Fall makes my heart skip a beat as a photographer. There's this sweet spot in autumn when everything just works perfectly for family photos. After years behind the camera, I've seen how the season brings out the best in every family, and I'd love to share why.
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<h2>Those Beautiful Fall Colors</h2>
The rich oranges, deep reds, and warm yellows of autumn create a stunning setting for your photos. These seasonal shades work beautifully with every skin tone and outfit choice. Whether you're wearing navy blues or soft creams, fall's natural backdrop makes everyone look their best.
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<h2>Just-Right Weather</h2>
No one wants to sweat through their silk blouse or shiver in their dress clothes. Fall hits that perfect middle ground &ndash; cool enough to wear those cute sweaters and scarves, but warm enough to keep everyone happy. Happy families make for natural, beautiful photos.
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<h2>Fun for the Little Ones</h2>
Kids aren't always excited about taking photos, but fall makes it fun:
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 24px;">Playing in leaf piles</li>
<li style="font-size: 24px;">Finding the biggest pumpkin</li>
<li style="font-size: 24px;">Running down tree-lined paths</li>
<li style="font-size: 24px;">Picking apples together</li>
<li style="font-size: 24px;">Cuddling under cozy blankets</li>
</ul>
When children enjoy themselves, their genuine smiles light up every shot.
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<h2>Holiday Cards Made Simple</h2>
When you take your photos in fall, you'll have plenty of time to choose your favorites for holiday cards. No last-minute rush or settling for photos you don't love. You can take your time picking the perfect shots to send to grandma.
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<h2>The Perfect Light</h2>
Early evening light in autumn is pure magic for photos. The sun sits lower in the sky, creating soft, warm light that makes everyone glow. These conditions give your photos that cozy, intimate feel that captures real family moments.
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<h2>Ready for Your Fall Photos?</h2>
Fall spots in our calendar fill quickly &ndash; it's a favorite season for family photos. Visit elrodportraits.com to check available dates and book your session. Have questions about locations or what to wear? Feel free to reach out to me directly at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:questions@elrodportraits.com">don@elrodportraits.com</a>.

Fall: The Best Season for Family Photos

It was the last day of my learning journey at the ECS for the PPNC, a day that was solely dedicated to perfecting the art of capturing headshots. As I stood there, camera in hand, surrounded by eager learners like myself, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for what the day had in store.
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The day started off with an in-depth discussion on the technicalities of capturing a headshot. We delved into the importance of lighting, the correct angles, and the right lens to use. The energy in the room was electric, with everyone fervently noting down pointers and asking insightful questions, creating an environment of active learning.
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Next came the hands-on part, where we were given the chance to put our newly acquired knowledge to the test. Armed with our cameras, we set out to capture that perfect headshot. The room was filled with the sound of shutters clicking as we experimented with different angles and lighting setups. It was a process of trial and error, but with every mistake made, we were one step closer to perfection.
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Throughout the day, our mentors were there to guide us, offering constructive criticism and helpful tips. They encouraged us to see beyond the lens and understand the personality of the individual we were capturing. A headshot, they explained, was more than just a photograph. It was a representation of the person's identity, a glimpse into their personality.
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As the week came to an end, I was filled with a sense of accomplishment. I had learnt so much, and met so many amazing people. I had not only learned about the technical aspects of photography, but also about the art of capturing someone's essence in a photograph. I was excited to take this knowledge back home and put it to use.
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Looking back, my time at the ECS for the PPNC was more than just a learning experience. It was an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, to learn from experts in the field, and most importantly, to grow as a photographer. As I packed up my camera, ready to head home, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this opportunity. I was excited for what lay ahead, eager to apply my newfound knowledge, and ready to capture the world, one headshot at a time.

Mastering the Art of Headshots: My Last Day at ECS for the PPNC

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Nadia Meredith

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Karen Parsons

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Julie Williams

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Jessica Babinski

These are all soooo dreamy!! You and your wife were wonderful to work with! Thank you both so much for capturing myself and my family!! These are sooo cute! The candid family ones are my favorite 🤣

Bethany B.

You guys were great and made it super easy!! Thanks for doing such a great job 😊

Dimitri A.

Don (Elrod Digital) has been the photographer for our large annual 3 day high school gathering for many years. He does an excellent job capturing thousands of photos and has these photos posted and ready for our review immediately after the event. I highly recommend Don for your photographic occasions.

Cynthia S.

Don does a great job taking photos at our big 2 high schools reunion each year. He gets great candid shots, as well as posed photos. We make wonderful memories each year and looking back at all the photos Don takes, helps keep them alive. He does a good job taking our class pictures too. Every 5 minutes he has a new group getting photographed. That’s quite a challenge, but he gets it done. Thank you Don for helping all of us oldies but goodies hang on to our special memories.

