Generational Photography encompasses the value of memories. The addition of Grandma or Great Grandma to a family photography session catapults a family photo into a family heirloom. For generations to come they will see a succession of those that came before them. The reality is while we do live way more years than our earlier generations we do not live forever so capture those memories when you can.

Generational Family Photo

We all know the more people involved in anything the more stressful the planning can be! As a KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetie) kind of girl, I am the first to shy away from the big plan of getting the entire family, the his… the hers…the theirs….the thems…the everybody…. all together for that BIG production of an event with one exception… a portrait! The generational portrait is one big production that the benefit and value outweigh the stress and complication. And what if the stress and complication vanished and all that remained was this big 50x75 guild canvas of the entire family … laughing … all together … and having fun? Sound impossible? Well, it’s not and, the value is immeasurable. 

So, what’s stopping you?

The where? 

The when? 

The what? 

The who? 

The how to? 

Enter …. ME!

Let me guide your family thru the process. From the color scheme to the laughs, let me take you to the immeasurable portrait in every family member’s home. This treasure isn’t just for the family of today either it’s a legacy for generations to come.  

As a memory maker, I value photos of the past possibly more than the ones in the moment. A photo’s power stops time. It allows the viewer to go to that moment to react and take in the details of that second in time. Who hasn’t looked at a family photo and said oh my goodness look what mom was wearing or can you believe how small I was now I’m 6’ 7”…. all my clients just chuckled as they envisioned me on my stool all 5 feet three-quarters of an inch of me! A generational photo allows future generations to take in the culture, fashion, and trends of the time as well as see their family.  I know you all love that feeling you get when you see that Facebook memory or TimeHop reminder come up from 5 years or 10 years ago. Sometimes just looking thru a photo album … (hopefully you still put your photos in albums) can remind you of Grandma’s perfume or Grandpa’s cologne. It’s amazing how the brain works! A photograph can literally trigger the 5 senses of a memory. 

Grandma & Granddaughter

Now I’ve convinced you …. What next? 

Step 1 Let’s chat! 

Step 2 Contact the family! Put that Family Group Messenger in action. AND don't forget the PETS! Schedule the date. 

PRO TIP… if little ones are involved consider nap times, if pets are involved take them for a walk before to get their energy out. 

Step 3 Check out the color palette guide. The last thing you want is everyone wearing clashing clothing! 🤣 Consider having each smaller family group wear their own color. Of course, you can go with neutrals tans, white, grey & black to show cohesiveness. But don’t be afraid of adding color and complimenting colors to show the personality in your family dynamic. You can even have family shirts made. Whatever choice you make I am here for guidance along the way, so the end result is valued by all. 

Step 4 HAVE FUN! I know I know we all want that perfection but remember some of the most perfect photos are the authentic in-the-moment ones where you aren’t trying so hard.

So, RELAX … laugh a little and have fun! 

Generational Family Photo

As always you make me happy when you choose When Skies Are Grey Photography by Denise! Schedule your studio or outdoor session with us!

Back To SchoolBack To School Studio Sessions The backpack is bought... new outfits are hanging up ready.... the pencils are sharpened... and now it's time to Capture That 1st Day of School ... or better yet 1st Week of School Photos!

They are already starting whether it's the College Students heading into their dorms or Pre-K thru Seniors our social media feeds are filling with those soooo important 1st Day of School Pictures!  We all know how much we treasure looking back on those first day of school pictures but we really realize how much we love them when we don’t get to take them anymore. 

So here’s a few tips and tricks to capture those moments and make the memories of your child’s school career! Because before you know it those 12+ years will be gone. 

1. For little ones maybe have them sit on a step or lean against a wall. This helps the antsy moves and any first day nerves. BONUS… stairs   are a great place to pop a sign up with all their first day stats! Looking for a sign, check out this  Chalkboard Back to School Stats. Don’t fear the close up! Have them sit down and prop their hands under their chin and look up at you! 1st Day of School PhotoSchool Photos
2. Now you don't just have to focus on that crazy hectic morning. Make it a full day theme and snap candid pictures from the clothes laid out to the goodnight kiss! Sometimes the best moments you capture are the candid ones where you aren’t saying say Cheese….PRO TIP…. stop saying cheese! 😆 It actually makes the face unflattering in lots of cases. 
3. Don’t think the front door is the only place … Use a tree, garden or florals to spruce up the scene. Make sure to put the sun behind your child if you don’t have a shaded spot. No one wants squinty eyes or worse yet a child yelling the sun is in my eyes.  Cherry Blossoms In Virginia BeachOn Location Photography Session at Red Wing Park Cherry Blossoms
4. If taking inside shots try to position by a window or with a doorway. This allows for natural light.
5. Get some Props! Get a Custom Sign or try a little nostalgia and each year have your child hold their first first day picture and watch that growth from the first year to the twelfth year. Wanna try something so fun, grab an Adult Sized Shirt with their Class of and each year let them grow into it! ***For safety if you plan on posting on social media leave out locations and be less specific. ****
6. No one says mom, dad or the siblings can’t crash the 1st day picture party so grab a selfie when you have a silly moment and bring in the whole family or some of their friends at the bus stop. DON"T forget the pets! 1st Day of School Photos with the family Pet Photos with Children
7. Don't stop at the first day.... make it a week long showing off all their new back to school outfits and each day focus on one of their favorite moments from the day before. I always love those at the end of the day photos too! Perfection in the morning and disheveled by the end of the day!

