Monday, January 6, 2014

Sweet Spot

Being primarily a personal style blogger, I am always on the lookout for a cool new spot to shoot photos. Quite honestly, while in the car, captain or passenger, driving has never been the same for the past year or so. I must say, Ross and I have discovered some sweet spots that have become our "let's go here again today" for pictures. It's made life easier because we have figured out lighting, angles and gotten comfortable with our said "sweet spots".

Forever 21 Fur Vest (option here and here) // Lauren Conrad Tunic (option here) // Dittos Jeans c/o // Banana Republic Wellies sold out (option here) // Mint Sugar Boutique Tassel Necklace (option here) // ModCloth Satchel Bag // Gifted Crocheted Headband (option here) // Kendra Scott Slate Earrings // Kendra Scott Ring c/o The Jeweler's Wife // Micheal Kors Watch c/o The Jeweler's Wife // Bow Bangle c/o Lilac Bijoux (option here)

When I first started my blog, all my photos were taken in the comfort of our backyard. It felt safe. I was at ease, didn't worry about people staring, making comments out their car windows or getting distracted by the passerbys. My, how times have changed.

Finally, after two years of this gig, I figured out that it's all good. I have learned to handle the anxiety of having my husband take my photos in public and drowning out the noise that surrounds us.

I have also realized that when I least expect it, I will discover a jewel of a spot that pairs perfectly with what I am wearing that very day and it all meshes together. I heard the blogging angels sing when we randomly passed this spot on Saturday. We dropped Logan off at a birthday party, headed to our normal "sweet spot" location to do some quick pics and cruised by this joint. And when I say joint, that's what it was, a beer joint. To this day, I think it might be my favorite place we have taken photos. It's quirky, unique, a little eclectic and it didn't hurt that it just so happened to compliment with what I was wearing.

Think about it. There are a multitude of surprising moments, places, things and opportunities that come our way just by driving by. Grab your keys, buckle up, put your hands on the wheel and go. You never know what you'll find.

I am also linking up today with my friend, Lauren with Fizz and Frosting. She started a Mix It Monday link up where you can see several ladies restyle one of their favorite pieces in several outfits. It's a GREAT place to find style inspiration.

Here is how I styled my fur vest two ways. You can find the first style post here.


Shanna

54 comments:

Unknown said...

You look adorable in this outfit and love the boho vibe of this outfit! I am still not brave enough to venture outside the comfort of our house to take photos. Plus my photographer is not much of a willing participant.

Alice
www.happinessatmidlife.com

Chelsea Oliver said...

This is adorable! I love how you randomly found this spot too! The one rule I gave myself when I started fashion blogging was to ALWAYS find somewhere unique to be in the background, it's sometimes a struggle, but I love that you have pushed yourself to do the same!

-Chelsea
chelsandthecity.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Cute! Love the pops of red. Turquoise and red are one of my favorite color combos!

Becky M said...

Love the red boots with the matching head band! So adorable! I need boots like that in my closet pronto!

agirlandhersparkles.blogspot.com

Rachelle (http://pinksole.com/) said...

How good it is to find those sweet spots, you loo gorgeous Shanna in love with that vest.

xo
http://pinksole.com

Charming Lucy said...

These are beautiful photos Shanna! Props to your hubby for the great shots! My husband hates taking my blog photos. I need to get him on board - maybe buy him a new gun or something;) You look great as always! Susan

Nina Piccini said...

LOVE This outfit and totally hearing you on the outfit spot - I had a few in my old neighborhood and now I just go outside at work or the park down the road. A LOT of people stare, even in your front yard. Some people have even asked if I'm taking a picture of the building. Yes, I'm taking a picture of the blank brick wall.... hehe

xo, Nina
afterthe40barfinish

Kimberly said...

Isn't it so fun when you discover a new great place to shoot? We have had a few moments like this recently and it's quite pathetic how giddy we both get! :)

Love, love, love those boots and still kicking myself for not trying harder to track them down - this is adorable!

www.pennypincherfashion.com

Kellyann Rohr said...

