Photographing a Toddler: The Basics

Photographing my little toddler isn't an easy feat so I let nature take its course. I let her do things she enjoys..like getting to be naughty and stand on a park bench instead of sitting properly. I let her run, explore, search, dance...whatever her heart desires and then I just point and click.

Throw in some fun props that your toddler will enjoy. Baby Z LOVES ballons....so ballons it is.

Choose places that make for pretty or interesting backgrounds such as the park, a pond, your backyard...whatever you will enjoy seeing in your photographs. Play around with your lighting and focus and voila!

The Duck Pond...

 Took Baby Z to the local duck pond/park today. Perfect way to spend a sunny February 1st.

 When it comes to photographing a 20 month old, its best to just let them do their thing. If they wander around, capture it. If they sit on a bench, if they run like crazy or even if they eat the bread you were supposed to be feeding the ducks...just capture it. Capturing the natural moments are some of my favorite photos to take.
Baby Z's top, pants and vest are all from H&M. Shoes are from Baby Gap.

No duck pond post would be complete with a picture dedicated solely to our web footed and bread hungry friends.

XoXo!

Sprinkling of Spring Photos...

So, the title of this blog post is a bit deceptive. This really isn't a sprinkling of spring photos but a sprinkling of wishing it was spring, photos. One can pretend though right?

Its not that Baby Z or I really mind the winter. We actually enjoy the crisp air and the mysteriousness of what weather each winter day has in store for us. Don't forget that with winter comes hot cocoa, sledding in snow or dancing with cold raindrops if you dare.

However, one can still wait in earnest for the breezy sunny days that spring brings. 

Cardigan, Blouse & Jeans all by H&M.

Rainboots (their is that waiting for spring detail) were purchased from Costco.

XoXo.

Be My Valentine Baby Photo Shoot Ideas 2013

Its already that time of year again where I start conjuring up images in my mind (err...I mean...scouring Pinterest) for Valentines themed photo shoot ideas. Most of these images would be easy to re-create and add your own touch to. Or you can save the links and show them to your prospective photographers. Unable to locate original source for this photo.

How adorable is this for a sibling photo shoot? If you were doing this yourself, the only expense would be the ballons, the bucket (which you could find at Wal-Mart) and a piece of paper for your sign. Link.

Here is an equally cute yet super budget friendly idea. Put on your fav red lipstick and give your little cuties some kisses. This would make a cute Valentines Day card for family and friends. Link.

Super cute and easy to recreate, you can use this theme for either a baby boy or girl. I found this one on Pinterest but was not able to locate its original source.

Don't want to do the typical pink hearts and red kisses? Hang up a sheet and make a burlap or paper bag banner with the word of your choice on it. It makes for a cute non-traditional themed Valentines photo. Link

Check back for more fun Valentines themed posts!

XoXo!

Experimenting With Light...

Some might find stray rays of light in their photos to be cumbersome but I find them soothing. I love experimenting around with natural sunlight and how it hits objects in photos from different directions.

The rays of a setting sun bring a certain dimension to photos that I find relaxing and captivating.

I like to think that as the sun sets its rays are assuring us that it will indeed be back tomorrow... bright and full of light once more.

A Pinterest Story: Ode to the Pumpkin

 October is the spotlight month for pumpkins. Any other time of the year and they are just a large orange-y fleshed fruit with an unsightly rind. But 3 months before Christmas, the Pumpkin takes on a whole new meaning. They shine, glisten, sparkle, spook and conjure up the imagination of adults and children alike. Rows upon rows of pumpkins in every shape and size take a hold of October and claim it their time to dress up and take charge.

 The spray painted pumpkins (doubles as a house marker).

 The Initials (glowing).

 The Art Deco.

 The Glam.

 The Bedazzled and Bejeweled.

The Preppy.

The Apartment Complex.

The Sparkles (doubles as a centerpiece).

 And last but certainly not least the Au Naturale.

So their it was...the Ode to the Pumpkin. Thank you Pinterest for allowing the pumpkin its rightful spotlight (all pictures taken from Pinterest).

XoXo

Do you Hipstamatic?

I recently discovered a photography iPhone app that I am loving! I admit I'm behind on the whole instagram bandwagon and my discovery of Hipstamatic might delay my instagram discovery a bit longer. It's a application that takes pictures that replicate different lenses and types of films that used to be used . You can change between not only different lenses and films but flashes as well. Its such a fun app! I like that the app also makes it easy to share your pictures with friends and family and order prints as well. And lets admit it, my favorite part is that when you open the app your screen looks like you are looking at an actual old school camera, complete with sound effects and all. =)

Pinteresting Picks...

I am a bit Pinterest obsessed. If you haven't signed up for Pinterest yet then please do. You are sure to find something that will either bring a smile to your face or a brilliant idea to your mind. You can find me on Pinterest by clicking here!! Here are my Pinteresting Picks for this week. For more information on this weeks picks come on over to Pinterest.

                                                 Photos preserved in a mason jar with olive oil.

Mint colored skinny jeans.

A neutral themed nursery.

A pink ombre cake, simply delightful.

I like to call this the Tulip Dancer.

Do you Pinterest?

Color Therapy: Light Pink

 Colors. They can be so inspiring, calming, relaxing and exciting. They can spark creativity and imagination. Sometimes they can soothe sore nerves or bring a sparkle to someones eye. I appreciate the color in our world. Without color life would be so bleak. I want to honor a different color every week with images that have brought that sparkle to my eye, that smile to my lip and sparked my imagination. What better way to kick off this weekly post than with light pink. Such a soft, dreamy color that reminds me of ruffles, sugar and sweetness.

Light pink flowers in a simple mason vase. I imagine these to be on someones desk that sits in front of a window that looks out to sea.

Light pink ruffles on a bed make it the epitome of soft feminine style.

Light pink reminds me of an airy chiffon fabric that billows easily in the wind. Imagine wrapping yourself up in a light pink dreamy chiffon gown encrusted with crystals.

I imagine this drink to be frozen lemonade topped with little sweet raspberries. I would drink this pink drink on a warm summer afternoon.

Light pink is perfect for that "Secret Garden" effect especially when it is peeking about near a window seat.

Light pink flowers again. Flowers can never be a fail. Paired with light pink champagne scented candles on a front porch while you read in a porch swing. Bliss?

Classic light pink in a classic classy brand.

Light pink decadent walls. I imagine this to be the inside of someones dressing room/closet. What better way to try on your shoes that in a cotton candy hued room holding all of your treasured wardrobe.

Light pink to me is a representation of understated decadence. It soothes my soul and inspires me to put a little light pink in my life. Whether it be on my nails or in a vase near my night stand. What does light pink make you think of?

Inspirational l Sources!

• Pink Chair
• Pink Drinks
• Pink Dress
• Pink Flowers
• Pink Cake
• Pink Bed