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5 Ways to Bond with your Senior over their Photoshoot

12/22/2020

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There are so many aspects of your daughter's senior year that you don't get to be a part of.  But her senior portrait isn't one of them!  

Making it special

For this shoot celebrating how far she has come, why don't you both enjoy it together?  Here are some ways for the two of you to get the most out of her senior photoshoot experience to build wonderful memories.
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Shopping- 1 month+ beforehand

Whether you are working with a personal stylist or pulling together looks on your own, figuring out her outfits is a great way to bond with your senior.  
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She will appreciate your help!
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When I was in high school, I used to love going shopping with my mom.  We had a tradition of taking a "lunch" break for frozen yogurt (don't judge!) to rally before hitting up more shops.  It was so nice to have that one-on-one time with her because my little brother didn't have any interest in clothes.  
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This necklace Ashley is wearing is an important family heirloom.
Now is also a good time to talk about meaningful jewelry.  Do you have any family heirloom pieces that she could wear to her shoot?  If you have been thinking about a special item to pass down, this photoshoot would be a wonderful occasion to capture your daughter in the new-to-her piece.

Spa Day- a few days beforehand

Getting ready for the shoot is one of the best parts!  Why don't you both get pampered for the occasion?
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Tickle My Francy, by OPI is an excellent natural color selection for photoshoots.
Whether heading out or creating a spa day at home, the two of you can enjoy the little things.

Mani/Pedis are a great place to start.  She's going to want to have nice looking nails for her shoot.  But why don't you join her?  

Mom mom started taking me out for mani/pedis in middle school.  But getting mani/pedis with my mom is still one of my favorite things to do, all these years later.  We always choose different colors, but it's fun to talk about all the options and sit around reading magazines.

If you are heading out to the spa, massages for both of you are a terrific idea.  

​But a Word of Caution! If your daughter is interested in a facial, now is not the time.  It's possible that her skin might still be puffy or irritated a few days after a facial so it's best to leave that treatment for after the shoot.

Girls lunch- the day of!

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Today's the day!  Your daughter might be a little nervous about her photoshoot.  Why not have the fun distraction of getting lunch from your favorite cafe?  Whether it's dine-in or take out, lunch or brunch, having a meal from a place you both love is just one more way to make the day special.

At the Shoot!

We will be working together to make your daughter look and feel her best at the shoot and you play a pivotal role!
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You are her ultimate wing man!
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She will appreciate you being there for her.
Also, I often save the dressiest look to shoot last.  Which means that at the end of her shoot your daughter will look her most fabulous.  And since we end close to sunset, now it's time for dinner.

Post-Shoot Dinner Date

Why not call in a reservation or take-out at one of your favorite restaurants?  Cap the day with a terrific meal over which you both can tell your whole family about how much fun you two had at the shoot.
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Range Life, in Livermore, offers farm to table dining.

​I want this entire experience to be wonderful for both you and your senior.  Hopefully you two can enjoy one or all of these bonding opportunities together surrounding her senior portrait photoshoot.  

Samantha Grant Photography is a boutique studio in Pleasanton, CA specializing in high school senior, teen & tween portraiture.

To find out more about the photoshoot experience with Samantha Grant Photography click the button below!
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Ultimate Gift Guide!

11/1/2020

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If it's not soft, cute, or smells good I don't want it!  Here are some of my top picks for excellent holiday presents this season.   Look out for some local vendors!
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I can't speak to being soft or smelling good, but we'll definitely take cute pictures at any shoot!  Get in touch to snag a gorgeous gift certificate, wrapped and ready to place under the tree.  That special teen or tween in your life will have a big surprise in opening this goodie and then get to spend the rest of the holidays planning what to wear on their big day.  What a special treat!  
I want to know more about gift certificates!

I want this sweater blanket SO BADLY.  But I can't have it.  For one reason, and one reason only.  That reason?  

Cats.  😼


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They would tear this to shreds the moment I got up to get myself another cup of tea.  But if you don't have that problem, go make someone in your life feel incredible with this.  It comes in a bunch of colors.

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Boba Soaps.  Need I say more? This hits two of my three categories: super cute and they smell good.  The perfect surprise for the boba lover in your life. 

And as some icing on your boba soap cake?  These are made by a local high school student named Isabella in San Ramon.  I found her through TikTok.

