Vendor Spotlight: Raenewed Pieces

I had the pleasure of meeting the founder and designer of Raenewed Pieces, Danielle Rae before my most recent photoshoot. I fell in love with her unique handmade hair accessories and I knew I had to incorporate them into my photoshoot. Danielle's hair accessories are perfect for brides, bridesmaids, homecomings, prom, going downtown, or that little something extra to help make your outfit complete.


I sat down with Danielle to find out more about her and Raenewed Pieces.

Have you always been interested in fashion?
Yes. I have always been interested in the fashion industry. It was between fashion school and cosmetology school, and I ended up going to get my cosmetology license. I have always enjoyed style and trends. Fashion is definitely a passion of mine, which is also why I love working a part-time job at a clothing boutique.

How did you come up with the name Raenewed Pieces?
Is there a backround story to the name Raenewed Pieces?
The reason my name is "Raenewed" is 1) I take different pieces of jewelry/appliance/etc. and change them into something else. 2) The spelling is "raenewed" instead of "renewed" is because Rae is my middle name.

What inspired you to start your own line? Do you see yourself expanding outside of hair accessories to maybe to jewelry or purses?

It's always something I thought about and talked about but never followed through with. Until one day I went to Renniger's with my mother who has always encouraged me to try my ideas, and found some amazing antique jewelry that I made into headbands and hair pins. Then a week later I was filing to be a business and that was that. I do see potential to expand which is why in my name I didn't specify or define it as being just hair accessories. I will probably try expanding into belts.

What has been your favorite piece you have designed?
My favorite piece is one of the first ones I ever made. It was my rhinestone choker from prom that I made into a headband! It's pretty awesome!

Do you do custom pieces for bridal parties? What is the average turn around time?
I do and I love it! I love working with brides and creating something that is special, unique and beautiful that matches their dress and personality! It usually takes about 10 days, depending on quantity. I have done weddings where I do just a piece for the bride and I've done some with up to 14 pieces including 2 for the bride and all her bridesmaids.


Do you take requests?
I always take requests! Always looking for new, different ideas. I will always try anything.

Where can your products be found and how can someone get a hold of you?
Right now my stuff can be found 7 days a week at 4th and Ocean in Lake Mary. It's a surf chic boutique. Anyone can get me through email - raenewedpieces@gmail.com, call me - 321-228-2811 or Facebook search - Raenewed Pieces.

Danielle and I have discussed collaborating for an upcoming photoshoot with her new pieces. Definitely keep checking in on my blog or my Facebook page for updates!

Amy Van Epps Photography - Facebook
Raenewed Pieces Official Site
Raenewed Pieces - Facebook

What's in your camera bag?

There are a few things I believe that will make you a better photographer when you are out shooting. You need to have your equipment organized, easily accessible, and most importantly it needs to be comfortable.

I had been struggling to find something to hold all of my equipment. When I go out to a shoot, I usually bring with me what I call my essentials. Aside from my camera, I bring at least two lenses: a standard and wide angle. I also bring my Canon Speedlite flash & Gary Fong diffuser. I honestly prefer to work with natural light. However, in some circumstances like photographing a wedding reception I find it necessary. Depending upon how high the ceiling is, I will bounce my flash with the diffuser attached. It helps to soften the light so it is not too harsh on anyone's face. I keep on hand a ton of extra batteries because my flash loves to eat them up! I would rather be over prepared than under. I carry an extra battery for my 5D and 3-6 8 GB memory cards. My light meter comes with me no matter what, just in case any there is any tricky lighting situations or if I'm using strobes. My nonphotographic items include bobby pins and a comb. Sometimes hair can be out of control and if the stylist is not there, it is a quick way for me to tame some stubborn hair. Although it doesn't fit in my bag, I have a multi-colored reflector that always stays in my car. Sometimes it can give that photograph a little bit of extra light that really makes the subject stand out.

Now you may be asking what is so special about a hand held light meter if your camera already has one built in? Well there are two different types of light meters: reflected light and incident light. All cameras have reflected light meters. The cameras measure the light reflected off the subject. They pretty much give an "average" exposure. Incident light meters measure the light falling on the subject. It is an independent reading of what subject is reflecting so it is less likely to give an incorrect exposure reading. If you want a more detailed explanation, there is tons of information on the web if you just Google it!

Here is just an example of some of my essentials:


Now you may be asking, "Amy, what do you keep your essentials in?"
To be honest, I have gone through a few different types of bags and backpacks over the years. Last December I received a ShootSac as a present. I LOVE IT! The ShootSac is a lens bag that is designed to look like a messenger bag. It comes in solid black or a few different prints. It's light weight and made of neoprene. It keeps all my gear safe, especially my lenses, while I am photographing. Everything is easily accessible and I am no longer digging through a backpack or bag for an extra lens or my flash. It costs less than $200.



There are some other options out there. Some are more expensive than others such as the Porter Magnum Shoulder Bag. It starts at $684 and is made from water-repellent nylon canvas. It has a bit of a retro look and I think it is more unisex than the ShootSac.



Jill-E Designs are a bit more affordable and come in AWESOME colors and fabrics. I would check out the Jack medium camera bag ($240). It comes with dual handles and a adjustable shoulder strap.



Jill-E also has a stunning red leather small carry bag ($169) which has Croc trim and a polka dot padded interior. It looks like a great looking purse but can hold an SLR body, 1-2 lenses, and a few accessories.



Check out Jill-E Designs and ShootSac