What do I need to bring for my photo shoot at the studio?

Hello Friends,

One frequently asked question I get is, “What do I bring to my photo shoot?!” I understand how stressful this feels. Personally, I feel like the second I need to pick out an outfit for an event (or photography session) I go blank and just stare into my closet.

First step is our initial phone call talking about your session and getting you booked. After that, we talk about inspiration for your dream session.

Later on, I reach out and we chat more about wardrobe. Usually our clients bring a few personal pieces but mostly they pick from our extensive studio wardrobe. This wardrobe includes so many beautiful pieces including dress, lingerie, jackets, and so much more!

Most of the social media images that I post show our clients wearing the stunning wardrobe pieces.

I love having this option for clients so they can just arrive and start their glamorous photo shoot at our St. Louis, Missouri studio!

-Shannon

It's been a minute...

Hello Friends,

Truth be told, it’s been MONTHS since I’ve shared a post here with you all. Time completely got away from me during the last few months of the year and the beginning always ramps up quickly.

We had some stunning sessions the past few months that I’ve shared on Instagram (@shannon_k_dougherty) and already started this year doing the same.

I can’t wait to see so many new and returning clients this year!

We would love to celebrate you and currently booking into summer.

-Shannon

A little time in Milwaukee

Hello friends,

I’m excited to share this recent session with you from Milwaukee!

Last month I traveled to Wisconsin to teach a mentoring session with Elizabeth Urban Studios in her studio. She also booked a portrait session for herself to celebrate her upcoming Birthday.

Not only did we have an amazing first day with her mentoring session but she also let me know that she’s never booked a session for herself with another photographer!

I am so honored she reached out to me to not only learn from to to capture this beautiful session for HER!

Here are a few favorites from her glamorous day!

-Shannon

Celebrating motherhood

Hello friends,

I cannot believe I have let weeks pass without sharing this beautiful maternity session!

This one is close to my heart since the client for the day was one of my closest friends. The moment she told me she was pregnant, I started planning all the beautiful things we could do for her session to celebrate this exciting time.

She has the coolest style so I knew any look we did would be breathtaking. Add in a touch of glam makeup/hair and some glamorous wardrobe to make these images something she will treasure ( and her child) for years to come.

Here are some of the favorites from the day below!

-Shannon

Ethereal Mommy & Me Photoshoot

Hello Friends,

I could not wait to share this beautiful Mommy & Me session! This wonderful woman is a repeat client who first came to me to celebrate with a maternity session. We already knew we would have to do a Mommy & Me session with her sweet boy once he was old enough.

Six months almost to the day they both came in for their photoshoot! We played with a soft, ethereal vibe for the session to start then added in more casual looks as the day progressed. For these sessions, the kid is the boss and this sweet boy laughed most of the session until it was nap time.

Here are a few favorites from this beautiful day!

-Shannon

Pre-Photoshoot Tips & Tricks

Hello Friends,

Today I’m going to share a few tips & tricks I send to all my clients before their session!

1. Let’s chat about wardrobe!

   We are here to help you along the way with outfit selection and styling during your session.

   I recommend bringing a few of your own outfits to your session (3-6 options) and your own underwear/undergarments.

   In addition to what you bring, we have an amazing studio wardrobe for you to use during your session including gowns, lingerie, bodysuits, and dresses.

2. Self Care

   The night before make sure to get some rest (all the excitement nerves are setting in!) but try to get some beauty rest.

   The morning before your photoshoot, make sure to eat. It takes a lot of energy to be the model for the day, so please bring a snack with you if you don’t usually eat breakfast.

3. Skin and Body

   Your makeup and hair will be done by a professional makeup/hair artist for the day, so please arrive with skin clean and ready for makeup application. Hair must be dry and down (please no ponytails or hats before arriving).

   I suggest tanning and waxing be done 2-4 days before the session and not the day before.

   Wear loose fitting clothes, bra, and underwear when arriving to the studio. This prevents lines from the clothing on your skin.

4. Deep breath!

   You’re going to have a glamorous photoshoot!

Can’t wait to photograph you!

-Shannon

Simply Glamorous

Hello friends,

We are nearly halfway through June and I haven’t shared as much this summer with traveling and being with family. There have been some photoshoots I cannot wait to share with you all soon!

First photoshoot of June, we decided to go for a simple luxury look and keep everything flowing with movement and a fitted dress. This look didn't need a lot so we styled with a simple updo, anonymous portraits to keep the focus on the back and just let the music playing in the background be the guide.

For a few images, I HAD to pull out some floral gloves I made. They felt like the perfect accessory for such an elegant look.

Here are a few favorites from the day!

Until next time,

Shannon

Fine Art Fitness Portrait Session

Hello everyone,

I’ve been so excited to share this recent session with you all! April and May have kept me so busy that I was away from the blog for a bit. No more gatekeeping this session because it’s become one of my recent favorites.

When chatting with Ashley about a fitness photoshoot, I knew we could change it up a but from a classic fitness photoshoot in a gym and really play with a fine art style.

