Starting a client closet (for less than $500)!

Congratulations!

This step of creating a client closet is so fun and exciting for you and your clients. Welcome to the club. I have had a client closet for about 5 years now and am excited to share my knowledge and ideas with you. Let’s get started!

In this post I am going to share some ideas on starting your client closet with wardrobe from Belly Baby Wear. Ana Brandt is the owner and designer for this line of maternity clothing and is the OG when it comes to outfitting her clients in stunning gowns, fabrics, and designs. I am going to share 4 basic pieces that will kickstart your client closet and allow you to get the most bang for your buck. And we will end with a bonus to consider depending on your budget.

Having a bodysuit in your closet is a must. Whether you are shooting in studio or outdoors, a bodysuit is a staple for a reason. Especially a black bodysuit such as this Marnie style. This can be worn on its own, as seen here, for a simple yet stunning result. This bodysuit can also be paired with a skirt, tutu, draping/ tossing fabric, or even jeans. The possibilities are endless. This option is $85.

Bodysuits also come in a wide variety of styles and colors so be sure to take a look at options that best fit your needs and style.

Gown #2 - this style of gown is a classic for a reason. The body-hugging design is flattering on a wide range of clients and shows off the bump to perfection. The off the shoulder sleeves and sweetheart neckline are beautiful and versatile. Having sleeves is a win for me in the cold fall and winter seasons in Colorado but I also find that a large number of my clients prefer to cover their arms. Sleeves also provide protection from the sun and bugs!

This Endearing Mama gown comes in a variety of colors. You could select a beautiful neutral like black or white or go with a pop of color like this gold (which has been popular with clients consistently). This gown is $110.

While some mamas love the body hugging styles, others prefer the empire flowing style seen here. These styles of gowns flare out from under the bust line and generally have a circle skirt. This particular gown has slits in the sleeves and one in the skirt. These add visual interest and variety in posing but can easily be hidden during posing if needed. Some gowns in this style open over the belly but can be kept closed with your client’s hands if they prefer. The flowy gown is perfect for more modest mamas but regardless, the results with this style of gown are just as beautiful. Your client can pull the fabric over the bump or can toss it for fun images to have in their final gallery. This Lolita gown is $175.

Gown #4 - this is the last building block for your starter client closet. I recommend adding a statement piece to your wardrobe options. This can be interpreted a couple of different ways. This stunning gown from Belly Baby Wear features a gorgeous red color and one shoulder style top. Another interpretation of a statement piece could be with the style of your gown. You might select a gown with extended sleeves or a tossing train. Something that when seen a perspective client says “WOW!” and wants to book a session. Be sure to pick something that blends with your style yet is something unique to you. This Lady gown is $150.

So there you have my recommendations for your client closet starter pack. If you have been keeping track of prices, your total would be $520. But Sarah, you said this was for under $500, what’s the deal? Yes, retail cost is over $500 - but if you join my exclusive Facebook group I have a coupon for you to bring your total to $442!!! Bam - a stunning client closet perfect for studio or outdoor images for less than $500.

And I did promise a BONUS gown… this one is a stunner!

Here is my bonus - get a must-have, fairy-tale, over-the-top gown. Something that is unique in your area - that only you can offer. This Jazmine II gown fits the bill perfectly. This gorgeous two-piece gown features beading on the gown as well as the detachable train. The soft mauve color compliments every mama. It is the gown that leaves clients dreaming of what they would look like in this gown. Other ideas might include a sequined gown or one with layers of lace. You might select a gown with tulle and ruffles. Comment below with what your MUST-HAVE gown would be! This gown from BellyBabyWear is $490.

Some links on this page are affiliate links and I may make a small commission, this does not affect your cost.

Moments of Motherhood: Generations

Moments make memories, isn’t that the understanding? I am going to reframe and say that intentional moments make memories. And sometimes we have to make some time to do that. I remember my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary. It was a big celebration. My family flew to Minnesota that October and celebrated with the whole family. Someone had the idea of a large family photo session. We chose one of their favorite places, set a dress code, and made the plans. I still remember it was a cold, overcast day and we we struggling a bit as such a large group. But once we got started we walked around, reminisced and shared stories, and enjoyed the time together. Childhood pictures were recreated with my mom and her siblings and laughter was present. It has been 21 years since those photos were taken and I treasure the intentional time we made to make those memories. And the best part, we captured the essence of that day in photographs. Those prints have been shared over the years and I am so glad we have them. As time has passed and the generations have shifted, I continue to be reminded over the years how important it is to capture these moments. The generational torch has been passed, so to speak, and now my mom is the grandmother and I am a mother.