Brenda H.

Elrod Digital has been the official photographer for the Annual Harding/ West Mecklenburg '60s reunion for many years now. Don and his wife Melissa are always on time, open to suggestions, have all equipment needed, and have good ideas for both casual and group photos. They are considered a valuable part of our reunion. I highly recommend them.

Robert F.

I have been partnering with Elrod Digital for over 3 years. As a Realtor I value the convenience of his services, he and his staff always being professional and dependable. He uses easy to use portal and to download pictures. Also pre-made marketing materials are great! I will continue using his services for my clients and highly recommend to other Realtors.

Maia S.

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The Standard Package is perfect for portraits for senior photos, branding, and headshots. I will provide guidance on poses and styling to create exceptional, personalized images. This package includes a digital downloadable gallery delivered on the same day as the shoot with extra retouches to your two favorite images.

Standard Services

The Premium Package provides you with professional and high quality images you can use for a variety of purposes, including senior photos, branding, and headshots. I will work with you to create a comfortable atmosphere to create unique and personalized images you can use over and over again. This package includes a downloadable digital gallery delivered within 24 hours of the shoot with extra retouches on four of your favorite images.

Premium Services

The Team Shoot Package provides professional portraits for your whole team for branding, headshots, and other purposes. Team shots and individual team member shots are available with guidance on styling and posing to ensure cohesive and professional images. This package includes a downloadable digital gallery delivered on the same day as the shoot with extra retouches on two of your favorite team photos.

Team Shoot

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Write in this style: Hold onto your hats, folks! We're just one sleep away from your grand debut in front of my lens, and I'm more excited than a puppy with a new chew toy! Get ready to unleash your inner supermodel (or at least your most photogenic professional self).
Now, let me introduce you to the dream team that'll be making the magic happen:

Yours truly, Don "Hawaiian Shirt" Elrod - Chief Memory Maker and Keeper of the Camera
Melissa, my better half and Lighting Guru Extraordinaire (She's the real star, I just push buttons)
David, my son and potential Assistant Light Wrangler/Videographer (He might pop in to capture some behind-the-scenes gold - think "America's Next Top Professional")

We're aiming to arrive about 15 minutes early. Not because we're overeager (okay, maybe a little), but to set up our gear and scout out the best spots to make you look like you just stepped off the cover of "Fortune 500 Fabulous" magazine.
Remember, tomorrow is all about capturing the real you - the one that crushes deadlines, nails presentations, and still has time to perfect that coffee order. So bring your A-game, your best outfits, and that million-dollar smile. We'll handle the rest!
Can't wait to see you strut your stuff tomorrow. Sleep tight, and don't let the pre-shoot jitters bite!
Cheers,
Don "Ready to Make You Famous" Elrod
P.S. If you wake up with a sudden case of "what do I wear?!" panic, just remember - anything looks better than my Hawaiian shirt. But hey, if you want to twin, I won't judge! 

I hope this email finds you well and not frantically raiding your closet! 😅 Your headshot session with me, Don Elrod, is just 5 days away, and I wanted to share some quick tips to help you look your best (without losing sleep over it).
First things first: breathe. Remember, this isn't a fashion show - it's about capturing the awesome professional you already are. Here's a quick rundown on what to wear:

Colors: Think mid-tone marvels like burgundy, navy, or emerald green. They'll make you pop without looking like a traffic light. 🚦
Patterns: Solid colors are your friends. Leave those hypnotic pinstripes at home - we want people focused on your winning smile, not wondering if their screen is glitching.
Fit: Aim for the Goldilocks zone - not too tight, not too baggy, but just right. Your clothes should hug you like a supportive friend, not a clingy ex.
Necklines: V-necks, boat necks, or crew necks are all great. Let's avoid turtlenecks unless you're going for the "floating head" look.
Accessories: Less is more. We want "professional", not "Christmas tree". 🎄
Grooming: Stick with your usual style. This isn't the time to test if you can pull off that mohawk you've been considering.

Pro tip: Bring a few options. It's always good to have a plan B (or C) in case your favorite shirt decides to play hide and seek with a coffee stain that morning.
Remember, comfort is key. If you feel good, you'll look good. And if all else fails, just imagine me in my signature Hawaiian shirt. Nothing says "trust me with your professional image" quite like pineapples and palm trees, right? 🌴👔
Looking forward to capturing your best professional self!
Best regards,
Don Elrod
P.S. If you have any questions or sudden fashion emergencies, feel free to reach out. I may not be a style guru, but I promise not to suggest matching my Hawaiian shirt... unless you're into that sort of thing. 😉

Blog

Fall: The Best Season for Family Photos

Mastering the Art of Headshots: My Last Day at ECS for the PPNC

Nadia Meredith

Karen Parsons

Julie Williams

Jessica Babinski