Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day, ya'll!

To be honest, I have never really been a huge fan of Valentine's Day.  Because when you're single, it just isn't the most fun day in the world, and when you're married with a kid (and very pregnant with another), it's more about cutting out and glueing hearts on a card for daddy than it is about romance.   Plus, I've always been the kind of gal that believes in showing your loved ones you care all throughout the year... vs. just on one designated day. (But don't get me wrong... it is nice to have a reminder-day to really show our loved ones how much they mean to us!)

The photographer in me was yearning for some creativity, so I partnered up with little Miles to get some cute shots with some of my new in-studio backdrops.  (I won't tell you what it took for me to get a 2-year old to sit in a bowl and pose like this.  :)  What happens in-studio stays in-studio...)  Enjoy!

The Making of a Portrait... The Red Chair

As you may know, one of my favorite things about photography is that it allows me to take an idea in my mind and materialize it in a portrait.

A few months ago, I scored this beautiful red velvet chair at a garage sale for just $15.  I was beyond excited when I saw it!  I have been waiting for a good time to use it, and Sunday was it. 

I was shooting a little somethin' (stay tuned!) in the park and the chair was with us.  As we were working, this sweet little guy was walking through the grass and caught my eye.  He looks so similar to my own little guy... with those big blue eyes, sweet cheeks, and curls in his hair.  I asked his mama if it would be okay if he was my subject in testing out the chair.

I would say he did just fine.  :)  How sweet is he?!

 

The Making of a Portrait {Austin Newborn Photographer}

There are so many things that go into a photo session.  Preparation time, consulting with clients to get them the shots they are dreaming of, shooting the session, and then comes editing.  Hours are spent on editing and really taking those captured images and finalizing them in a way that goes with the vision I had during the shoot.

This month, I have done a lot of shopping for photography props.  And I have to say, it is SO much fun!  But I wanted to go into the story of one particular prop and the process of looking for it, buying it, and bringing a creative idea to life through a sweet new life.

I have been on the hunt for living room curtains for months.  I don't think I am that picky... other than price point.  So the fact that it took 3 times of buying (and then returning) curtains shocked me.  (I'm happy to say I finally found some in the right color that fit my budget!)

Anyways... a few weeks ago, little Miles and I headed to Garden Ridge to return curtains.  I thought it would be a quick in/out trip, so I didn't get a shopping cart to put him in.  (Mistake #1.)  When I walked in, I saw all of the beautiful pots, and thought, "I have several newborn shoots coming up... I should go check them out real quick."

Well, "real quick" turned into me finding a few pots, having to set them next to each other in order to pick "the one" - all while trying to keep an almost 2 year old in my arms.  (My fitness background certainly comes in handy with my photography business!)  I just couldn't do it anymore, so I had to set Miles down.  (Mistake #2!)  

That little man was OFF to the races, let me tell you!  He took off, and before I could catch him, he had covered about 3.5 aisles and was just laughing, laughing, laughing!  (I have to admit, although inconvenient, it was cute.)  I grabbed him, grabbed this pretty little pot, and lugged them to the counter thinking, "Oh, Sarah... how hard would it have been to have gotten a cart?!"  Live and learn, right?

Anyways... that is how the idea started... In my head.  Then in Garden Ridge.  And later in my backyard with this beautiful baby girl.  I love this job.

Newborn Props

I love props.  Here are some of my newborn props that I use in shoots.  It is fun collecting props... especially anything girlie, as I live in a house full of boys!  For more of my available props, visit the "FAQs" page at http://www.milesofsmilesphotography.com/.