Posts Tagged ‘senior portraits’
Friday, November 19th, 2010
Our recent work post will be photos that we’ve been working on or it could include other work we’re working on too (you know for those non busy months) ha!
As if I didn’t already have enough on my plate I decided in the middle of the busiest season for us (fall family portraits) and in the middle of being a stay at home mom (which is a JOB if you didn’t know) I needed to have a office remodel……geeez……my brain what does it think sometimes? Oh well I’ve got support from my hubby finally! I say that bc I always start projects and they usually never get finished….but now he’s starting to see a change (probably since I decided I would tackle one room at a time from start to finish!) and even said the other night….”this room is next” —–> referring to our bedroom, which looks awful with a few pictures hanging on the wall randomly, our bed only on a frame with a makeshift headboard, two very mismatched side tables, and a project of mine gone bad when my hubby decided to take matters into his own hands…..a dresser I was painting white and ran out of spray paint……he mustered that I wasted money on the project and that I had plenty of spray paint left over in storage and I should just use that…..of course I didn’t want different colors…….so he took a can of BLACK and went to town on the drawers……so we ended up with a black and white dresser……it will find a new home soon I promise, but for now I’m not working on that room. :)

This is my friend Erica! :) and of course her hubby too! They moved here from Utah a few years ago. I was super excited to meet her when we finally met up last year. She’s an amazing photographer (she did Titan’s newborn pictures!) so if you want some newborn pictures she’s the one to go to!!! She’s so talented and super patient even with my screaming baby and my hubby that was totally ready to go after 30 minutes! But you can’t even tell that in her images!!! She’s great she really is! Check her out…..http://ericakirbyphotography.com/

And you should recognize Chelsea and Stew they’ve been all over our blog! They just got married May 1st so give it up to them! Congrats! These are their babies right now…..Philly and Hubert. I just love Hubert’s ears!!! They actually did a great job during the shoot! It’s always hard to get them to look directly at the camera though!

I’ve been working on some senior sessions two! Meet Craig. He’s a Springdale Bulldog. I did his sister’s senior portraits a few years ago so they came back for round two! He’s going to be attending U of A next fall! Way to go Craig for picking the best college in Arkansas to go to!!! …….U of A Alumni speaking……. ;)

Then my brother in law Andy wanted some additional pictures of him in his football jersey to end the season off just right! Oh of course his girlfriend Ally had to join in for the fun too! Sorry you two but I can’t NOT share this next one!!!

(LOVE IT!!!! HA ha HA ha HA ha I’m rolling off my seat!!!)
Then of course my house is a disaster…..

Let’s just take a look……two chairs that are projects……parent’s choice boxes full of Christmas Party projects……boxes of things for my office project……red rug on the kitchen table…you guessed it another project…..and then of course a drop zone for Titan’s stuff……oh goodie! I can’t wait to finish up all these projects so I can have my house back!!!

And Titan’s room……let’s see….. all the stuff that was in the office got dumped into his room….poor little guy. It’s a good thing he’s still sleeping in our room or this would not be acceptable!
Ok so here’s a few before shots (excuse the crappy iPhone shots please).


We plan on taking those shelves down, just wanted to try to get a lot of the painting done first.
Now some during shots……


I almost forgot a few other things in the recent work file!!!!!
Our family portraits!

Along with Katie and Jake’s wedding!!! They were married Nov 6th in the St. Louis Temple!

Whew…..that’s all for now.
Lot’s on our plate over here!
Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: arkansas wedding photographer, diy house remodel, engagement photography, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, fall portraits, family portraits, huntsville senior portraits, lds wedding photography, new office, office space of photographer, portrait photographer, senior portraits, springdale senior portraits, st louis temple
Posted in Personal, Portraits, Weddings | 2 Comments »
Thursday, September 30th, 2010
Hey there everyone! I will be offering four dates total for Mini Sessions for the month of October! Two in Fayetteville and two in Central Arkansas! A Mini Session lasts 30-45 minutes and costs $50 so it’s great for anyone who doesn’t have time to book a session for two hours, who has a super busy family and it’s hard to find time to get everyone’s schedules together, or just for those who want a cute little session for 50 bucks!
CLICK HERE to contact us and book your session!
Below is one of my favorite family portraits that I’ve done! I love it! What a great family too!