Love this outfit and it totally fits in with your surroundings. You look great!

Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} said...

Red rain boots AND a fur vest? Awesomeness. :)

Rebecca @ Mommy in Heels said...

I am the same way! I am constantly rubber necking when I am driving (or when Ryan is driving) to look for new spots! You look gorgeous! I love the wellies!

Heidi said...

I am way too nervous and shy to take photos in public! Abandoned buildings and empty parking lots only for me. However, more power to you that you've come this far and now feel comfortable.

http://jax-and-jewels.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

I LOVE everything about this! Perfection my love.

rebeccalately said...

Gorgeous lady! I love the red and white :)

Because of Jackie said...

First, I love the look, the pop of red is gorgeous. And I love seeing how you add in jewelry accents, you have a gift for layering accessories;) Second, I feel the same about locations, some are just pure magic and as soon as you get over the "people are staring at me" feelings it is really fun to venture out of the backyard (I did the SAME thing!) Love!

Always Maylee said...

You look so pretty! I love the red accents, those boots are super cute.

xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee

A Labour of Life said...

I love the location and I hope one day soon I can be as confident as you are about outfit shots, I have not progressed out of my office and backyard yet. ( Did once and I was very self conscious) I will use your shoots as inspiration and this year will step outside my comfort zone. I do love this look and it goes so well with the background. This is the perfect example of how the background and location are one of the key ingredients in a perfect Outfit post.

Alyssa said...

I need to be better about taking outfit photos out in public–I just feel like EVERYONE stares in NYC (although I'm hardly the weirdest one on the street at any given time). This spot pairs perfectly with your outfit, I can't get over it!

bluehuewonderland said...

Great pictures, I love the outfit and the color. So well done!

blue hue wonderland

Helene in Between said...

I can imagine it being nerve wracking tacking pictures out of your comfort zone, but so cool that you can do it now. and you look amazing, love the colors!

Amanda Joy said...

I am relatively new to taking photos in public and I think that's the hardest thing to get over! I hope I can get over that soon!
xx
Amanda
www.denimanddaydreamsblog.com

Style-Delights said...

Love the red wellies!! I am wearing mine today:-) BTW, this spot is right out of a country music video! colorful, rustic and romantic!! Hope you are having a wonderful day!
-Jyoti
Style-Delights Blog

Unknown said...

You look so chic in that fur vest!! I was the same exact way, its so hard to get over! Nowadays cars drive by and stare and I'm like hiiii lol ;) xo

Ladies in Navy said...

this is fantastic! so agree about sweet spots. i used to only take photos when no one was around - now i am braver. not entirely out of the blogging closet in public, but closer
ladies in navy

Rachel said...

I loveeee your cute headband! It's so hard to find cute things to keep you warm.

Also, I can barely find the time or guts to take outfit photos anymore. I live in an apartment complex and my neighbors think I'm crazy for it! haha

Natalia | Look-A-Porter said...

The photographs and outfit are beautiful! I wish I felt as comfortable as you when it comes to taking photos… x

J is for Jessica said...

I use a tripod, so I have not yet been brave enough to venture out of my driveway. Something about taking a giant selfie with a tripod in public that gives me anxiety!

TheTinyHeart said...

The red boots and matching headband are so so cute! I am too lazy in the winter to find other places to shoot...it's just easier to do them at my building and run back in with the cold!

-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
Headband Giveaway!

Elle said...

Love this outfit, the boots and headband are adorable!


www.fashionsontop.com

SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph said...

Looks like you found another sweet spot!

I look at a lot of things differently since I started blogging. Like everything from behind the lens of a camera!

Stesha said...

I love this location, and I know how you feel stepping out in "public" to take the photos. The awesome thing you have it Austin has soooo much character, unlike my cactus filled play ground I have to work with. SO proud of you & Ross for how far your photog skills have come. Love ya!

xxS

susan jakovina said...

