The kickoff to our Sisterhood of the Traveling Dress Project was a success. Mother Nature wasn't our friend that weekend but we still managed to sell out and have a great time. Well, there may have been a time or two the weather got the best of our lil darlings but we managed and got great images just the same.
I am so looking forward to our next Sisterhood of the Traveling Dress Project coming in May. The next session will feature the Suki Rainbow gown, which is equally as gorgeous as the Hadley Plum Rainbow Shortie featured this month but more on that later in this blog post.
For now, enjoy a few of my favorite images from just a few of the little darlings that participated!
Yes, Yes, YES! Ice skates and a cozy wrap and earmuffs were exactly what we needed with Carley but let's be honest, the Unicorn socks complete the look.
What we loved however was the versatility we had just by making a few changes in accessories and locations, all within steps of each other.
Another fun session was with Octavia who has the perfect combination of freckles and cheeks all while feeling her inner Billy Idol... you know, if she even knew who Billy Idol was. The perfect mixture of hard and soft.
...sometimes these sessions start off perfect and we get a slight hiccup for whatever reason, I mean, they are kids after all.Don't panic!!! Just go with the flow because seriously, who doesn't love a great pouting picture? Don't worry though, it was short lived and Octavia was back to smiles in no time.
Proof, patience and giggles pay off. Just take a deep breath. The worst thing parents can do is panic and get angry when this happens. ( I have experienced it too many times with my own and the pouting pictures I have collected over the years are some of my favs) Working out the jitters in front of a camera is hard at any age. Trust the process. If we all remain calm, it usually works itself out and our little darlings are back at it in no time.
The cool thing about our Traveling Dress Project is the various sizes the dress fits. Little Miss Harper is 3 and although it was still a little big, the Denim Jacket and rainboots made for the perfect combination for this early spring session. Like I mentioned before, Mother Nature wasn't kind to us this weekend. There was literally several more inches of snow on the ground before the 2 day warm spell we had, The upside, it was windy enough to dry things up in this location and Harper was thrilled to be outside.
Its safe to say, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Dress Project is off to a GREAT START! I am so looking forward to Session TWO, coming in May with a Session THREE is coming in June. Session TWO will be with the gorgeous Suki Rainbow Gown and will be held on May 7-9th. These styled sessions are a great experience and the couture gowns we provide are exceptional. I have two locations in mind for the Suki Rainbow Gown and May is a great month for a Spring session. Check out the Suki Gown and if you are interested in reserving one of the few coveted spots left, contact me ASAP.
A $200 non-refundable retainer fee is required to reserve your spot with the balance due at the time of your session. There are two package options to choose from and a discount for siblings. I can't wait for the Suki Rainbow Gown to arrive!!!
Sisterhood of the Traveling Dress #3 will feature the Unicorn Barf gown...it's GLORIOUS! Stay tuned for details.
Contact us to reserve your appointment today for the Sisterhood of the Traveling Dress project at
[email protected] or 248-231-8023
The camera loves Samantha, that is for sure. Join me as I show you some highlights of Sam's Senior sessions. We did a Spring and a Summer shoot and it was glorious. Samantha took advantage of my Style Rack and we shot with several skirts and jackets. She has a keen sense of style so the tops she brought with her leveled up our game. From casual to super model, each look was cooler than the previous.
I mean seriously, and just when I didn't think it could get any better...I find out Samantha also sews and that she transformed her grandmothers nightgown into one of her outfits for her summer session. You read that right...her grandmothers nightgown.
I know, I know. I love her daring style as well. It's the artist in her. She is quiet but fearless in all that she does. And, smart as a whip on top of it! Give her Instagram Art page a follow @ s.moyet.art , it's impressive for sure.
When she isn't sewing or drawing or creating art, Sam likes to hang with her friends on the lake. Stay tuned for images of some of her pals in future blogs.
I can't stress enough how multiple seasonal sessions have changed the world of Senior photography. I am thrilled Sam took advantage of not only my Style Rack but also of the beauty that surrounds us in multiple locations during two different seasons. In an unconventional year, do unconventional stuff and make it count!
Thank You Sam, Sherri and Jesse for a wonderful adventure with your talented daughter. I look forward to following her journey and seeing where art and her creative spirit takes her!
