Enka High School Senior Portraits | Asheville, NC Senior Photographers

When I receive messages like the one below from a client, I get all teary eyed.  As you will see from Stephanie's pictures, she has no reason at all to be insecure.  She is such a beautiful person.  Inside and out.  It makes me so happy to hear that I was able to help her feel better about her self image and build her confidence, all while having a great time creating gorgeous senior portraits that she can cherish for a lifetime.

Stephanie's words:

"I first heard about Billie from my friend Caitlin.  She recommended me to Billie to help me with my senior project. My project was on natural beauty photography.  I went and shadowed Billie one Saturday morning while she was taking pictures of a girl for her sweet sixteen! I loved learning all her cool techniques she uses, and I was so mesmerized by how cool the experience was.  So much so that I wanted to get her to take my pictures too! 

So on one freezing, windy, cold day we all went to the NC Arboretum and she took my senior pictures! I wasn’t feeling so confident in the beginning of my session.  But then she ended up showing me the pictures on her camera while we were taking pictures.  That made me like a little more confident and I loosened up! She is easy to take pictures with anyways because she is always cracking jokes and laughing, and it just puts a smile on your face! (Which makes for a cute candid picture!) 

I loved how she boosts your confidence while taking pictures.   Coming from a girl who doesn’t have much confidence, it feels good to be happy with your self-image! '

EVERYONE NEEDS TO GET THEIR PICTURES DONE WITH BILLIE!  She is by far the best I’ve seen, and she comes with a great personality! Thank you so much for taking such wonderful pictures for my senior year. I am forever grateful. "

- Steph <3 comment-3--="">

As Stephanie stated, it was a freezing cold morning when we shot these images.  She was such a trooper trying not to look like she was frozen.  I think she succeeded.  This first set of images looks so warm to me.  Almost looks like we were on the beach or something.  And I LOVED her flower crown that she chose to wear with this simple white sundress.

Then she totally changed it up for her second look.  Bringing jeans, a simple white tee, a flannel and a couple of different hats.  I kept telling her I wished we were in a gungy alley for this look.  :)

We stayed with the same outfit when we headed to another part of the arboretum.  Even though it's the same outfit, we created a totally different feel for this set.  It's amazing how different posing and expressions can make the same outfit look completely different.

And then for her final look, she went a little more dressy.  I loved this look as well.  I was amazed at how well she pulled off so many different looks.  I don't think I can really pick a favorite. 

And may I just say how jealous I am of those legs.  If you have met me in person, you can understand my jealousy based on the length of my short little legs.  :)

Thank you again Stephanie for allowing me the honor of creating your senior portraits for you.  I loved working with you both on your senior project and your senior portraits.  I hope you will love them for many years to come.

                                                                               xoxo,

Billie has been shooting high school seniors for 5 years.  First in Central Ohio, and now in Western North Carolina.  She focuses on creating unique sessions for each individual senior, while also helping build a positive self image for the girls she works with.  She believes that by creating a positive self image in her clients, she can help empower them with the confidence they need to go out into the world and pursue their dreams.  Contact her today to set up your YOUnique senior session!

Blanket Scarves | Asheville, NC Fashion Trends

I'm so excited to tell you about a new series we are starting here on the blog. I've been wanting to have something like this for a long time.  Unfortunately I'm not really qualified to write this series, so I have been searching for a guest blogger to help me out with it.  I'm happy to say that I have finally found the perfect person to help me out with this project.

So what is this series I'm talking about?

Style and Fashion Trend Posts!

Many of you have seen my posts on Instagram and Facebook about the boutique that I'm partnering with in Asheville.  I head to Asheville every month with some of my senior models to photograph the latest fashion trends.  While shooting these fashion shoots, I met Amy.  She styles all of the shoots for us.  She is so great at putting together some amazing looks.  She creates lots of interest in the outfits we model by layering many great  pieces & accessories together to create the perfectly complete outift.

I will stop jabbering now and introduce you to Amy!

