Welcome to our 2nd edition of 2010′s PROP INSANITY GUEST PHOTOGRAPHER!

This months guest photog is a flickr favorite of MANY… and it’s easy to see why our hearts melt when we look at her portfolio…

Robyn Pollman is a PROP JUNKIE…. and incorporates props in almost all of her shoots.
Unique, whimsical and sweet are just a few quick words that pop to mind when I think of her portraits….
just check out her website at Buttons and Bows Photography and her flickr stream at Robyn’s Flickr.

Now.. on to her Prop Insanity interview… aka the GOOD STUFF!

So Ms Robyn, share with us your website and blog of course… we wanna give you some love!

Professional website: http://www.buttonsandbowsphotography.com

Blog: http://paperieboutique.com

Are you a pro, momtog, or just an obsessed camera junkie?

Early on before children, I was an obsessed (toy) camera junkie at lomo-motion.com – turned momtog at shutterblog.com – turned pro at buttonsandbowsphotography.com – so “D – all of the above”.

And of course, WHAT DO YOU SHOOT WITH?!

I shoot primarily with a Nikon D300, MB-D10 grip, and SB-800 speedlight. My backup is a D200 with an SB-600.

What is your target “audience” with your photography… ie: childrens portraits, maternity, etc?

I shoot maternity and newborn / infant / baby portraits almost exclusively. I do photograph some toddlers, older children, and families during the holidays. But the rest of the year I only book “belly to baby” and “baby’s first year” packages. Most of my sessions are photographed in studio lighting, with a few natural light sessions at area parks and beaches sprinkled in for good measure.

Do you have a favorite prop that you use in a lot of your sessions?

I would call it more of a “client-favorite prop”, but it’s constantly requested that I bring my retro-suitcases to my sessions. I have two sets in Tiffany blue and red. They are no longer available for purchase, however I just discovered that “Land of Nod” is carrying a similar style in similar colors.

We see you’re a 100% prop junkie… our favorite type of photog! Want to share some of your prop secrets with us?

I’m a complete prop junkie. Everyone always jokes “can you fit a baby in it” when shopping with me, because they know that’s exactly what’s on my mind.

I even had my mom in the action back in Oklahoma for holiday props in 2009!

My biggest ‘secret’ is that I’m cheap. I often joke Saks in look, Target in budget. I start having heart palpitations if I pay more than $25 for a prop. That’s not to say I “don’t” pay more than that. I just allow myself only 2-3 of those bigger splurges per year, however. I stalk eBay and use esnipe.com to manage my maximum bids. I dig through Michaels, Target, and IKEA sale bins. I do my absolute best to use a coupon online and/or make the purchase through ebates.com. And the best advice I could give is make friends with Etsy sellers — it’s a very mutually beneficial relationship. They get professional photos for their products, and we get the products we so desperately want. Also, don’t forget to look a client’s home over as you’re setting up for the session. It’s amazing the props you’ll find ripe for the picking right there in front of you. If you can make a connection in a photo between the client’s child and their home decor, it almost always equals a sale.

Did we mention how DARLING your new puppy is?!

Normally I’d think I’m just being biased calling my puppy Zoé the cutest puppy ever, but she just won 3rd place in a national “cutest pet” contest held by baxterboo.com. She’s a blonde American Cocker Spaniel born on 10.11.09.

Oh yeah… and your rockin’ website www.PaperieBoutique.com

Paperie Boutique is one of those extra things I put on my plate that I did NOT have time for, but I made time for it anyway. I absolutely love paper, packaging, and tieing the two together with good marketing. I had a popular Flickr set devoted to this topic, and it just seemed natural to expand it into a blog. I feel like a little kid at Christmas every time a box from Paper Source shows up. I try to give my readers that same sense of excitement and euphoria when they visit the site.

Of course… share with us your favorite photographer (if you can pick just one!)?

Eeek. Just one? If I have to narrow it down to one, I’m going to have to go with Beth Jansen simply because she’s an Oklahoman (and I’m Sooner born and Sooner bred).