I discovered this Lavender Citrus body butter when I was up at the cabin in Tahoe.  This is the best smelling personal product I have ever encountered in my entire life.  If they made it in shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, hand soap, laundry detergent, car air freshener... I would buy it.  All of it. 
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The Farmer's Wife is based in Yuba City but the Raley's on Sunol sometimes carries their products. If you buy one as a present, you'll have to get another one for yourself.  It's not a big tub, but a little goes a long way.

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I started following Dan's IG account because of a promo he ran: a free super jumbo chocolate chip cookie to the 2020 high school grads last May.  What a sweet guy! (ha ha.)

But in following his account I just fell in love with his enthusiasm for cookies.  I finally met him at the Pleasanton farmer's market and snagged a bag of his mint chocolate chip as a special treat.
What I impressed me was how MINTY the chocolate mint cookies were.  It wasn't subtle.  And I really liked it.

My husband took one look at the greenish cookies and said, "I bet those are packed with food coloring" and you know what?  They aren't!  The green color comes from SPINACH.  Never would have guessed.

Go support Dan at his storefront in Livermore or at the farmer's market.  Comfort food at it's finest.

With these fuzzy socks, you're covered with cuteness Monday-Friday.  Like the sweater blanket, I probably can't buy these because of the cats also.  I bet you anything they would start gnawing at my ankles.  Which is kind of cute, but kind of defeats the aim of being cozy.  
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Local favorite, Jam Jar Posies makes floral displays that have that effortless airy look.  She mixes fussy with wild; her bouquets are delightful.

Again, something I can't have because the cats attack flowers in vases as if they were silent burglars, hanging out patiently in the middle of the table.  

​Not that I wouldn't love one of these.  But I'd need to put a cage over it, or something.  

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Ok, ok, this corona virus piñata breaks all my gift rules: it's not soft, especially cute, and I doubt it smells nice. 

But.

I can't think of a better way to end 2020 than to give this sucker a serious whack.  
It says it holds 5lbs of candy.  It could probably hold a heck of a lot of surgical masks mixed with cute little hand sanitizers.  Crazy what we scramble for these days...




​Handmade cards
!  What you can't see in this shot is that the little handle on the toaster is *actually functional*!  It raises the toast up!  So cute, I'm dead.  Local artist. 
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​Because your hydro can use some fresh new bling: check out this cute sticker shop from another local artist!

I love the Positivitea.  


Oh my stars!  You could use some new bling too, amiright? How about some handmade jewelry? 

Another on point local artist.
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​Crushing hard on California vibes right about now?  Check out the clothes & sticker at this cute shop!  Tees, sweats, bucket hats.  All. The. Things!
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Pumpkin Patch Photoshoot Tips!

9/29/2020

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The golden hour is a good time to go, but it's often the most crowded.
Heading over to the pumpkin patch to take some pictures?  Here are some tips to help you get the best shots possible, even with just a phone.

1.  Plan Your Pumpkin Patch Outfits

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Even if it's 85 degrees out, you can still make it look like fall by wearing the right colors.  Think about deep, rich tones.  And if you wear white, go with a creamy off-white.
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2.  Pick a fall nail color

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You will probably want some shots holding pumpkins or goards.  

So now's the time to get yourself a cute fall manicure!  

Burgundy and nude are great choices that will carry you into November.  
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Essie in "Carry On" is a great color for fall.

3.  Shoot with your back to the sun

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Shooting with your back to the sun will mean that you can get the bluest of blue skies and super bright orange pumpkins. 

Yes, it does also mean that the people in the pictures will be looking directly into the sun.  To help with that, do a "three, two, one" countdown with their eyes closed and have everyone open their eyes on "one."  

One other thing to be aware of: your own shadow.  If the sun is to your back, be careful that you aren't casting  a shadow onto the people in the shot.  The easiest way to avoid this is to get down low (either squat or sit down) when you are shooting.

4.  Have fun!

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Got allergies? Might want to bring along your meds. Just saying...
Some of the best pumpkin patch shots are ones you won't think of until you arrive and see what there is to play with.  But don't be afraid to get silly.  Juggle some baby pumpkins, jump in the air.  Skip down a lane of hay bales.  

Look for motion and emotion.  You got this! 🙌

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10 Tips for Finding Your Perfect Photographer

8/1/2020

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You've made it to senior year: congratulations!  This is a big deal!  You want to document it with gorgeous pictures and you deserve to work with the perfect photographer to get them.  

