What to do after your photo session?

May 08, 2021 by BRYANA HAMLIN in Information

Yay! You’ve chosen me to capture your memories of your loved ones, and your session is done - now you’re wondering what the process is from this point right? Here it is!

Within the time frame indicated, your digital images will be added to a protected online gallery that is accessible to you and whomever you wish to share it with! Make sure you have given me your email address as this is where your gallery will be sent. I will send the gallery link directly to your email so make certain you have my email address on your safe list so it’s not delivered to your spam folder!

Once you open your gallery, the prompts that appear will walk you through a tutorial of how each part works. A few options that will be showcased are how to favorite your images, how to download them, where the shopping cart and store are located.

Click the heart icon to favorite the ones you are okay with me posting on social media, as I do not like to post until you’ve chosen your favorites and your print items just in case there are some being held back for gifts or other reasons! I normally post a few sneak peeks to Facebook and Instagram so you can share with your loved ones, or to use in marketing pieces, or to showcase how awesome my clients are and how much I appreciate you, but as your privacy is more important than likes and comments - I don’t do so without permission! Also, by providing me feedback on your favorite images you are giving me a roadmap as to which looks you like the best so I am better prepared for our future sessions together!

Galleries are set up for the download option you have purchased based on your session type. If your package is an all-inclusive digital package then you will be able to “download all” at the top of your gallery (see pink arrow in photo below)…

…or you will be able to download individual files that you choose - (see photo below.)

Mini session fees include 10 high resolution digital files. Select your included files by clicking on the individual download arrow for each file you want (see pink arrow below)

and then once you’ve selected your 10 you’ll see your download folder at the top right of your gallery., as in the photo below.

If you wish to select additional digital files then you will simply click the download arrow for each additional file you want, and it will show up in the same place as your free files. When you are ready to finalize your digital file choices click on your download list at the top right of the gallery and you will see this dialog box open:

If you have chosen only your 10 files you will see $0.00 as your total; if you have selected more it will show the balance due as in the photo above. Double check your images are showing correctly and then click the “BUY HIGH-RES PHOTOS” button and put in your information, submit your order, and you will get an email with your download folder in it! *If you have a $0 balance it will still have you put in your contact info but no payment information.*

*These options are only available if your package includes digital files, so if you get on your gallery and do not see these options be sure to let me know if you would like to add digitals and I will send the appropriate invoice and activate the download option.

Now that you have your own copy of the digital images, your next step is to download the print release you will most likely need at your choice of print labs.

I will advise that I personally recommend printing at a professional lab for the best quality prints, which I can do for you by ordering through my online store. I also recommend www.mpix.com for a consumer option for professional-grade prints as well! If you choose to print at a consumer lab that does not look correct according to your files, I can not guarantee the print quality as they use color-correcting techniques that are not guaranteed by myself, Bryana Hamlin, or Blush Photography LLC. I will inspect any printed products that are ordered through me and ensure that they are perfect and packaged beautifully for delivery!

The last feature I want to touch on is the shopping feature! Having a tangible product in hand after your session gives you quality items for your family to enjoy and reminisce on. Select the photo you wish to choose products for, and then select the shopping cart icon at the bottom left of that image…

This will bring you to my online store where you can select canvases, metal prints and regular prints! I have researched, and continue to do so, the best options for heirloom quality printed products at an affordable rate, and pass on those deals to my clients! I also have an option for card designs but as I order these from a few different labs I handle these orders via email so I can design your card layout, send you a proof to approve, and then send you a quote from the lab. Prices fluctuate based on the impending holiday schedule so I shop around for the best prices for my clients!

I LOOOOVVVEEE delivering printed products and seeing my images hanging on the walls of your home for everyone to see, so if you send me a snapshot of your images in use I will send you a coupon code for 10% off your next session or purchase with Blush Photography LLC!

Brynleigh’s Journey

October 25, 2019 by BRYANA HAMLIN

Brynleigh Martina Hamlin. AKA - Brynleigh Warrior Princess!

This little girl is nothing short of a miracle. She is so strong, and so determined, and so sweet, and so sassy - all wrapped into one! When Shania and I started talking about her 18 month session we discussed what that would “look like” as it wasn’t really possible to get her out for a “normal” photo session. After mulling it over and discussing a few specifics we decided it should reflect “A Day In This Chapter of Our Book” - hospital life. I wanted this blog to reflect that in photographic form, and include some words from Shania on Brynleigh’s story and how she got to this place, so I hope you can read this chapter and follow this beautiful little girl along this crazy journey called life!

Brynleigh (right) with her sister Kaysleigh (left) and her mother Shania, enjoying one of their favorite activities while in the hospital - reading books together!

