What to Wear Wednesday: Kiss Me | Ann Arbor, MI Boudoir Photographer

Valentine's Day is only three short weeks away and if you're anything like me, you're still trying to figure out what to wear (I always wait until the last minute!). Anyway, here are some really cute ideas to wear for the special night out on the town...or any date for that matter.

Pretty for my Valentine by polybaby featuring strapless cocktail dresses

Valentine's Boudoir Special | Jackson, MI Boudoir Photographer

Valentine's Day will be upon us before you know it! If you haven't already it's definitely time to start thinking about getting that special someone in your life something they'll remember for a long time. Why not give the gift of boudoir photography?

I'm offering a special Valentine's Collection only good until February 3, 2013 (this guarantees the books will be in before the 14th). It will include professional hair and makeup, 1-2 hour portrait session, and an 8x8 velvet-touch hardcover book for only $425 (a savings of $175!). The book will be custom designed and include all the images from the session. Trust me when I say, this little book will be the hottest thing he (or she) will ever see! But don't take my word for it, here's what Missy S. had to say about the one she gave her husband for Christmas:

"I wanted to give my husband a gift that would last a lifetime. My pinup album was the perfect idea. I had an amazing time with Natalie behind the camera. I felt beautiful and my husband was beyond happy. It is hands down one of the best gifts I've ever given!"

Thank You! | Jackson MI Portrait Photographer

2012 has been a really eventful year for me! I graduated with my second degree, this time in Graphic Design; photographed some really amazing clients; and did a 360 with the direction of my business. There's been ups and downs, but what's life without some bumps?! I am truly thankful for each and everyone of my clients. Every time I get to photograph someone I learn something new and always have a great time. My business wouldn't be anything without my clients, so I am forever indebted to you for allowing me to pursue my dreams.

The new year brings more changes for us first starting with the name change. We were formally known as Natty J Photography, and are starting out 2013 with a fresh look as Natalie Mae Photography. Still, same beautiful portraits and individual customer attention, just with a neater and cleaner looking package. I can't wait to photograph and get to know more of you in the new year! Until then, here's my incredible collection of 2012 clients...and once again...THANKS!!

A Little Spice on a Cold Night | Jackson, MI Portrait Photographer

When Missy first asked me to do some pin-up portraits for her, I have to admit I was a tad apprehensive because I had never done that style before, but since she's a really good friend of mine I agreed. These were seriously SO much fun to photograph! We tried all kinds of poses and I have to say I loved every single image, it was so hard to narrow it down, so you guys get more images than normal. We had so much fun that even my dog, Piglet, wanted to join in!

After I showed her all the images, she had me design a hardcover book for her husband's Christmas gift. I adored the book on screen, but once I saw it in print...oh my! She has one lucky hubby! That book is enough to keep anyone warm on a chilly night like tonight :)

What to Wear Wednesday: Mustard & Purple

If you've been following my blog, you know I have a *semi-unhealthy* obsession with the color mustard, so as soon as I saw this collection I was immediately drawn to it. I don't know what it is, I just love that color and burnt orange and charcoal grey and...oh there's too many to name, but mustard is high on the list of awesomeness. But I love the subtle hints of purple in this tied in with the shoe, so cute!

Get The Look : Solange Knowles by ayutianrts featuring tom ford

Now I don't expect anyone to rush out and buy these items, but they're great for giving you ideas of how to put together a portrait wardrobe.

What to Wear Wednesday: Spooktacular Halloween Edition

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE! It's my favorite holiday of the year! I'm like a big kid at heart; I adore carving pumpkins, decorating, and dressing up. So...I went a little crazy with this weeks What to Wear Wednesday and used some festive Halloween colors. I think you really could pull an awesome look out of the items I've compiled. Don't you think?!

Since you know mine, I want to know what's your favorite part about Halloween?

Spooktackular Halloween by nattyjphotography featuring hollister co

Now I don't expect anyone to rush out and buy these items, but they're great for giving you ideas of how to put together a portrait wardrobe.

The D Family | Jackson, MI Family Photographer

Meet Tina and her awesome family! I had the pleasure of connecting with Tina through a Craigslist ad I posted looking for a web coder. We got together and talked for a few hours about what I wanted to do with my website and how she wanted updated family portraits, in the end we worked out a pretty sweet trade. Her children attend school at Michigan State University and we decided somewhere on or near campus would be a great place to do the photos. These were at Cooley Gardens, which I had never been to before, and was pleasantly surprised when the place was gorgeous!! I love the little hidden treasures that are nestled around the city; Cooley Gardens is located right off of I-496 and I would have never thought there would be an awesome garden there. Michigan threatened rain, but once again it turned out to be a gorgeous day and the rain held off until later in the afternoon.

N + J | Jackson, MI Family Photographer

I went to college with N and have known her for awhile now, so of course I was thrilled when she asked me to take photos of her and her boyfriend. Aren't they just the cutest?! Plus, her hair is gorgeous! I've always loved the color of it. The Michigan weather threatened to rain all day long, but in true Michigan tradition it did just the opposite, which was PERFECT for this session.

What to Wear Wednesday | Teal and Baby Pink

I love this look it's very Spring-y, but I think it would still be amazing this time of year. This look was put together by DeannaSchroeter on Polyvore.com, I love that she's added some basic makeup to the look, this would be amazing with a simple cat-eye and nude eyeshadow. When I imagine the session that this outfit would be in, I see a Shoots for a Cure session. A strong woman that just finished her final round of chemo, rocking her bald head with that fabulous hat; empowered knowing that you've gotten a second chance at life. If you're interested in learning more about a Shoots for a Cure portrait session, check out my blog post or give me a call, 517.499.9380

Now I don't expect anyone to rush out and buy these items, but they're great for giving you ideas of how to put together a portrait wardrobe.

Untitled #395 by deannaschroeter featuring a box clutch

What to Wear Wednesday | Jackson, MI Photographer

Coordinating outfits is all about those few select items that just jump right out. You don't want everyone wearing one, but done right and in moderation, it can really make the portrait without looking too cheesy. Below is an example of a semi-muted color palette, with just a taste of something wild. The neon handbag and shoes just add that little umph to send this over the top! Now, I'm not saying rush out and buy everything I just posted, just consider the styling, color combination of the pieces and how a little goes a long way.

Purple with Neon Green2 by nattyjphotography featuring long sleeve silk shirts

Dangerous

I decided to take advantage of the gorgeous weather we've been having in Michigan and take some portraits the other day. Usually I avoid words of any sort in my images, drilled into my head by my favorite instructor Don Werthmann, but my subject insisted and it ended up being my favorite image of the day.

The Freaks Come Out in the Studio

My good friend, Slava loves to help me out by modeling for me. Well, the last assignment in Studio Portraits we had to capture a persons character. Slava is a very multi-talented person, she does burlesque, yoga, dancing, glass walking, and all kinds of other things. Plus, compared to the average everyday person, she's a little out there so I wanted to capture her talents and her weirdness all at the same time...I think these pictures were pretty successful in doing so.