The Way You Make Me Feel

Blouse: Vintage.  Skirt: Alyssa Nicole  Bag: Chanel, Shoes: Cole Haan, Hat: Forever 21, Ring: Melinda Maria, Cuffs: thanks to Chloe & Isabel, Photography: Ellie Lacey, on Instagram

Christmas is in just four days!  Are you finished with all your holiday "to-do's" yet?  I'm almost finished but still have a few things to do.  I wrapped all the presents yesterday while my boys ran errands, and I planned the menu for the big Christmas Eve dinner I host for family at my house each year.  I really enjoy friends also being at our table, and this year I am looking forward to one of my best running friends and her sister joining us.

I also want to take this time to welcome my adorable, talented cousin Ellie (AKA Cousin Ellie) to the Queen City Style!  This is the second round of pictures she has taken, and I can't wait to share more with you.  I love her eye for such unique creative composition.  

Of course I know this has you asking where's Donna??  She is very much alive and kicking!  She is just in hot demand right now with her own clientele.  If you are looking for the very best in child and family photography in Charlotte, Donna's your girl! We have every intention of shooting again soon for the Queen City Style, and I can't wait to show you the bridal portraits we took of my gorgeous aesthetician friend, Sally.  Of course that will have to wait until after her big day!

Engagement Gone Gorgeous

Donna recently took these photos of my family's precious neighbors and good friends, Lauren and Sterling, along with their babies Simba and Bear, and they are just too gorgeous for me not to share.  Congratulations to these two beautiful people!  You may contact Donna here.

This Dress Made Me Do It

Dress: Free People.  Shoes: B Brian Atwood. Bracelets: Thanks to Blydesign. Earrings: Lettees by way of Back Yard Baby. Sunglasses: Blinde. Ring: Melinda Maria.

Yes, this dress made me put my hands on my hip and strike a pose.  And maybe the shoes, which are now on serious sale.  I think that is an occupational hazard of working with real live models.  What else is a girl to do with her hands than put them on her hips?  Well, I learned from one photographer friend this week that, as it turns out,  putting your hands on your hips in photos is like saying "I have no idea what to do with my hands."  Well, Ok.  And, since I am no model, on the hips they go.  Interesting stuff though. Anyway, as I said, the dress made me do it. I love the cuts on this dress which show just a tiny peak of skin in the front and back.  Below are a few currently available cut out dresses I love.

Photo Enthusiasts, Allow Me To Introduce...

Whether you are an seasoned professional photographer or you're interested in picking up a new hobby in photography, SparkPoint Studio is an awesome new space I had to share! We all know that even some of the best laid plans can go awry or change at the last minute. That is what happened for me and my team prior to a recent photo shoot.  The photographer and I had a unique story board laid out when we learned the needs for the project required studio only photographs!  The photographer was driving in from out of town, so I hopped on the phone immediately and started calling every photographer and their brother I knew, in search an available studio.  That is when I was referred to one of the owners of SparkPoint Studio, veteran photographer, Kate Weaver.  Long story short, SparkPoint Studio totally saved the day!

In a nutshell, Sparkpoint Studio "is where photo enthusiasts come together to work and learn, to discover and experience, to create, and exhibit and become members of a unique community in Charlotte".  Click here for information on renting the studio for commerical or personal needs. Sparkpoint Studio also offers classes from some of the most well known and skilled professional photographers in Charlotte.  Just starting out with a camera?  Take the First Steps with your DSLR Camera course in April, or for those wanting to take their photographs to a new level, there is a Mastering Photoshop Elements course being offered in May.  Want to gain tips and socialize with other area photographers?  Join SparkPoint Studio's Second Tuesday of the Month Club.  Whatever your need, for all things photography and awesome, Sparkpoint Studio is totally on point!