Archive for the ‘Us’ Category
February 24, 2012
February 22, 2012
Custom Stylized Shoots… get the most out of your props!
Ever dream of doing your own custom or stylized shoot?
How about a favorite book of yours… and having your own children STAR in their own?! I first saw this idea on the fabulous Lindsey Mills Photography page…and thought it would be fun to create my own.
But this idea would entail a while variety of “prop”… I needed costumes (in my case, I went for hats)… a book template.. and a print lab..So, I reached out to a few of my favorite vendors… Baby Cuddles by Tiffany, Sugar Lime Designs, and Millers Pro Lab… and got CRAFTING my shoot!
Whipped out my white vinyl backdrop.. dressed my babes up and got shooting!
And not to any surprise… my kids LOVED it! The whole idea was exciting to them… their favorite book + dress up = AWESOME KID FUN!
All while creating a custom family heirloom for us, that we can enjoy in years to come.. along with their own children.
You can see my FULL custom book creation here >>> Stinky Face *on issuu, in a simple to read… and prepare to be inspired to create your own!
Now to put this fabulous little book together for my kids, I had to find some ULTRA FABULOUS vendors to work with…. and I knew just who I wanted…
Baby Cuddles by Tiffany… for the darling 100% OOAK custom hats (she created each one just to my specs!) Sugar Lime Designs … for the precious templates for my book… Millers Pro Lab of course, for my printing how could I choose anything but their lay flat books!
And with that… we created our own special, very precious… stylized shoot and custom heirloom…
OOAK hats by Baby Cuddles by Tiffany not only created the beautiful custom hats I used.. but she whipped them up in no time (Just a couple weeks), which was more than impressive for an OOAK order! Tiffany creates just what I imagine, so go check her out! Shes ready to knit a OOAK goodie just for you too 
Beautiful book template by Sugar Lime Designs creates easy to use, and obviously gorgeous, templates for all books and cards youd ever need! Tracy Stone is a fab designer, and I highly recommend her goodies.
Layflat book printing by Millers Pro Lab has my favorite lay flat albums. Honestly, I used to order from another print lab… until I met Millers, and I was in LOVE! Not only are the books top quality, but they are simply stunning… a real honest BOOK (and than some). The pages are thicker than other labs Ive worked with, and the little extra touches (like the vellum sheet in front) make it a real top notch product for yourself.. and clients!
And what would this project have been without the fabulous author of “I Love You Stinky Face”, is Lisa McCourt! Lisa was more than a peach, and very happy to let me create our own special family book with her “Stinky Face” in mind. She gave us her “OK” to use… and love!
And IMO, every mother & father should own and read this book on a regular basis to their own little ones, its just a precious way to remind them HOW MUCH WE LOVE THEM! So to purchase your own “stinky face” book, simply CLICK HERE… every house should have it!
With all my love, for my own three “stinky faces”!
***Please remember to always RESPECT AUTHORS… writing these precious children books is their craft and lively hood… so if you have a book you love, reach out to the author for their A-OK to use. You never know… you might be surprised by the pleasure and acceptance of the author, as I was with Lisa McCourt.
February 20, 2012
Prop Safety | Posing, Props, and a lil Tut to go with it…
Being a professional photographer has its definite perks, and using the fabulous props we come across is a big part of that!
However, when we use props, we have to make sure that we are always using them wisely and most of all carefully. After all, we are photographing babies, not objects… and our tender care for them is a #1 priority.
In our world of prop photography there are a handful of props we use on a regular basis… So, I made a list of my favorites… and some simple tricks & thoughts to keep it safe.
Slings: Always have a spotter, with a beanbag underneath.
Common sense should take over here, to never let a baby dangle… let alone without a bean bag directly under baby. I suggest having hands on baby at ALL times, and than doing a composite to remove hands for a full “hanging” shot.
(above shot compliments of Keri Meyers *click image for more Keri)
Heads Up: Shown simply below thanks to Brandy Jaggers, its all about 2 shots, than composite in photoshop.
(above shot compliments of Brandy Jaggers*pinterest)
Baskets: With baskets, they are prob the simplest of props, however can be just as dangerous. Never leave baby unattended, obviously…but also dont forget babies are tiny, but still strong in their own right. They CAN and WILL push themselves out with one tiny ooomph & push of their feet. So always have a spotter right next to baby, and never start your shooting until baby is quieted, still and fast asleep in the basket.
Sometimes, I will even have my spotter hold baby in place, then composite a shot, or just clone/brush out the hands.
Bean Bags: Obviously, never leave them unattended as well.
Babies can still roll over, and off, a bean bag… or flop their faces right into the soft folds of a bean bag.
Yet another note to always take precaution, even with the most simple of props.
Chairs, Stools & Such: Leaving a baby or toddler standing against a prop
like this, when they are unsure of their own footing, is asking for a fall to happen. Once again, I know its common sense.. but have your spotter (or mommy) right beside baby. Baby is more important that ANY shot, and even if WE know that, we sometimes have remind parents in the “heat of an amazing shot”.
Those wobbly legs are pinch-able sweet, but they are not sturdy and very unsure when first acquired. So take caution… and keep spotter on hand so baby doesnt fall or push/slide the prop and OOOMMPHH!
Again, lots of times I Just clone/brush out the spotter/parent from the sideline.
Composite Composite Composite
Remember… you can always composite 2 shots… or brush away part of a background…but we always have to put safety first when using props.
Props are a fabulous way to enjoy a newborn and baby session,
but each has its own quirks and issues, so take heed… and GET THAT SHOT with safety in mind… because baby always comes first.
February 1, 2012
January 30, 2012
and the new Prop Insanity logo is….
from Megan Horsch, of Kaylee Bug Design!!!
Congrats Megan… it was a close decision, but your design won our hearts!!!
Thanks to all of the talented designers who submitted designs… you were all amazing, and this decision was NOT an easy one on us!
If YOU are looking for a new logo design, or some fabulous graphic artists…check out our group of competitors, and give them some LOVIN!
Check them out yourselves…and scoop a new design for YOU shop or photography site.
Leanne Wildermuth, of Intricate Art
Kristie Jacoby, of Estelle and June
Megan Horsch, of Kaylee Bug Design
Natalie Cutler, of Natalie Cutler Designs
Nikki Coe, of NI Creative Studio
Rasa, of Art M Studio & Gallery
Susan Liberatore, of Visions 2 Images
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