Making your own Fashion Photography - Before and After Editing - Behind the scenes

I posted this photo to wish my son's girlfriend a Happy Birthday, and a photo magazine messaged me to see if they could publish it. Of course I said yes, and sent them the series from both Cozumel and Chichen Itza.

You can see how it looked on my Instagram. 

Here's a Behind the Scenes of how we got one of the shots below.

The plan was to visit the Pyramids of Chichen Itza with the part of my family who could go, including my two sons and my daughter-in-law and youngest son's girlfriend. We would just be there for the day as it was a stop on a cruise itinerary. It had been on my bucket list and I had made skirts I thought would mimic the shape of the pyamid if I did it correctly.

To book me or see more recent work, I'm available here: Dallas Photographer

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The reality of the situation was not as vacationy, as I've explained above. I had brought my off-camera flash and trigger so I could underexpose for the background, get low, and light up my models with the lighting. For reasons, I'm sure they didn't even know themselves, they didn't allow me to bring in my lighting equipment. I thought later it might have been because they wanted to protect the artifacts inside, but they were still observing covid protocols and we weren't allowed inside. 

Regardless, if you aren't using lighting, this may be more helpful, because I had to edit more extensively as a result.

I was happy with the result and felt like it was close to what I had envisioned.

You can see what I did to process the image in the directions above: 

1. Straight out of Camera - it's too bright, but I didn't want her face too dark.

2. I darkened the background and increased the black point for the entire photo.

3. Of course, the people in the background needed to be edited out. It was super busy.

4. The seams in the dress needed to be eliminated, and filled out on the bottom.

5. Additional color and exposure edits to taste. 

PS. It was so stinkn' hot that August day!

20-something Birthday Photoshoot in Nature

Step into the enchanting world of nature, where the air is fresh, the vibes are earthy, and we're celebrating a 20-something birthday in the most whimsical way possible. Join us on a journey filled with barefoot adventures, laughter echoing through the trees, and a photoshoot that captures the essence of embracing the natural beauty that surrounds us.

1. Communing with Nature: For this birthday extravaganza, we're swapping city lights for dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. Our 20-something birthday hero embarks on a journey into the heart of nature, surrounded by towering trees, babbling brooks, and the gentle rustle of leaves—a perfect setting for embracing the magic of the moment.

2. Barefoot and Beautiful: Who needs heels when you can kick off your shoes and trade them in for sandals? Our birthday star revels in the joy of going casual, connecting with the ground in a dance of liberation and celebration. Grass, mud, or sand—let the earth be your runway!

Golden hour goodness gave us all the beautiful light and a restaurant with little warm white lights in the distance offered a dreamy back drop. Whether in tennis shoes, sandals, heels or barefoot, Jenna fits in. She is relaxed in who she is and what she does. She's celebrating the now and the yet-to-come!

Lakeside Peace: Take the celebration to the water's edge, where the birthday spirit flows as freely as the river. Dip your toes in, feel the cool embrace of the water, and let the natural surroundings become the stage for candid moments and carefree laughter.

Sunset Silhouettes: As the golden hour approaches, our 20-something birthday hero poses against the backdrop of a breathtaking sunset. Silhouettes against hues of orange and pink capture the magic of the moment, celebrating the beauty of another year lived and the promise of many more sunsets to come.

And so, our 20-something birthday photoshoot in nature comes to an end—a celebration of barefoot bliss, wildflower whimsy, and the simple joys that the earth generously offers. As we bid farewell to the day, remember that the best celebrations are the ones that connect us to the world around us. Happy birthday, nature enthusiast—you've just embarked on a journey that captures the magic of being young, free, and surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Mother Earth.

See how I got the shot on Instagram!

Eight steps to get memorable pictures on a vacation to the beach!

I don't know about you, but this time of year, I'm planning my next vacation, and in my humble opinion... nothing beats the beach!

To be honest, many of our couple and family vacations run together because I've been too lazy to take pictures (it can feel like work when it's your profession,) but on occasion I prepare ahead of time, and that's what it takes for me to get what I want for the memories and also the desire to capture the drama and beauty of the destination and my extended family!

In this blog, we'll explore how to plan your photo-ready trip to Cozumel, with a special focus on two iconic locations: San Miguel Square and Chankanaab Park. Both have been perennial favorites for our family.

1. 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

Dramatic Dresses in San Miguel Square:

We were on a short cruise with the family and I brought some clothes for my daughter-in-law and youngest son's girlfriend to wear. I was able to talk one of the boys into dressing up for pictures (with the help of said girlfriend.)

In the spirit of full disclosure, yes, I did bring my professional DSLR and scaled-down lighting equipment to achieve this look, but you can play around with what you have! If you're intentional and plan ahead, you almost always get more than if you ask the waiter to take a phone pic at the oceanside restaurant.

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I think the levels of planning and photography woud go something like these eight steps:

1. No plan - hope you brought your phone.

2. Have a selfie stick so your photos aren't ugly wide-angle shots that distort your features.

3. Study the location ahead of time: You'll be visiting briefly and make a list of some places you'd like shots in front of.

4. Look them up on a map and see what direction they face and where the sun will be at the time you'll be visiting (important for us because we were on a cruise, so in Cozumel we took a taxi to San Miguel Square in the morning, then had lunch and took another taxi to Chankanaab Park. Whether or not you care about photos, Chankanaab Park is a must-experience.

5. Get an entry-level DSLR. They are dirt-cheap compared to what I use.

6. Warn your family that this is part of the package and maybe bribe them a little.

7. Study the light, keep taking photos until you get the light right.

8. Have fun! My photos are intentionally dramatic and editorial, but I love the candid, fun pictures too.

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Click to see behind the Scenes in Insta

This is how I got the shot:

I was able to talk one of the boys into dressing up for pictures (with the help of said girlfriend.)

3. Chankanaab Park: It costs about $25-$30 each to enter. Your cab driver and everyone at the port will try to sell you a package. AVOID! You don't need it, and it locks you into group activities adn meals with people you don't know. When the cabbie stops at a place to sell you the package, just politely request that you just go to the park. And tip them, this is their livelihood.
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After your trip:

Once you get home, print up a little book! You don't have to do a professional album, like a pro. Every printer like Walgreens or Shutterfly or MPix can make an album for you.

This will also help you prepare for your next vacation in that you'll learn and hone what you want to do photo-wise on your next trip.

It also provides a memory you're more likely to revisit when it's not just more phone pics from years ago.

Do this for yourself, your family, and your future self. You won't regret it!

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

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!

2. 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
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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