Cheer Haven
Welcome to season 4 picture day! I’m especially excited for this season because picture day can relax just a little bit from last year. With that said, we have about a hundred girls to get through so here’s a little glimpse of how it’ll run this year.
Each athlete ONLY has FIVE minutes from start to finish. This includes sibling or any friends photos. We need to get those athletes to trick or treating on time, therefore we will enforce the 5 minute time limit this year. This typically involves one sister or friends pose. Please make sure those girls are signed up back to back so we can keep picture day running smoothly for all athletes involved.
This year, each athlete will receive 2 standard poses of choice along with one themed headshot. It’s a ridiculously fun way to celebrate the individuality of each season. This year- ya’ll are making some WAVES!
A pose guide will be added soon. This year, we will have a limited number of poses to help show off the amazing uniform that the coaches have created for you.
Team Panoramas will still be waist up. This is so we can truly showcase the talent and individuality of each athlete. Please make sure you talk to your athlete about these poses as any of the images can be used to create the pano. If your athlete only chooses one standing pose, this is the image that will be used. Panos are a complex process where you create a puzzle.
If you cannot either of the two picture days, you will be asked to come to 950 South Central Avenue for a make-up date. Depending on the need, times will be distributed at a later date. Please. Panos cannot be completed until everyone is finished so make every effort for your teammates to come to Cheer Haven for picture day and keep makeups to a limited number of athletes.
Pre-arrival:
Look over the poses (updated guide coming soon) to see which ones you would like your athlete to complete. Everyone MUST complete at minimum, one standing pose for the pano.
Please. Please. Please wear your new shoes or wash your old ones. Photos will be on a white backdrop this year so those old, dirty, well loved shoes will look AWFUL. Trust me. I cannot fix holes or extreme discoloration on shoes.
Please make sure that undergarments (including socks) are white or nude. The lighting is strong and you will see shadows with other colors that I cannot fix.
Arrive to Cheer Haven:
Fully dressed. We sill are looking to keep cross contact time a minimum so please come to Cheer Haven fully dressed and ready for your photos.
Uniform includes: Top, skirt, shoes, and SOCKS. Yes. Your shoes are see through and you can 100% tell if you do not have on white no show socks. Please remember. Bows are optional depending on your personal preference. If you wear a bow, please make sure it’s up front, tight, and centered.
Makeup. Light makeup is suggested. Competition makeup is not. What do I suggest? If you wear foundation, please make sure it matches your athletes current summer glow. Makeup with zinc will actually reflect the light creating a very ghost white glow. Ever wonder why your kiddos face doesn’t actually match her real life? This is probably why. Personally, I’d skip the foundation, throw on some blush, mascara, shimmer eye, and either a bold or glossy lip. Since the backdrop is white, your athlete will wash out if zero makeup is worn.
Hair. If your kiddo has very fine hair, or hair that typically falls in their face, I suggest pinning it up a little to the side or top with a little bobby pin.
When you arrive, check in with the team mom at the front door. Keep your belongings with you, choose your poses, and head on over to the line. We try to keep only 2 girls close to the photo area at a time so the kids feel comfortable being themselves.
As always, there’s NO PREPAYMENT for picture day. Simply come take your photos and head on back out. Super easy, super efficient.
Photos will be uploaded anywhere from the next day to two weeks. Photos are typically edited and uploaded in the same order as picture day. If you’re first to grab your photos, they’ll be up much earlier than the last kiddo on Saturday. Please be patient. I fully edit each photo before adding it to your gallery so it does take some time.
What’s next?
Bookmark this pages as it contains all the updates.
The LOG IN to the gallery because important updates will be sent through the email of choice. If you take the time to enter the gallery once, you’ll always receive the updates.
Cheer Haven GALLERY: CLICK HERE
Do you need to sign up? CLICK HERE if so.
Any questions? Email me at dom@photosbydlove.com
Season 22 Picture Information
Season 22 photo day is quickly approaching! I’m especially excited for this season because picture day can relax just a little bit from last year. With that said, we have hundreds of girls to get through so here’s a little glimpse of how it’ll run this year.
This first round of photos is for athletes with full uniforms (see below). Additional photo days are scheduled for after new uniforms should arrive.
Each athlete ONLY has FIVE minutes from start to finish. This includes sibling or any friends photos. We need to get those athletes to practice on time, therefore we will enforce the 5 minute time limit this year. This typically involves one sister or friends pose. Please make sure those girls are signed up back to back so we can keep picture day running smoothly for all athletes involved.