How did you happen across Prop Insanity… ?

I joined the Flickr forum waaaaay back when, just as the blog was getting off the ground. I pop in when I can, and subscribe to the Twitter feed.

Tell us about you… Are you a mama? Wife? Do you have an extraordinary talent we should know about? Lol

I married my husband Todd in the New Orleans French Quarter in 1996. I had just graduated from the University of Oklahoma in ’95 and he was still in grad school at OU. We moved to Florida in 1997 and lived in Tampa Bay until 2007. Todd started a new job in Orlando 3 years ago, and off we went! We have two boys, ages 4 and 6 — and had been told for several years that having them was not in the cards for us. I call them my biggest achievement because I did — twice — what they said could never be done.

I have been known to dust my house in a tiara to break the monotony. Oklahoma Sooners football, win or lose, is an essential part of my life. I an have irrational fear of mariachi bands that dates back to childhood. And I played not only classical music, but also Weezer, to my boys in utero – you know, for balance.

As far as a talent, I guess it would be the ability to pull up a song lyric from memory for just about any situation in life. I have been cursed more than once for putting an earwig in someone’s brain…

I’ve never had any formal training in photography, other than what I’ve read in books and online. But I’m always trying to learn more. Do better. Work faster. Play harder. And of course…click the shutter!

SPECIAL FOR ONLY PROP INSANITY READERS
I am donating a free Moo mini-card template of mine. 
I hole punch the corner and use it as a gift tag on my packaging.
I haven’t put it online for download before so it’s exclusive to YOUR, Prop Insanity readers!

Download link for template:   http://paperieboutique.com/downloads/paperie_boutique_moo_mini.psd

Thank you so much for allowing me to do this interview!

-Robyn
paperieboutique.com • shutterblog.com • buttonsandbowsphotography.com

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Need to add some goodies to your prop bag? Check out FairyWonderful Boutique.

From super fluffy petti skirts, to tutu’s full of color, even little neck ties for the little guys, you can find it here!

The possibilities are ENDLESS! The quality of these items are all the best of the best! I have had the pleasure of photographing both petti’s and tutu’s by Fairywonderful and they are top notch. Super full and shipped quickly!

Head over to the store and grab some props today!!

Use code PROPS at checkout and receive 10% off your order!

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1. So Ms Jess.. introduce yourself! And share your websites, so we can oogle at your work!

Hello! My name is Jess Sandager and I am the owner of Olive Avenue Photography serving the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. I specialize in natural light maternity and children’s portraiture…with a twist!

www.oliveavenuephotography.com (portfolio)
www.oliveavenue.wordpress.com (blog)

2.Do you consider yourself a momtog, professional… and dont be modest!

I went professional about a year ago on a whim after a few years in the social work field. To say I am living my dream would be an understatement…each time I pick up my camera I feel like I find myself again.

3. So, where did you find this darling prop?

This lovely hat was a clearance find at Target! I bought 5 or 6 hats that day and I can’t wait to use the rest!

4. Where do you find yourself shopping for your props???

I buy a lot things on Etsy…Angel Beez is one shop I frequent most…she has amazing hats for newborns. I am obsessed with anything rusted, chipped and cracked. Most weekends you will find me sifting through treasures at local flea markets, junk shops and antique stores.

5.  What is your FAVORITE prop to use right now?

It is hard for me to pick a favorite. I’m loving the era of the 50′s and 60′s right now. Bright colors, wonderful shapes, patterns and textures. I am particularly fond of old bicycles and luggage…I’ve been on the hunt for some vintage birdcages recently.

6. Being the prop junkie you are… what advice can you give our readers??

Look for props that speak to you and you will be inspired behind the camera. When I find a treasure my mind starts working and I begin to envision the shoot and style of post processing I am going to use. Props can keep your work fresh and exciting!

FOR FUN….

