August 1st always hits me like a ton of bricks. In my mind, it's the official end of summer. It's the day my entire house turns into back to school mode. Everyone is hunting school supplies and shorts and trying to find the best most fashionable pair of shoes that still fit into the rigid school standards for footwear. It's the first day, and I'm already sick of it.

I had BIG plans this summer. They included me and the beach. By now my tan was supposed to be killer. Extra-curricular activities have chained us hard to this town. I have a real LOVE-HATE relationship with high school football. But that is another story. The point is, I haven't even stepped my feet into the sand. Not once. Total sad face. I guess I just want to whine about going to the beach.

The best part of the summer is having that ONE amazing portrait that screams awesome summer.  You know the one. I can see it in my head perfectly. Bright bold colors. Happy faces. Maybe with a beach ball.  This week, I told Madison that we needed a super fun summer portrait - so we headed to the studio. We had nothing. Just each other. So we thought about it...and came up with an idea that would require a little photo shop, a new shirt and an orange - oh and something to slice up an orange. So glad we didn't forget that one.

We shot the whole thing on bold RED in hopes of changing the background color to match the orange slices. Wearing a lot of fun colors made it easy to manipulate the portrait in some really fun color blocks. Not only did the portrait come out great, Madison and I had a super fun Mother Daughter adventure. And we didn't have to take the photo outside in the 100 degree South Alabama Sunshine.

1. Can I eat these after?

2. My eyes are burning!!

3. Close your eyes Goofball! You're going to be Blind.

4. It's dripping. Can I lick it?

5. Do you think one orange is enough? We bought two. Maybe we should slice this one up too.

6. Aren't you glad you bought me this cool hat?

7. What other fruit do you want to try?

8. I love you Mom. This was fun.

That makes everything worth it. No children were blinded in this portrait adventure.

Mother Daughter adventure fills your heart. There is never a day that I look back and wish we wouldn't have done more together that day. Having a great fun photo from the day out together is priceless. She wants the color block portrait poster size for her room. Who am I to argue?

Moms you need a mother daughter portrait adventure. Contact Daphne To learn more about the fun adventures we can offer you both in and out of the studio this season. Keep the summer alive in bold bright color.

Daphne Ellenburg is award-winning Wedding, Newborn, and Baby Photographer. She is the owner of a bustling Portrait photography business called Ellenburg Photography and a brand new Boudoir studio both located in Southern Alabama. Daphne has a supportive family and a fancy-pants 2000 sq ft studio in the heart of Saraland, Alabama. She loves college football, big handbags, lip gloss and all things Apple. She also enjoys writing about her Photo-Adventures and her entertaining family. Daphne is a proud member of PPA, WPPI, and the local chamber. Catch up with her at EllenburgPhotography.com or email her at daphne@ellenburgphotography.com. 
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