Skip to main content

My latest project...

A couple years ago a girlfriend of mine asked me if I would consider doing Christmas photos for her family and a few of our friends.  To be completely honest I was far from enthusiastic at the initial thought of taking on such a large responsibility.  Normally I would jump at the opportunity to get some practice behind the lens...but this was much different - this involved paying customers.  Even though I had become quite close with the families who were interested, I felt as though there was very little room for error.  Regardless I posted the idea within our private Facebook group and within a few days I had an overwhelming amount of interest.  It was actually quite flattering to say the least.  Finally my mindset was beginning to shift...perhaps this was going to be the start of something exciting!

That's how it all began...now here I am two years later struggling to fit everyone in.  This year I had several returning families, which always comes as a relief (I must be doing something right) and in addition to the many familiar faces, I had a number of new families show interest as well.  I truly feel blessed to be chosen for this position.  Every day of year, I am a mother, a wife, a daughter, a teacher, a coach...and once in while (when I can find the time -ha!) I get to be a photographer too.  These are days I get to take a little break from everyday life and indulge in one of my favourite past-times - photography.

When I begin preparations for my Christmas mini shoots I always seem to go through that initial stage of worry...how am I going to top last year's idea?  One thing I take pride in is being able to create my very own unique backdrops as well as photo props.  In the past my hubby and I have spent hours planning, building and painting my sets.  He's always been such a great help and this year was no different.  Once I finally had my vision in place I set to figuring out the most affordable way to create it.  My original plan had me spending well over $75 in supplies, however with a little shopping around I managed to cut the cost down to almost 1/3 of the initial price!

Here was my vision...
 

 
And this is how I created it...
 
Supplies
  1. One 4 by 8ft piece of drywall from Home Depot - $15.00
  2. Two small containers of black matte paint also from Home Depot - $3.99 each
  3. One small roller to apply the paint - $5.00
  4. One chalk marker from Michael's - I already owned one
  5. Several small props from the Dollar Store (boxes, mug, mini tree) - $10.00
 
Here are the images I captured...
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Next year I plan to use the same piece of drywall in order to create another backdrop...but who knows, maybe I'll get eager and start creating something sooner!
 

How cute is this for Valentine's Day?
 
Enjoy the rest of your week!
 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

To My Grandpa on his 100th Birthday

    On Sunday my grandfather turned 100 and we had a beautiful celebration.  I promise to post photos from the event once they are ready...I can hardly wait to see them!  Today I decided to share my speech completely unaltered.  If it sounds like I'm talking, it's because I literally recorded myself talking to myself about my grandpa...then I typed out what I said - almost word for word.  It truly helped me to speak from the heart and talk about the memories I'll have forever...   For my grandpa on his 100 th birthday…   My grandfather was born on February 18 th , 1918…fast forward about 64 years, and that’s when I came into the picture.   And that’s where I’m going to start.   My grandfather has been a part of my life as far back as I can remember.   At a very young age my mom and I moved into a neighbourhood in North Mississauga.   Not long after my grandparents moved into their home just one street over.   They were always right around the corne
1 comment
Read more
Alzheimer's Disease is death before death, and I'm terrified of it." - Joey Comeau I wrote this entire entry last Sunday during my 5 hour train ride... Once again I'm on board VIA Rail train 65 to Toronto Union from Dorval, Quebec.  For my friends and family who follow my accounts through social media, it appears that I am returning home from a fun-filled weekend away - no kids, a little shopping, plenty of good food, morning runs along the St. Lawrence, non-alcoholic wine and loads of good conversation.  Not to mention this was the first time in over 5 years that I've left home and my family to be on my own for a few days.  But below the surface and behind all the charming photos, this weekend had much more meaning and significance than I ever could have imagined...For the first time in 7 years I went to visit my father. I never wanted to make this trip alone and nor did I intend on waiting so long.  I should have done it years prior but the timing
Post a Comment
Read more

Tasca Park

    A couple weeks ago it was a beautiful Sunday morning and all I wanted to do was pack up the car with the entire family and head out to enjoy the day.  I was thinking something really fun - like heading to Center Island.  The reality was we were completely unprepared for any kind of outing...especially one that required planning ahead and being organized.  Instead we decided to save our Island adventure for another day (maybe even another year -ha!) and got to work cleaning up some things around the house.  All those really boring things I hate doing on a Sunday, but those are the same things you're grateful you did when Monday morning rolls around.    By the afternoon we were feeling ready and prepped for the week ahead but I still had that desire to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather.  My hubby and I decided to throw the diaper bag in the car, fill up the water bottles and head out to one of the local parks in Caledon.  We really had no idea where we were g
Post a Comment
Read more