One look at Nicole and you can tell we had a great time during her session. She is beautiful, polite and didn't mind acting a little silly. Having fun and not being afraid to act a little silly is really important during a senior session! We talked like we had been friends forever and giggles out way through her fun outfit changes and the various locations we chose especially for her.
...and it was even more fun when I asked Mom to jump in! There is nothing like Mother and daughter having fun.
Nicole is a Howell HS Senior and has been a part of Howell Pom for 7 years. She also has been involved with the T.I.E.S. program for 3 years. 2 years ago, Nicole and a couple of her pom teammates created a Unified Pom team for those who wanted to be involved in something but weren’t interested in doing playing Unified basketball. The program is all about inclusivity and it's a HIT! Nicole also was one of Howell's Senior Survivor participants. CLICK HERE to learn more about this wonderful program supported by the entire Howell Community. All of the profits raised during the competition are donated to a charity and this year that charity will include an All-Inclusive park in Livingston County called Survivor Park. Every One, Every Ability. If you haven't visited the website or heard about Howells Senior Survivor, I encourage you to follow the link and learn more about how a group of kids can make a difference and leave a lasting impression on their community. It is pretty spectacular. HOWELL SENIOR SURVIVOR
We visited two locations during Nicole's summer session and both were absolutely lovely. She even wore a skirt from our Style Rack and it was perfection. Don't forget to ask about our Style Rack, we have lots of skirts to choose from and some cute dresses and loads of accessories. AND it's free to anyone that books a Senior Session. We have lots of colors and styles and sizes and know you will find the perfect outfit to level up your already fantastic style.
Nicole participated in the Early Childhood Education program and has been an assistant teacher in various classrooms which no doubt has given her the insight and drive to pursue a career in Special Education. This future Spartan will be an excellent addition to the Green and White. Thanks Nicole and Dawn for choosing Danna Castillo Photography to capture your Senior Year.
Jason enjoys video games, hanging with friends and loves having his picture taken. OK, that last one may be a hard core stretch but we had a great time regardless.
We even planned a "secret" sibling session to surprise his parents...it was a HIT! For the record, Becca is the best jumper.
Jason's plans to attend CMU or MSU after high school. His two brothers are MSU alum and his sister is currently at CMU. I say #FIREUPCHIPS but #gogreen would also be very lucky to have him. The cool thing about Jason is, he isn't letting Covid restrictions get him down. He is just plugging along and enjoying what life brings. That's what makes him so likable for sure.
Thanks for a great session Jason and enjoy your senior year at Hartland High School!
It is safe to say the last month has been .... Ya, I am not sure how to even word that. There is a lot of emotions and so much unknown. We all want to know whats next, but at this point there are no real answers, and that isn't anyones fault.
I can imagine that my seniors and their families must feel all this so much more magnified. Senior year has not gone to plan here this last semester and many of the things we thought would be for sure such as prom and graduation and grad parties are just up in the air.
One thing I am certain of, however, is that these seniors need to be celebrated!
One of the best ways to share this time with family and friends is to send graduation announcements. Not only does this keep everyone in the loop but it really is a refreshing and uplifting feeling to see these images in the mail. I firmly believe that you can be spreading joy and good by sending these announcements out and I really do not think its something we should skip in this time of unknown.
So, the big question really is: What the heck do I put on the grad cards if I don't know what will happen with graduation ceremonies or parties??
Don't worry - I have some solutions for you!
Option 1: Add future plans instead of dates and times
So in place of the information for the time and date and location of either the ceremony or the graduation party, lets let everyone in on the big plans that your senior has for next year. This could include where they want to study, what they plan to do in a gap year, what job they are going to take on, or what passions they are going to pursue. This is a great way to celebrate these ambitions and let family and friends know so they can be a support system in the transition.
Option 2: Talk about highlights of high school
Another thought is to include some of the best memories or accomplishments that your senior was a part of during high school or senior year specifically. These can celebrate their academic, athletic, or extra curricular accomplishments so that others can be in the know. Its a great way to personalize these grad cards and set your seniors apart from others.
Option 3: Add a meaningful quote
This option is another way to really add a personal touch to the announcement. As a family you can decide on a quote that really represents what your senior is all about and add that to your card. This could be something that has always described your senior, or a bible verse that has really stuck out to you as your senior has continued on their walk, or could be a fun way to splash some humor on the card. Its a great way to fill space on the card and add meaning.
