Fashion

Black & White Fashion Photography

There are few colors that have been used in fashion as much as black and white. Separate or together it seems like these two are always a safe bet for any occasion. Classic, clean and never goes out of style, black and white is the look.

To be honest, I find myself continuously drawn to this color palette (gray too). I can’t help myself. Putting on these colors each day feels as natural and comfortable as breathing to me.

Loving the simplicity of black and whites,  Gayle York and I decided it would make the perfect palette for this seasons shoot. Gayle put together all the outfits and did a stunning  job on Natalie’s make-up (as always). Lindsey DeHart went to work on Natalie’s hair and rocked it. And me, well, you know. I had a blast photographing it all. My team was phenomenal! Thank you for all your hard work.

Meet Natalie Mancini, she is our model, and has been modeling several years.  It definitely shows in each of her shots.

The day we did this shoot was, I think,  the coldest day we have had in GA this year. The wind was whipping and it felt like ice outside. Through our shoot we had to take several mini breaks to run to the car and get a little warmth to thaw our limbs. No matter, we were not going to let the weather get the best of us. So we continued on and did what we set out to do.

Afterward, Gayle was kind enough to make us some warm drinks and shared with us some delicious snacks. Thank you Gayle.

Please enjoy our black and white fashion photographs.

 Model: Natalie Mancini

Make-up and Styling: Gayle York

Hair: Lindsey DeHart

Black & White Fashion Photography {Sneak Peek}

“Adornment, what a science! Beauty, what a weapon! Modesty, what elegance!”
― Coco Chanel

Model: Natalie Mancini

Make-up and Styling: Gayle York

Hair: Lindsey DeHart (email: lmdehart06@gmail.com)

“Dream” {Commercial Fashion Photography}

I am so excited to share with you all a photo shoot I recently did for a jewelry company called Sogno. This shoot was put together by the very talented Stylist and friend of mine, Rachel Collar. Rachel thoughtfully put together each outfit from Straw Dog (my favorite boutique, just sayin’), to accent each magical piece(s) of jewelry chosen by Tonya Maggio (owner of Sogno).  Staci Gibbs used her artist flare on both models, Priscilla and Constance, accessorizing them to create the perfect look. I was so inspired by this shoot, I asked Tonya if she would kindly share her story of how Sogno became who they are today. So here’s more about Tonya and how she started Sogno jewelry. Thank you so much Tonya for taking the time to tell us your story.

SOGNO- SOGNO {so-nyoh}, Italian for “dream”, is named for Tonya Maggio’s dream.

A love for beautiful things is Tonya’s passion, and she is inspired by the classic styles of Ali McGraw, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Grace Kelly, and modern icons Charlize Theron and Kate Moss. Tonya’s life experiences have led her through Asia and Europe, and her collection of treasures both physical and intrinsic from all over the world have blended to inspire the SOGNO lines. The SOGNO vision is to make the wearer feel comfortable and polished, whether you are wearing a white T-shirt or a silk dress; a Sogno piece easily goes from a day at the office, to an evening out on the town, to a weekend visiting friends.

FOUNDER-Tonya Maggio

Full of life, fashion-forward, and family-focused, Tonya is a quietly charismatic individual who seeks out the beauty in everything and everyone. She takes great pride in her efforts to be a giving wife, a caring mother, and a great friend to many. She refuses to follow the pack, is consistently a trend setter, and – of course – a fashionista who takes great pleasure in helping others find their own style.

After many years in the corporate world, she took a leap of faith to pursue her lifelong dream of design and launched SOGNO from her home. A mother of two beautiful boys with lyrical Italian names like her husband, Tonya plans to show them the world and teach them about the rich cultures both within and outside the U.S.

