"What To Wear" Clothing Guide

“

What to Wear” Clothing Guide

Layer:

Layers add dimension and depth. In the summer? Layer your dress with a cute belt and pendant necklace. In the fall and winter? Cardigans, belts, statement necklaces, scarves, hats, blazers, etc.

Coordinate:

And anything goes nowadays! We know your family is together. We’re photographing you together! So, wearing the same colored shirt, pants, shoes, etc. looks a bit awkward. Coordinating

color

is what really brings wardrobe together. Choose one accent pop of color.

Dress for the season & location

: Obviously you want your images to make sense. One typically wouldn’t be wearing jeans, boots, and a jacket to the beach in the Summer so why would you for pictures? Dress the part and be aware of your location. For example, if you are shooting at the beach, ladies wear a pretty dress and sandals, put dad in a short sleeve shirt and shorts OR pants (which you can also roll up), put your little girl in a sweet Spring or Summer dress, etc. You will want to make sure that everyone is on the same page and coordinates in both colors AND styles

Plan ahead

: Make sure you have given yourself enough time to think about all of the details of your session. Plan ahead so that #1 you can truly think about your photos and everything you want out of the session, #2 you aren’t rushing and stressing out right before your session, and #3 if you have decided to go for a new look for your session or someone gets a bad haircut, you still have time to fix things if you need to.

Spring Look

Summer Look

Fall Look

Winter Look

Baby Hudson | Newborn Portraits

Baby Hudson is a bundle of baby. He has grown so much over the last 6 months and I wanted to blog the very beginning. He wasn't the happiness and all he wanted was to lay on his Daddy so we went with it and used his dad as a bean-bag! :) 

I love watching babies grow over there first year. They learn so much their first year and being able to watch them grow and become more alert is amazing!
















Top 5 Memorable Places to Propose in Licking County | Newark, Ohio Wedding Photographer

It's February. The month of love. Honestly, I love Valentine's Day and since I am a Wedding photographer, I wanted to post my top five memorable places to propose in Licking County.



Newark. I love this little town. Honestly, it's probably been one of my favorite places I have ever lived. Since all of the revitalizing they have done downtown Newark, it keeps getting better!

Valentine's Day is coming up soon and we all know there will be lucky ladies all over Central Ohio who's boyfriends will "Put a Ring on It". So in anticipation for Valentine's Day and wedding season, I have put together my top 5 most memorable places to propose in Licking County (yes, this is the romantic side of me is coming out!).



1. Dawes Aboretum in Newark, Ohio
If your girl the outdoorsy type? Go for a romantic stroll through Dawes Arboretum. A romantic proposal around one of the ponds or on the look-out deck would be perfect for her.

2. Canal Market District - Downtown Newark, Ohio
Is she more of a city girl? I love downtown Newark. After a dinner at Park Place Bistro, take a stroll around the square and pop the question at the Canal Market District. It;s unique and beautiful plus you can get a view of the court-house!

3. Ye Olde Mill - Utica, Ohio
What girl doesn't love ice cream! This place would be romantic along the stream and private!

4. Infirmary Mound Park - Granville, Ohio
If your a picnic kind of couple the Infirmary Mound Park in Granville is gorgeous during the spring time!

5. The Granville Inn - Granville, Ohio
Who doesn't love Granville? The Granville Inn has all the feels. Beautiful,  Quaint, unique, romantic. This place would be perfect!



I hope somewhere a girl's dashing Prince Charming finds this useful.

And...you know who to call once your engaged for engagement and wedding photography, right? ;)

Stay Fabulous my friend!

Janessa Dawn

Sydney Walters | Watkins Memorial High School | 2018 High School Senior

I first met Sydney's family FOUR years ago when they came to get their portraits done at an Apple Orchard. I love getting to work with them and the relationship we have is what I cherish most with my clients. 

We met out at Dawes for the first part of her session. It was a gorgeous evening and as you can see the sun was just starting to set so we were able to get some of that "golden hour" lighting. 

Then, we drove to Watkins Memorial High School where Sydney attends school. Now, don't judge me but this was the first time I had been on a football field. I may or may not have had to take my sandals off to feel it. :)

I was able to get some fabulous shots of Sydney!

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share this special time with you, Sydney!

Stay Fabulous,
Janessa Dawn

















Baby Jaceyon {Newborn Photography} Newark, Ohio | Central Ohio

  Happy Fall, Ya'll! Even though fall is officially here, it has been so HOT here in Ohio. I am so ready for the cold weather to come so I can weather boots and scarves. Today I wanted to share with you a newborn session from earlier this year. This sweet baby boy did a great job at his newborn session! He is in my Grow with Me package and for more info on that click here. 

Enjoy,
Janessa Dawn


















Meldau | End-Of-Summer Portrait Session | Newark, Ohio |

Happy September Friends! I wanted to share this absolutely adorable family with you. We met at Dawes Arboretum for their family portraits. We got some STUNNING shots at their session and I am proud of my work on this shoot. 

I had been wanting a couch to take out on shoots with me and when my Mom found this bench, I snagged it. Yes, me and my assistant lug this thing to our outdoor shoots because it makes the shots WORTH. IT! 