Brynleigh’s Story (from Shania):
On May 19, 2019, Brynleigh was admitted to Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Columbia, Missouri, for Rhino Enterovirus. After many medical procedures to stabilize her and try to get to the root of the problem, she was placed on a ventilator for 14 days and dealt with many complications. She then developed additional airway issues as a result of being on said ventilator, but was overall seeming to do better. She was discharged from Columbia on June 27 and was home a total of just 3 hours before being air lifted to Iowa City. She received a tracheostomy the next morning, then three days later ended up with sepsis and they performed emergency surgery to save her life, but at a different cost. Due to internal complications she had to have all of her colon/large intestine and part of her small intestine completely removed. This was very life threatening, and a critical 48 hours, but with all the prayers well wishes and wonderful staff, she pulled through. She has had quite a few obstacles to over come, but they don't slow her down. Her spunk and sweet personality have never faltered. After a long 5 months, 162 days, 23 weeks, 10 Operating Room visits, 1 helicopter ride, 3 ambulance rides, 34 trach changes, and many ostomy changes - by God's Amazing will, great doctors and one strong willed little girl, the family is now home! You can follow her journey on Brynleigh's Believers.

Staff members just kept coming and coming when we paged them for a group photo, and even up to an hour later there were more that just kept popping up! Hard to squeeze that many people into a moment at a busy hospital, but they ALL stopped to check … — Staff members just kept coming and coming when we paged them for a group photo, and even up to an hour later there were more that just kept popping up! Hard to squeeze that many people into a moment at a busy hospital, but they ALL stopped to check on Bryn and hug her throughout the day!

Watching this girl staring out the window, watching the cars go by and the clouds roll in, I couldn’t help but snag this. She gravitated toward that window, and the ones upstairs, all day long. She was constantly looking for the sky and the outdoors… — Watching this girl staring out the window, watching the cars go by and the clouds roll in, I couldn’t help but snag this. She gravitated toward that window, and the ones upstairs, all day long. She was constantly looking for the sky and the outdoors - she was SO ready to bust out of there!

Madison Kauth, Clark County R1 - Best senior ever! :) (I'm a little biased, but still!)

October 12, 2019 by BRYANA HAMLIN

When it’s time for my gorgeous, sweet cousin to graduate, we obviously had to take some photos with her beautiful horse! Jewel was the best model, alongside Madi, and her sunflower session was simply breathtaking! Can’t believe this girl is a senior, how is that possible?!?!?!?!?!

Beautiful Mallie!

October 11, 2019 by BRYANA HAMLIN

When there is a gorgeous, sweet bed and breakfast owned by your family members, you absolutely take your sweet little girl for some shots in the most beautiful bedrooms! Miss Mallie and her momma Vanessa are two of the sweetest girls and this family has been with me for awhile now, capturing some of the most amazing memories throughout the past few years! I absolutely adore Mallie’s brothers, even though her mommy thinks we are going to capture nothing but chaos - it always turns out amazing! Anyway, when we started discussing her 2nd session I knew it had to be extra girly since Vanessa had been swimming in boy stuff with her first two! For some reason I just had this vision of Mallie in the most darling little girly clothes in some place that had the most “girly” look and this location popped into my mind. I have been in it many times and know how stunning the Trump ladies have made it, with beautiful decor, furniture, table settings, paintings, and so much more, and knew it was the right place. Mallie was so sweet and happy, and are these not the sweetest little faces she made?!?!

And, after I bragged on how well sweet she was and how much she was smiling and loving her session…we changed into her last outfit and I got one shot before it was time to eat. But it was of some super cute piggie toes at least!

Senior Experience Guide

June 23, 2019 by BRYANA HAMLIN

I’m SO excited about your upcoming senior session with Blush Photography by Bryana, and that you are officially one of my #blushbybryanaseniors!! AH!! Attached to this guide is a senior questionnaire to help me learn a little more about you! This will assist me with choosing your locations, helping you put together your outfits and making your session experience customized to fit YOU! Below is lots of information regarding hair and makeup, outfit selection, what to expect at your session, and more. Please read it thoroughly! Neglecting to read this guide can result in a poor senior portrait experience, and most frequently asked questions are answered right here in this guide!

Your session will begin at a predetermined location based on your answers to this questionnaire. Generally, I like to find at least 2-3 locations that best fit your choice of session styles. We will decide on outfits, accessories, props, any composite needs, and finally any group or styled session plans ahead of time. With the help of this guide and our session consultation we will be set for success! If you have any specific locations you’d like to shoot at, let me know that as well so we can plan the best timeline for your session(s)! We will meet there approximately 15 minutes before we plan to start shooting so please try your absolute best to arrive on time. As a natural light photographer, your senior session is scheduled around the time that the sun sets. Once the sun is set, we can no longer shoot. Therefore, if you arrive to your session even 10-15 minutes late, it will affect the amount of time that we can shoot and the length of your session!