PARTNER-Michelle Klaas

After 20 years of friendship, Michelle is thrilled to join the SOGNO team in providing the market with effortlessly chic and affordable luxuries in life. Michelle lives in Breckenridge, CO and enjoys an active life on the mountains with her three children, husband and lab. When she’s not managing the household or hiking through the mountains , she’s guiding the financial and administrative growth of SOGNO. Michelle has a strong background in business and is passionate about joining Tonya on a mission to share the joys of SOGNO’s designs to stylish women near and far.

Models: Priscilla Sharp and Constance Gibbs ~ Jewelry: Sogno Jewelry ~ Clothing: Straw Dog ~ Stylist: Rachel Collar ~ Make-up/Hair: Staci Puckett-Gibbs

Happy Fall Y’all!

I like girls who like the countryside, put on walking boots and can bend with the wind a bit. If you’re going to live with me, you need to be able to embrace the countryside and wet dogs. - Jay Kay

When it comes to that awkward month when it is not cold enough to wear pants, but not hot enough to wear shorts; when it is too late in the year to wear yellow, but not late enough to wear chocolate brown – I introduce the perfect outfit option. Picking a feminine dress, which is very versatile, and pairing it with a pair of biker boots, very comfortable, is my formula for the perfect summer to fall transition. Day or night, this contrast and the comfort is perfect for walking around, going to dinner, heading to a concert, or cooking at a BBQ. Add a touch of sparkle, like this Sugar Bean sideways cross, and some loose waves for a dressier look. Throw your hair in a bun and add some wayfarers for a carefree feel that makes you want to square dance.

Model and Stylist: Allison Prenger of The Style Pundit

Dress: J.Crew (This or That)

Boots: Steve Madden

Sideways Cross Necklace: Sugar Bean Jewelry 

Tip: Pair a feminine dress with a pair of biker boots. 

Marilyn Monroe Love, part II {Fashion Photography}

The goal of this shoot was to capture the free-spirited, vintage, classically beautiful look, that embodied Marilyn Monroe. Success.

The setting could not have more perfectly matched for the swimwear, vintage camera, white-blonde locks, and bold red lip. Stylist Rachel Collar did an great job finding props to give this Monroe shoot cohesiveness. Her great personality, creativity, and desire to go above and beyond really made this shoot.

Although the vintage swimwear diversified and took the shoot to the next level, the Monroe-look would not have been complete without hair and makeup. Monoroe’s short, curled, white hair, was translated perfectly by Aki Hill. Gayle York’s flawless technique, creative eye, and ability to capture a perfect red lip, was beyond impressive.  Marilyn Monroe was not only recognized for her looks, but also her personality. Model Ashley Stringfield brought light and flirty joy to the shoot. Her sweet nature and ability to get into character brought the shoot full circle.

A huge thank you to our assistant, Danielle Adams, for making things run more smoothly and helping us out when we were in a bind. We really appreciate you!

A truly talented team came together to create an amazing, historically playful shoot. And when it comes down to it, these 215 words hardly do the photos justice.

Please give me a call if you are looking to start or expand your portfolio, I would love to hear from you. You can reach me at karen@nickelweddings.com or 678.773.2562

Marilyn Monroe Love {Sneak Peek}

I don’t know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot.

-Marilyn Monroe

Model: Ashley Stringfield ~ Make-up: Gayle York ~ Hair: Aki Hill ~ Stylist: Rachel Collar ~ Assistant: Danielle Adams

Don’t follow trends, start trends {Fashion of the Month}

Don’t follow trends, start trends.
Frank Capra

When it comes to colors, you can never go wrong with the classics. Black, blue, brown, white… However, I am of the firm belief that you must accent your classical (“safe”) colors with unique and risky colors.

Hands down, my favorite shade for fall is (what I have deemed) terra-cotta. You know, like the pots that you plants all of your summer flowers in! I love it because I find it to be such a unique shade of brown that compliments my favorite colors. The subtle terra-cotta pattern in this shirt mixed with the purple is subtle perfection. And the classic white shorts and navy shoes, keep this look accessible, with a touch of flair.

