Since 2021 was a milestone birthday year for me, I decided to have a photoshoot to capture the milestone! So, in Spring 2021, I reviewed several Pinterest boards and album covers to gain inspiration for my photoshoot. Ultimately I was continuously inspired by Mariah Carey’s The Emancipation of Mimi album cover.
Photographer
The hard part of finding the perfect photographer was made easy for me. I try to support friends and family businesses as much as I can, so I chose to go with Purl Photography. Purl Photography has taken several great photos of me over the years! The photos below are a few other great one!
When searching for your perfect photographer, determine whether you are interested in a particular location versus a studio shoot. Then, evaluate whether the photographers you are interested in typically take photos in that environment.
Attire
Now, onto the hard part, what to wear? Of course, like many, I struggled with what outfit would be my choice for the photoshoot! Since my inspiration was The Emancipation of Mimi album cover, I started with a gold dress theme.
When I started the dress search journey in summer, there were not a lot of gold dresses to select from. So, the first dress I selected was an emerald dress from CityChicOnline. It was $139.
However, I selected a second and third dress as fall arrived and more dresses became available.
The second dress I chose was from Shein. It was $15.
The third dress I chose was from Eloquii. The dress was originally $139, but there was, of course, a promo code since it was the holidays! I genuinely enjoy Eloquii clothing as I find it fits my in-between plus size sizing. However, the third dress did not flatter me, so I returned it.
My shoes were purchased from Dillard’s . My accessories were mostly things that I’ve had for years. However, I did purchase the crown from Amazon.
Makeup
Again, keeping with the theme of supporting friends and family, I utilized Lavender Faces for my makeup artist needs! I did not have a specific vision for my makeup. However, Regena was able to look at the dresses I had planned to wear and exceed my expectations for my makeup. Regena made my face look fresh, glow, but not heavy or cakey at all.
Takeaways
- Support your friends and family businesses
- Sometimes the $15 dress can look as great as the $100+
- If you are interested in gold/jewel tones dresses, the fall/early winter is the time to buy!
Overall, the results from my 35th photoshoot exceed my expectation. Now, I am ringing in 36! So, until next time, cue – It’s Like That by Mariah Carey.
Geaux Ceaux Chic 
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