1. What hand do you use to write with? Lefty
2. What color are your eyes? Blue
3. And who is your favorite photog, someone you’d like to share with us?? Really, I have to choose just one? That is almost impossible for me as there are so many insanely talented photographers out there that I follow. JinkyArt continues to blow me away with amazing color and her clients always look like they are having so much FUN! Have you seen the video feature on her site? Incredible! http://jinkyart.com.au/
4. Most important… how did you come across Prop Insanity? Honestly, I can’t remember…but I won a giveaway a few months back which was super exciting as I never win anything!

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Our winner for last weeks PROP JUNKIE {vintage theme} is…

1. Introduce yourself… what is your name and website?
Hi Y’all! My name is Carina Olsen and I’m the owner of Kat’s Photography in League City, Texas. I was born with a camera in my hand in the sunny state of  California and was transplanted to Texas five years ago. I’ve been blessed to know that photography was the one thing (outside of getting married and having kids) that I wanted to do with my life. My work is supported my my AWESOME team. My Family. My husband and Rocket Scientist, Chris, is my legal and financial consultant. Alana (four) is my assistant. She’s been known to help with sessions, if it’s holding a reflector or helping get a cranky baby to smile. Ariana (two) is my little ray of sunshine that brightens up even the most overcast and rainy of days. My kids are my inspiration, bargain hunters and fellow PROP JUNKIES! http://www.katsphotography.net/

2. Do you consider yourself a hobbist, or a professional, in the photography world (don’t be modest!)?
Professional.
3. Where did you find the fabulous prop(s) used in your entered pic?
The guitar and suitcase were both purchased at a local re-sale shop. The owner puts things aside for me when she sees something she thinks I might like. I’m a fan of supporting the local business owner. And I guess they do the same for me. The bear is a cherished family member named Rupert.


4. Do you have a favorite prop shop, or store to find goodies?
Oh my. Well, this is where the confessions come in.  I LOVE re-sale shops, Goodwill, Craigslist, yard sales, estate sales, pawn shops and antique shops.  I’m like a pirate.  There are always treasures to be found. My kids really love treasure hunting with me. Oh and… I can’t believe I’m saying this…. But I pulled this picture frame out of my neighbor’s trash. Woo… it feels good to get that off my chest. The knit hats are from Layla’s Bowtique. She only does custom orders on facebook but her hat’s are wonderful. http://www.facebook.com/SaveSpace?v=wall#!/profile.php?id=1123993416&ref=ts
5. most important… what is your FAVORITE prop to use?
CHAIRS!  I LOVE CHAIRS! I’m always on the look out for that next great chair. I’m very fortunate that my kids share the same enthusiasm that I have. So, I walked through my house to see how many I’ve bought for the studio and I couldn’t believe how many I really had.  Are you ready for this? I have 32+ individual chairs that are JUST for the studio (that’s not including the ones that are in my attic). I’m sure the number would be tripled if I counted all the stools, dinning and other chairs in the house. I’m still on the search for that perfect couch to take on location. It’s out there waiting for me.
6. Anything else you’d like to share with other prop junkies?
Be open minded. One of my favorite chairs was down right HIDEOUS! It was painted brown, covered in a orange fur and looked like something straight out of the 70′s. With a little love and some paint, it quickly became a priceless prop that my clients request on a weekly basis. There are treasures all around us. Things that might other wise go to the dump.  With a little imagination and elbow grease you can recycle old, overlooked Items and make them into fun and unique props that can set you apart from the crowd.

FOR FUN….
1. Are you a lefty, or righty?  Lefty and LOVE it. I can hold hands with my Hubby and eat at the same time.
2. What color are your eyes? Depends on the day. Some times blue, Some times green and others they’re yellow.
4. Share us the link of your favorite fellow photographer: http://www.mikabethedwardsphotography.com/ Her work is bold and innovative.
5. How did you find out about Prop Insanity: I was one of the original fans on Flickr (with in the first week). It’s a great place for people like myself who have an addiction… To props that is.

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we almost forgot to pick a winner for On Gossamer Wings
Candice (candy3181) is our winner!!!!

CYE Candice… you’ve won a customized pair of small fairy wings from (click below to view their shop)

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