Book Your Session Today…………..CLICK HERE!
Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: arkansas family photographer, arkansas family portrait photography, Arkansas portrait photographer, cheap photography sessions, conway portrait, conway portrait photographer, downtown portrait photographer, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, family portraits, little rock portrait photographer, mayflower portrait photographer, mini sessions, mini sessions for cheap, nwa portrait photographer, portrait photographer, senior portrait photographer in arkansas, senior portrait photographer in fayetteville arkansas, senior portrait photographer in huntsville ar, senior portrait photographer in little rock, senior portraits, specials for photography
Posted in Portraits | No Comments »
Friday, September 24th, 2010
This was previously Monday’s Favorites but we collaborated and thought it would be best to blog our new Out and About section soon after the weekend.
Today’s Favorites are going to focus on engagements. Have you ever heard of Lifestyle Portraiture? Think about how much more personal your engagement pictures would be if you were doing what you as a couple normally do and enjoy! Lifestyle Portraiture involves capturing you as you really are (of course in an artistic manner bc otherwise it would be considered a snapshot!)
I’m going to highlight a few examples of what I’m talking about with storyboards!

Would it not be so much fun to have a huge pillow fight with your honey? I can’t wait for someone to come along and adore my idea! Shoot we could even set up a bed outdoor during sunrise so we wouldn’t have to clean up all the feathers (of course we would have to find earth friendly feathers)! - is there such thing really?

Oh this would be the cutest session! I can’t wait for a couple to come along that is super outdoorsy! This would be the perfect session for them!!!!
I’ve done a few lifestyle sessions previously……..

Cute vintage style date in an ice cream parlor! This was such an adorable session!

Or how about a doggie date at Petsmart! This was a fun session as we ran in and out of the aisles hiding from employees bc we figured we would get kicked out if they knew what we were up to!
Let me know if you are interested in a Lifestyle Session. What you aren’t engaged……so what let’s do a Just Because Session with the two of you! Oh wait you’re single…..yea that’s not going to work…..just kidding! Let’s do a Just Because Lifestyle Session with just you! Are you an excellent baker and you want to document it? Let’s go!
Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: arkansas photographer, arkansas portraits, breakfast in bed, camping, dog date, engagement photography, engagements, erika, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, erika liz, Favorites, ice cream, ice cream parlor, lifestyle, lifestyle portraiture, nwa photographer, petsmart, pillow fight, saturday morning, senior portrait, senior portraits, sleeping bags, smores, vintage, weekend warriors
Posted in Inspiration | No Comments »
Thursday, September 23rd, 2010
Andy is my brother in-law but more importantly a senior at Huntsville High School! I’m not super sure what his plans are after school bc I’m pretty sure he doesn’t really know either. Andy is a great kid! He stays out of trouble, he’s a good example to his friends, he’s a great athlete, and he’s a wonderful uncle!!! :) He enjoys playing lots of sports from football to running to lacrosse! He’s an outdoor junky, everytime we go over to his house he’s always doing something outside! It has been such a treasured experience to watch him grow up and become who he has. My first date with TW included riding to the lake with Andy and him whispering and asking me if I liked his brother! :) Good times! Congratulations Andy we sure are proud of you!




Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: andy dotson, arkansas senior portraits, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, hunsville, huntsville senior portraits, senior portraits
Posted in Portraits | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 25th, 2010
Hey everyone!
One of the most popular questions I get is what to wear……hence I’ve created a whole link just for you guys up there! But that’s not enough, I’d like to take it a bit further and show you what some good examples are!
Fall is coming up and I know everyone wants to have their family portrait made this time of year, hurry and book quickly since those beautiful fall leaves come and go so quickly so does my availability between senior sessions and family sessions and everything in between!
Now booking for mid Sept and Oct. Please contact me at erikadotson@gmail.com to book your session! I’m trying to schedule sessions on Mon, Tues, Wed, Thur. let me know if you need a weekend date and we’ll try to work something out!
Below is an example for a family of five, but could be adapted for a couple session as well. You can see the color palette below. Using accessories is a great way to add individuality to each family member. Maybe a grey scarf for mom? What about some cute ruffly socks for little sister? Or could you see dad in a fedora?!?!? :)

Copyright Erika Dotson Photography
Please leave some feedback. Let me know if there’s something you’d like to see.
Enjoy!
-erika
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Posted in Inspiration | No Comments »
Friday, July 30th, 2010
Today is going to be my day! Well technically I’ll have to share with Baby Dotson and my husband too but we’re having maternity pictures taken today! I’m pretty excited! Do you remember Ruthie? She won a free mini session well low and behold she’s a rising star in the photography world around here and she has asked if we wanted to do some maternity photos with her! Thanks so much Ruthie! So that’s what we’re up to today.
I did want to post a few teasers of things I’ve been working on recently though! Everything from Conway weddings to Huntsville Seniors.