For a lot of people this is the first time they have hired a professional photographer.  It can be daunting.  So I've put together a guide to help you figure it all out, know what questions to ask, and what to look out for (hint- some things here you would not have thought of.)

Tip 1.  Ask About Artwork

A custom designed heirloom quality album from Samantha Grant Photography
A custom designed album by Samantha Grant Photography
Does your photographer offers archival quality artwork?

Yes, having your digitals is important, but you also want to check that your photographer offers incredible archival quality pieces of artwork like albums and canvas collections that you will enjoy forever.

I’m not talking about what you can get at Costco.  You deserve an album with thick sturdy pages and ink that resists UV light so that the colors in your images won’t change or fade.

When you come in for your gallery reveal/ordering appointment you will get to touch and feel all of the heirloom quality artwork that I 
offer.  

Tip 2. Look for Consistency

An Amador Valley High School senior girl standing in front of a palm frond
An Amador Valley High School senior girl holding a bouquet of baby's breath flowers
An Amador Valley High School senior girl in a tulle skirt and chuck taylor sneakers
Look at a lot of a photographer’s past work and ask yourself, “Do these pictures all look like they were shot by the same person?”
And if so, “Do I like the editing style?”

This is important because if you look at their work and some pictures have a completely different vibe, how are you going to know what you will get out of your session?  

You want consistency! 

I am known for a consistent look and feel for my photography.  “I could tell it was one of your pictures even before I saw your name,” is one of the comments I get from clients time and again.  

Tip 3. Hair & Makeup Guidance

A desk with an iPad displaying the Samantha Grant Photography Makeup and Hair Collaboration guide
Here to help you every step of the way, Samantha Grant Photography will tell you how to get the very best hair and makeup work for your portrait session.
Does your photographer give you guidance on hair and make-up? Or are you left to fend for yourself?  

I provide all of my clients with a list of professional hair and makeup artists that I have worked with, who understand the look that I want: natural.  I want you to look like you, just with the best skin day of your life.  

No crazy contouring.  No theatrical lashes. When people see your pictures, I want people to think you look terrific.  I don’t want them 
to even notice the makeup.

And to make sure that you look exactly the way you want, I also provide my clients with a “How to Work with Professional Make Up 
and Hair Artist” guide.  Because if you’ve only ever booked someone for a prom look, or never before, how are you supposed to know what to do?

This guide is full of tips and tricks to make sure you leave your appointment looking your absolute best and loving your look.
These are just a few things to look for, but they are super important.  And there's more.

Download all 10 Tips for finding your perfect photographer

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Want to know more? I created this free guide to help people like you find their perfect photographer! I will personally send you this guide to help you get started.
Click HERE for the Guide!

Samantha Grant Photography is a full service boutique studio in Pleasanton, CA specializing in teen, tween, and senior portraiture.
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Photographer Education

12/16/2019

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Running a small business is HARD.  You quickly discover that you spend a small amount of time on the part that you love (the reason that you started the business in the first place!) and a ton of time on all this other stuff.  

Paperwork, spreadsheets, marketing...

And when things aren't working it can be hard to figure out what to do.  Which is why mentoring is so helpful.  

When I mentor other photographers I like to hone in on one specific topic and do a deep dive to figure out exactly what is going on and how to improve it.

But before you even talk to a mentor- take a moment to diagnose the problem and figure out where you should focus your efforts.
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The key here is finding solutions that are tailored specifically to your business. Not generic catch-all advice.  Which is why attending conferences or online lectures on these particular topics probably won't help.  You may get solid information on the direction of the change you need to make, but none of the details.  And of course, the 😈 is in the details.

When I first started my business, paying for mentoring was the best investment dollars I spent.  I seriously saved myself years of struggle by asking for help.

So when you are ready, don't be afraid to reach out.  

​-Samantha
I'd like some help!
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Graduation!

5/24/2019

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Celebrating High School Graduation

Cap and Gown mini shoots are such a fun way to celebrate your up coming graduation!  What better time to update your pictures and create some lovely artwork to put out at your grad party! 
high school graduation photos featuring caps and gowns

Getting Ready for your photoshoot

These shoot are available to any of my senior portrait clients.  When you book your date I send out a special guide: "How to Rock Your Cap & Gown Mini" so that you are completely prepared to get all the important shots.  

​Class of 2020, set your senior portrait date today and we'll be shooting these for you next spring!
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Praaahhhhmmm!

