celebration ranch | the *TWINKLING* sessions, the mini | oregon lifestyle photographer, kellie trenkle

i want you to close your eyes and picture this... (okay, well, first open your eyes, read the next paragraph and then close your eyes and imagine...)

200 acres of fall color and evergreens.
golden grasses.
a gorgeous tree-lined country road.
two glass lakes/ponds with docks (upper property & lower property).
a canoe.
a cabin.
a swing hanging from an old walnut tree.
amazing vistas.
the mist still clinging to the top of the trees this morning when i was there.

i'll tell you what, i seriously cannot wait to treat my lenses to such creative opportunities up there! it really, really, really will be a captivating celebration of family & nature at celebration ranch, in every sense. amy holst from limelight images will also be there putting her families into the "limelight" with some family-photo-goodness for the sessions she's booking. she'll be there with bells on. (but don't tell her i said that.) i totally swear she told me that. well, i don't like to swear, but i can nearly guarantee she said it.

many have asked, "WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?"
well i have a looooong answer!

the purpose for this special, limited edition, november -7th-only promotion is to capture that annual family photo because many families love to send out an image in their christmas cards. included with the *TWINKLING* session are 25-cards (christmas/new year/or other custom text of your choice). you'll also be receiving a deluxe professional print as my gift to you, so you will have one 8x10 wall portrait from this saturday's session. so, it's up to you! you can dress as casually or as dressy as you'd like. be comfortable & dress warm-ish.

here are some of my suggestions for wardrobe:
layers, layers, layers & texture, texture, texture.
choose a main color & an accent color. do coordinate, but you don't necessarily have to worry about being matchy-matchy. mix it up, be creative, have fun putting your outfits together.

with the many different backdrops we'll have the option of selecting for your custom photography session, you WON'T want to blend into the background or wash out. you'll want to COMPLIMENT the amazingly, awe-some, beautifully unbelievable, gorgeousness of creation at celebration ranch or rather, let it compliment you & your angel children.

for example:

1. select a neutral color/color family. then, add an accent color that POPS against the neutrals -- this color harmony 'n melody is super fun to photograph. think about choosing different shades of brown & then adding an accent color of say, turquoise or purple or red.
2. more examples: navy and a deep autmnal orange or maizey yellow. or black with red or maroon. or deep plum/wine with tan & black. charcoal gray with shades of green. i would LOVE to see a family in chocolate brown & deep plum, mmmmmm-mmmmmm. beautiful in the golden grass.
3. avoid light colors, especially white. white/light colors will be okay photographically if they are small portions of the outfit.
4. avoid busy patterns & small prints in big doses
5. avoid sponge bob t-shirts (no offense)
6. just so you know, i looooooove photographing scarves and knitted hats on my peeps.
7. texture just photographs soooooo well.
8. depending on the weather it could get pretty soggy -- i would love seeing golashes on kiddos (and they have lots of cute patterns in FredMeyer right now! even the standard black farming golashes or wellingtons are sooo cute for photos -- for adults AND kids!)
9. i have several knit hats for kiddos & i have a basket of scarves that can be borrowed for your portraits, too!

think for the guys (big or little):

• a sweater layered over a collared button up or a long sleeve shirt underneath a short-sleeved shirt. and don't stop there, add...
  
• a manly sports coat or tailored/structured jacket, they photograph really well and give your hubby & boys that irresistible hunka-hunka-burnin' love vibe
  
• layers can either be dressed up (with docker style pants in any color khaki/brown/black) or dressed down (with jeans)
  
• even vests & ties are in stores right now and would be fun!

• boots or golashes or thick soled shoes

for all the ladies out there:

• layers are great for girls & moms, too, of course!
  
• jeans/sweaters/jackets or tights/skirts/legwarmers/tall boots, layered tops
  
• what's fun is for the ladies to wear more of the accent color, especially MOM because she's pretty special in my book -- hey, she works hard at keeping the family going, it's fun to put her on a pedestal for pics!
  