Other than this blouse, I wear my bag (appropriately named Terra) with turquoise, red, and rose gold. Those colors are successful together because they are all warm, bight, earth tones.

In addition to investing in a uniquely shaded brown bag this season, make sure to also add a pajama blouse (like this one) to your closet.

Guest writer + model + stylist: Allison Prenger of The Style Pundit

Top: ASOS (This or That)

Shorts: Gap

Bag: Celine

 Shoes: Sam Edelman (Similar)

Ring: Sugar Bean Jewelry

 

This Is Why I’m Hot! {Fashion Photography}

Could it be hotter?

Seriously.

And if the answer is yes, please don’t tell me because I’m already sitting in a dark cool room with a tall frosty glass of deliciousness, listening to the ice cubes clink together when I stir it and trying to bring my mind back to some place and time where I’m not melting into a small puddle of heat induced lethargy.

August is tough. They don’t call it the doldrums of summer for nothing. For me it feels like the sun never sleeps. I wake up it’s shining; I go to bed it’s still shining. Great shimmering waves of heat lift off the pavement, soupy swampy sheets of humidity attack me every time I walk out the door and all I can think about is diving into something cool and wet and never getting out again.

So why don’t we?

Who wants to put on clothes? Not me! Who wants to stand around in the heat pretending that they aren’t hot? Probably not you! So instead of pretending to be cool and comfortable, let’s actually get cool and comfortable. We’ve had all summer and now we’re tan and strong which is the perfect time to put on swimwear!

This August, Karen wants to invite models and designers to dive into a swimwear photo shoot. Designers that have great new swimsuit designs, give Karen a call. Models, take advantage of all that work you’ve done this summer and all those cute swimsuits you won’t be able to wear in a month. Stuff them into a bag and give Karen a call to update your portfolio. She’s offering 20% off on Swimwear Portfolio Shoots (through September 15th)and now’s the perfect time.

Sunglasses, check. Swim suit, check.

Great new portfolio images that make you look like a hot island girl. Check and double check.

Email Karen Nickel at Karen@nickelweddings.com to set up a phone consultation or give her a call at 678-773-2562.

Model: Ashley Stringfield ~ Make-up: Gayle York ~ Hair: Aki Hill ~ Stylist: Rachel Collar ~Written by: Kaitlyn Barrett

 

 

A Vintage Marilyn Monroe Look {Fashion Photography}

I don’t mind living in a man’s world as long as I can be a woman in it.

~Marilyn Monroe~

Model: Ashley Stringfield ~ Make-up: Gayle York ~ Hair: Aki Hill ~ Stylist: Rachel Collar

“Orange You Glad?” {fashion of the month}

In case you were oblivious to the 100+ degree days, steamed up sunglasses, and packed pools, it is summer. Now when I think of summer I think, pools, long days, high temperatures and bright colors. This outfit embodies everything that summer represents and what your summer day can behold. This summer invest in all the color humanly possible. That being said, do not be afraid to mix lots of colors together. For this look I picked one multi colored fabric (the shorts), and let that be my color palate for the look. From there I pulled the orange and the raspberry out of pattern. What I love most about this outfit is that is insanely transitional. Cover-ups are not the only solution for beachwear. I like wearing my swim suits under an actual outfit so I can easily migrate form lunch, to pool, to grocery store, without getting any weird looks or being inappropriate for any lunch spot. Also, make sure your bag is big enough to carry your iPad, 50 Shades of Grey, towel, sunglasses, and a water bottle. I invested in this uniquely colored terracotta bag for summer samples.

Model/Stylist/Writer: Allison Prenger of The Style Pundit

 

What I Wore:

Shorts: Free People ; Shirt: Old Navy ; Bikini

Shoes: Steve Madden (on sale!) ; Necklace: Monserat De Lucca “Jack Rabbit” ;  Bag

 

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