3/14/2019

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It's prom season!  One of my favorite times of year.  I love enjoying the excitement of prom vicariously through you all, but my favorite part of it is the dresses.  

For the past several years I've been invited by Cal High in San Ramon to take part in their Formal Faire.  This is a fashion show put on by the Cal High Leadership team showcasing gowns, tuxes, and some wonderful hair and makeup styling.  Check out some of the gorgeous looks from the 2019 Formal Faire!
Cal High Senior Pictures San Ramon CA
Cal High Senior Pictures San Ramon CA
Cal High Senior Pictures San Ramon CA
Cal High Senior Pictures San Ramon CA
Cal High Senior Pictures San Ramon CA
Cal High Senior Pictures San Ramon CA
Cal High Senior Pictures San Ramon CA
Cal High Senior Pictures San Ramon CA
Cal High Senior Pictures San Ramon CA
Cal High Senior Pictures San Ramon CA
Cal High Senior Pictures San Ramon CA
Cal High Senior Pictures San Ramon CA
Cal High Senior Pictures San Ramon CA
Cal High Senior Pictures San Ramon CA
Cal High Senior Pictures San Ramon CA
Cal High Senior Pictures San Ramon CA
Cal High Senior Pictures San Ramon CA
Cal High Senior Pictures San Ramon CA
Cal High Senior Pictures San Ramon CA
Cal High Senior Pictures San Ramon CA
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The Dirt on Glitter!

12/27/2018

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​Glitter!  Have you ever wondered what the heck it is?  Where it comes from?  

All the glittery secrets are revealed today on the blog!!!
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Glitter originated on a farm in New Jersey when a German immigrant invented a machine that could shred scrap metal into tiny pieces in the 1930s.  

But glitter didn't become a "thing" until the 1940s when people were advised to do their Christmas decorations with glitter rather than light candles (which turned windows into night time targets during the war).

Most of the glitter that you'll find in American glitterized products are made in one of two highly secretive glitter factories.  Both of which are in New Jersey. 

​One of which is called, awesomely, Glitterex.


Most of Glitterex glitter is made from plastic (mylar) but some is made by evaporating aluminum.  Or, to be technical, aluminum metalized polyethylene terephthalate. 

​Now that's a mouthful! 
​

Glitterex makes 10,000 varieties.  The most popular is always silver.  They have many, many silvers.
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They make holographic glitter by embossing a fine pattern onto film so it reflects light.  Iridescent glitter-- that shows different colors depending on the angle-- is made with 233 layers of clear film with different refractive indexes.
The thickest and least advanced is craft glitter.

The finest is cosmetic glitter used on lips.

Most glitter produced is hexagonal.

​If you wanted to buy glitter from Glitterex the minimum order is enough glitter to make half a million bottles of nail polish. 

​A 10 lb bag will run you $1000.  



That number 1000 also, incidentally, is the number of years it takes for glitter to completely biodegrade.  ​
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I personally love the look of glitter in pictures but I also love the environment.  My solution? Digital glitter!  So if you want some celebratory shots during your photoshoot I can get the look of glitter without harming the environment!  Yay photoshop!
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Glitter shots are super popular at my cap & gown mini shoots in May!
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These mini shoots are a special exclusive event only available to my senior portrait clients.
Class of 2019, I still have a few spots open on my spring calendar for senior portraits for which, if you book, you can also qualify for the cap & gown mini shoot.  But get in touch soon before they are gone!
Find out more!
If you are interested in learning more about glitter check out: "What is Glitter? A Strange Journey to the Glitter Factory" by Caity Weaver in The New York Times 12/22/18
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DIY Lashes: Everything You Need to Know!

10/2/2018

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By guest blog author Kaelin.  Kaelin is a competitive dancer, AP scholar, and a captain of the varsity cheer team at AVHS.

Strip lashes are a way to really elevate your look.  There are a ton of tips and tricks to making them look absolutely perfect.  Read on to help figure out the right brands, right styles, and the right way to apply them to take your look to the next level!

First, you need to decide what level of boost you want to go for with your new lashes.

If you are on stage with heavy makeup definitely consider a more dramatic lash.  For these I would recommend House of Lashes in the style "Iconic".  They are quite bold and will hold their own with the rest of your stage makeup.

For everyday wear, wispies are a great choice for a natural look.  If you are going to wear wispies, I highly recommend Ardell.  They have the perfect balance of "natural but better" that is great for Homecoming, photoshoots, and any event where you really want your eyes to pop.

