Sometimes it’s the simple concept that conveys the message best! I shot this image during my favorite time of day on the beach in Seaside…afternoon light and glistening water. I’d like to be in that chair right now, what about you?! Don’t miss this great 30A Beach Guide by Birmingham Magazine available on newsstands now.
I always get asked the question, “What should I wear for my Engagement Session?” and my answer is always a long, solid-color fluid dress, heels and classic jewelry — estate or family pieces if you have them. Long dresses are very feminine. They catch the wind and add beautiful movement when you walk. That movement adds so much interest to your images. And, the fit of your dress should compliment your figure and show off your shape. If an outfit off the rack needs to be altered to fit you well, then do it to look your best. The reason we love so many celebrities’ outfits is that they are custom made to fit their bodies. My favorite silhouettes? It’s no secret that I absolutely LOVE a one-shoulder dress. It’s a hint of sexy, but classy at the same time. I also love simple slip dresses and wraps that accent your waist.
When choosing a dress, keep in mind that solid fabrics are best, because prints and patterns can be trendy and distracting unless they are tiny florals or classic patterns like stripes or checks. Plus, so many trendy outfits can date your images very quickly. Same goes for big, chunky accessories. Choose simple and delicate instead. I love heirloom, estate pieces that connect you to your family and give just enough sparkle. Ask your grandmother if you can borrow her pearl and diamond earrings, or your mother her diamond necklace. If your location makes it a little hard to walk in heels, you can take them off. Holding your shoes as you walk gives the images a more relaxed feel (even though you are dressed up) and also gives you something to do with your hands.
For a second, more casual outfit, well-fitting jeans with heels and a dressy blouse or a tailored jumpsuit, is what I recommend. Both are always a win.
So, to sum it up in a few words…solid, flowy, delicate feminine, and classic with a just hint of sexy and a touch of tailored. If every piece you choose to wear for your session can be summed up in those words then you’ve nailed it and your images will be beautiful and timeless.
Be looking for my next post, which will be a Q&A with Walton’s Jewelry on how to confidently shop for and choose estate jewelry and antique engagement rings.
Dresses: Nordstrom | All jewelry: Estate pieces from Walton’s Jewelry, Franklin TN
You never have to twist my arm to shoot on 30A. You’re going to love this ALYS Beach beauty designed by Birmingham designer, Lisa Flake of Caldwell Flake Interiors.
Photography & Styling: Heather Durham
Interior Design: Lisa Flake, Caldwell Flake Interiors
Location: ALYS Beach, Florida
Published: Birmingam Magazine
Announcing dates for Spring 2016 Beach Sessions! A limited number of sessions will be offered March 27-31 at the beautiful beaches and beach towns along Highway 30A in South Walton, Florida. For more information and to book online click here.
“My Family was very excited to get our family photos back from Heather, and all I can say is WOW, WOW, WOW! Heather has a gift for capturing beauty in every shot she takes. I am always so amazed by the way Heather is able to capture the very essence of my children in her pictures. Heather puts everyone at ease immediately and this makes for a fun photo shoot and fabulously natural pictures. Through out the years, Heather has captured so many wonderful expressions and moments of my family. My family will treasure these pictures always, and we plan to use Heather for all of our future family photo shoots.” — Bronwyne Chapman, 2015 Alys Beach Session
I’ve known Dana since high school and we went to Alabama together, so it’s always fun when I get to see her and catch up. and This was our second beach session together. Last year we photographed her family in Rosemary Beach and this year we shot at her Mom & Dad’s beautiful home and neighborhood in Grayton Beach. This was one of my favorite shoots of the summer. I love it when there are three generations in photos!
I first met Kylee and Brooklyn when I did an impromptu 4th of July themed kids shoot 2 summers ago. You can see that Rosemary Beach Stars and Stripes shoot here. Later that year, their grandmother asked to book a shoot when I came back the next summer. I had the best time roaming one of my very favorite 30A beach town’s with these girls, who get to live at the beach most of the summer. Lucky girls!
I’ve known Mandy and her family since our kids were in preschool. She moved from Alabama to California years ago, but we’ve kept up through social media. I was so excited she asked me to photograph her family at Watersound Beach so I could hug her neck, catch up, and see her kids who are so grown up and adorable! I also enjoyed meeting her extended family since they were all vacationing together.
I arrived at the beach the afternoon of their session and it began pouring rain right as we were about to start shooting. Since they were leaving the next day, we decided to shoot very early in the next morning before they departed. I love what we were able to capture! Such a pretty place. Such a pretty and sweet family!
This session was all about family, and celebrating the matriarch of the family who is almost 100 years old. Everyone convened at the Higgin’s Watersound Beach house, and they invited me to capture their gathering. I enjoyed getting to meet this sweet family and spend an afternoon at the beach with them.
Loved getting to meet this sweet family while I was down on 30A for shoots in July. I happened to be sitting at the pool one day and a sweet woman named Judith and I struck up a conversation. While we were chatting, I answered a call from a bride to discuss some of her wedding day details. When I got off the phone Judith asked if I was a photographer and said that she meant to book a photographer for their extended family on this trip and time got away. Her sister has been ill and going through treatments out of town and just made it down for the trip to enjoy some quality family time. Judith was so sweet and said it was just meant to be that we met and that she wanted me to take their family beach pictures at Rosemary Beach. I was scheduled to leave the next morning, but was able to scramble to find a hotel room and extend my stay one more night…which of course I didn’t mind doing at all, since I never like to leave the beach!
Hope you enjoy the photos of this family and the happy cousins together. And, if you have room in your prayer life, pray for healing for Judith’s sister, April.
Bronwyne and I worked together years ago as Art Directors in the magazine publishing business, so it’s always a treat to get to catch up with her and photograph her beautiful family. Bronwyne’s parents are getting ready to build a home at Alys Beach, so they wanted to capture them with their children and grandchildren where they are about to make so many more memories. It’s such a beautiful and peaceful place, bathed in all white with hints of colors that mimic life by the sea. Definitely one of my very favorite Beaches of South Walton beach towns along 30A.