Senior portrait sessions are supposed to showcase one thing...the SENIOR in them!

For our sessions I request that you bring what makes you, YOU. That may mean you bring your favorite pair of sunglasses and we shoot in the middle of a sunflower field while you dance to some crazy tunes. That may mean you bring all of your medals and trophies to have laid out in circles around you to showcase your accomplishments. That may mean you bring a shirt from your choice of college and we showcase your pride in your university. Anything goes! With one caveat - sessions are split into Portrait sessions and Activity sessions because they require different planning, equipment, and time allotment.

In your questionnaire you will decide if you want a traditional Portrait session, a fun Styled session, or an Activity session - or a combination of the choices! For whichever session you choose be sure to bring extra outfits and props so we have choices. In regards to extra people, if you wish to include a pet, sibling, significant other or best friend - it must be pre-approved via your senior contract. I do provide styled senior group sessions if you wish to have a session with all of your friends all together - so please be sure to sign up for a styled group shoot if you wish to take advantage of that opportunity!

Stuck on what to wear? I’m here to help! Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks to help you guide your outfit choices!

Choosing what you will wear for your photo shoot is a huge decision that can make or break your senior portrait session! I know that sounds dramatic… but, if you accidentally wear something that isn’t flattering on camera or something that you don’t feel confident in…it can ruin the experience for you! So, here are some of the best ways to choose what to wear.

1. B E C O M F O R T A B L E

If you do not like fitted clothing (super tight dresses or pieces that fit awkwardly) then leave them at home! Personally, I try to steer clear of items that are super fitted in any of the “problem areas” you feel may make you self-conscious (don’t we all?). So, if there are pieces in your closet that make you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable, don’t include them in your senior portrait wardrobe! Additionally, we will most likely be sitting on the ground, laying down, walking and doing other things that could be difficult if your clothing is uncomfortable!

2. B E B R I G H T + T H I N K O U T S I D E O F T H E B O X

On camera, solid black + white can make skin tones look very washed out and unflattering. So, when choosing outfits for your senior session, try to choose colors that POP and that compliment your hair + skin colors! Primary colors like red, royal blue and yellow photograph beautifully as well as emerald green, bright purples, pinks, oranges and any other colors that really POP! Sometimes, color combos that may seem odd in-person end up photographing BEAUTIFULLY on camera!

3. A D D L AY E R S

In the cold months (fall + winter), adding layers to your outfits always looks STUNNING in portraits! A sweater with a flannel underneath paired with a vest + statement necklace or scarf adds so much dimension to your images and makes for super fun posing options! Even in the warmer months (spring + summer) you can add these layers + dimension by wearing a tank top with a cute sheer cardigan or by throwing a denim vest over a dress!

4. P L A Y W I T H P A T T E R N S & T E X T U R E S

Sometimes textures like sequins, furs and sparkles can be considered “daring” or “over the top” but, in portraits, they are the BEST! Adding a bold pattern such as leopard print or argyle stripes to your outfit makes the biggest difference, and it prevents the images from looking dull! Combining textures that you may not normally use together like sequins + cable knit sweaters or leather + fur make GREAT pairs!

5. D O N ’ T B E A F R A I D T O A C C E S S O R I Z E

During a senior session, or any photo shoot, the more the merrier!! When planning your outfits, don’t forget to plan accessories!! Stacks of bangles, long necklaces, statement pieces, scarves, hats, bright shoes and other add-ons can make or break an outfit!

6. M I X I T U P

When planning your outfits, make sure that you have a VARIETY of looks! I tell all of my seniors to choose from these categories: casual, cozy, dressy, school related, sports-related, preppy or edgy. I always recommend choosing 2-3 of those categories and finding outfits accordingly. This provides a beautiful array of looks during your senior portrait session, so each outfit looks dramatically different! You can also get some “what to wear” inspiration on my senior Pinterest board HERE.

Additionally, I highly recommend all of my senior clients invest professional hair and makeup. If it is in your budget, hiring a professional for your hair and makeup will make a drastic difference in the quality of your photos and senior portrait experience. You are already making a large investment in your senior portrait experience, so why not make it the best it can be?!

So, why exactly is it so important?

1. THEY ARE TRAINED PROFESSIONALS

When you are investing in a professional photographer, you want to make sure that the images look their absolute best. Professional hair + makeup artists are TRAINED to do hair + makeup so that they photograph well. While your makeup may look AMAZING in person, it will look completely different on-camera, and these professionals are trained to know the difference! They will conceal spots you don’t like, contour your face so it looks the best in every light, use colors that compliment your skin to make it look flawless, make your eyes POP with false lashes + shadows, manicure your eyebrows to perfection and more!