There are pros and cons for different brands.  For example, House of Lashes and Lilly Lashes are more expensive, and can only be bought online, but if you are careful with them you can reuse them up to 10 times.  Drug store lashes like Ardelle and Kiss are more affordable but you can only use them once or twice.

For general all-around wear my favorite lash for any occasion is Lilly Lashes in the style "Miami."  They are perfect for a glam look and even though they are pricey you can wear them up to 25 times!

So go pick out some pairs to try and don't forget the glue.  My favorite eyelash glue is Duo (which is formaldehyde-free. Yay.) which you can pick up at any drug store.  You'll also want a few other things to help with the application process...
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The key to strip lashes is the application.  Before you start, gather together everything you will need:  
  • the set of lashes
  • mini scissors
  • lash applicator tool (or tweezers, although the tool is specialized and very helpful)
  • lash glue
  • eyelash curler
  • mascara
  • a bobby pin
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​First- the glue.  Before using the glue, squeeze the tube to get out any air bubbles.  Then apply a little bead of glue to a piece of paper towel or the tray the lashes came in.  Wait around 30 seconds for the glue to become tacky. ​
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While you are waiting... Eyelashes are made super long so you'll likely want to trim part of them off to fit the length of your eye.  I prefer to trim from the outer side.  You can also apply mascara to your natural lashes while you wait.
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Now take a bobby pin- dab the edge into the glue and use it to apply the glue along the edge of the lash taking special care to apply a bit extra to the inner and outer edges (the parts most likely to come undone).  Once the glue is on, wait another 30 seconds to a minute for it to become more tacky.  You can blow on them to help speed this up.
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To apply the lashes, hold them with the lash applicator tool and push the ends of the lashes onto your lash line.  Make sure to actually push the strip lashes into place so that they won't lift. ​
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Once your lashes are completely dry (about 15-20 mins) curl them to blend the natural and fake ones together.   And finally, apply mascara. My current favorite is "Better than Sex" by Two Faced which is a true waterproof mascara.   ​
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My trick for applying mascara for the top lashes to hold a mirror (or your phone) below you and look downwards.  For the bottom lashes I like to apply several layers of mascara and use my fingers to "pull off" the clumps to leave behind just the darker color.  

With the right tools and some practice, you'll be able to get your lashes on in 5 minutes.  So don't be intimidated- give it a try! 

Check out the before and after!
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These lashes are Ardelle wispies.

Samantha Grant Photography is a boutique photography studio in Pleasanton, CA specializing exclusively in high school senior portraiture.
Take me to info on booking my own photoshoot!
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Must-Have 2018 Fall Fashion

8/14/2018

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by Emily.  Emily is a 2019 Foothill high senior with an interest in all things fashion.  

Denim Minis

Denim mini skirts are one of the biggest trends right now.  They are versatile in that you can easily dress them up or down with the right accessories.  A great casual look is to wear your denim mini with a pair of Vans.
Foothill High School senior Emily Ferrey in Pleasanton CA
Foothill High School senior Emily Ferrey in Pleasanton CA

Boots

Boots will keep you warm when the weather gets cooler but they also give your look a bit of an edge.  Booties are a great dressier option, while a Timberland style is great for walking around all day in your more casual outfit.
Foothill High School senior Emily Ferrey in Pleasanton CA
Foothill High School senior Emily Ferrey in Pleasanton CA
Foothill High School senior Emily Ferrey in Pleasanton CA
Foothill High School senior Emily Ferrey in Pleasanton CA

Beanies!

Beanies are the perfect statement piece for any fall outfit.  As the weather gets cooler a beanie is a way to stay warmer while still looking cute.  Not to mention that they are PERFECT if you aren't having a good hair day!
Foothill High School senior Emily Ferrey in Pleasanton CA
Foothill High School senior Emily Ferrey in Pleasanton CA

Jean Jackets

Jean jackets are great for when the weather starts to get cooler but isn't super cold yet.  Think about layering the jacket over a short sleeved shirt.  They look great with skirts and pants and really add that extra something to your look.
Foothill High School senior Emily Ferrey in Pleasanton CA
Foothill High School senior Emily Ferrey in Pleasanton CA
You obviously don't need to stick with neutral tones for your fall wardrobe, like I did here.  But if you do, there is the added benefit of everything going with everything else.  
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    Samantha

    I am a teen, tween, and high school senior portrait photographer in the SF east bay area.

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