cypress tx family photographer

Where to Find the Perfect Dress | Slay During Winter Family Photos

Houston Portrait Photographer, Sarah Borchgrevink, shares how to slay during your winter family photography session + where to find the best gowns! 

Have no fear: styling is now here!

Good morning, gang! Thanks for visiting my blog to see where to find an awesome gown for a photo shoot! If this is your first time here, welcome! Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sarah Borchgrevink (Bork-grey-veenk) and I'm married to the coolest dude on the planet, Kevin! Together we have three little girls (Lucy, Emma and Amelia) who we like to call the Tiny Tribe of Wild Women (yup, click that link to see our pregnancy announcement & gender reveal, ha). 

However, just over a week ago we welcomed our son, Jack Alexander, into this world! This in mind, because I am a mommy and LOVE having photos done with my sweet little family, I do know what it's like to book the session and then say, "Okay. Yikes. What should I wear?"

I can attest that often, Moms put themselves last. It's part of the care giving nature. I find myself picking out my kiddos clothing first and then the hubby. Afterwards, I sit in my closet and think, "Does anything even look good on me?"

Stop. Right there. I, Sarah, totally give you permission to slay during those family photos! You are a awesome mommy + domestic goddess, HA! You deserve the coolest gowns that are soft, feminine, timeless and stunning. You are taking these photos not only for yourself, but for your little ones. This is also a fantastic way to connect with your spouse and significant other. Document the joy of your lives together. Give something tangible to represent all that is beautiful about your family. They're a wonderful way to preserve the love of your family and showcase darling milestones, such as an annual family photography session. Also, it's great for your little ones to see you feeling sassy, confident, and loving yourself. 

Now: let's talk about winter. If you live in the south, like me, you know that the winter is the best time to take family photos because it's the only time of our calendar year it's not hot as heck, ha! Even the fall can still be in the 90's and as women of the south, we are just used to being warm. What to wear then?

TA-DA: Presenting the best dress!

  • This Olive Green Draped Gown with 3/4 Sleeves is the perfect dress for either a maternity session or family photos due to the adjustable waist. This dress, however, comes in a huge variety of colors such as black, burgundy, light blue, light pink, mauve, navy blue, olive, peach, periwinkle, pink, purple, and royal blue. So while I *did* select this as a winter choice, thanks to the sleeves, this could easily be used for any season.
  • This dress is the bomb dot com, too, because it's meant to transition into motherhood. You see, as mentioned above, I have four kids and quite frankly, it's nice there is gown that makes motherhood a little easier. You can wear this during pregnancy thanks to the polyester blend but also can use it afterwards as it is breathable. 
the perfect dress for family photos

Here's what Mom had to say about this gown:

I loved the dress because it's a soft wrap dress that was very comfortable to wear. Being a new mom and need to be able to move without feeling constrained is a big selling point to me. I did not feel confined during the shoot and could enjoy my time with Sarah and my family. I chose the olive green color because I love earth tones like brown, cream, and greens. This made coordinating with my husband a breeze! I cannot recommend this dress enough!

 5 Reasons to love this gown

  1. Perfect for date night, baby shower, maternity photos or family session.
  2. Flattering style with a solid pattern that is versatile 
  3. Great dress for transitioning into motherhood as there is an adjustable waist (score!)
  4. Sash tie adds super cute detail but also allows you to cinch to fit as needed
  5. The draped v-neck is perfect for nursing moms too - we all need our life to be a little easier!

Pink Blush Boutique is a great vendor! 

The artistic part of me, however, loves this vendor for several reasons. I adore sending clients here, so check out their site, Pink Blush Boutique

The selection is fantastic! For example, you'll find clothing for every occasion from spring, fall, summer, winter, and even holidays like Valentine's Day or your special celebration, like a baby shower. Better yet: they also offer a selection of accessories sure to complete your outfit such a shoes, jewelry, hats, bags, scarves, etc. They all coordinate together perfectly and it just makes things easier. 

Moreover, they several sizes from size 2 to 3x. This is great they cater to many sizes and shapes! As we all know, everyone is different. They also have free shipping on all U.S. orders + a coupon for 10 percent off your first purchase! Wow! 

Allow me to introduce this stunning client

The D family is a baby plan membership client of mine. We also did a gorgeous maternity session, too, so check out more of their beautiful natural light, sunset pregnancy portraits. Mom is especially a sweet client because she inquired before she was even pregnant! One day, I was working at my desk, and she asks all about my packages, explaining they are going to try for a baby soon.

A few months later, she contacted me to let me know baby is cooking! We scheduled a maternity session (linked above) and then also a baby plan membership, which means they reserved the first year of life + family photos for their sweet baby! It includes a full newborn collection, 6 month sitter + family session, and also a 12 month cake smash + family photos. 

Because of this, it's truly been a joy to meet their family and work together. Here are a few super cute shots of their darling baby girl. Here she is at just a few days old.