2. LESS STRESS

Preparing for a senior portrait session is stressful in and of itself. Trying to do your hair + makeup by yourself can make things ever harder. Professional camera equipment is designed to pick up every little detail in an image (even details that the eye can’t see) so hiring a professional makeup artist is the best way to go.

3. WHO DOESN’T LIKE BEING PAMPERED!?

I don’t ever want my seniors to feel like their portrait session is just simply “taking pictures”, I want it to be an EXPERIENCE. So, if my seniors arrive after an hour of being pampered + beautified, the entire experience has already started on a good note! If a senior arrives frustrated or stressed, it can affect the entire experience, including the way you look in photographs!

If this is not in your budget, plan to wear slightly heavier make up than normal, including blush and lipstick/gloss that are at least slightly darker than your lip color. I also highly recommend false eyelashes. These can be purchased for very affordable prices at CVS or any pharmacy in the area.

And, one last tip - In all of the chaos of senior session prep…don’t forget to pamper your nails! During your shoot, a lot of the poses we do will have your hands close to your face and in the frame, so make sure that your nails look just how you want! Try to avoid any chipped polish or crazy patterns. French manicures, light/natural colors and even nails with no color at all photograph best!!

Feel free to email me if you have any additional questions at bryana@blushphotosbybryana.com. I am SO excited to work together!!!

What to do after your photo session!

October 01, 2018 by BRYANA HAMLIN in Information

Yay! You’ve chosen me to capture your memories of your loved ones, and your session is done - now you’re wondering what the process is from this point right? Here it is!

Screen Shot 2021-05-08 at 6.44.08 PM.jpg

…or you will be able to download individual files that you choose - (see photo below.)

Screen Shot 2021-05-08 at 6.45.50 PM.jpg

Mini session fees include 10 high resolution digital files. Select your included files by clicking on the individual download arrow for each file you want (see pink arrow below)

and then once you’ve selected your 10 you’ll see your download folder at the top right of your gallery., as in the photo below.

Now that you have your own copy of the digital images, your next step is to download the print release you will most likely need at your choice of print labs.

Screen Shot 2021-05-08 at 6.58.50 PM.jpg

For This Child, We Have Prayed...

September 22, 2018 by BRYANA HAMLIN in Babies and Toddlers, Families, Hamlin Happenings!

1,656.
That’s the number of days I have prayed for my little sister to become a mother.

Since the first day my daughter Mallory was born, and I saw her wrap my sister around her little finger and become so absolutely in love with her, I knew she was built for this role.
When my sister found her soulmate Rob, my goofy brother-in-law, she got her wish for the first time when she gained my amazing niece Emma, and I am so incredibly happy that I gained my first niece - she is a doll! Alyssa and Emma have a special bond that I get to see grow every time we see her, and it is the sweetest! However, I knew Emma came into my sister’s life for a special reason as well, so that she could know that if for some reason she was not able to have children of her own - God found a way to tell her that all would be as it should be, and she would get to be a mother no matter what. Being a mother-figure to my daughters has come so naturally to Alyssa, that being a second mother to Emma fell right in place as the next step preparing her for “this parenting thing”…until 7/20/2018…at 1:30 PM when I get a text message asking “You got a chalkboard?”

My mind immediately went to I’M GOING TO BE AN AUNT!!! This is not because I am gifted with psychic powers, my mind has went to this place for about 2 years every time I get a random text from her. I immediately think of the ways this could be a segway into telling me I’m joining Club Aunt and I usually come up empty. This time, however, I had just been talking about doing a pregnancy announcement with another woman I had met in my college days and we had been talking about this kind of shoot. I read my sister’s text message and even though I knew subconsciously that is what it was, I responded with “why?”

Sorry Rob, I KNEW FIRST!! :) The perks of being a big sister! :)

Anyway, so we cunningly pulled off a big ole lie and thought we were pretty smooth, we advised my brother-in-law that I required a couple to model an idea for a '“couple’s mini shoot” I had dreamed up and wanted to have them be my advertisement models. I may have promised a lasagna supper or something of that nature, but nonetheless he agreed! I was more nervous than I was for my first wedding job, seriously. I even vented to some of my photographer friends on ideas to keep myself calm and collected when doing a shoot that holds emotional ties so I don’t screw up the focus or emotional captures.

Are the shots perfect in every technical sense? Nope. But guess what - I don’t care. Because

I GET TO BE AN AUNT IN MARCH OF 2019!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!