My Own Photo Session in Paris with Brittany Marie Photography - Tips on How to Have a Great Photo Session

I’m SO late to the game in blogging my own photo session that I had on my trip to Paris (almost a year ago already!) but it’s better late than never, right?!

I try to get on the other side of the camera once in a while because 1. I don’t like it so it pushes me out of my comfort zone and 2. I can relate to my clients when I’m photographing them by knowing tricks to get them comfortable. This time in front of the camera was especially special since I was in Paris visiting my crazy-talented friend Brittany of Brittany Marie Photography. We spent the day together exploring Paris and that morning we took some quick photos of each other. Later, we waited in line for what seemed like hours for the best damn crêpe I’ve ever had in my life! I blogged the photos I took of her, but never got around to sharing (aside from Instagram) the photos she made of me. See below for some tips on how to have a great portrait session and learn from my mishaps.

Things I learned after being photographed in Paris.

1. Don’t wear something that you’re going to be self-conscious about the entire time! Something you feel amazing in will do the trick. I wore a shirt that I loved the look of but didn’t like the look of ON ME! It wasn’t the most flattering on my short body and I ended up feeling self-conscious and in my head about it the entire time. Trust your instincts and go with your first choice.

2. Get a great night’s sleep beforehand! I am never myself when I don’t get enough sleep and my brain is foggy & makes it harder to relax. And my eyes look so sleepy!

3. Speaking of sleepy eyes…. the older I get, the more I dislike my giant light-up-the-room-smile and the dark circles under my eyes (thanks, genes). I know it’s silly and all my own insecurities, but I feel more like myself when I don’t look tired. Next time, I will hire a make-up artist to help me feel even more amazing. AND will work on loving myself, “flaws” and all!

4. Have fun, be playful and relax. It will show if you’re stiff and uncomfortable. The most important tip for great photos is that you have to trust your photographer.

If you go to Paris, and I highly recommend you do, you MUST be photographed by Brittany! Check out her stunning photos here!

Need Flowers? Houseplants? Gifts? Go to Fleur - Chicago's Flower Shop Gem in Logan Square!

If you're planning a wedding in the Chicago area or just looking to buy yourself some fresh flowers or houseplants, I'm about to tell you about one of my most favorite floral studios in the city! Fleur is a magical little bubble of sunshine, flowers and so much goodness in the heart of Logan Square. Not only do they create gorgeous flower arrangements for events like weddings, but they also have the most adorable little shop filled with plants & flowers, unique jewelry, home goods and beauty products. I walked in by accident a few summers ago when I was heading to the Logan Square Farmer's Market and I instantly felt at home. Everyone is super helpful and friendly, and they make STUNNING arrangements. If you’re in Chicago, please check them out. Give their Shop Kitty some love when you’re there too!

I was thrilled to find my favorite Sweet Peas!

Beloved Shop Kitty!

Soap Distillery - Handmade Soap & Bath Products from Chicago, IL - Passion Project

A while ago I started a Passion Project that involved photographing my favorite local female-owned businesses in Chicago whose products or services I was obsessed with. I wanted to showcase these amazing women, their work environment, their products/art and how they operate in a day-to-day basis. I wanted to do this because I love photography, obviously, but I love shooting for me when there is no pressure and I can do my thing and document exactly how I see. It keeps my creative juices flowing and helps me get out of a rut. It’s also a way for me to give back to the female business community of Chicago, and to let you all know about these wonderful souls. However - life, business & client sessions crept in and I couldn’t do as many as I physically wanted to… Yet! Thank goodness slow season is approaching :)

Introducing Soap Distillery

My list of business owners and places is long and I’ve only been able to do two of these projects so far! If you like cocktails, liquor, beer or spirits, you’re in luck! The first up is Soap Distillery and I think you must check them out. Their products are insanely smell-able, make you feel great & want a cocktail and are SO fun to read. Danielle Martin is the face behind Soap Distillery, and was inspired by booze, to make her creations. The first time I encountered her was at the Show of Hands show last November in Chicago. The first item I saw was a soap called Beer & Cigarettes and I wanted to gag because it sounded awful! But, alas, it intrigued the hell out of me and I picked it up and was blown away! The smell was insane, as were all of the items I smelled that evening. I was laughing at all of the names of the products and the descriptions. This chick is talented in her product-making, yes, but her copywriting is clever, witty and so fun. Never will you be bored reading a body wash bottle again!

Small Batches - No Hangovers (And great copywriting!)

Her products are hand-made in small batches and use real and natural ingredients. And they’re so pretty! The soaps that have flower petals in them are my favorite to shoot because of their beauty. I’m so excited to introduce you to Soap Distillery.

Seriously, go check them out now! Get a jump on your holiday shopping or get yourself some bath salts to soak away the stress from the upcoming holiday shopping season! The Rosé is my favorite! Or scrub the day away with the Iced Coffee scrub - it smells like a jacked-up Girl Scout Thin Mint cookie! It’s my favorite thing in the SD world! I also can’t live without the Lavender Paloma lip balm. And guys, they just launched their fall scents and the Pumpkin IPA is the bomb dot com! I normally don’t hop on the pumpkin train in the fall with PSL’s and all the other overly-sweet junk, but this is so good!

Want to be a part of the project or have a product/service that you HIGHLY recommend? Give me a shout!