Option 4: No added content
If all else fails, you can always design your grad card to showcase more images and less words. In your design, you can simply remove any date or time information and simply showcase the seniors name, graduation year, and stunning portraits. This is a great solution that shows us that sometimes the simple answer is the best one.
Again, its my hope that these crazy times do not prevent you from honoring and celebrating your senior and sharing this with your family and friends.
Especially with everyone not traveling much, brightening their day with a card in the mailbox could be just what your friends and family need!
If you are ready to design your cards or are interested in purchasing graduation announcements, please let me know ASAP. Printing times are being impacted and we will want to give them as much time as we can so these announcements are sent out in a timely manner.
I would love to chat more with you and answer any additional questions that come up. Feel free to email me at [email protected] and we can chat more!
~Danna
Custom Grad Invites from Danna Castillo Photography
50 Custom Designed Card $145
75 Custom Designed Cards $160
100 Custom Designed Cards $185
Custom Designs HERE
I hope this Blog post finds you healthy and safely at home enjoying your family while we are social distancing or in some case, like here in Michigan with Shelter in Place Orders for the entire state during the Covid-19 pandemic.
If you are an essential worker, may God Bless You for your service and keep you safe. Anyone that is working right now is making a great sacrifice and I want you to know how much you are appreciated.
WHAT IS THE FRONT PORCH PROJECT?
I have been contacted by lots of people interested in a family portrait session on their front porch. It is a cool new trend out right now. It was born amidst all the chaos and uncertainty happening with Covid-19. It's called the Front Porch Project or #frontporchproject. It started over a month ago, it's origin unclear but most likely in a state that became heavily affected early on. Photographers in states that began social distancing sooner than we did in Michigan, started taking pictures of families on their front porch with a telephoto lens. This kept them at the suggested 6ft range of social distancing, which was considered to be safe.
This idea started with the best intentions and morphed into what each area and photographer saw could fill a void. Ideally, the entire family was home, which we all know is a rarity these days. Some photographers charged a fee and then donated it to support a local charity , while others drastically reduce their normal fee to keep an income.
Most photographers, like me, are self employed, so a Shelter in Place order meant cancelling upcoming appointments. That means no paycheck on Friday like most people. Being self employed also means we aren't eligible for unemployment, (under normal circumstances). We still have families to support and mortgages to pay...somehow. There is no doubt the Front Porch Project began with the best intentions for everyone involved. Love, family and a way for a photographer to support their community or to pay the mortgage and keep food on the table. I feel the intention is still pure, the timing for safety however has passed.
FAST FORWARD...
Fast forward 30 days. Our State of Michigan is now in a Mandatory Shelter in Place ordered by our Governor. As Michigan climbs in the numbers of Covid-19 cases and deaths, and on the US charts of most infected states, staying in your home is more important than ever. The initial guidelines of Social Distancing/6 ft apart don't seem to be making as big of an impact as originally hoped. Whether that is because people aren't taking it serious enough or the virus can infect others from more than 6 feet. A global pandemic of this scale has never happened in our lifetime, all guidelines are best guess scenario/protocol.
Maybe you don't have many cases of Covid-19 in your area. That is awesome! But it's coming. You can't stop it unless you Stay Home. All it takes is one trip to the store or a stop to pick up a prescription or even a walk in the park to be exposed. Whether you feel I am over reacting or not, my intention is to support flattening the curve because I don't want my loved ones or your loved ones affected.
ALL Politics aside, the Covid-19 Response Team has urged us to Shelter In Place. They have eluded that the initial guidelines of 6ft apart may not be enough. Although they are experts, it's still a guessing game and they are doing their best to help us protect ourselves. New studies are showing that the virus can hang in the air for up to 27 feet. More info HERE.
MAKING A RESPONSIBLE DECISION
I am choosing not to participate in #thefrontporchproject at this time because my intentions are to be proactive as aggressively as possible. Instead, I will be offering Family Sessions similar to The Front Porch Project, but not until the danger has passed for all involved. I am looking forward to capturing some great memories in the near future with you & your family. I appreciate your support in my decision.
Until then, stay safe my friends. May God Bless You and your family.