ALL PHOTOS WILL BE STANDING DUE TO MY BROKEN ARM.
Team Panoramas will be waist up for cheer, full body for hip hop. Please make sure you talk to your athlete about these poses as any of the images can be used to create the pano. If your athlete only chooses one standing pose for cheer, this is the image that will be used. Panos are a complex process where you create a puzzle. Changing poses once it’s created is not typically possible. Even with a retake, you will be asked to recreate the same pose once they’re underway.
This is the LAST CALL.
If you cannot make any of the nine picture days, you will be asked to come to 950 South Central Avenue for a make-up date. Depending on the need, times will be distributed in January. Please. Panos cannot be completed until everyone is finished so make every effort for your teammates to come to Pride for picture day.
Pre-arrival:
Look over the poses (updated guide coming soon) to see which ones you would like your athlete to complete. Everyone MUST complete at minimum, one standing pose for the pano.
Please. Please. Please wear your new shoes or wash your old ones. Photos will be on a white backdrop this year so those old, dirty, well loved shoes will look AWFUL. Trust me. I cannot fix holes or extreme discoloration on shoes.
Bra Straps. If this is your daughter, please make sure to wear a bra that is competition ready. Clear straps and nude are key.
Arrive to the studio:
Fully dressed. We sill are looking to keep cross contact time a minimum so please come to Pride fully dressed and ready for your photos.
Uniform includes: Top (bodysuit/crop/or BOTH) depending on your team, skirt, socks, shoes, and SOCKS. Yes. Your shoes are see through and you can 100% tell if you do not have on white no show socks. Please remember. NO BOWS are worn during any photos at Pride. If you wear a bow, you will be asked to take it out for the team image.
Makeup. Light makeup is suggested. Competition makeup is not. What do I suggest? If you wear foundation, please make sure it matches your athletes current summer glow. Makeup with zinc will actually reflect the light creating a very ghost white glow. Ever wonder why your kiddos face doesn’t actually match her real life? This is probably why. Personally, I’d skip the foundation, throw on some blush, mascara, shimmer eye, and either a bold or glossy lip. Since the backdrop is white, your athlete will wash out if zero makeup is worn.
Hair. Pride does not wear bows for their season photos. With that said, if your kiddo has very fine hair, or hair that typically falls in their face, I suggest pinning it up a little to the side or top with a little bobby pin.
When you arrive, check in with the team mom at the front door. Keep your belongings with you, choose your poses, and head on over to the line. We try to keep only 2 girls in the room at a time so the kids feel comfortable being themselves.
As always, there’s NO PREPAYMENT for picture day. Simply come take your photos and head on back out. Super easy, super efficient.
Photos will be uploaded anywhere from the next day to two weeks. Photos are typically edited and uploaded in the same order as picture day. If you’re first to grab your photos, they’ll be up much earlier than the last kiddo on Thursday. Please be patient. I fully edit each photo before adding it to your gallery so it does take some time.
What’s next?
Bookmark this pages as it contains all the updates.
The LOG IN to the gallery because important updates will be sent through the email of choice. If you take the time to enter the gallery once, you’ll always receive the updates.
PITTSBURGH PRIDE SEASON 22 GALLERY: CLICK HERE
Any questions? Email me at dom@photosbydlove.com
Fire + Ice Picture Day
Hello parents! I’m SO excited to offer an amazing photo experience for your 2020-2021 cheer season! A few things about me. 1. I’m a cheer mom first so I’m WILD about capturing correct body positioning in cheer photos. And 2. I’ll grow attached to your kiddos and loudly cheer them on when I see ya’ll in real life.
So, how does picture day work?
Picture day goes a little like this.
Every athlete will be capturing 3 poses + 1 specialty shot.
YOU get to pick the poses! Yes. You heard that correctly. You’ll be provided a variety of poses to choose from and you can pick the poses that most resonate with your kiddos. Poses this year will be ‘thigh up’ to accommodate for covid restrictions.
You will sign up for a 5 minute picture slot at a time that works for you.
Your child comes + conquers picture day. That’s it!
TEAM PHOTOS are done as a composite image. I will go ahead and take one image of each kiddo and create an amazing 10x30 composite. Since there is NO purchase necessary, please come on our so you can be included in the team image.
