. Have a look:

Yea, can you say GORGEOUS???

Kels also brings a lot of enthusiasm to the shoot. I think I was laughing the entire time. Seriously.

Great to see and work with you again, girl. Hope you enjoy the pictures. Keep in touch! :)

** Yes, it is true. I will be holding a mini-workshop (2day) in late May for photographers. It is limited to the first few people to sign up. The focus will be on working with models/stylists, location selection, posing, perspectives and communication IN THE FIELD. This session will be beneficial to photographers who do creative Senior or Bridal photography as well. Cost is $700 which includes the model/stylist fees and lunch both days.
Send me a note for more info. at jenlynnalder@aol.com or on Facebook.
Thanks!!!! :)

Modeling with Maria (Northville MI Model Photographer)

What a treat it was to work with local model, Maria A. She was looking to add a little zest to her modeling portfolio so we got together recently and worked on some less traditional shots. Have a look:

Isn't she gorgeous?? I just love her eyes.

Her cousin rocked the makeup application, too! Loved the blues.

Maria has been dancing for years and also does choreography

And ...I think she looks great in pink.
Loved working with you girl. Keep in touch!

Alexandra (Detroit Michigan Model Photographer)

So yesterday afternoon I met up with an amazing model named Alex. I had been wanting to work with her for quite some time and after a few rescheduled dates we finally got the opportunity. Isn't she stunning?

I wanted to give her a couple of standard black and white head shots for her portfolio:

I had an artistic urge and just went with it on this one.... a bit of Photoshop drama, I suppose.

And here is a mini-series of the shots we took in a nearby alley.
Thanks a ton, Alexandra, for hanging out with me yesterday. It was fabulous to meet and work with you- can't wait to do it again! Loved it :)

*Oh, and I thought it would be a good time to mention this. By request, I am going to be holding a 2day in-the-field sort of "mini-workshop" in late May for photographers. It is limited to the first few people to sign up. It will be an actual hands on workshop focusing on working with models/stylists, location selection, posing, perspectives, and communication. This session will also benefit anyone who does creative Senior Portrait Photography and untraditional Bridal work.

Cost is $700 per person, which includes the model/stylist fees and lunch both days.

If you are interested in signing up, just send me a note at jenlynnalder@aol.com or on Facebook.

Have a fabulous day everyone! :)

Dedicated Modeling (Ann Arbor, Michigan- Model Photographer)

You know you are working with a dedicated model when she shows up in a mini-dress to work outdoors in 40 degree weather (and never complains!!). Amy C. did just that... she hired me to take pictures of her in the snow actually- but this November has been warmer than most. LOL. She did an amazing job. Her stylist and boyfriend joined us for our alley shoot and we all had a really good time. I tried to work as fast as possible because she was shaking a bit.

Here is what we accomplished in our short time working together. I tried to give her images a little dramatic edge:

Doesn't Stacy do a great job with hair? And here are some cleaner headshots- isn't she beautiful?? The last one is just for fun ;)

I hope to work with you all again sometime! Keep in touch :)