One of my best friends, who also happens to be the mom of one of Emery’s best friends, mentioned recently that she is in need of professional photos of her daughter. Weather and Covid derailed their last several attempts at family photos. Rather than go through the stress of coordinating a family shoot, my friend decided the most pressing issue was getting pictures of her oldest in her cheer uniforms. While she’s at it, she figured she’d capture this stage of ballet as well. My friend asked if my sister had any availability to make a trip to Greenville and Alison jumped at the chance to make this happen.
Emery, of course, had to get in on this action. She wanted to get some pictures in her school basketball uniform and also use this is an excuse to get dolled up in some fun outfits. I decided to go all out and hired a makeup artist to make sure the girls were photo ready. Several friends suggested I book an artist from Cotton Rouge for hair and makeup. I’d actually seen their work at a wedding and was amazed by their magical powers. Although I average having my makeup professionally done once per decade, I will definitely use them again. Local friends, here’s their web site: https://www.cottonrougeandcompany.com/
Not only did the hair and makeup look incredible, but the ladies at Cotton Rouge were extremely accommodating when I asked if we could reschedule to an earlier date due to an abysmal weather forecast. So was my sister. Photography is tricky!
The wonderful Halie with Cotton Rouge transformed my dining room into a hair and makeup studio. Her array of tools and makeup is astounding. I had so much fun asking questions and digging through her supplies.
Makeup Artist
Since lighting and weather were a concern, my sister started shooting at my house as soon as Emery and her friend were camera ready. Although this wasn’t our initial plan (had hoped to head to gym and football field), I think the pictures turned out great. And it was nice to knock these out and focus on the fun outfits during out urban shoot.
Basketball and Cheer Photos
I mentioned earlier that we had to reschedule our shoot due to weather. Instead of a sleepy Sunday morning, we ended up having to do photos on a Saturday late afternoon/early evening. Because of that, we decided to take the urban shots in downtown Greer instead of downtown Greenville. Greer is smaller with less traffic and since Alison had a vision for the ballet shots that involved our tiny dancer being en pointe in the middle of a road, we had to pivot. What a blessing this turned out to be! And what a lesson for us. Everything happens for a reason. Greer is incredibly charming and the photos are stunning.
Urban Ballet Photos
After a quick wardrobe change in the car, the girls let their personalities shine for the best friends photo shoot. This needs to become a thing, mamas. I will treasure these photos forever. This sweet friendship is going on thirteen years and it’s delightful to see how their ride or die relationship doesn’t change despite different interests and schools. They’re complete opposites in many ways and I think these photos capture them perfectly.
Best Friends Photo Shoot
I took advantage of this opportunity and went ahead and booked myself a hair and makeup appointment as well and had my sister snap a few pictures of me on my ombre staircase. I am rarely in pictures, so this was fun. I need to update my web site.
Moi
Speaking of Knute being a ham, never forget this photo shoot from last year. My sister shot these in her family room using a backdrop. Totally unplanned but when Emery whipped out Knute’s winter coat, Alison couldn’t resist the urge to photograph him. I guess pet portraits need to be added to her resume.
Knute 2022
And because I don’t share her work nearly enough, here are a few snippets from other shoots she’s done, both at her house and on location (senior photos).
HK Images
Obviously I’m biased, but Alison truly has a gift for capturing personalities…from babies to toddlers to teens to pets to forty somethings needing head shots, she’s your huckleberry! The sessions are quick and fun and worth the effort. I regret not having more professional photos taken of my kids when they were young. Life was hectic (it still is) and I didn’t make it a priority. Learn from my mistake!
If you’re in the Atlanta or Greenville areas, reach out to Alison for your photo needs. You can contact her here: https://hkimages.zenfolio.com/
I hope your Monday is off to a fabulous start!