Meet Tanja and David (you should already be familiar with Tanja she’s a retired associate photographer here at Erika Dotson Photography). I’m so excited about their upcoming wedding……you know why? Well she’s retired because she moved to England to be with David so that means I’ll be going to England next summer! You’d be excited too! We’re working on their engagement session…..lot’s of yummy pictures to come!

Meet Ally. She’s going to be a Senior this year at Huntsville High School. Sorry boys she’s taken! Ally is my brother in law’s girlfriend and she’s such a sweetheart!

So now we’ve gotta meet Andy (my brother in law) yes girls he’s taken by the sweet gal above, so sorry! :) He’s also a Huntsville High Senior this year! I’m so excited for him! I’ll save all my sappiness for when I make his post later! But for now Congrats and we’re cheering you on this year!

Next up is Sarah and Ryan O’Callaghan! They were married in Springfield, Missouri a few weeks back. Sarah and I attended U of A together in the Dietetics program a few years ago. Ryan is an LSU Tiger so they’ve got some work cut out for them, in fact if I remember right the Tigers and the Razorbacks were playing each other while we were in the middle of our engagement session and we stopped off Dickson St to change and Ryan peered through the window of a bar to keep updated on the score! They are such an adorable couple and I was so excited when Sarah called an announced her engagement! Stay tuned we’ve got some exciting images coming!

And finally Ashley and Jim! They had the best wedding party I’ve been too in a long time! I’m not even kidding you their band came from Memphis and ROCKED THE HOUSE!!!! If anyone is looking for an AMAZING live band you have got to check out The Fabulous Steeler Band! I’m excited about posting all the beautiful details of their wedding!!!
Now I’m off to go enjoy my day and get ready for my time to shine! ha ha
Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: arkansas senior portraits, arkansas wedding photographer, arkansas wedding photography, arkansas weddings, conway wedding photographer, conway wedding photography, conway weddings, destination engagement photographer, destination engagement photography, destination engagements, destination wedding photographer, destination wedding photography, destination wedding photos, destination weddings, england engagement photography, england wedding photography, fayetteville ar engagement photographer, fayetteville arkansas photography, fayetteville engagement photography, huntsville ar senior portraits, huntsville high school senior portraits, huntsville portrait photography, huntsville portraits, little rock engagement photography, little rock wedding photographer, little rock wedding photography, little rock weddings, missouri wedding photographer, missouri wedding photography, missouri weddings, senior portrait photographer, senior portraits, springfield wedding photographer, springfield wedding photography, springfield weddings, wedding photographer, wedding photography, Weddings
Posted in Portraits, Weddings | 3 Comments »
Saturday, June 26th, 2010
I just came across this website and couldn’t resist posting about it!!! Check this out you can rent umbrellas for your wedding!!!! I always recommend my clients to go buy some color coordinating umbrellas if they are planning an outside wedding and there is a chance of rain. This website is perfect! You can just rent those umbrellas instead and they will be much prettier, which means prettier pictures!! :)
Think about it there are TONS of reasons to check this out!
Instead of renting a tent keep your guests covered from rain or the hot sun with umbrellas!
Color coordinating umbrellas for your wedding party!
Engagement pictures!
Hang umbrellas from the ceiling as decor!
Whether you are a wedding planner, a bride, or a wedding coordinator you’ve gotta check these out! They have all different kinds too! Ruffles, solids, prints, bridal, jeweled, and double layered!!!