It is memories and experiences like that example that remind me that in these busy lives we lead, we do need to be intentional sometimes about making memories. And if that intentionality means hiring a photographer and setting up a photo session, I am here for it! And if it just happens that a photo session provides that, please take advantage of the time.

I had an opportunity recently with one of my lovely clients. I had a blast with her during her maternity session and her newborn session was so touching. I reached out to her when I had a custom gown made to see if she would be interested in a mommy & me session. As our date approached she asked if her mom could be included in some of the sets. Yes please! All 3 generations arrived and it was such a pleasure seeing them all together. My client as mom and daughter, her mom as mother and grandmother, and baby as daughter and granddaughter. Each bond so special.

Both women were styled using elements from the SHP Client Closet. Mom is wearing an Eternity gown in Mocha from Chicaboo with a coordinating sweater from ThredUp to add some texture. Grandmother is wearing a custom gown from Picture Perfect Bowtique with a belt.

Did they all take pictures during her visit? I am sure they did. Did they capture memories and moments? I am sure they did. But there is something about the intentionality of a professional photo session that adds that special element. And everyone got to be in the moment, no one was running around trying to capture and be included. I hope they look back on these images and remember the moments, the connection, and the time they spent together. And that over the years they recreate some of these and make new memories. I know each generation will value these images in their own special way.

And that is why I include “generations” as a moment of motherhood. Women fill so many roles within their lifetime and each role holds unique and powerful elements. To create memories in those roles is so special. I know I look back at the photos of my grandparents wedding anniversary and am able to connect with my role as granddaughter, daughter, sister, niece, and cousin.

If you are interested in a generational session, let’s chat! Feel free to contact me via website or social media. I would love to help you set aside some intentional time to make some memories with your family.

Yours behind the lens,

Sarah w/ Seen & Hurd Photography

A little editing magic.

Shhh… don’t tell my dress designer friends this, but I don’t have a gown in every color! Wait, what? Yep, while I love having options and do have a wide variety of gowns in a rainbow of colors, it is not financial practical to have every gown in multiple colors. So what is a photographer to do?

Change the Color!!!

Do you remember the scene in the Wizard of Oz at the Emerald City with the Horse of a Different Color? When the horse changes from red to green to purple? Well, I do the same thing! Through a bit of editing magic, changing the color of a gown is totally an option!

Which is the original color of the gown? The yellow gold on the left or the mauve pink on the right?

The original wine color of the gown is on the far left, but royal blue, dark green, and burgundy are also an option!

I love this gown but peach isn’t always a client favorite… but blue was her favorite!

This gown by @MissMadisonCouture is a favorite. I love the skirt!!! But when the client tells you while shooting that she is into all things pink and is expecting a baby girl… pink it is!

So… why is this a big deal? I love being able to give clients what they want! The first image with the gold and pink options? The gown is pink, and many love the style. But the mama had done family photos before her pregnancy with the family in navy and gold, she wanted to include a maternity photo on her family gallery wall. So we were able to make it blend into her existing décor. Gowns are also an investment, average around $200 each. While I love investing in options for clients, as much as I would love to have both the green and pink versions of the last gown, when I can make the adjustment digitally, I don’t have to have both in my closet.

During a client consultation, while we do discuss colors, I also ask clients to look at the silhouette and style of gowns. While I can’t guarantee a specific hue, and some colors change to others easier, we can plan for a color change before the session. It also adds variety in a gallery without having to put on yet another gown during the session itself.

The gist?

• Knowing the editing skills of your photographer is important! Not every photographer can do this.

• You can select gowns based on style and not color.

• Don’t be afraid of trying something new or asking for something different!

Yours behind the lens,

Sarah

Rainbows after the storm...

