Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Is a Destination Photo-Shoot right for you? - Senior Pictures by Lisa McNiel




Is a Destination Photo-Shoot right for you? - Senior Pictures by Lisa McNiel

Graduation is a milestone worth celebrating, and what better way to commemorate this achievement than with a destination photo shoot in the vibrant city of Las Vegas? Follow the journey of a Dallas girl as she embarks on a memorable adventure, capturing the essence of her accomplishment against the backdrop of iconic locations in and around the Entertainment Capital of the World.

A group of Senior Photographers from across the nation met to knock a photo shoot bucket list item off of the list and photograph our own models and each others for fun and education.

We stayed at the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa and about half of the photos were taken there. I'll begin with some of the other models and end with my amazing girl, Sydney!

  1. For more ideas and locations, or for Senior Pictures for boys or girls, check out my website: Dallas Photographer or follow me on Pinterest Dallas Senior Pictures


The senior girls showed up in all kinds of outfits, glamorous dresses and stylish short suits paired with high heeled hortie boots and oversized barrettes. 



There was a beach section of the resort which make lifeguard and swimwear pictures possible. Here, I took advantage of the hard light coming through the fence creating patterns.








Palm Trees and Sunshine: No trip to Las Vegas is complete without the quintessential palm tree-lined streets. Strolling through these sun-soaked avenues, our girls exudes confidence and accomplishment. The vibrant colors and warm sunlight create a dynamic atmosphere, mirroring the graduate's journey toward success.



The choice of this faux fur jacket with the sequin gown was just elegane personified!



The girls brought a variety of looks to match their personalities and it made the posoing and locations both challenging and fun!



Sydney was my amazing model and being the only daughter of Krista, so this became a memorable Mother/Daughter trip for them. 



Desert Dreams: Leaving the city behind, the photo shoot takes an adventurous turn as our graduate explores an amazing ghost town in the desert. Vintage cars, abandoned buildings, and mechanical gems provide a unique and captivating backdrop for capturing the essence of transition and change.




Fremont Street: The iconic Fremont Street becomes the stage for the next set of photos. Neon lights, street performers, and a bustling crowd provide a lively backdrop as our graduate celebrates the joy of completing her academic journey. The electric energy of Fremont Street captures the essence of Las Vegas nightlife.





I kept being amazed by how the outfits she had packed were perfect for the colors and situations we were shooting in! I think you can see what I mean with ner top and pants and the colors in the desert with the huge propeller, the short salmon sequin dress on Freemont street and this black and white combo with the enormous checkerboard at the resort.






This simple cream shift with the flowncy sleeves went with all the colors at teh resort.








As the sun sets over the Nevada desert, our Dallas girl's destination graduation photo shoot weekend comes to a close. Each location in Las Vegas has contributed to a vibrant and diverse collection of images that not only celebrate academic achievement but also reflect the spirit of the city itself. From the glitz of the Strip to the tranquility of the desert, this photo shoot is a testament to the versatility and beauty that Las Vegas has to offer, making it an ideal destination for capturing life's significant milestones.

  1. For more ideas and locations, or for Senior Pictures for boys or girls, check out my website: Dallas Photographer or follow me on Pinterest Dallas Senior Pictures

Saturday, December 16, 2023

Pretty Girls and Goldens at Christmas - A themed Santa Paws photoshoot



 "Yuletide Tails: A Festive High School Christmas Photo Shoot with Furry Friends"


The holiday season is a time of joy, love, and, of course, festive photo shoots! This year, we had the pleasure of capturing the magic of Christmas with a group of high school girls and their adorable canine companions—golden retrievers and mutts—in a heartwarming Christmas-themed photo shoot. Set against the picturesque backdrop of a Texas late Fall park, our photo session featured stylish red sweater dresses, Santa sweaters, white boots, and an array of classic Christmas attire that added a touch of charm to the day's festivities.

See how I got the shot on Instagram:

For more ideas and locations, or for Senior Pictures for boys or girls, check out my website: Dallas Photographer or follow me on Pinterest Dallas Senior Pictures





I hadn't seen this kind of Christmas themed photoshoot beforee so it was fun to create a Christmas-themed photo shoot. I started with a vision and incorporated classic Christmas elements like wooden ladders, buffalo plaid, and festive pillows to enhance the festive atmosphere. Then I asked the girls to coordinate outfits with their friends and furry companions for a cohesive and visually appealing look. Lastly, let the magic unfold naturally—capture candid moments and genuine smiles to freeze the joy of the season in each frame. If you want to do something like this, look around at what you have, and envision an outcome you want to see, sketch it out and see what happens!







Decking the Halls:
The scene was set in a park with wooden ladders adorned with buffalo plaid accents. The late Fall foliage provided a warm and rustic backdrop, creating the perfect setting for our Christmas extravaganza. Pillows with festive messages about joy, belief, and holiday cheer were scattered around, adding a cozy and inviting atmosphere.




Stylish Ensembles:

Our lovely high school girls embraced the Christmas spirit with their fashionable outfits. Picture this: red sweater dresses paired with white boots, Santa sweaters matched with white skirts and cowboy boots, classic red and white Christmas sweaters combined with white skirts and boots, and the timeless combination of a white sweater with a red skirt and white boots. The result? A stunning visual feast that perfectly embodied the holiday spirit.