I love doing this lighting to show shadows, depth, and all the hard work she’s put in before her bodybuilding competition. This might be the only way I photograph fitness photoshoots from now on!

Here are a few favorites from her session.

Until next time,

Shannon

Dreamy Editorial Bridal Portrait Session

Hello friends,

Today I’m sharing a recent Editorial Bridal Portrait session and honestly, these are some of my favorite photoshoots!

Something I hear from clients that are coming in for their session as a wedding gift is doing something special with their dress. This type of session would be way different then the beautiful wedding photos they’ll have on their big day. These images will look and feel right out of a high fashion magazine or fine art book.

If the client doesn’t want to bring their own dress but still want to have these images, we have a few dresses and veils in the studio wardrobe that look stunning!

Here are a few favorites from Brandy’s Editorial Bridal Portrait session.

Until next time,

Shannon

All the glam in this Photoshoot!

Hello Friends,

It’s always the best days when a client walks in and trusts you to do whatever you want for their session! That is of course, after we’ve had a consultation so I know a bit more about them.

When this beautiful lady came in, she said give me all the glam and I want help picking wardrobe. Noelle was on makeup/hair to deliver a luxury makeup experience and I picked out wardrobe during this part.

Plus, this client is also another photographer! I adore when other photographers book me for their own photoshoots. It’s so incredible to be the client for the day.

Here is her review about her day:

"I’ve wanted to book a personal session for a while now and finally decided it was time! In my search for a photographer I knew I wanted to find someone who had the eye to create something unique while also bringing out my raw femininity, and Shannon did exactly that. Our first consultation was so informative, she asked all the right questions to make sure she fully understood what my vision was for this shoot which left me feeling so confident going into our session. I am not someone who is great with wardrobe or styling, so to find out that she has such an amazing client closet was a huge relief. During the shoot Shannon guided me with posing, I felt so confident and comfortable the entire time. Reviewing all the images afterwards, I was BLOWN AWAY. I can’t thank Shannon enough for giving life to my vision, I would 100% recommend her to anyone!!"

Until next time!

Shannon

Couples Boudoir

Hello Friends,

I’ve been waiting to share this session for a bit but I can’t wait any longer! I had the pleasure of working with this stunning woman for her boudoir session. When we were planning her photoshoot, she mentioned how she really wanted a couples session with her husband. Literally, they both were beyond excited for this and couldn’t wait for their session.

While I don’t typically photography couples boudoir much anymore, this session made me fall in love with it again. The chemistry between these two is off the charts!

We did a few solo looks but mostly stuck with them together as a couple to capture their love and energy.

Here is their review from their day:

“Shannon captured me and my husband in the most beautiful, artistic, and chic way at our photo session with her in February. We can not stop talking about what a fun and memorable experience it was working with her. Shannon has a relaxed aura about her that made us feel confident, sexy, and model-like for the day. It was amazing to get to work with someone who was genuine and talented. If you get the chance, run, do not walk to book a luxe session with her. We are lucky to have such a talented photographer in the St. Louis area. You will love her studio, wardrobe, makeup artist, and her attention to detail while helping you pick your final prints. Without a doubt it is the best gift I could have given myself and my husband. It was an experience we will never forget!”

Of course, had to add some favorites from their photoshoot in this post.

-Shannon

Back to Vegas!

Hello Friends,

If I’ve been a bit quiet here and on social media it’s because I’ve been preparing to go to Vegas!

I’ve been not only a photographer for years but also a photography educator. This past week I was in Las Vegas teaching students at one of the largest photo conferences, WPPI. Literally still pinching myself at this opportunity I was given. I’ve always loved being an educator and I’m so fortunate in my career that I can share my knowledge with photographers from all over.

The classes I taught were focusing on adding a fashion element to boudoir, talking about what I do, and how important the client experience is for me.

Here are a few behind the scenes images from Day 2 of the classes.

Thank you again to the sponsors, The Boudoir Album and WPPI

Until next time,

Shannon

Editorial inspired portraits with your wedding dress

Hello Friends,

Often I hear from my clients that are married is that they wish they had portraits of themselves in their dress. Of course, if they had a wedding photographer then they would of captured those moments but something more styled and relaxed.

Weddings go by in a blur many times and I’ve had my clients say they wish they could wear their dress again…but how? Bring your dress in for an editorial style portrait photoshoot of your dreams! This is such a fun way to get to wear your dress again and have portraits to hang in your home.

How stunning are these images? I can’t wait to see who brings in their dress next.

Until next time,

Shannon

Soft Editorial Maternity Session

Hello Friends,

I’m a bit behind on February blog posting but we’ve been busy in the studio! I have so many exciting things to share soon but first, this beautiful maternity session.

When we were planning this gorgeous ladies maternity session, we discussed how she wanted something more editorial and to celebrate her body. Picking pieces from the studio client closet, she mentioned she loved green so we went with that theme for this series I’ll be sharing in this post.

Add in soft movement in the hair and play up her beautiful feature with the makeup and I would say this session turned into a dream.

Here are some favorites from her session!

