Hillside Gardens Styled Shoot
Colorado really outdid itself for this Styled Shoot.
Overcast.
Rain.
45 degrees and dropping rapidly.
Snow.
Blizzard.
Yes, on May 20, we ended the day here in Colorado Springs with a blizzard. We had over 12 inches of snow by the next morning!
That is certainly not the weather I was hoping for when I planned this styled portrait session with Tend.To.Events for 15 photographers and 8 sets of models! My vision included blooming flowers and sunshine at Hillside’s lovely gardens. Due to leading the event and the weather, I didn’t capture very many photos during the styled shoot, but you can click on any of the photographer links at the end of this post to go view some of the photos they took!
While it’s safe to say I was really disappointed by the weather, and things didn’t play out how I originally intended, this event was so worth it! Having winter weather in May is not unusual (though typically not this extreme!) for Colorado. So learning how to shoot in less-than-ideal weather is a must. This styled shoot, unintentionally, provided an opportunity for us photographers (and videographer!) to take risks and figure out how to work and still produce work we’re proud of in crummy weather conditions. I had one brand new photographer comment at the end of the shoot, “Well, I think that is about the worst weather I can shoot in, so now I know I can handle just about anything!”
The ladies of Tend.To.Events, my co-organizers, and friends, helped me put together this awesome styled shoot! Our collaboration started last year when they created some lovely sets for my fall mini sessions. Then we collaborated on a photo booth for the Womxn of the Future Pop-Up, hosted by the amazing women of WilderBag Co. and BonBon Bombardier.
Glenda, Megan, and Susie’s organization, planning, and attention to detail made the Hillside Gardens Styled Shoot run so smoothly while their positive attitudes helped keep my own in check as I watched the weather continue to deteriorate throughout the day.
I can’t say this enough – if you have an event that needs decorating, these are your ladies. They will serve you well, have beautiful decor, and are so reliable and wonderful. If you’re a fellow photographer, consider hiring them for your mini sessions, as I did for my Mother’s Day mini sessions.
For the styled shoot, Tend.To.Events put together the colorful set at the truck bar.
They also decorated a sweetheart table, mantle, and Susie created this stunning bouquet for the bridal couples. Though they don’t advertise it, Susie could design the florals and make a delicious and gorgeous cake for your wedding/event if you asked her! 😉
Megan created a gorgeous romantic picnic set. Ideally, we intended to place in the grass and amongst the trees, but we needed cover from the rain and had to opt for under a pavilion.
Lastly, they created a holiday mini session set! Chloe’s family posed in this set, but I was unable to capture photos of them. Several of the other talented photographers captured the gorgeous family while I photographed these sweet friends, Stephanie, Peri, and Jenny!
I also can’t forget our behind-the-scenes people that also made this possible!
Hillside Gardens hosted us and Larry was so helpful and thoughtful leading up to the event. I have also photographed one wedding this venue, and the gardens are stunning while the eclectic antiques scattered throughout the property provide so many unique photography opportunities.
Sara is officially starting up her own small business in alterations! If you love supporting women and small business, Sara is your girl! She altered Melissa’s wedding dress to fit her again after she’s lost weight. You can find Sara over at My 3Threads!
Before:
After
And lastly, the models who participated were the true heroes of the day, braving the cold and direction of 15 photographers for 2 hours!
Melissa & Kenny (pictured above) and Lauren & Nick dressed in wedding attire. Lauren, owner of Coralun Vintage, gorgeously styled herself for this shoot.
Keatyn (not pictured) and Cristina braved the temperature in spring clothing as our senior models. Coralun Vintage styled Keatyn (see her here!) from her shop, which you can visit in person downtown or you can shop online.
Julia & Daniel stepped in last minute as our young couple in the romantic picnic set.
Josh let us take fun headshots of him! View him here!
And lastly, Stephanie of WilderBagCo. styled herself, Peri, and Jenny from her vintage shop. Jenny of BonBon brought along her delicious candy and handmade earrings, and Peri hosts both Stephanie and Jenny at her awesome downtown shop Eclectic Co!
The talent behind the lens:
Videographer: Cara of Priya Maya Films
Photographers:
Kayla of Xaris Photography
Nathan Toner Photos – his blog about the event!
Thanks to all who participated! It was an unexpected day, but so much fun and I am so grateful for you all!
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