Enjoy this beautiful family!
Janessa Dawn




















Logan and Kyndal 1 year and 4 year Birthday Sessions {Newark, Ohio Photographer}

  August is quickly coming to a close and some of this cooler weather has me dreaming of Fall. I can't believe how quickly this year has flown by. Time passes so quickly and yet I fail every day to enjoy every moment and keep a positive attitude even when things aren't going the greatest. 
   Today I wanted to blog Logan's four year session and Kyndal's one year session. Logan does such a great job at his sessions. This lovely family is one of my loyal clients and I love getting to work with them. Kyndal was scared at her session and wanted nothing but for her mommy to hold her. So I went with whatever I could get and I was able to get a couple of cute shots of her. One year olds have a mind of their own and sometimes they just aren't up to the job of smiling! 

I hope you enjoy seeing Logan and Kyndal's birthday sessions!
Stay fabulous,
Janessa Dawn















2019 High School Senior Representative Program

2019 High School Senior Representative Program

Being a Representative:
  This program is a great way to be an ambassador for your high school and also get your senior pictures done for FREE! This program is great for outgoing guys and girls who are comfortable in front of the camera. I will be accepting 5 representatives for the 2019 high school seniors in Newark and surrounding areas!




Requirements:
·         First time senior models only – cannot have previously taken pictures with another senior photographer.
·         Must be a senior graduate of 2019
·         Must be energetic, outgoing and comfortable in front of a camera (no modeling experience required).
·         Must be in good academic standing.
·         Agree to ONLY represent J. Dawn Photography your whole senior year and not use any other photographer except J. Dawn Photography.
·         Must have an active Facebook page you can use at all times.
·         You will need to sign a Senior Rep contract and Modeling Release.
·         You must use one of the three Facebook images that you will be supplied with for your whole senior year watermarked with J. Dawn Photography logo.
·         Must have your parents/guardian sign a model release, no exceptions.
·         Parental consent is required to participate!
·         A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot as a J. Dawn Photography Representative!
If no one comes to me with your rep card and books a session, then you will not be able to receive your free deluxe session, 20% off print orders, or $20 in cash.

What’s in it for you?
·         Free 45 minute photo session at one of my outdoors locations {$100 value} in the summer to supply you with pictures for your rep cards and Facebook pictures. {15-25 images}
·         25 rep cards to pass out to your friends
·         FREE deluxe session {$200 value} during your senior year
Studio + 2 locations, 2-1/2 hr session, unlimited outfit changes
·         20% off your prints, package, and CD order.
·         $20 in CASH for every friend you refer that books and completes their senior session and view and order session.

You don’t have to be a rock super star or look like a glamour model to be one of my senior reps. I will choose models based on their motivation, commitment to working hard in school and their willingness to promote our studio. Freshman, sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply in advance to lock in their spots. Be sure to remind your friends to bring your rep cards with them to their portrait session to get the $20 credits. 

Email applications to jdawnphotography@yahoo.com!


 Click here to download application!

3 tips to capture better photos on your iPhone {Newark, Ohio Photographer}




Happy Monday, Friends!
    Today I wanted to share with you something that would help you take better photos on your iPhone. You may not know all the things your iPhone camera is capable of doing. Almost everywhere you visit you can find all kinds of people holding up their iPhone trying to get that perfect shot. Whether its a family shot, a shot of your child, or you'd like to grab a shot of a beautiful flower, you can adjust and position your iPhone to get a pretty amazing shots. I will try to make it easy to understand and not say too many technical terms. :)



1. Using the exposure button to adjust the "brightness" of your image.
Have you ever taken a shot on your iPhone and found it was way to bright? Yep, it happens. If you bring up the camera on your iPhone and tap anywhere on the live preview, it will bring up the focus box which is yellow. If you hold down and adjust the exposure button up and down, it will adjust the brightness of your image {it looks like the Sun}. So in those bright situations or dark situations, this exposure button allows you to control the "brightness" of your image!







2. Leveraging natural lighting.
We all have those Instagram users that make us jealous every time we go and look at their feed. It's like they live in a perfectly lit world and can ALWAYS have their shots perfectly styled and lit. Trust me...I know the feeling! One tip I would give you is to always leverage the natural light around you. Always shoot pictures around windows and doors. This allows you to use beautiful, natural lighting to light your image instead of getting weird color casts that come from lights around your home.










3. Use the Rule of Thirds to get more creative shots.
Now, the term "Rule of Thirds" may sound way too technical but don't quit reading. It is actually VERY simple to understand. Basically, imagine your live preview as being divided into nine equal parts using two vertical lines and two horizontal lives. Don't position your subject in the dead center of these imaginary lines. The Rule of Thirds says that important elements in the shot should be places along these guides or intersection points. You can turn this grid on in settings under the camera app. Be creative and position your subject some "off-center".






Take these tips and try them out next time you are out with your family visiting the zoo or on your family vacation!
Stay Fabulous,
Janessa Dawn

Elliot Fleming {One Year Cake Smash Photo Shoot} Newark, Ohio

 Happy Monday!
   Today I wanted to share Elliot's One year birthday session from February. I loved getting to see him grow over the first year of his life. He is a cutie! Honestly, its forming relationships like the one I have with this family that makes my job SO much better. I love it. Now that I am a Realtor, I am currently selling a photography client's home and let me tell you that is extra special!

I hope your enjoy Elliot's One year portrait session!

Stay Fabulous,
Janessa Dawn

















Kaylee Woods {Maternity Session} Newark, Ohio Photographer

  Happy Monday, Friends! It was a sunny, spring day with a cool breeze. I wanted to get my Monday blog post in and decided to blog Kaylee's Maternity session out at the Bryn Du Mansion. She bought this beautiful burgundy dress and I loved getting to work with her. I particularly love when my clients put thought in to their attire for their shoot. That makes me a happy photographer!

Until next time,
Janessa Dawn