• there's lots of fun jewelry that is budget-friendly & clearance-priced at walmart & kmart that can add a bit of dimension and a little more of that accent color in fun baubley bling (other people make up their own words, so i can, too -- baubley turns bauble into an adjective for me)
  

the shopping: if family portraits give you a fun reason to add a few seasonal pieces to your wardrobe, here are some things i've seen around roseburg (yes, roseburg) for your kids since we're only a few days away:

• MACY's clearance is crazy good right now, so is SEARS
  
• i've seen vest/tie combos @ SEARS & MACY's
  
• fun hats & scarves in the accessories department @ KMART
  
• golashes/rain boots @ FRED MEYER
  
• black farm-style basic rubber boots @ WALMART
  
• suede & leather boots for kids @ KMART
  
• girls' tights in fun patterns @ WALMART
  
• leg warmers for girls @ FRED MEYER
  
• solid long-sleeved boys' shirts @ WALMART
  
• skirts with patterned sash-belts @ WALMART
  
• and i've seen christmas dresses & 2 or 3-piece outfits for the little guys @ every store mentioned, if the traditional red & green fits your fancy
  

and for the mamas & the papas:

• sweater dresses for mom @ KMART
  
• vinyl-pleather MileyCyrus black leggings @ WALMART (oh, come on, i'm JUST KIDDING!!!!!)
  
• cute boots @ ROSS & FRED MEYER
  
• clearance button-downs @ MACY's for Dad
  
• i haven't made it into ROSS recently myself, but there's always some fashionable treats in there if you have the time to search the racks
  
• lots of sweater goooooooodness @ MAURICE'S, cardigans to crew necks, mmmm-mmm.
  
• dads: new collection just for the hip guy @ the newly improved clothing store FETISH in the roseburg valley mall, probably some trendy stuff hanging on their racks in there, haven't run my fingers along their hangers myself, but from a distance (as i was on a mission last weekend in the sears clearance) i saw some cool long-sleeved things
  

now, i'm a bargain shopper, so i have a hard time looking thru the full-price apparel, but i know there's some good stuff out there right now, so enjoy the treasure hunt! i won't even mention the goodness at oldnavy, garnet hill, gap or mini-boden. those looks are luxe. but we are on a time crunch & hey, i want to bless your economy, not hinder it -- you might have bills to pay or gifts to shop for in the next several weeks. but honestly, i do love checking out their sites for ideas & then go thrifting or bargain shopping to score on some luxe-inspired-looks.

here are some recent photos from sessions where the family pulled off the textured/layered/colorPOP looks that my lens & i just absolutely digg...

amy dressed her family in chocolate & turquoise.
the girls wore a bit of bling & splashes of pink.
spunky. fun. layers.

krystal & will chose chocolate brown & a vivid, autumn wineberry color.
notice krystal's dress has a larger pattern that is pleasing to the eye.
(and makes you want to ask me for her email
so you can beg her to let you borrow it. i know, right?)

and meet mr. & mrs. otis.
they took my neutral + color pop theory
and can now write a "been-there-done-that" essay on it.
very. successfully fashionable. ensemble.


see how junior's hat adds even more irresistible-ness
to his creamy features?
here's a closer look...
mmmmmmm.
i already tried taking him home with me.
mom & dad? stingy. fun people, but they're babyboy hogs.
be forewarned. you can't have mr.E either.
i do, however, own this cap.
it's yours to borrow for your sessions, if you so choose.

and the image below is mrs. otis showing off that accent color so well.


the otis family was my most recent family session,
to view more from their sneaky peek, visit my facebook album!

the darlings in these last 2 images are my trenkletoes.

i chose browns & turquoise.
mixed up the patterns & shades.
layers & hats.
these are
THE MOST
(i'm-not-even-ashamed-to-say-it-all-time)
FAVORITE
pumpkin patch pics of my kids.
ever.
(shameless mommy says: there's a slideshow in a previous post)

and FYI: for those of you who have booked sessions already, i will be emailing you driving directions to celebration ranch this week. and thursday is the big drawing by my 3-year-old for the *TWINKLING* giveaway!

i have been really blessed by the peeps who have nominated and shared a story as to why or shared your gratitude for 2009 -- each nominee is so deserving! i'm touched & honored that you took the time to share. and hey -- there's still time to nominate! every person who leaves a comment (nominating their family or another's) in the original *TWINKLING* promo post is put into the drawing and they'll receive a special thank you from captivating for taking the time to "count their blessings!"

i still have 2 time slots remaining, you can BOOK or you can WIN -- don't miss out!
i can't wait for the weekend!

i want you to close your eyes and picture this... (okay, well, first open your eyes, read the next paragraph and then close your eyes and imagine...)