God bless your husband! Mine would never...I can hardly get him to take photos right outside! lol.

Rachel said...

Your matching headband and boots are so adorable!!

The Mrs. and The Momma said...

Looks great girl! Love those pops of red! xo!

Katie Did What said...

I'm guilty of the "backyard photo shoots" but mostly because it's just most convenient- I couldn't care less about people staring! People are going to stare, might as well give them something to stare at ;) You've inspired me to step out of my backyard more often for photos this year, though!!

xo

Unknown said...

This fur vest and the red headband are super chic!

Nikki said...

This really is an awesome place for pictures!! And it goes with your adorable outfit so well. I am constantly looking for new and unique places to take pictures. It is one of the most challenging aspects of personal style blogging (that and begging my husband to take pictures...). Hope you had a great weekend!

Nikki
thefashionablewife.com

jenn~the stylish housewife said...

You are SO lucky your husband takes your pics! I take all of my pics with a tripod & remote myself. My husband is WAY too impatient. After 3 years, I am not brave enough to go set up by myself anywhere other than home! At least I know where the good lighting is. =) ha ha! Love your boots and THAT vest!!!

XOXO, Jenn
The Stylish Housewife

Unknown said...

I'd love to travel to different spots, but it's a pain with a tripod and remote. I just stick to places around the block, unless one of my friends is willing to help me out for the day. One day, someone will be able to take pictures of me regularly, I hope...

Arielle from Tangled Musings

Grace said...

BEAUTIFUL!

grace
http://herumbrella.com
http://outsidetheboxpapers.com/blog

Unknown said...

love your remix! beautiful as always!
xo

Darcy said...

I have yet to make it out of my neighborhood while taking pictures! I am comfortable with the back yard and the neighborhood sidewalks but thats it. I need to get better! Maybe after Winter when it's no longer -52 degress out!!
www.amemoryofus.blogspot.com

TaraMixandMatch said...

Totally in love with this outfit...and I love how your location matches!!

Lauren {By Lauren M} said...

What an awesome location for photos! I'm glad I'm not the only one who spends my time in the car scouting for new photo backdrops! And thank you so much for linking up with Mix it Mondays and mentioning it here on your blog! Your support means the world to me! xo

FitTravelerAJ said...

You did find a great spot for photos! I love the colors in the background, they compliment your outfit. And YAY for Lauren's new link up!

-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.com

Anonymous said...

this is hands down one of my favorite outfits you have ever styled. SOOO fashionable, and adorable!

Just Another Shopaholic said...

Omg you're too cute Shanna.

LV said...

You look so cute. The first thing I noticed was your handbag. It is gorgeous and such a nice color to pair with your red. Yes, I can relate to how strange it can feel to take photos in public.

http://foodfashionandflow.blogspot.com

Rebecca said...

WOw you're definitely looking so fabulously ready for any cold draft Shanna.....love the adorable red boots which nailed the whole look together!

Rebecca
www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

Gwen said...

That is the perfect place for that outfit! And oh, how I want that fur vest.

Niki {Glossy Blonde} said...

Wow the spot you chose for these photos is incredible! I have always wanted to venture out more and look for cool, interesting places - I seemed to be able to do that more when we lived in NJ, I don't know why I don't now that we're back here in MA. Love these photos!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous outfits Shanna, I hope I get to that point where I can easily take pictures in public. Im not yet comfortable with the hubster doing it either! lol So I do the timer thing for now. Lovely outfit, it came together perfectly with the location.
Dee
Ms Dee Kay

Laura B @ Walking in Memphis in High Heels said...

That vest is amazing. I am sick of the cold, but it's almost worth it to get to wear vests! By the way, I will be in Fort Worth in a couple weeks. Why can't I ever have to travel to Austin instead?!?!

Jessica @ Here&Now said...

I totally agree - I've finally gotten to the point of being ok with taking photos in public places… totally makes the outfit pop when the background coordinates! You go girl!
xx

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