![[Azzura+Photography+Lace+Parasols.jpg]](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BQ0OxarAxTU/S4nBt2NDxyI/AAAAAAAAAMY/WxTFv5eBnYY/s1600/Azzura%2BPhotography%2BLace%2BParasols.jpg)
(Image found from Azzura Photography)
Now how cute would all these be for you and your bridal party?!?!?!?! LOVE!
Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: arkansas photographer, arkansas wedding, arkansas wedding photographer, arkansas weddings, bentonville photographer, bridal umbrellas, chance of rain, colored umbrella, creative weddings, eureka springs wedding, eureka springs wedding photographer, Fayetteville Headshots, fayetteville photographer, fayetteville wedding photographer, huntsville senior portraits, huntsville wedding photographer, joplin wedding photographer, lds wedding photographer, little rock wedding photographer, matching umbrella, mena wedding photographer, mountain home photographer, nauvoo wedding photographer, nwa photographer, nwa wedding, nwa wedding photographer, nwa weddings, okc wedding photographer, oklahoma city wedding photography, outdoor headshots, pretty umbrellas, rent umbrellas, rogers photographer, senior portrait photographer, senior portraits, springdale photographer, springdale wedding photographer, temple wedding, temple wedding photographer, tulsa wedding photographer, umbrella, umbrella rentals, umbrellas, umbrellas for wedding, unique wedding, unique wedding ideas, vintage photographer, vintage umbrellas, vintage wedding, vintage wedding photographer, wedding photograpehr, wedding photography, wedding umbrellas
Posted in Inspiration | No Comments »
Sunday, June 20th, 2010
Cristy and John were sealed in the Draper Utah Temple a few weeks ago where I was able to capture their special wedding day memories with them! Cristy and John are so perfect for each other! I’ve known Cristy since I moved here to Northwest Arkansas. We met through church and have been pretty good friends since. We roomed in college together and she was also one of my bridesmaids when TW and I got married! Cristy is such a delightful person to be around and she’s always lifting you up emotionally and spiritually! I remember one time I was venting about how frustrated I was that I was working so hard but still didn’t have any money……..she’s so sweet……..a few days later I went out to my car and she had left me a lovely little note with some money to buy gas! I told you she was a doll! Now as for John I don’t know him very well but through the weekend I was able to gather that he is almost identical to how adorable Cristy is….well of course in a more manly way! His family was everything beyond amazing! I know Cristy got lucky marrying into such a beautiful loving family! They all made me feel like I was part of the family too! :) After such a wonderful weekend I have some amazing shots to show you guys!!! Aren’t you super excited!?!?!?!?
We started with a day of portraits the day before their sealing since we were worried about weather and if we would have enough time! I’m so so so glad that Cristy asked me if we could do this!
For now I’m just going to share those portraits…….another day shortly we’ll share their wedding day portraits and all the details!

Isn’t she just gorgeous!?!?!? When I took this shot John whispered to me….”I am a lucky guy to get to marry her”! —now doesn’t that make your heart melt?

They found this beautiful barn that had the perfect backdrop for some amazing images like this one.

LOVE.

The wind is so graciously blowing her hair here and it is so dreamy!

I think this might be my favorite image of the day! I loved these white trees that were everywhere out there! I also love the look of excitement on John’s face!

John worked at this golf course that served as our gorgeous backdrop for these pretty pictures! I love this one too!

John wasn’t too happy about this picture because Cristy’s high heels were ruining the green…..I’m not a golfer but who cares about a few little bumps?

This picture cracks me up and it was totally their idea! It’s so funny how she’s attempting to pull him away from the game!

Another gorgeous kissing shot, I’m loving that tree!


This is a favorite too! For anyone thinking about seeing their groom before the ceremony I totally recommend it! You can get more creative fun shots like these that you would otherwise miss! We could also do a day after session too!
Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: arkansas wedding, arkansas wedding photographers, arkansas wedding photography, cristy, cristy and john, dallas photographer, dallas wedding photography, dallas weddings, destination wedding, destination wedding photographers, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, erika liz photography, family photographer, family photographers, fayetteville wedding, fayetteville wedding photography, fayetteville weddings, fort smith photographers, fort smith wedding photographers, fort smith weddings, forth smith wedding photography, john, little rock wedding, little rock wedding photographers, little rock weddings, mena photographers, mena wedding, mena wedding photography, mena weddings, nwa photographer, nwa wedding, nwa wedding photographer, nwa weddings, oklahoma city wedding photography, oklahoma wedding, oklahoma wedding photographers, oklahoma weddings, photographers for wedding, senior portrait photography, senior portraits, utah wedding, utah wedding photographers, utah wedding photography, utah weddings, wedding photographers, wedding photography
Posted in Weddings | No Comments »
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
This basically is what I do on a daily basis….. edit edit edit and some more editing! And guess what…..I wouldn’t trade my job for a million bucks!

