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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Colorado Winter Wedding: Nicholas & Catherine

A few weeks ago I had the absolute pleasure of photographing a beautiful late winter wedding in Westminster, Colorado. Nick and Caytie are such a fun couple and this relaxed yet sophisticated wedding highlighted the love they have for one another.

When capturing a wedding day I try to keep several things in mind as I know how fast the day goes by! Wedding days are such a blur when you look back on them. Preserving memories and moments is not a responsibility I shoulder lightly. I know that the images and moments that I freeze in time will be treasured and viewed for years and possibly generations to come.

One of the ways that I get to know you as a couple is through a photography session with clients before the big day. This might be an engagement session, couples session, or a boudoir session with the bride. This allows me to get to know clients as well as for clients to get to know me! It makes photographing the big day much more relaxed. Caytie and Nick selected a couples session before Nick left for Navy boot camp. He had not yet popped the question but our session together was very much a “pre-engagement” session where we highlighted their love and connection to one another. I really wanted to capture some images that both of them would be able to treasure once Nick left for training. We had so much fun exploring the Larimer Square area in downtown Denver. They were totally smitten with one another and it was nice to see the two of them so happy.

Caytie and her mom met with me before the wedding where I was able to get an idea of the style of the wedding they were planning as well as sharing details both families wanted captured. We were able to collaborate on Pinterest and create a board that gathered some inspiration images that we could reference and talk about. It also helped me to know what additional gear I would need to bring in addition to my standard kit. I highly recommend keeping communication channels open with your photographer! I knew based on our conversations that I would need to bring a macro lens to capture her gorgeous ring (see image far left below) as well as well as my favorite portrait lens - my Canon 85mm 2.8.

I always offer my brides the option of two photographers to capture their day. I love having a second photographer on wedding days for a variety of reasons. Having two photographers allows images to be captured at the same time in different areas of the venue with different groups of people. It allows for a more relaxed timeline so that desired moments can be captured in a much more natural setting instead of being rushed. Lucky for me, my husband (Ty Hurd Photography) is a fabulous photographer as well and is usually my companion photographer at weddings. He is excellent at capturing details and has an eye for dramatic light. It is also a bonus as he can capture the groom’s portraits without the guys feeling weird with a girl in the room!

Another detail that Caytie and I discussed before her wedding day was how she wanted to display her final images. We looked at the samples that I have on hand as well as other vendor images to decide on her final selections. As her and Nick were moving just days after the wedding she did not want large items like statement wall pieces because she wasn’t sure what her new home would look like. But she did want items that spoke to her aesthetic and lifestyle. She choose a light and airy glass box for small prints as well as a small album and one standard piece of wall art (be sure to check back soon as I will post about all of her beautiful pieces soon!). By knowing how the newlyweds were going to highlight their memories also made it easier to capture the details and memories of the day. I wonder which image will be hanging in their new house?

I love capturing love and stick to my belief that true emotion and beauty should be truly and deeply seen. Capturing the grand moments like the first walk down the aisle after saying I do, the quiet moments with a parent or best friend in the middle of the hustle and bustle, or the sentimental moments such as dancing with your father at the beginning of the reception. All of these moments deserve the same level of professionalism, attention to detail, and care. I strive to make my couples feel like the prince and princess in a fairytale - like their love story is the most important one of all time. If you are interested in booking a consultation for a wedding please contact me. I would love to meet and share more about who I am as a photographer.

Yours behind the lens, Sarah