There’s no prepayment or purchase necessary. Photos will be delivered to you through an online gallery roughly 1.5 weeks after capture. This gallery will be set up in advance so you can check out pricing and products. I pride myself in a fairly quick turnaround and FULLY edited photos. Yes. They will be 100% edited before you’re asked to purchase them.
Photos will be delivered to your gym + individually packaged.
That’s it! Simple. Easy. Efficient. That’s how I like to make it happen.
Here’s the pose guide!
We are all obviously parents first which has led us to this amazing sport known as cheer. Here’s my kiddo literally 3 minutes before she was leaving the house so we could update our non-branded pose guide. I promise. I can coach your kiddos through the poses with ease unlike my own child- LOL. These will be provided to you at picture day. All you need to do is mark your 3 poses and fill out the bottom portion.
Tips and Tricks to a great picture day!
Make sure those uniforms have been washed. Thankfully yours are black but deodorant stains can definitely be visible on picture day.
Makeup. I always suggest light makeup to ease the effects of the flash. Make sure that foundation matches and is applied lightly. A little blush, a bit of mascara, and a glossy lip are always helpful!
Lotion. It’s a weird fact, but dry legs + hands will absorb the light. This makes the hands/legs very dark and ghostly. A little bit of lotion will cure those winter blues!
Bows. If bows are worn, make sure they’re standing up nice and tall and are centered on the athletes head.
And lastly? Have funnnnnnnn. It’s definitely a challenge to direct kiddos though photos wearing a mask and 6 feet apart. but I promise. I’ll be modeling the poses to ease your kiddo into their best selves possible. If you as a parent can assist with hair and positioning, things will definitely run a little more smoothly.
When is picture day?
March 8+9 from 5-9. Picture day will be held at your gym for the easiest possible experience ever.
Looking to sign up and secure your spot? Click HERE and head over to signup.com.
Interested in taking a look at the online gallery system? Click HERE for where your pictures will be located. Log in + hit info- you’ll find pricing and options.
Sports Photos 2/21
PT Girls Basketball photos!
Winter Sports photos are coming your way! I’m SO excited to partner with Above and Beyond Physical Therapy Services to host your winter sports sessions. No worries, they’re 100% capable of hosting a socially distant, sanitized, and perfect picture day. Full Disclaimer: My husband + his partners began the clinic so they could provide the most personable care in the area. They’re fun people <3.
And they have really great parking and lighting. It’s the perfect temporary studio until mine is completed.
So, here are some details.
Each athlete will have 15 minutes from enter to exit. This is to protect your kiddos from an unknown unnecessary exposure and quarantine. I will OBVIOUSLY reschedule picture day if there’s even an ounce of doubt in my soul about being ill. But, as we all know, the virus is so undetected in some that I would feel better knowing we keep it under the CDC guidelines.
This gives roughly 10 minutes of studio time. Each athlete, I would imagine, would be able to complete 3-4 images from the pose guide + one fun headshot. It will run a little easier if they practice the posing at home as I will not be able to move them around into a pose. I will still be guiding them along, but will stay 6 feet back.
We will be using a gray drop for the background and the natural amazing black flooring they have at the clinic. This will give me the ability to sanitize in-between clients and have those kneeling/sitting poses that are so much fun with basketball. The headshots will be on a really fun and bright red PT backdrop!
Athletes can bring in their favorite basketball or a standard orange ball will be provided.
Make sure to remember the accessories to keep those pictures authentic.
Sibling shots are encouraged but friends photos are currently not possible. This is to ensure the proper CDC guidelines are followed.
All images will be completed and displayed on a secure website for viewing and ordering. All orders placed will be promptly delivered to a basketball practice/game for distribution.
Click HERE to signup for your individual time!
It’s really that easy. No session fee. No minimum purchase. Just head on over, make yourself a time, bring your game face and have fun. Hope to see you soon!
Let’s finish what we started!
Pittsburgh Pride Picture Day!
Hip Hop + Prep Teams + Remaining Elite Cheer
Picture day is coming back to Pittsburgh Pride!
We all know the challenges of working with the restrictions of COVID-19, so I’m hoping we can make this work. It’s VERY difficult to schedule make-ups because of the sheer amount of kids in possible quarantine. We are aiming for full team participation (as always- no purchase necessary) but we need you to make it happen ;)
How it works
Each athlete will get 5 minutes in front of the camera.
Two drops will be provided- the gray drop is required for pano image but the brick wall (Hip Hop) and Crown fine art (cheer) is not.
Photos will be from the thigh up to maintain covid restrictions. There will be NO laying or sitting poses.