Houston Newborn Photographer
houston baby photographer
newborn photography houston
newborn photographer houston
newborn photography the woodlands tx
newborn photography spring tx

Now she's 6 months old + sitting up all on her own, wow!

baby photography houston

See more of why this dress is a great choice

best family photographer houston
family outdoor photography houston
houston family portraits
perfect dress for family photos
family photography spring tx
what to wear for family pictures outside
best colors for family pictures outside
family pictures outfits winter 
family picture color ideas
coordinating outfits for fall family photos
what to wear for winter family photos outside

Thank you for stopping by the blog to see a great dress for outdoor winter photos! I hope you enjoyed reading about the perfect dress plus how to find it!

If you enjoyed reading about how to slay during your own family photos, you may like reading about these topics, too:

Specializing in posed baby portraits, Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is a Houston Newborn Photographer serving the surrounding areas including Houston metro area, Cypress, Katy, Spring, The Heights, Sugar Land, West University, Bellaire, and The Woodlands, TX. In addition to breathtaking newborn images, Sarah also offers stylish natural light family photography as well as dynamic outdoor maternity sessions for expecting couples.

 

Bringing Your Fur Baby to Your Outdoor Family Photo Shoot

Outdoor Family Photography Session Featuring Adorable Family Pet, Yukon

Houston Family Photographer, Sarah Borchgrevink Photography, welcomes pets in all outdoor family sessions

Greetings, everyone! Thanks for visiting my blog where I showcase the recent sessions I've had in front of my camera. Today's blog post gives an overview on a really popular topic I encounter: bringing your family pet to the photography session. As a Houston Family Photographer, one of which offers outdoor sessions featuring gorgeous natural light, I completely acknowledge pets are part of the family. In fact, many pet owners consider the fur baby to be their first child. Pets hold a significant place in our lives; we bond with our fur babies and it's only natural you'd be curious if pets are welcome during family sessions.

The answer is always YES. These photos are meant to be special to your family. You will fondly look back on these images and your entire immediately family should be. If you'd like to bring your fur baby to our session, just let me know in advance so I can make sure I recommend a pet friendly location. 

When working with animals, I like to use somewhere with open space and trees. For instance, for this outdoor family session we used a lovely location in Northwest Houston that features many walking trails, clearings, a bridge, and a creek that babbles while we're working, ha! It's the perfect spot for timeless images due to all of the nature surrounding us. It also has incredible morning light. I decided to have my own family photos here this year, too, so I am excited to have this location on my own walls. 

This family, moreover, started out as baby plan clients so I've had many wonderful sessions with them and always enjoy seeing them. They're some of my favorite clients; seeing them puts a huge smile on my face and I am very fond of their sweet pup, too. He is always very well behaved and fun to photograph, too! 

Here are some of my favorite images from my time with this beautiful family. :-) 

Houston Family Photography with Pets
Bringing Your Pet to your Family Photography Session
Best Family Photographer Houston
How to take cute pictures with your dog
Family Photographer Cypress TX
Family Photographer Cypress TX
Family Photography Spring TX
Katy TX Family Photographer
Cypress Family Photographer
Family Photography Katy Texas
Family Photography Tomball TX
Houston Family Portraits

Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is a Houston Newborn Photographer specializing in gorgeous posed newborn sessions. Her studio is located in Northwest Houston. In addition to breathtaking baby portraiture, Sarah also offers stylish natural light family photography as well as dynamic outdoor maternity sessions for expecting mothers and couples. Sarah joyfully serves the entire Harris and Montgomery county areas including North Houston, Cypress, Tomball, Spring, Jersey Village, The Woodlands, Magnolia, Conroe, Willis, Montgomery, Humble, Kingwood, Porter, New Caney, Waller, Memorial & West Houston, Katy, Fulshear, Sugar Land, Pearland, Hempstead, Richmond, West University, Rice Village and Porter TX. Connect to chat with Sarah today! Please consider booking your session at your earliest convenience in order to secure your appointments on the calendar.

How to Choose the Perfect Outdoor Sunrise Family Session Location

Tips for finding the best outdoor location for your outdoor family, child or baby sessions

Houston Baby and Family Photographer

Creating Dynamic and Gorgeous Family Portraits 

Howdy, friends! Greetings to you! Today's blog post takes a look into the mind of a photographer. If this is your fist time at my blog, please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sarah and I'm located in Houston, TX. I've been a full time photographer since 2013. While every portrait artist has their own methods, these are some tips in how I select locations for your family or maternity portrait sessions. Locations are influenced by many factors, all of which are listed below. I hope you find this post informative and it inspires you to chase the light and embrace modern storytelling.