Capturing memories of your pregnancy is always a special moment, but when I get to capture a rainbow session, it is doubly special. A rainbow baby is a baby that comes after a miscarriage or infant loss. All of life is precious and should be celebrated, but there is something about a rainbow session that is just a touch bittersweet. I feel like I get to celebrate three lives in my mama images - mama, the baby waiting to make its arrival, and the sweet angel baby as well. My own daughter is a rainbow baby, I had a miscarriage just 2 days after we had positive pregnancy test. It was a devastating event and an emotional pain I wish I could take away for every mother who has experienced a loss. My niece and nephew are also rainbow babies. So between my personal experiences with loss, as well as empathy for others in the same situation, I always strive to make rainbow sessions extra special.

There are several ways that I have incorporated rainbows into sessions. One of those is with fabric. I have a few options that I use, and sometimes even my clients bring a little rainbow with them. The left image uses several pieces of tulle while the right image incorporates a rainbow baby wrap that mama will use in her newborn session.

Another fun way for me to add rainbows is during post processing. I love editing, almost as much as taking the actual photo. This is where I love the digital in digital photography. It allows me to be creative, express emotion, and add little details. In these photos I added a subtle rainbow effect around mama and in the other image I added a rainbow effect to the bottom of her white gown. If we want to add effects such as the effect on the gown, it is best to think about that during the consultation and wardrobe selection. Some colors and styles of gowns work better for these effects than others.

Any of these are options to consider as you think about your rainbow session. We can also add effects, fabric, and favorite colors to other maternity sessions. Ask me about effects at our consultation! I am excited to create and design your session and make your images a special tribute to your motherhood journey.

Yours behind the lens,

Sarah

Gowns in this post are from Picture Perfect Bowtique (Red Kelly - click here for their Partner Spotlight), Miss Madison Couture (Black Blake and Hunter Trinity - click here for their Partner Spotlight, and Sew Trendy Accessories (White Carmelle - click here for a 20% off coupon for their site). All gowns pictured are available in my client closet, which can be seen here.

I felt like a princess!

“My older daughter and I definitely felt like a princess and queen in the gorgeous gowns that we got to wear and the crowns that went with them.” -Megan

I love this quote from a client! It makes me so excited when I read things like this because of what I offer to those who work with me. When thinking about how I wanted to structure my photography sessions and what I wanted to include, a client closet was at the top of the list. Especially for my maternity clients and mamas. I know how hard it is to fit the bump towards the end of pregnancy, as well as finding the perfect coordinating outfits for the family. It can be stressful and a mama can end up feeling defeated, unattractive, or just plain frazzled. That won’t make for a fun session with beautiful images they will treasure.

Offering a client closet has had its own unique rewards and challenges since I added it to my sessions a little over a year ago. I have a weakness for pretty clothes and I love having an excuse to buy gorgeous gowns, accessories, hats, and jewelry on a regular basis. I have even been known to snag something to wear to work (no, not a gown!). But a challenge I often run into is the perceived value and price objections I encounter. Maintaining a client closet is an investment in my clients - and one that I do not take lightly. I only order gowns from women-owned companies that have impeccable records for quality. I do not order gowns that are knock-offs from China. I want the highest quality design, fabric, and construction for my clients. I value intellectual property and a product that will last. Does this investment make my sessions more expensive than other photographers? Yes, in some cases. But I hope that clients see the value in the experience and outcome that I offer.

With that said, I would like to share what a client gets from this experience I offer. In a typical session that utilizes my closet, a client will wear between 2 and 4 gowns and 2 to 4 accessories such as floral crowns, wraps, or a jewelry piece. The goal is to truly feel like a princess - beautiful, unique, empowered, and special. All a client needs to do is be present, extend a little bit of trust, and have a fabulous time. Because who doesn’t love to play dress up? I guide all of my clients through the process from the time we sign a contract to the time we depart the parking lot after the final shots are taken.

I love offering this full experience to the gorgeous women, girls, and families that choose to work with me. I have clothing options that start at 6 months old and go through a full range of sizes for young women and adults from size 2 to 22. I love trying new trends and highlighting the beauty of each and every woman who gets in front of my lens. This is my way of making sure that each person feels truly and deeply seen during a session with Seen & Hurd Photography.

Yours behind the lens, Sarah

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