Furry Friends and Festive Fun:
The real stars of the show were, without a doubt, the golden retrievers and mutts that joined the photo shoot. Their wagging tails and playful antics brought an extra layer of joy to the day. The girls and their four-legged friends engaged in delightful games and spontaneous moments of merriment, capturing the essence of the holiday season.





Our Christmas-themed photo shoot was a joyful celebration of friendship, fashion, and furry companionship. As the high school girls and their dogs posed amidst the late Fall beauty of a Texas park, the spirit of Christmas enveloped us all. Whether you're planning your own holiday shoot or simply looking for inspiration, remember that the true magic lies in the love and laughter shared with friends, both human and furry. May your holiday season be filled with warmth, joy, and unforgettable moments captured in the frame of friendship and festive fun.

  1. For more ideas and locations, or for Senior Pictures for boys or girls, check out my website: Dallas Photographer or follow me on Pinterest Dallas Senior Pictures

Friday, December 15, 2023

Capturing Canine Cheer: A Festive Guide to Photographing Dogs of Every Breed



"Capturing Canine Cheer: A Festive Guide to Photographing Dogs of Every Breed"

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread cheer than by capturing the festive spirit of our furry friends? Whether you have a Rat Terrier, a Bernedoodle, a Beagle, a Shih Tzu, a Mutt, a Bulldog, or an English Mastiff, each dog comes with its own unique charm—and challenges—when it comes to holiday photos. In this guide, we'll explore tips and tricks to make your Christmas doggy photoshoot a success, complete with Santa hats and plenty of canine hijinks!


I did this a few times with my high school seniors and our "SANTA PAWS" photoshoots were exciting and fun, but we had to do them individually. Trying to get all those dogs
together at the same time was a no-go.
  1. Understanding Each Breed's Personality:

  2. I know very little about dog breeds and their personalities so I just had to go with the flow.

  1. For more ideas and locations, or for Senior Pictures for boys or girls, check out my website: Dallas Photographer or follow me on Pinterest Dallas Senior Pictures

    • Beagles: Playful and curious, Beagles may be easily distracted. Use treats or toys to keep their attention focused and snap candid shots of their inquisitive expressions.Ashley and her sweet dog were super chill and easy, and he came dressed for Christmas success!


        I love putting my client with their back to the sun to get that beautiful back light, and then they are not squinting!





        The in-between moments are some of my favorites!


      Santa Hats and Accessories: Have a collection of Santa hats, reindeer antlers, or elf ears on hand. Capture the adorable expressions as your dog models these festive accessories.
      Shih Tzus: These little charmers often have a regal air. Experiment with various accessories like bows and ribbons to highlight their adorable features.



      It's fun to make a game of captioning the photos with what the family thinks their pet might be thinking afterward.





    • Rat Terriers: Energetic and intelligent, Rat Terriers love to play. Capture their enthusiasm with action shots and candid moments of them enjoying holiday toys. HOO-BOY! I was not ready for this Rat Terrier. I'll start with the final and best photo and then show you how we got there.

Ok, so cute sisters and cute dog smiling at the camera, easy-peasy, right? Wrong.


Just to reiterate with some closeups of the expressions!







I have no idea what kind of dog Grace has, but he or she did not want to look at the camera!

Getting the Perfect Pose:

  • Patience is Key: Understand that dogs, especially those with playful personalities, may not always cooperate immediately. Be patient, and let them get comfortable with the surroundings.
  • Treats and Toys: Use treats and toys strategically to grab your dog's attention and encourage them to pose. Capture the moments of anticipation and excitement.

I'm gong to call him/her a mut. I hope that's not an insult.


It really helps if you can get someone the dog likes to stand behind you and get their attention. High squeals work one time, so make sure everyone is ready.




We finally decided a walking pic might be the best choice!




    • Bulldogs: Bulldogs are known for their laid-back demeanor. Include props like oversized Santa hats for a humorous touch, and capture those irresistible wrinkled faces.


    • Take a good look at that face and all the places he wanted to look besides at me!



    • English Mastiffs: The two together were hilarious!


  1. Candid Moments and Hijinks:

    • Embrace Imperfection: Some of the best photos come from unexpected moments. Let your dog be themselves, and capture the candid, funny, and charming moments that arise naturally.
    • Playful Interactions: Encourage playfulness among dogs to capture the joyous spirit of the season. Dogs interacting with each other can lead to heartwarming group shots.




  2. And finally, I just photoshopped together a shot of them all looking in the general direction of the camera.



    • Bernedoodles: Known for their friendly nature, Bernedoodles are excellent cuddle buddies. Incorporate cozy and warm lighting for heartwarming images.



  3. I mean, come oooonnnnn! Isn't he the cutest?


  4. I'm smitten! Can you tell I have a doodle?



  5. With a bit of creativity, patience, and a sprinkle of holiday magic, you can capture the essence of the season with your beloved dogs. Embrace the individuality of each breed, experiment with festive accessories, and be ready to snap those candid moments that make your holiday photos truly special. Happy snapping!