Best Family Photographer Houston
Houston Family Photography Locations
Choosing the perfect family photo location

Think about the story you'd like to tell

Portrait photography is modern storytelling, crafted with love. Through the use of dynamic and soulful lighting, connected posing, atmosphere, and adorable outfits, you're able to embrace the spirit of the family and show them for who they are. Of course, family, child or maternity sessions will need some direction, so keeping this in mind is how you create images that will be treasured forever.

Houston Baby Photographer
family photography houston
Family Outdoor Photography Houston

Your location should reflect the type of story you'd like to tell. For instance, when choosing this location I wanted to showcase a beautiful family who are celebrating their darling baby girl's first year of life. They're young, hip, carefree, and having a wonderful parenthood journey. This in mind, I like to use Hermann Park, in Houston, for sunrise family sessions. You do have to move quickly since the light is fleeting, but oh the light is so delicious and swoon worthy! Hermann Park is also one of Houston's most visited public parks as it's centrally located between Fannin Street and Cambridge Street, right in the heart of the medical district. There are over 5.5 million visits per year and 445 acres since its creation in 1914 (source). This alone should tell you many people marvel at its natural beauty, central location, and large area you may utilize. 

 

Flexibility 

You should ask yourself, "Is this location flexible? Will this look nice for all of the set ups needed for a family session?" You see, when photographing families, especially those with young children, the session may not be traditional in the sense where everyone is sitting nicely, smiling at the camera. Gone are the days of stiff portraits. Instead, many photographers, including myself, enjoy encouraging families to interact with one another. I want you to be who you are: connect with your spouse, play with your children, showcase the familiar bonds and connections. Years from now you will reflect on these images and see they are connection to who you are, what you've built, and when your children young. I promise you that will you miss them being small, and I absolutely adore all the photos of my own three little ones. Another aspect of flexibility you may want to consider is if the location is centrally located. In a city that's geographically large, it's nice to have options for parents who live inside the 610 loop. 

Cypress family photography
family photography spring tx
houston family portraits

Does it require a permit?

In the city of Houston, a professional photography permit is often required for nearly all parks and many gardens. According to the Hermann Park Conservancy, their photography policy is:

Any commercial use of any city property requires a permit. A professional photographer must obtain a permit for a photography session in Hermann Park by calling the City of Houston at 832-394-8805. Professional photography is not permitted in the Japanese Garden.

Before shooting at any location, I do make sure I am covered legally. I would never want to be removed from a location, so if you're a professional photographer in Houston, think of permits like this: you would hope your own clients will respect your contract and as professionals, we should all respect the contracts of city parks. I say this as a friendly reminder. It would also be really embarrassing to be "kicked out" of a location in the middle of a session. Always act with caution and perceive risk: if a permit is required, you can go through the proper channels and you'll be glad you did so.

Family Photographer Cypress TX
Children's Photography Houston

Keep the season in mind

As mentioned in an earlier post this month, in Houston we essentially have two seasons: hot and hotter. However, there is a brief time in October - December where we have these gorgeous mornings in which the weather is in the high 70's. Part of why I love to photograph young families and children during the gorgeous sunrise lighting is because the weather is better. Your location should keep the season in mind by ensuring all outfit styles look nice in the settings.

Best Family Photographer in Houston

Dynamic and soulful lighting

The heart of my family portraiture work is providing dynamic and soulful lighting during my sessions. I exclusively shoot during golden hour, which is sunrise and sunset. It's a very short window of time in which the light is soft, golden, and is either coming up over the horizon or setting beneath the trees, depending on if you're photographing a client during sunrise or sunset. This is how you take your images to the next level: while some photographers may say you can achieve this look in Photoshop, I believe your photos should look fantastic straight out of camera. You want to do minimal work and processing on the final images. 

Well, folks! That's it for now. Be sure to check back soon for more photography tips I'd love to share with you. These simple yet effective tips will help you find locations that showcase your brand and shooting style. 

You may also be interested in:

Check out what this family had to say about their photo experience with Sarah:

Sarah was great to work with. I had been stalking her work for a while and was glad to finally get our own photos! She came prepared, is very efficient with babies and was able to get cute photos of our baby before she became fussy. We even got our photos prior to the promised date.

Sarah Borchgrevink Photography is a Houston Newborn Photographer specializing in gorgeous posed newborn sessions. Her studio is located in Northwest Houston. In addition to breathtaking baby portraiture, Sarah also offers stylish natural light family photography as well as dynamic outdoor maternity sessions for expecting mothers and couples. Sarah joyfully serves the entire Harris and Montgomery county areas including North Houston, Cypress, Tomball, Spring, Jersey Village, The Woodlands, Magnolia, Conroe, Willis, Montgomery, Humble, Kingwood, Porter, New Caney, Waller, Memorial & West Houston, Katy, Fulshear, Sugar Land, Pearland, Hempstead, Richmond, West University, Rice Village and Porter TX. Connect to chat with Sarah today! Please consider booking your session at your earliest convenience in order to secure your appointments on the calendar.