200 acres of fall color and evergreens.
golden grasses.
a gorgeous tree-lined country road.
two glass lakes/ponds with docks (upper property & lower property).
a canoe.
a cabin.
a swing hanging from an old walnut tree.
amazing vistas.
the mist still clinging to the top of the trees this morning when i was there.

i'll tell you what, i seriously cannot wait to treat my lenses to such creative opportunities up there! it really, really, really will be a captivating celebration of family & nature at celebration ranch, in every sense. amy holst from limelight images will also be there putting her families into the "limelight" with some family-photo-goodness for the sessions she's booking. she'll be there with bells on. (but don't tell her i said that.) i totally swear she told me that. well, i don't like to swear, but i can nearly guarantee she said it.

many have asked, "WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?"
well i have a looooong answer!

the purpose for this special, limited edition, november -7th-only promotion is to capture that annual family photo because many families love to send out an image in their christmas cards. included with the *TWINKLING* session are 25-cards (christmas/new year/or other custom text of your choice). you'll also be receiving a deluxe professional print as my gift to you, so you will have one 8x10 wall portrait from this saturday's session. so, it's up to you! you can dress as casually or as dressy as you'd like. be comfortable & dress warm-ish.

here are some of my suggestions for wardrobe:
layers, layers, layers & texture, texture, texture.
choose a main color & an accent color. do coordinate, but you don't necessarily have to worry about being matchy-matchy. mix it up, be creative, have fun putting your outfits together.

with the many different backdrops we'll have the option of selecting for your custom photography session, you WON'T want to blend into the background or wash out. you'll want to COMPLIMENT the amazingly, awe-some, beautifully unbelievable, gorgeousness of creation at celebration ranch or rather, let it compliment you & your angel children.

for example:

1. select a neutral color/color family. then, add an accent color that POPS against the neutrals -- this color harmony 'n melody is super fun to photograph. think about choosing different shades of brown & then adding an accent color of say, turquoise or purple or red.
2. more examples: navy and a deep autmnal orange or maizey yellow. or black with red or maroon. or deep plum/wine with tan & black. charcoal gray with shades of green. i would LOVE to see a family in chocolate brown & deep plum, mmmmmm-mmmmmm. beautiful in the golden grass.
3. avoid light colors, especially white. white/light colors will be okay photographically if they are small portions of the outfit.
4. avoid busy patterns & small prints in big doses
5. avoid sponge bob t-shirts (no offense)
6. just so you know, i looooooove photographing scarves and knitted hats on my peeps.
7. texture just photographs soooooo well.
8. depending on the weather it could get pretty soggy -- i would love seeing golashes on kiddos (and they have lots of cute patterns in FredMeyer right now! even the standard black farming golashes or wellingtons are sooo cute for photos -- for adults AND kids!)
9. i have several knit hats for kiddos & i have a basket of scarves that can be borrowed for your portraits, too!

think for the guys (big or little):

• a sweater layered over a collared button up or a long sleeve shirt underneath a short-sleeved shirt. and don't stop there, add...
  
• a manly sports coat or tailored/structured jacket, they photograph really well and give your hubby & boys that irresistible hunka-hunka-burnin' love vibe
  
• layers can either be dressed up (with docker style pants in any color khaki/brown/black) or dressed down (with jeans)
  
• even vests & ties are in stores right now and would be fun!

• boots or golashes or thick soled shoes

for all the ladies out there:

• layers are great for girls & moms, too, of course!
  
• jeans/sweaters/jackets or tights/skirts/legwarmers/tall boots, layered tops
  
• what's fun is for the ladies to wear more of the accent color, especially MOM because she's pretty special in my book -- hey, she works hard at keeping the family going, it's fun to put her on a pedestal for pics!
  
