{For the Boys} | Portrait Wardrobe Guide | Smithfield VA Photographer

For a while there, I was drawing my inspiration from the budding trees and warmer temperatures.  Then it snowed. And now it's 40 degrees.  So, feeling a little short in the inspiration department, I put it in the hands of my Facebook readers.

One suggestion was to talk about how to dress the boys!  Personally, I have 3 girls and 1 boy and trying to find some cool duds (I know I sound old saying that, but I'm good with it if you are) that he would actually wear proved to be a fight. Every time!

I put together a post focusing on boys this week.  Some of the looks are a bit preppy, some a little more modern, but you can mix and match, use layers, and throw in some old favorites to make the boys actually want to get dressed for photos!

And by the way, it is totally okay  to wear a pair of Chuck Taylors and a tie in the same outfit!

Love what you see?  Here's where to find it:

Older boys:
Fedora and sweater vest: Sears
Plaid shirt and khakis: Gap
Argyle outfit: Old Navy
Chuck Taylors: JC Penney
Topsiders: Sperry Topsider

Toddler boys:
Plaid shirt and jeans: Gymboree and Children's Place
Argyle outfit: Gymboree
Blue outfit: Children's Place

Thanks for reading - leave me a love note right there ⇓

~ Cristin ~

{Anchors Aweigh} | Portrait Wardrobe Guide | Smithfield, VA

When you think of warmer weather coming, you think sun, beaches, and water, right?  This week's post is about all things nautical!  The traditional nautical style combines red, white, and blue with stripes and anchors to afford a classic look that will never go out of style.  More recently, we've seen some newer colors added in as accent, like pink and yellow.

Looking at this, I'm thinking beach, boat, and barefeet and the wind blowing through my hair! I can't wait for spring and summer to get here!!!  Using this as you guide, you can pull together a great grouping with nautical flare for your next family photo.  And of course, for all my Navy folks, who doesn't love a man in their dress white uniform?!

The above outfits are found at Old Navy, JC Penney, Gymboree, H&M, and Sperry.  My Thirty-One also has a super cute navy blue umbrella with an anchor chain and rope pattern.

Thanks for reading! ~Cristin~

{Operation: Love ReUnited} - Another great homecoming!

This latest homecoming was a bunch of firsts for me. My first EOD unit, my first airport, and my first shoot at 2am!!!  I was asked to be there for 6 families who were awaiting the return of their sailors.

Every homecoming I do make me step back in awe of these Navy women and what they can accomplish together!  The Family Readiness Group and the Ombudsman got together to make sure these 6 guys were welcomed back just as heartily as 600!  They had baloons, food, drinks, signs, you name it!  All to show their appreciation to these guys and be there to support their families!

All the kids were so great  even though it was the middle of the night!  They look really tired don't they?

The moment they've all been waiting for...

We all love the first kiss moment..

Thank you for letting me be part of this homecoming!  It is for moments like these, and people like these, I am an Operation: Love ReUnited photographer.  Welcome home Kegbusters.

~ Cristin ~

What to Wear 2nd Edition | Portrait Wardrobe Guide | Smithfield, VA

For those who know me personally, you know I am super thrifty! I try to save money where I can and spend money where it matters.  Instead of rushing out to buy new clothes for all, take a shopping trip to your closet first.

A lot of folks find family portraits to be a stressful experience.  From choosing outfits all the way through trying to choose prints. So I am here to help!  By taking a few basic pieces and adding in some great accessories, you will have a great outfit in no time!  Here you'll see I'm focusing on mom's wardrobe.  Once you have your pieces selected,  you can build the rest of the family around you!

Use this as inspiration for your next session! You may already own clothing very similar to some of these suggestions.  The idea is to relax and go with what you have and what makes you feel good!  

If you do choose to go out and purchase some additional accessories, shoes, or clothes,  I found all the above items at either JC Penney or Old Navy.  Here's another thrifty tip: all Old Navy stores in our area offer a military discount on the first 4 days of each month!

{Fan Appreciation Giveaway} | Family Photographer | Smithfield, VA

Thank you! My Facebook page now has 300 fans! To show my appreciation, I have partnered with Sew Unique by Kristen to reward one lucky fan with this beautiful, handmade wallet.
To enter the giveaway:

1. If you can, please go to Facebook and like Cristin Emrick Photography here and Sew Unique by Kristen here.

2. Tell your friends!!

3. Comment here letting me know what you are most looking forward to about spring (believe it or not, it is coming soon!).

4. I will announce a random winner on March 12th.

This wallet just shouts spring to me!  Who wouldn't love a daily reminder of fresh spring colors to come?(Can you tell I'm really excited about the change of season?!)

Thank you and good luck!

P.S. If you want an extra entry, publish a wall post on Facebook tagging us both and linking to the contest - something like this:

"Check out this cute giveaway from @Cristin Emrick Photography and @SewUnique by Kristen." http://cristinemrickphotography.blogspot.com/2011/03/fan-appreciation-giveaway.html

March Mini Sessions | Portrait Specials | Smithfield, VA

Unlike my mini sessions in the past, these are not limited to one date.  You have the whole month to take advantage of these amazing deals!  Availability is very limited so hurry and reserve your spot today!  My favorite location is downtown Smithfield, but I am open to suggestions!