Calendar Year

It's been far too long since I've posted. So here's a doozy. (And by doozy, I don't mean long and boring, I mean scandalous)! My holiday season was pretty swell. Tons of lounging and eating just like most of you. I watched The Help and cried about 9 times, made Shepard's Pie for the first time, shot a few Christmas Photos for a few families, and totally scored sweet presents on Christmas. 

The most hilarious task I took on this season, however, was my Christmas gift to Jonathan. 

A vintage inspired pinup calendar.....of me. It was pretty hard to take myself seriously when shooting these, but hopefully it added to the playfulness of it. Really, you should shouldn't see the out takes. 

It was a lot of work putting it all together, but the calendar ended up pretty damn cute for a first try. Very special thanks to Brenna, and Kandi for their surprisingly lofty collections of hats, hot pants and heels.  And also to Haley and Liz for shooting. So, here are a few of the edited shots...of course these are not the most revealing, ya know...cause that's none of your damn business!!!

but you get the idea. 

 I did the calendar for Jonathan, but it was a bit for me too. Turns out walking around with victory rolls and red lips with M.I.A. blaring in sequin hot pants or dressed like a cowgirl kiiiiiiiinda makes you feel like a badass. There was lots of winking and "oh! you surprised me" faces...and there was even a sailor girl with a salute for July. 

I did my own hair and makeup which was time consuming, but easy with the help of some very adorable Rockabilly/Psychobilly girls on youtube. Those chicks are pros at looking perfect all the time. 

If any of you ladies are considering a boudoir or a pinup shoot for yourself or your significant other,  I highly recommend it.

 I am simultaneously bashful and proud of these...because I'm not wearing enough clothes to be posting this shit, but I worked so hard in post on these. Seeing as I usually just stick to your basic color adjusting, zit removing and a little clone stamping trash out of lovely landscapes....this was quite a task for me. I mainly used the magnetic lasso and the shadows and highlights setting to give them have a little bit of an aged look. Plus a yellowish color layer with a low opacity.  

In short, he loved all twelve months. 

Hope you're sticking to your resolutions!

A

That one time I almost left the house looking like I walked off the set of Dallas.

 But then I changed into some high waisted jeans.

I achieved the insanely huge poofy pony by wearing my hair in a bun on top of my head (top knot) for a day (or 2? Oh, the shame...) and letting in down, then just putting it up in apony.

Shirt, Skirt, Clutch: Thrifted, Necklace: Vintage, Shoes: Moschino

Photo tips for Shootin' Kiddos.

Saturday was a wild one. I had a photo session with, count em'....5 kiddos. It's obvious, 

kids are harder subjects to shoot. I personally think they are harder to shoot than animals, they're

distracted, they're quick and they get bored fast..on top of all this, not all of them

warm up to strangers quickly. So, here's what I do to make it easier on myself. 

1. Go into it knowing you're going to get something good. There is nothing else in the

world that parents love more than their children, and photos of their children are up there too.

After all is said and done, your client will like your photos because they are of their children.

So relax. 

2. Get down on their level. Literally. When you meet the kids, kneel down and introduce yourself

face to face. It's more disarming. Also, talk to them about things they might like. 

Colors, animals, favorite cartoons, halloween costumes etc. They'll become more trusting

and won't necessarily look at you like just another adult. Don't forget to be silly. 

Also, kneel down to shoot or even consider getting on your belly.

3. Let. Them. Play. You might as well forget about getting them to sit still for a 

traditional portrait. Of course try your hardest to get some "safe" shots, but also 

catch them in action. Also, you can make it a game. Ask them to play patty cake, or 

show you their favorite dance. 

4. While all this playing is fun you still have to maintain control. I do this with prizes. 

Take a quick trip to the Dollar Store and put together a prize bag with bubbles, toy cars, 

water guns, stickers...etc. Put the prizes in a fun bag and start out the session by telling

them they get to pick a prize at the end if they're good listeners. When you
feel you are losing control...gently remind them of the treat they'll get if they are a good listener

DISCLAIMER: Let them pick the prizes in front of their parents and most definitely 

don't let them have candy with out asking the parents first.

5. Remember you don't always have to shoot their faces straight on....or their faces at all.

Catch their bare feet in the grass, or a silhouette shot of the contour of their little cheek. 

Parents love every little part of their kiddos.