Happy Thursday! I hope everyone had a fabulous Easter! I had originally intended to feature this ruffled polka dot skirt on Monday. However, I was exhausted after celebrating my parents’ birthdays/Jake’s Match Day results in Las Vegas over the weekend. I decided taking a break was overdue. Taking a break is sometimes much needed and is healthy. I don’t take them very often, but we have a lot of traveling going on and our upcoming move.
When we go on vacations or even just in general, I often feel pressured to get the “perfect” picture with the perfect camera settings. This wasn’t possible on our short trip this time. I didn’t get any usable camera pictures in Vegas for a blog post on our trip like I planned. To be honest, it was nice not having the pressure of doing a photoshoot on vacation. Blogging is my passion, but there is a lot of behind-the-scenes things that go on to get camera photos. You have to scout out a location (our hotel was so spread out and mostly indoor casino focused and the Las Vegas strip was so crowded), find the perfect time of day where the lighting is not too bright or too dark (we had dinner reservations and show reservations so the light was either going to be too sunny or night time). You also have to get your outfit together (make sure it’s steamed and you brought the proper accessories planned). When traveling, sometimes it’s hard to bring everything you need to create a picture-perfect look. I try to coordinate outfits with limited accessories that work for multiple outfits so I don’t overpack when I travel. I try to not bring many shoes or purses because my suitcase gets full fast. Also, getting your hair/makeup photoshoot ready takes a lot of time. The most important part is getting your camera settings correct. I am still so new to photography, so this alone is stressful for me (unless it’s a time of day when the lighting is easy to work with). I did have someone recommend shooting in raw, so I will be trying this soon. She said this makes your images easier to edit in case you didn’t get the settings perfect.
With our limited time, I told Jake we could forego the photoshoot during this trip. On most of our trips, I really try to take advantage of the change of scenery for my blog, but not this time. We will be going back soon for a little bit longer with Jake’s family, so maybe we can try next time if there is a convenient location near our hotel. We ended up doing iPhone pictures instead this time. I am trying to make myself remember it’s okay to not have all DSLR photos for Instagram. I do plan to share a full guide to Las Vegas after our second trip with our favorite places.
Anyways, I found this darling ruffle and polka dot skirt on my birthday trip to Dallas. I am excited that it’s on sale now too. You may have seen in this post here that I am loving polka dots for spring. The thing I love about this one is it is very versatile. You can add a bodysuit and wedges like I did for a dressy casual look or you could add a nice colored blouse (hot pink or red would be so cute) and nice heels for a dressy look. You could even go really casual with a denim jacket like I added in some of these photos.
Jake and I are actually in Birmingham, Alabama today. We are looking at places to live. We are so excited for this next chapter. I plan to keep you all updated during the process.
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Glad you were able to take a break!! We’re in the same boat about trying to get the “perfect” picture and with short trips, it’s so hard! We shoot in raw though and I feel like that definitely helps! Give it a try and let me know what you think! I think our image quality increased because of it!
Katherine | http://www.oneswainkycouple.com
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Thank you so much! It is sooo hard. I usually try but this time couldn’t. Oh I’m glad to hear y’all do that. I’ll definitely try.
Cute skirt. Can’t got wrong in polka dots!
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https://www.fashionnotfear.com
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Aw thank you so much. I agree.
You’re so cute! I just ordered a similar skirt in red and am so excited to style it.
I’ve learned that ditching the DSLR on vacay can sometimes be a good thing! Half the time when traveling I end up liking my iPhone or point & shoot pictures better because they aren’t as stressful to take so I look happier in them! The one time I tried to use the DSLR in New Orleans, I found the perfect location and the perfect lighting and there was a crowd of about 100 junior high kids that came down the street as soon as we started shooting. They just stood there and watched me and it totally ruined it. I was so mad! They are my least favorite pictures of the trip haha.
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Thank you so much. I cannot wait to see it.
Yes it was nice. Im glad I’m not the only one. I’m glad to hear you bring your point and shoot along on trip. I may try that next time. It’s so hard to tote the dslr around and yes sooooo many people at a lot of destinations . Oh no I would be so upset too.
Ah, the quest for the perfect picture when you are on a trip….I can relate to that! Lol! You really have to time it perfectly. Anyway, I love your skirt! It gives a fun vibe.
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It’s hard hahah. Glad you can relate. Thank you so much 😘
Your skirt and shoes are so pretty! I can totally relate to posting late! Sometimes its worth missing a date and posting better content later.
xo Logan
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Thank you so much! I agree, I’m learning if I’m not inspired sometimes it’s okay to wait.
I am really liking that outfit. I have recently discovered that I don’t have the body type that does well with ruffles on top.
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Thank you so much! Oh really? I bet you would look cute in ruffles somewhere else then.
Sounds like a much needed break! I love Vegas too. Anyways, I love that skirt, and how you styled it too. Those wedges are amazing!
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It was! Vegas is sooo fun! Thank you.
Hi Courtney, its good you got to take a blogging break, we all need them! I am glad you got to spend quality family time in Vegas , celebrating birthdays and Jake’s match, its good to let your hair down! I can see that there is a lot of behind the scenes activity that takes place, getting the outfit , make up and camera set done cant all fall into place easily! I love the ruffle polka dot skirt, it looks so fun to wear! The top is gorgeous with it and all the accessories match so good, love the wedges! I am excited you are in Birmingham and getting to look at new homes where you will make memories for your next life chapter! Thank you for keeping us updated. I am happy for both of you, take care Dear, hugs, Terri xo.
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Thank you so much for your kind words and support. A break was much needed. I hope all is well for you.
I am loving that polka dot skirt!! It looks so darling on you! 🙂
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You’re so sweet.
I love your skirt! And don’t be too hard about yourself about shooting in Vegas. I used to do professional photography in Vegas. It was definitely not on the strip and I always did it during the “golden hour” or in my studio. I can’t imagine trying to shoot on the strip!
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Thank you. Oh that’s sooo cool. Yes shooting on the strip would be a nightmare. I’m hoping to find some more quiet places next time. I might bring my smaller camera just Incase.
I just love this outfit, Courtney! And oh gosh, getting the perfect blog photos on vacation can be such a stressful time. Glad you took some time to yourself for this trip! Also, shooting in RAW is a game-changer. I wish I had started sooner! But I did end up having to buy a bigger memory card after making the switch, haha.
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Thank you so much, Lindsey! Oh that is good to know about the memory card. That makes sense though!