Until next time,

Shannon

Rock n' Roll inspired Maternity Photoshoot

Hello Friends,

As we near the end of the month, I couldn’t wait to share this rock n’ roll inspired maternity session!

I’ve known the beautiful Katie for nearly a decade now so when we chatted about her maternity session for her second child, I knew we needed to add in a bit of an edge.

The second we put the sunglasses on her, it was a relaxed but high glam vibe for this set! I love that it’s a contrast to the other parts of her photoshoot that are ethereal and soft. It’s always fun to get to photograph all the different themes and parts of someones personality!

Here are a few from this set and a behind the scenes. More to share soon!

Until next time,

Shannon

Add a little sparkle

Hello friends!

Today’s post is going to focus on the final details of styling…the jewelry. I always love the touch of sparkle (or a whole lot of it) to full together a look.

When I go through wardrobe consultations with clients, we chat about styling of the clothing but also chat about accessories. For some, they don’t wear a lot of jewelry but want to go all out for their photoshoot, they just don’t own the pieces. Not a problem at all! I have so many pieces to play with that I’ve collected over the years and love helping pull the whole look together with styling.

Honestly, I’m not a huge fan of diamonds in my day-to-day life but something about a photoshoot and getting glammed up for the day makes me want to wear all the sparkle.

I’ve even created a few pieces for fun (like floral gloves) to add to sessions that want a bit of a playful, avant-garde look! (I’ll have to create more in the near future).

Time to go play dress up!

Until next time,

Shannon

The Power of Our Photos

Hello friends,

It’s hard to believe we are already nearly 2 weeks into the New Year! I wanted today’s blog to be about something I’m very passionate about…printed photos.

If you’ve come into my studio, there is no shortage of photos on the wall. There is something special about seeing images to enjoy. Now, I’m not saying photos aren’t important on our computers but I believe there is a whole other power with photos being printed and displayed.

I believe there is a legacy to our images being enjoyed on our walls or on display in folio boxes (which are my personal favorite of the products I offer). On a day I’m not feeling my best, I stop to enjoy my images on the wall or in my folio box. It’s a nice reminder that I am that woman in those photos no matter what.

Hang your photos on the wall or display them, you are worthy!

Until next time,

Shannon

Let's chat about some Frequently Asked Questions!

Hello Friends,

It’s finally 2023 and time for an amazing new year to begin!

I wanted the first blog post of the year to answer a few Frequently Asked Questions.

Read more below:

What should I wear or bring?

The studio has a large selection of wardrobe to choose from for your glamorous photoshoot experience including dresses, bodysuits, lingerie, and fabrics for draping. Shannon will do a consultation and go over details before the photoshoot to plan.

Clients don’t need to bring much! This is all discussed in the pre-photoshoot consultation.

Do you have makeup and hair provided for the photoshoot?

Part of the glamorous photoshoot experience is walking into the studio and having hair and makeup done for the day. Sit back and relax and we will pamper you for the day!

Our artist will do a consultation when you arrive on how you would like to have your makeup and hair for your session.

How many outfit changes are there?

Typically, between 4-6 outfit changes during each session. There are times where a few more outfit changes are added into the photoshoot time (average 2 hour photoshoot).

What products/prints does the studio offer?

After your session, we will have a private reveal and sale session with you and you will choose your favorite images you would like to purchase.

Each image is beautifully retouched after images are chosen.

The studio offers Collections for prints and images or A la Carte options which include Wall Art, Folio Boxes, and Digitals.

How far out are sessions typically booked?

Sessions on average are booked out 2-6 months in advance. Please contact us for booking availability.

Do I have to share my images?

You only have to share what you are comfortable with! Sometimes, clients will be open to sharing their session and other times they prefer to keep things private. Shannon will go over all of those details after the Image Viewing Session.

Where can I find pricing?

For details about pricing, please contact us. There is a contact form on the website.

Hopefully that answers some questions you’ve had before booking your photoshoot!

Until next time,

Shannon

A day in the studio with Mikki

Hello friends,

I can’t believe we are closing in on the end of 2022! I wanted to share one more session from this year with you all.

I was beyond excited to photograph Mikki for her glamorous photoshoot experience. When we were chatting, she did express that she had some nerves about the photoshoot but had full trust in me and the team. (Nerves are completely normal before the photoshoot by the way!)

This was her first experience with having her makeup done by a professional artist so we told her to kick back and enjoy the pampering.

Her session vibes where strong with soft colors and textures including a silk gown and soft braid with a blazer.

Here are some favorites from her session!

Until next time,

Shannon

Mommy & Me GlamPhotoshoot

Hello Friends!

I feel like its been ages since I’ve shared a Mommy & Me photoshoot. They are some of my favorite sessions! Not only is it a day for the beautiful mother to be pampered with makeup and hair by one of our artists but also a day to spend creating keepsake images for mother and child.

I knew these too ladies would be so much fun in the studio. I think they both smiled nearly the entire time until it was nap time.

We planned on the wardrobe and styling to be elegant but also feel relaxed.

Here are some favorites from this adorable session!

Until next time,

Shannon