Don’t just put them up on social media and let them fade away in the virtual world print one from every year and display them BONUS you now have your first decoration for their Graduation Party!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Last HAVE FUN with it! Even Empty Nesters can get in on the fun … insert crocodile tears….while it may be a super emotional moment seeing your baby leave the nest and head to college take some silly pictures to make the transition a little more of a laughable moment! So grab that BYE BYE sign or bottle of wine and make those moments laughable.  

Now there’s always a moment we want captured by a professional. If you want some Back To School professional images Let's Chat! If you are homeschooling or looking for a little more in those school pictures this year we can create some wonderful memories for all ages. And don’t forgot those Senior Experiences. From the Snappy Quick to the Paparazzi Package When Skies Are Grey Photography by Denise can create those Senior Moments tailored to your Senior.

         As always you make me happy for choosing When Skies Are Grey Photography by Denise !

It’s all in the details do you sometimes wonder why everybody else’s photos always seem to look a little bit better, but you can’t really place why?

The same photographer, the same place, same scene, or backdrop but there’s just something that’s a little bit different and you’re just looking at it and you’re wondering why does my not look the same.

Fashion Model Photography

Well, it’s all in the small details. When you schedule your professional photography session you think I’m going to go get pictures taken. I’ll wear a nice outfit or I’m going to wear a nice jacket for my head shots maybe decide to include some props but it’s the fine details that sometimes we overlook that set the difference between nice photos and stunning photography.

Your photography session shouldn’t start the day before your session it should start a few weeks prior.

Here’s the Stages to Prepare for the Stunning Photography Session you are seeking.

Step 1

Book your When Skies Are Grey Photography by Denise Photography Session! Easy Enough! Now you will complete your personal Client Questionnaire and I will begin planning your customized session. Each person/ family is different and each session I create is personalized to my client.

Step 2

Schedule an appointment with your favorite hair stylist for a cut, color, trim. Depending on your stylist you may need to do this 3-6 weeks out. The hair appointment should be about a week prior to your photography session. Freshly cut hair is not ideal so try not to have it any closer than 4-5 days prior to you session.

All you bearded gents make sure your beard is trim and neat. Try not to shave the day of your session but let the last shave be the night before. That helps reduce any redness or irritation from shaving.

If your pet is included in the photography session call the groomer it’s time for Fido to get a nice bath a few days before and a nail clipping.

Step 3 Clean Healthy Spa

Hit the nail salon…. Yes, gentlemen this applies to you too! Freshly manicured nails may not stand out and be a focus, but poorly manicured nails stand out like a sore thumb… literally! 

While you are at the nail salon take care of any waxing that needs addressed. (Only need to worry about the waxing of what can be seen in a photograph.)

This appointment is best 1-3 days prior to your session. No waxing the day of!

Step 4

Consider adding Hair Stylist and a Make Up Artist to your session. I can connect you with Professional Hair Stylist and Make Up Artist to add that special pizzazz to your session. After all, if you plan to hang this family photo over the fireplace for the next 10 years you want to look your absolute best or if your headshots will be billboard size you want those finishing touches! Seriously, if you are taking the moment to make a memory value it. Does every session require this maybe not but consider your intended plan for the photos. It’s one of the questions on your Client Questionnaire so you already know the answer.

Step 5

Have FUN! Let me take you on your photography adventure and have fun. We will talk, we will laugh, you will forget we are taking photos at some points until maybe you see a flash!

Cherry Blossoms In Virginia BeachOn Location Photography Session at Red Wing Park Cherry Blossoms

When you are ready to look at your images come join me in the studio for your own personal viewing of all your wonderful stunning photos from your professional photography session or view them thru your private online gallery. 

As always YOU Make Me Happy When YOU Choose When Skies Are Grey Photography, Media, & Designs by Denise. Let me capture, create, and craft your moments into forever memories.