• there's lots of fun jewelry that is budget-friendly & clearance-priced at walmart & kmart that can add a bit of dimension and a little more of that accent color in fun baubley bling (other people make up their own words, so i can, too -- baubley turns bauble into an adjective for me)
  

the shopping: if family portraits give you a fun reason to add a few seasonal pieces to your wardrobe, here are some things i've seen around roseburg (yes, roseburg) for your kids since we're only a few days away:

• MACY's clearance is crazy good right now, so is SEARS
  
• i've seen vest/tie combos @ SEARS & MACY's
  
• fun hats & scarves in the accessories department @ KMART
  
• golashes/rain boots @ FRED MEYER
  
• black farm-style basic rubber boots @ WALMART
  
• suede & leather boots for kids @ KMART
  
• girls' tights in fun patterns @ WALMART
  
• leg warmers for girls @ FRED MEYER
  
• solid long-sleeved boys' shirts @ WALMART
  
• skirts with patterned sash-belts @ WALMART
  
• and i've seen christmas dresses & 2 or 3-piece outfits for the little guys @ every store mentioned, if the traditional red & green fits your fancy
  

and for the mamas & the papas:

• sweater dresses for mom @ KMART
  
• vinyl-pleather MileyCyrus black leggings @ WALMART (oh, come on, i'm JUST KIDDING!!!!!)
  
• cute boots @ ROSS & FRED MEYER
  
• clearance button-downs @ MACY's for Dad
  
• i haven't made it into ROSS recently myself, but there's always some fashionable treats in there if you have the time to search the racks
  
• lots of sweater goooooooodness @ MAURICE'S, cardigans to crew necks, mmmm-mmm.
  
• dads: new collection just for the hip guy @ the newly improved clothing store FETISH in the roseburg valley mall, probably some trendy stuff hanging on their racks in there, haven't run my fingers along their hangers myself, but from a distance (as i was on a mission last weekend in the sears clearance) i saw some cool long-sleeved things
  

now, i'm a bargain shopper, so i have a hard time looking thru the full-price apparel, but i know there's some good stuff out there right now, so enjoy the treasure hunt! i won't even mention the goodness at oldnavy, garnet hill, gap or mini-boden. those looks are luxe. but we are on a time crunch & hey, i want to bless your economy, not hinder it -- you might have bills to pay or gifts to shop for in the next several weeks. but honestly, i do love checking out their sites for ideas & then go thrifting or bargain shopping to score on some luxe-inspired-looks.

here are some recent photos from sessions where the family pulled off the textured/layered/colorPOP looks that my lens & i just absolutely digg...

amy dressed her family in chocolate & turquoise.
the girls wore a bit of bling & splashes of pink.
spunky. fun. layers.

krystal & will chose chocolate brown & a vivid, autumn wineberry color.
notice krystal's dress has a larger pattern that is pleasing to the eye.
(and makes you want to ask me for her email
so you can beg her to let you borrow it. i know, right?)

and meet mr. & mrs. otis.
they took my neutral + color pop theory
and can now write a "been-there-done-that" essay on it.
very. successfully fashionable. ensemble.


see how junior's hat adds even more irresistible-ness
to his creamy features?
here's a closer look...
mmmmmmm.
i already tried taking him home with me.
mom & dad? stingy. fun people, but they're babyboy hogs.
be forewarned. you can't have mr.E either.
i do, however, own this cap.
it's yours to borrow for your sessions, if you so choose.

and the image below is mrs. otis showing off that accent color so well.


the otis family was my most recent family session,
to view more from their sneaky peek, visit my facebook album!

the darlings in these last 2 images are my trenkletoes.

i chose browns & turquoise.
mixed up the patterns & shades.
layers & hats.
these are
THE MOST
(i'm-not-even-ashamed-to-say-it-all-time)
FAVORITE
pumpkin patch pics of my kids.
ever.
(shameless mommy says: there's a slideshow in a previous post)

and FYI: for those of you who have booked sessions already, i will be emailing you driving directions to celebration ranch this week. and thursday is the big drawing by my 3-year-old for the *TWINKLING* giveaway!

i have been really blessed by the peeps who have nominated and shared a story as to why or shared your gratitude for 2009 -- each nominee is so deserving! i'm touched & honored that you took the time to share. and hey -- there's still time to nominate! every person who leaves a comment (nominating their family or another's) in the original *TWINKLING* promo post is put into the drawing and they'll receive a special thank you from captivating for taking the time to "count their blessings!"

i still have 2 time slots remaining, you can BOOK or you can WIN -- don't miss out!
i can't wait for the weekend!