Enjoy!
erika
Tags: arkansas senior portraits, arkansas wedding photography, Arkansas Wedding Videography, bella vista wedding photography, blog.erikadotsonphotography.com, clean wedding photography, creative wedding photography, dallas wedding photography, dotson, dotson photography, engagment portraits, erica dodson, erica dotson, erica dotson photography, erika, erika and liz, erika dorie dotson, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, erika liz photography, erikadotsonphotography.com, erikaliz photography, eureka springs wedding photography, fayetteville senior portrais, fayetteville wedding photography, fort smith wedding photography, huntsville senior portraits, little rock wedding photography, mena wedding photography, modern wedding photography, Northwest Arkansas Photographers, northwest arkansas wedding photography, nwa wedding photography, outdoors wedding photography, reception venue, rogers arkansas, rogers arkansas wedding photography, senior portrait photographers, senior portraits, senior portriats, simple wedding photography, springdale wedding photography, tulsa wedding photography, unique wedding photography, vintage engagements, vintage wedding photography, wedding chapel, wedding ideas, wedding photography, wedding photography in fayetteville, wedding vendors
Posted in 365 Self Portrait Project | No Comments »
Sunday, March 7th, 2010
Ok maybe you are now intrigued by my title, but I honestly don’t know where this post is going. I am going to just play it by ear, hopefully it’s not too too much rambling for you. TW and I went to church as usual on a Sunday then we went out to the inlaws, as usual. I was not too happy about having to work at 6pm to do inventory until midnight, which obviously if it’s 9:42pm right now they let me come home early!!! Anyways so TW had to drive me back down to my car, since we weren’t about to take the new car on the inlaws dirt road. The two youngest little girls, TW’s sister, Tracy’s kids, wanted to come with us, so obviously being the super cool aunt and uncle that we are said sure but go tell your mom. Laycee the middle aged girl got to sit in TW’s lap first and steer. I do remember the days of getting to steer, aww what fun those days were! While that was happening Kynlee, the youngest girl was telling me how she needed a seatbelt and I said don’t worry about it we’re only going down the dirt road it will be ok. This little girl was totally determined to wear her seatbelt! She didn’t quit at it until she got it unstuck from the seats! Her mom would be so proud! Well they dropped me off at my car and I said hang on don’t leave I want to take my self portrait with all you guys. I went to my car, got my camera and shucks……my battery died right there! I was pretty bummed. So we all said our goodbyes and I headed off to work while Kynlee got her turn to steer down the road. Maybe I do know what I’m going to write about now……… isn’t it funny how excited little kids get about something us big kids take for granted when they get an opportunity to be big? My picture today was taken with my phone of me steering my way to work. I do enjoy driving but certainly not as much as those two little ones!
So I challenge you guys to all find something that you take for granted that you once were told you weren’t “big enough” to enjoy! And I want to hear about it!

Enjoy!
-erika
Tags: 365 blog, 365 self portrait, 365 Self Portrait Project, 479-871-8932, arkansas senior portraits, arkansas wedding photography, Arkansas Wedding Videography, bella vista wedding photography, blog.erikadotsonphotography.com, clean wedding photography, creative wedding photography, dallas wedding photography, dotson, dotson photography, engagment portraits, erica dodson, erica dotson, erica dotson photography, erika, erika and liz, erika dorie dotson, erika dotson, erika dotson photography, erika liz photography, erikadotsonphotography.com, eureka springs wedding photography, fayetteville senior portraits, fayetteville wedding photography, fort smith wedding photography, little rock wedding photography, mena wedding photography, modern wedding photography, northwest arkansas wedding photography, nwa wedding photography, outdoors wedding photography, reception venue, rogers arkansas, rogers arkansas wedding photography, senior portraits, simple wedding photography, springdale senior portraits, tulsa wedding photography, unique wedding photography, vintage engagements, vintage wedding photography, wedding chapel, wedding ideas, wedding photographers, wedding photography, wedding photography in fayetteville, wedding vendors
Posted in 365 Self Portrait Project | No Comments »