Photography Mentoring, Published

Photographer tips & tools : Creating magical memories on a budget !

Photographer tips & tools : Creating magical memories on a budget !

Budget ! Wait you mean you can create a stylized session on a budget ? YES

Creating stylized session doesn’t mean you have to break the bank or dip into your profits so much that you don’t make a profit.

Think smarter not harder.

RENT.

Wait you can rent ? YES

I have been very blessed to have been working with Trish from Vintage Alley Rentals in the start of 2015 when she fully stylized my Valentines Day mini sessions & made a Candy shop right in the studio. It was a match made in heaven. I loved Trish the moment I met her. She is such a incredibly sweet, kind, caring & a fantastic business women.

Since then, Vintage Alley Rentals has been a part of a great handful of my sessions. The vintage Blue velvet settee named Pricilla has been a part of my Dream princess mini sessions & then my Winter Whimsy mini sessions. I have rented smaller items like a vintage apple ladder & grape vine for my 2015 mommy & me sessions. The vintage clawfoot tub Named : John Bufford sailed through dreams as it graced the pages of Momazine magazine when I used that to create a sail boat in my Dream a Little Dream print feature. Three door backdrop was a part of my Easter baby lamp mini’s &  below you will see tis beautiful peach/pink & gold settee named: Penelope used in my mommy & me sessions this year.

If you haven’t heard of Vintage Alley Rentals now is the time to go check them out & make an appointment to see her cute cottage & what she has to offer that might fit your next up coming session, wedding or event.

Come back often for more tips & ideas!

oxo

 

 

Family, Styled

Spring has Sprung some magic for this Pittsburgh Family

I have had the pleasure of watching this beautiful family grow. It’s one of the priceless gifts I receive as a photographer. We had a gorgeous night in Pittsburgh this Spring day in April. I also am blessed to include this quote from my client.

“I have used Pam to capture some of the most precious moments for me and growing family. From a fresh 48 session — to family shoots — to mini sessions — she has been my go-to photographer for years now. She is patient, kind and is, above all things, passionate about her work. I know I will get amazingly beautiful photos from Pam (that always take my breathe away and bring a tear to my eye). I cannot recommend Pamela Salai Photography enough. If you want the best, you’re in the right spot.”

Children, Styled

The Magic Within Pittsburgh Shootout

I am so excited to share the first batch of photos I edited from The Magic Within Pittsburgh Shootout.

This was my first ever shootout that I hosted & I was honored to ask & have 2 of my close photog friends come & join me. Weeks of planning & running around all came together for one perfect evening of fun, laughter, networking, portfolio building & making new friends. ( I will leave out the part about the giant spider that thought my camera bag was his new home …)

20 guest attended our shootout. Lisa, Sarah & myself styled 3 main sets which then actually dove-tailed into about 3-4 other sets for about 7 different sets (if not maybe 1-2 more). We wanted to give everyone a little bit of everything that we love & show them that the magic is made within & you don’t need extravagant sets to make magic. The sets included a Toddler set ( boy & girl ), a pre-tween set (2 girls) & than the tween set which you see below.

We choose an Anna Triant Couture dress for our tween model to wear. Dazzled her hair in butterflies in colors that were pulled from her dress. Minimal make-up – a tad of blush , lipstick & mascara was enough for this beautiful Model. The only prop for this set was a moss cover chair that Sarah made from Moss sheet & hot glued it to the seat. A little tuck here & there & bam turn a drab chair into a fab chair. Great job Sarah!

I hope you enjoy the first preview of photos. Please feel free to comment <3 

Children, Styled

Part 2 of creating magical moments : What should my clients children wear ?

What should the children wear?? I would love to tell you this is the easy part- truth is for me it’s the hard part. Finding out what your client style is or the look that fits them best is nothing short of trail & error & asking a lot of questions.

Boys (toddler & Tween) I think this might be the top asked questions!

“Where do you get clothing for boys?”

I love boys clothes. There are a lot more options than people realize. Here are a few of my go to brands for boys. H&M, Crew kids, bobo choses, mini boden,nicky and stella,Zara,www.dapperlads.com, mini rodni, tiny cottons This is just to name a few. Of course there are more & I am not trying to leave any one brand out or make one look better than the other. Start at #1. What is your desired look? Find a few photos of that look. research pieces that fit that look. You might find yourself scoring at a few different places. I, personally will help my clients with this process as previously mentioned on my last “Magical moments” post.

Girls (Toddler & Tween) Oh girls ! Aren’t they fun to dress? There are ruffles, sparkles,crystals & feathers. Some of my go to brands are Joyfolie, tutu du monde, Persnickety, dollcake, Mustard pie, well dressed wolf, Free people. Than if you want to step it up to couture you can rent or buy anna Triant, Have a dress made by Ella Dynae. And obviously there are so many more that I know & love that i have not mentioned here.

I was going to break this up into categories for you. Than I thought who am I to judge the style or “type” of clothing a brand is. Again, it comes down to getting to know your client & their style or look that fits them best. Than hit up google & research. There is no easy answer & why should there be? This part is FUN this is where you use your creative juices & create what you are going to look like. Or what your client(S.) are going to look like. Personally, I think it can make or break a session. It can be timeless or dated. so choose carefully.

Come back often for more tips & ideas!