Creative Opportunities. Creating Social Media Images.

I love to style things. I always have. Pair this tiny vase with that feather, add an assortment of foraged bits and before you know it you've created a pretty vignette.

This skill has been handy in countless ways. Decorating a corner of the living room is an obvious one. I've also used it to enhance meals I've catered, bring a little extra 'something' to floral arrangements for weddings, create atmosphere for large events and even just to pretty up an empty spot in the garden.

As time went on, and photography became more and more important to me, I discovered it was just the skill needed for still life photography. This resulted in an ever expanding collection of props in my style cupboards.

My dear husband Henry would look at me and smile, shaking his head when another trip to the thrift store resulted in 'just one more thing . . .'

Creating marketing and social media images was just a natural extension of all that and over the last few years I've had the chance to work with some beautiful products.

Trinkets Metalcraft

Trinkets Metalcraft

Mada Boutique

Mada Boutique

Mada Boutique (Audrey's) Instagram

Mada Boutique (Audrey's) Instagram

Copper Kettle Soap Co.

Trinkets Metalcraft

Trinkets Metalcraft

 Not long ago I was able to style fall belgian mums, for Milner Gardens' Facebook page, and decided to spread the styling love around. (actually, my friends shared the love with me . . . I have great friends!)

I gathered up the mums and an assortment of fall decor then set off to visit a few like minded friends who allowed me borrow their beautiful homes and  gardens. I was even able to incorporate some of their lovely decor.

It made for the best day. I mean, how often do you get to play with all the things you like best and spend time with your friends while you do it?


Life is good. 

The Truth about Young Kids and Photo Shoots.

Late this fall I decided I wanted to get in one last photo shoot before the snow flew.

I wanted something different for this one though . . . something magical. Luckily for me, my sister-in-law Andrea is always up for adventure and has four kids.

I explained what I was looking for and she dug through her dress-up box and came up with some great fairy tale costumes for her kids. I brought along bags of gourds, a suitcase full of assorted props, and a few wooden props.

We all piled into our trucks and headed for a nearby park. Thankfully the older kids were able to help carry the props into the park. I've got to find a better system for getting my props from place to place. Ideally I would just bring less props. But that's not going to happen any time soon . . . Henry choose a roomy Yukon XL for me because he knows me and my ways better than anyone. Ahem.

We had a great time acting out fairy-tales and making up stories of our own that afternoon. And then, because I'm smart that way, I thought we should see if we could sneak in a quick family session with the kids . . .

We started out pretty good . . .

Some one very quickly noticed me and my camera . . .

Someone else had really difficulty with the whole, 'stay sitting down' concept . . .

Tongues poked out, props were eaten, thrown and knocked over . . .

 Mom spent a lot of time putting someone back in the shot and fixing the props . . .

 All in all, an amusing challenge.

I did get some sweet moments though. Not technically 'perfect' mind you, with everyone looking 'perfectly' at the camera, but sweet none the less . . .

So now you know the truth about young kids and photo shoots.

There is no way to control what happens, you just take what comes.

And that's just the way I like it.

Finding Inspiration On Pinterest

Several months ago, a young mom contacted me and asked me if I'd be interested in trying out a photography set up she had found on Pinterest.

 I'm always game to try something new, but I was neck deep in plants and struggling with exhaustion. (which I later discovered was due to seriously low iron)

I asked if she would be willing to wait until June to try it. She told me there was no hurry.

A few weeks back we touched bases again. I did a bit of research, we set a date and before you knew it, I had a sweet little girl playing dressup in her mom's wedding dress.

We started in the studio, but my tiny space was a little cramped when it came to displaying that much dress. . .

 There were a few challenges, as fitting a tiny three year old into her mom's wedding dress required a little creative tailoring. . .


To change things up a bit we moved to the garden.

 Susan was a good sport and packed up her little sweetie, the dress and a bag full of clamps and we headed off to the Museum. The nice thing about that location was the variety of options when it came to  posing her.

Fist stop . . . the fabulous stone steps . . .

We finished off here, on this steep wooden staircase.

Then, because I love pretty, frilly things, I figured out how to use this fabulous frame in Photoshop. . .

 Isn't she adorable???