 

Alright ladies! So in case you haven’t been on Pinterest yet or seen this out about, the hot item of the season is….blanket scarves! They come in all different colors and shapes, and are one of the coziest trends!

You can find these scarves at a few little boutiques downtown, including our very own Charmed! Aerie is also rumored to have a few, so check out the mall.

There are a few different kinds of blanket scarves; there are the enormous plaid ones that can actually be used as blankets and as chunky scarves. There are other ones that are still large as well but slightly less traditional (like this beautiful Aztec one!). And last, but certainly not least, there are scarves that are on a slightly more practical level and are a bit smaller in scale.

These scarves are wonderful for so many different reasons. They can be a simple accent to any outfit and all you need to complete a look. The chunky style adds warmth and color in the easiest of ways.

 

Check out this fun YouTube video for a few styling tips on how to wear your very own!!!

Blanket Scarves

My favorite style that I absolutely cannot wait to try is the scarf/belt combo!
Such a cute look and it allows for variation during the day!

Enjoy these tips! 

Until next time,   

                        Amy

                                                                                  Keeping Asheville charming at Charmed

Do you love the blanket scarf trend?  

Where have you been able to find them to purchase? 

 What's your favorite way to wear them?

Winter Senior Pictures | Asheville NC Senior Photographers

I've been wanting to write a post about having your senior pictures taken during the winter months. It's something that I believe many people are afraid of doing. But I'm here to tell you that winter sessions can be just as great as any other time of year. 

First of all, who doesn't love layering sweaters, scarves, vests, leggings, boot socks, boots, hats, etc...  I mean really.  There are just so many possibilities.

I'm including lots of inspiration in this post that is from a shoot I did in Asheville for two local boutiques on Haywood Street.  Southern Charm and Charmed.  They have tons of choices to keep you both warm AND stylish during your winter shoot.

Everything from these great knit wraps, to plaid tartan, to cute jackets.

There are lots of really cute hat options for winter photo shoots.  Hats not only keep you warm if it's cold outside for your winter senior session, but they add so much personality to your pictures as well.

Charmed also has these adorable headbands, and I just love this knit shawl!

And boots!  I know y'all have tons of different boots that you love.  Yes cowboy boots are cute in the summer with your sundress, but there are even more boot possibilities in the winter months!

And scarves.... So many different scarf combinations.

And did I forget to mention that it won't be steaming hot during your session when you choose a winter senior session.  I LOVE my summer sessions, I really do.  But lets face it, sometimes it's REALLY hot.

 What if it snows?  Oh my goodness, lets hope it snows!  But only enough snow for pretty pictures.  I'm not wishing for anymore snow than that.  :)

But seriously, snow can make for some really beautiful portraits.  And talk about unique.  How many people do you know that have snow in their senior portraits?  Probably not many!

 If you are interested in a snow session, please let me know.  I will be keeping a list of interested people and calling to set up your snow session when it does snow.

Another perk of winter sessions, it's a slower time of year for photographers.  You will have more luck getting the date that you want to book vs shooting any other time of year.  I really hate when I have to turn clients away because everyone wants to shoot during the same few months of the year.  

Let's face it, the closer you get to graduation, the crazier your schedule is going to be.  Especially if you are involved in spring sports, a spring drama production, etc...  So lets take the time to get your senior pictures taken care of now.  Plus it will be a more enjoyable experience if you aren't rushed and can really take the time to enjoy yourself!

When are you planning on having your senior pictures taken?  Have you given it much thought?  Give winter a chance.  We'll have a blast.  I promise!!!

Billie specializes in high school senior photography in Western North Carolina.  She has been shooting high school seniors for 5 years in both Central Ohio and North Carolina.  She works with seniors from North Henderson, West Henderson, East Henderson, Hendersonville, Brevard High School, Enka High School, AC Reynolds, TC Roberson, McDowell High School,Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy, North Carolina School of Science and Math, and Asheville Christian Academy.  She is very excited to add you and your school to her portfolio!