Athletes with two uniforms will need TWO slots, 10 minutes apart, to ensure we keep on schedule.
POSE GUIDES will be provided for your own reference. I will not be choosing your athletes pose but will be providing options that will be flattering. I will NOT be able to fix the uniform or hair this year, so I highly suggest you accompany your athlete. I do have to maintain 6 feet and cannot assist although I will guide you on how to help.
EVERYONE MUST be masked upon entry until photos begin.
Please come prepared, you will only have 5 minutes and staying on time is of the upmost importance.
This is to minimize time spent inside Pride to less than 15 minutes for exposure/quarantine purposes.
+please remember. Siblings can be scheduled back to back for sister shots.
FRIENDS photos are not permitted this year due to COVID restrictions.
The gym gallery can be accessed by clicking HERE! This is where you will find all of your individual and team photos.
SIGNUPS for January 13, 16 & 17 can be found by clicking HERE.
Coming Soon
Picture Day: February 13 + 14 from 10-5 each day.
I’m SO very excited to offer you the most amazing Cold3est Year Yet photos!
This will be your source for all of your current information, tips + tricks to make those photos stand out, and how to schedule and order those photos.
But first up? Let’s get those sign-ups going for a quick and easy picture day. Some things to remember.
How it works
Each athlete will get 5 minutes in front of the camera.
Two drops will be provided- the gray drop is required for pano image but the ICE storm drop is not.
Photos will be from the thigh up to maintain covid restrictions. There will be NO laying or sitting poses.
There is no pre-ordering on picture day. All images will be fully edited and uploaded to your online viewing + ordering gallery. Orders placed will be delivered to the gym roughly once a week for four weeks.
Pano completion is a tedious process and takes a bit of time to complete. These are available in a 10x30 orientation only. They will NOT be available right away for viewing.
+New this year. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be NO friends photos. I know. This makes me as a mom sad, but unfortunately current restrictions prohibit me from capturing those moments.
Pose guides will be provided at the gym on picture day. But, in order to make picture day run as efficiently as possible, please have your poses in mind and make sure your child can complete them. I will not be able to help with body positioning or hair placement this year due to COVID restrictions. As a parent, you will be able to fix those skirts and brush their hair back.
Until then? Go ahead and get signed up for your photo day. CLICK HERE to do so.
Also, want to know the products offered? Feel free to check out your gallery HERE.
Questions or concerns? Email me at dom@photosbydlove.com
Cheer Haven Ordering Information.
Season 2020-2021 with Dominique Love Photography
Dear Cheer Haven.
You. SLAYED. Picture. Day.
What’s next? Stress free ordering and delivery!
All product will be delivered to Cheer Haven, roughly once a week for 3 weeks.
With that said, in the times of Covid-19, I cannot 100% guarantee delivery dates/turnaround. There have been hiccups over these last few months between the lab and FedEx, so please still love me if it takes a week or two to get those images in.
I promise. I want you to have them as fast as humanely possible.
This custom name/gym graphic will be available for any bag tags/magnets this season!
Either one of those products ordered will include this personalization.
This is an example of the 10x30 team panorama. These custom images take a many hours to create so it will not pop up in the galleries just yet. But I promise. I’m working hard on them. Here’s some things to remember.
+Individual ordering will be up for 3 weeks, until November 30th with delivery to the gym. As of December 1, $4.99 shipping will be tacked one for individual orders. +this does NOT APPLY to pano purchases.
+Printing will once again be using our glorious metallic paper and product will feature the metal tags/ornaments like last year.
+Special name/cheer overlay is for Bag Tag + Magnet purchases. Text will be added upon ordering the product on the image ordered.
+You can mix and match poses in packages.
+Crops will appear different than in your gallery. Some things to remember upon ordering.
Buttons are circular and you WILL NEED an image that has arms close to the body to include them.
Magnets are 8x10 crop so they will be ‘shorter in length’ than on the screen.
I will crop closer on prints to eliminate space on the side where possible. Crops are in your gallery as further out so we can have flexibility in ordering your product.
Digital image is for #35 for one pose. You have the ability to print but I cannot guarantee quality, you print at your own risk.
Click here for your Team Gallery where ordering will happen. Any questions- just holler!
Any additional questions? Please email me at dom@photosbydlove.com
Please remember, on picture day I will not be able to check messages or reply as I’ll be capturing all of those sweet faces.
Season #21 - The bets are placed!
