{Fall Photo time….what do I wear?}

I’m not sure just how many times I get asked by a new client about what is the best thing to wear in an outdoor photo session.

It’s actually really simple so I wanted to help give out some tips.

1: No horizontal stripes or plaid. They just don’t photograph well together or alone. Sometimes plaid will be ok as long as it is used as an accent in the photo. For instance under a jacket, sweater, etc. As far as the stripes go it tends to cut a person in half as well as add thickness to a person.

2. Make sure that all shoes are from the same family. All dark or brown. If you must wear tennis shoes be sure that everyone wears them. Nothing worse than a photograph that has feet that jump out at you.

3. Approach you outfits as if you were dressing a window, couch, bed. You want all pieces to be able to mix and match. It’s absolutely fine to put different colors/patterns together as long as they match. You don’t want them to compete.

4. Accessories: You want the perfect little things to finish or compliment your outfits. Jewelry, scarves, hats, shoes can add so much more personality or life to a photo. Don’t be afraid to bring it along.

5: Be sure to book early and remember to have fun. Your children will fee off of your anxiety every time. Even as a photographer this mom still get’s a little frazzled right before my own photos. I can only imagine how I look out there….lol.

On that last note I think I will let you all go. Nothing like admitting I’m a photo nazi with my own kids.

Until we chat again….Peace, love, Photography!

Gretch

{A fathers love.}

A fathers love is one of the greatest gifts a child can receive growing up.   The unconditional love, affection, and just plain old time can mold them in so many ways.  Recently I had the pleasure of working with Gabriel and his boys and it was nothing less than amazing for me to see the affection and shared love of life that they shared.  (Let’s not forget the love of football…go HUSKERS…lol.)

Thank you so very much for letting me spend a moment in your life with you and the boys.  I truly feel blessed at the love I saw that day.  Can’t wait for you to see the rest!

Peace, Love… Photos!

Gretchen

{Family time=Memories}

As I look at where my family will be this fall I am seeing time that has slipped by all around me. Madi should still be in kindergarten. Instead I now have two teenagers who stand eye to eye with me, who love their time with friends, who are becoming incredible young adults. All of this made me melt when I saw a plaque I had to have yesterday…”You must be present in your children’s lives today to be in the memories of tomorrow”. So today as I set outside in 100 degree heat for a sport or bite my nails while they learn to drive I promise to do it with a smile in my heart.

Meet Parker

I have known this family for so many years that it cracks me up to know the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.  For a little man who didn’t want his photos taken he sure did perform for me.  Enjoy!

August Family Story Special

Every family story is unique.  Go on admit it.  The crazy antics, the hours of  laughter, tears, fights, hugs, hair pulling, silly faces.  Put all the cousins together and there you go….a moment worth capturing.  Why not celebrate your extended family this summer.  I dare you.

Cheezy Grins~ Gretch

The studio has been so busy that we haven’t had time to start working on this again. Hang in there with us….SOON!

Little Mr. Chase

Thank you so much Jeremy and Taylor for choosing Gretchen Miekley Photography to photograph your first family portraits with your newest addition.  Your darling kiddos were such CUTIES!  You all had better watch it I think Big Sister is not going to let ANYONE get away with things when it comes to HER baby.

Baby Maci

Matt and Melody recently brought their tiny tiny baby girl to me to photograph that darling little face.  What an incredible family they have already developed into…So patient, loving, and doting!  I feel so blessed that they took the time to let me catpure her newborn moments.  Thank you so much for letting me have the opportunity to work with you and that precious baby girl.

Happy Anniversary

There is nothing better than seeing a couple still so in love after 50 years.  It’s truly amazing to see how their bodies just fit together in a photo.  How their hands are molded and know exactly how to hold each other close after so long.  Jay and Glenda came in this past month to have photos taken in honor of their Golden Anniversary and I have to say that I felt their love for each other the moment they climbed out of their car and met me at the door.  Thank you so much for sharing such an intimate moment with me.  I can only wish that my best friend and I are still that happy after 50 years.  Congratulations!

More than a piece of paper…

Have you ever sat and wondered about how we all search for learning something new, something spectacular, even better learning something about ourselves.

Tonight as I sat here I began to reflect back to things that I have learned.  I found that the things I really hold dear all surrounded me.  You know my dreams, hopes,  and memories all literally pointed to the photos that I have surrounding my desk.

In that moment I realized that I have the best job in the world.  All I really have EVER wanted to do is make people smile.  Even better was that now I can do it when they look at themselves in a photograph.  You know the little piece of life that sets on what some refer to as little more than photo paper.   I want people to see how spectacular they really are.  We are all so unique, so awesome, so much more than we give ourselves credit for.

My next thought was all about how a  portrait is so much more…this little piece of paper that is.  It can make someone feel happy, sad, grateful, silly, you name the emotion.  Celebrate the moments that touch you most, pick up your favorite memory and trace your loved ones lines in their face or hand.  I am so blessed when it comes down to it.  I not only get to create my memories but get to capture someone else’s along the way.  Thanks for letting me be a part of your story!

My favorite kiddos...Madi, West, Bret, Ash, & Miss Evie

Gretch