Pano preview! EVERY team pano has already been created alphabetically by first name with the photographed athletes- Most panos are 60-70% complete! As soon as all athletes are photographed for the individual pano, I can begin filling orders. There is NO PURCHASE necessary to be included in the team pano.
NEW PICTURE DATE: SUNDAY, November 15!
You asked, we delivered. Picture Day will be held at PRIDE in the MPR.
Bigger is better - Are you ready? This page will be your main source of information as it will continually be updated. Bookmark this page and check back often for updates.
Please keep reading below for important information but you can access the gym gallery by clicking HERE!
How it works
Each athlete will get 5 minutes in front of the camera.
Two drops will be provided- the gray drop is required for pano image but the crown drop is not.
Photos will be from the thigh up to maintain covid restrictions. There will be NO laying or sitting poses.
The crown will be disinfected if requested for use.
The next picture day will be November 15.
The next picture date WILL BE when new uniforms arrive.
POSE GUIDE will be provided for your own reference. I will not be choosing your athletes pose but will be providing options that will be flattering. I will NOT be able to fix the uniform or hair this year, so I highly suggest you accompany your athlete. I do have to maintain 6 feet and cannot assist although I will guide you on how to help. Please come prepared, you will only have 5 minutes.
Each athlete will capture 3 images on the gray drop and one on the purple.
Please remember. No bows in those photos, light makeup (soft blush and mascara), and a colorful lip always assist in creating amazing portraits. Flash photography always makes one a little more pale. Also, please remember to put some lotion on those legs so they do not absorb the light and darken up.
Click HERE to sign up for Sunday, November 15.
+please remember. Siblings can be scheduled back to back for sister shots.
ALSO. Athletes that change uniforms for teams (full top to half top) need to schedule two different sessions for their pano poses a minimum of 5 minutes apart. Alternates are included in photos so please take a photo in a cross under/over piece if needed.
As always, feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns at dom@photosbydlove.com
Back To School
Back to School booking info!
July 25 & 26
August 20 & 21
Let’s get real. We are all SO excited for these kids to go back to school. There’s so many theories, concerns, worries and anxiety wrapped up into the school year. Will they go back. Will it shift back to online learning once cases are in the school. How long will it shut down for.
So. This momma over here is taking some Back To School classic sessions so you will have this memory in case the school year turns out different again. Bring your kid in whatever they have in the closet. Let them be them. Bring their favorite book, their laptop, their mask, their essential items.
For Jillian? This is her Starbucks tumblers, fashion, and apples. Yes really. She loves apples- lol. We pulled things out of her closet, added some fun earrings, and styled her hair in a messy bun because I’m not admitting to the last time it probably was washed. Pictures do not always need to be wild to be amazing. Your kids personality provide the rest. I promise.
Pricing starts at $75 that includes one child for a 10 minute shoot, two digital files, and one 8x10 print. I want to keep it affordable and memorable. I want ya’ll to have these memories. Back to back sessions can be scheduled for siblings to get those shots as well.
These will be socially distanced, in the open air of my garage (LOL- creative thinking I know), with proper sanitization in-between sessions. I will provide an apple per child, some markers and pencils for staging. You can bring accessories that make your kid your kid. Because honestly, that’s what makes it amazing.
Sessions scheduled for July 25 & 26 and August 21 & 21. July sessions are definite- but august sessions will depend on government mandates. If you REALLY want BTS sessions, you may want to think about July although it seems early.
email: dom@photosbydlove.com to book.
Pictures of my non-cooperative model because their air conditioning is busted in the studio for another day or two <3
Birthday Blessings.
Birthday blessings.
Everyone shout out a huge Happy Birthday to Carolyn. The worlds sweetest, almost graduated nursing student who ALREADY landed a job at Childrens Hospital. Their family has gone through the most difficult yet amazing few months due to one ‘little’ heart transplant… But to not be able to hug your dad on your birthday after all of this is just tough. Thankfully, they are a think out of the box family so say hello to their quarantine birthday party.
The entire time, they were 6 feet apart or more (even with the visual photos that make it seem closer), they sanitized from the mailbox, they did not actually cut the cake, but the love? The love was SO FREAKING real. I’m so thankful I was able to pop by, shooting from the comforts of my car which was ridiculously far away.
I started these photos just to give some friends something to look forward to. It’s literally been the highlight of these last two weeks. I sure hope they give you a little bit of hope, love, and companionship too.
