After so many beautiful, wonderful, and amazing entries in our “Prop Junkie Addition” application post…
we have made our decision….

drum roll please….

We are very excited to release our choices for our newest additions to our PI Family of prop reviewers and writing team!
And in fact… we’ve chosen two, yes 2, amazing photographers to join us!

First up, is the amazing Tisha Johnson!

Yep, you recognize that pretty lil face!
Tisha has been featured on our site a few times, and it just seems we love her and her “skills”…. and our readers love reading all about her and the amazing work she gives us.

Tisha is talented… uber sweet… and an amazing photography from our northern sister country, Canada!
So we re-introduce you to Tisha… come check her out!
Tisha’s Blog
Tisha’s Flickr
Tisha on Facebook

And our second newest member.. oh, you’re gonna LOVE LOVE LOVE her too!

Ready for the drum roll…. please welcome, Laurie Nowling to our team!

Laurie is an esteemed St Louis Photographer… with an unhealthy (well, we think it’s healthy, lol) obsession with all things PROPS.
Laurie’s newly vamped studio, easily promotes this beautiful obsession… and her phenomenal photography skills.

Lauries Blog
Laurie on Flickr
and lastly… Laurie on Facebook

We are soooo very excited, to say it lightly, about our newest PI family members… and think they are going to be an amazing addition!
With their beautiful photography skills, fun & perky personalities, and LOVE of all things props… we know YOURE gonna LOVE them too!

And a special thank you to the dozens upon dozens (I think we ended up with close to 100 entries!!!)  It was a true JOY to look through each and every entry, and oogle at your work!
WE ARE SO THANKFUL FOR EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!!!!!

A fun new twist to Prop Insanity… the guest photographer review!

So on with our first ever guest review….

And who better to start off this fun new trend then Tisha Johnson and her favorite prop shop, Design Stash!

Not only will you LOVE Design Stash Boutique, but you’re going to thoroughly enjoy Tisha… and see her work through out the Design Stash Boutique Collection… not just cuz she’s just a #1 fan of Design Stash Boutique, but an amazing photographer as well!

So enjoy… both Design Stash Boutique and Tisha Johnson!!!!

“Tisha”….
When Tracy contacted me and asked me if i wanted to do a review for Design Stash Boutique, i was well…honoured to say the least!

So please bear with me while i gush on and on about Miss. Brooke……What can i say about Brooke from Design Stash Boutique?? well i don’t know her …..nor have i ever met her in person! But i can tell you all this….She is a PHENOMENAL designer…when i first found her designs online, i had an “awwwwwww” moment! (no really i did, in that total cheesey romance movie kinda of way!) anyway….I saw her designs and fell immediately in LOVE….so i ordered a bunch of different headbands, then i ordered a few more….

Then i contacted Brooke, (Yes i took that step people!! lol I even found her on facebook, so i could share my pictures of her fabulous headbands with her! ) to work with her to design a couple of special vintagey BIG headbands…I gave her my ideas and free reign and she came back with exactly what was in my head!

I mean it was like she was actually looking into my brain! Crazy Right!? (the picture of the girl on the far left with the creamy flowered clip in is the custom designed Design Stash Boutique!)

So to sum it all up, if you haven`t already you really should head on over to her website and see for yourself the beautiful headbands that she has for sale, Brooke not only is a very talented Designer she is also a wonderful woman who`s work speaks for itself. You can see through her products that she absolutely LOVES what she does for a living and takes very much pride in it!

Tisha Johnson
(aka Design Stash Boutique -Brooke`s Biggest Fan!)
www.tishajohnson.com

DISCOUNT ALERT!
This discount is gonna be a fun one to receive… you’ll get 20% off any and everything in their shop!
Now the entertaining part… to get the discount, you must visit their facebook page at: Design Stash on FB and comment on their FB about your FAVORITE items in their shop… she will then email you a special discount code

ENJOY, and happy shopping the Design Stash Boutique

Now I used and enjoyed Design Stash’s collection on my own… yummy yum YUM!!!
Vintage, Classy, Crisp & Clean… followed up with delicious tidbits of textured goodness… I’m a fan for life!!!

Not to mention… there are plenty of beautiful designs in her STASH for babies of all sizes!!!

We’ll lets introduce the ever so creative, and busy bee entrepreneur, Julie Klaasmeyer!
If you love props… you’re gonna LOVE LOVE LOVE Julie!

Share with us your website and blog of course… we wanna give you some love!
My portrait website is www.jklaasmeyer.com and our professional website for other photographers is www.designrevolutiononline.com

Seeing that you are a 100% professional, how did you get started in the business?
I started my photography business about ten years ago, like many others my passion for art and photography “blossomed” into a business.

And of course, WHAT DO YOU SHOOT WITH, and what is your favorite lens?!
I love, love, love my canon 5d markII. The highlight controll and the high ISO make it so outstanding! My favorite lense has to be the canon 85mm 1.8, i use it for everything except newborns, which i use a 50 mm for that. I have so many expensive zoom lenses that do not even hold a candle to my 85mm 400.00 lense;-)

It’s easy to see that your target audience are those adorable families you get to work with… what made you decide to work with this genre?
I am at my happy place when i am with babies and kids. I always joke that a three year old girl is putty in my hands. I like any genre, however, i LOVE the young ones.

Do you have a favorite prop that you use in a lot of your sessions?
ANYTHING fun! It’s so tough to choose a fav!, but right now it has to be our sleigh bed. I get bored easily so I can’t wait to see what’s next!

We see you’re a hardcore prop junkie… our favorite type of photographer! Want to share some of your prop secrets with us?
I love props when they accent or accessorize an image, NOT OVERPOWER IT. A prop eaither has to totally make sense (baby bed for a newborn) or totally make no sense at all (tiny baby on a huge chair) does that make sense? sorry, couldn’t resist! lol!

And of course… tell us ALL ABOUT your prop site, www.DesignRevolutiononline.com:
Well, if i have too…lol! Design Revolution actually started by complete accident. I began traveling and speaking for WHCC, my lab, PPA, and Kodak. When i would speak or teach many would ask about the fun props, clothing, backgrounds etc… in my images…so now i just buy in bulk! A lot of the items can be made or found but if you are too busy in your studio or if you are not the crafty type, we have already put it together for you;-) We strive to have unique items that can’t be seen at every childrens boutique around the country, in fact a lot of boutiques call and try to buy wholesale from us!

Do you have any other prop websites that are a fav of yours?
Just background sites, like www.barbourbackdrops.com Kevin and Shannon hand craft totally realistic canvas textured backgrounds, baseboards and flooring. I love www.intuitionbackgrounds.com for Becky Gregory’s awesome florals that she paints ~ they are like NO OTHER! Jeremy from www.shootinggallerybackgrounds.com paints some of the most beautiful scenery. Todd from www.madcamp.biz for his one of a kind backgrounds, he and Judy are radical artists! And www.dennymfg.com for there fun selection of computer printed backgrounds. I guess that makes me a background junkie too…

Of course… share with us a photographer that you adore, admire, and LOVE the work of!
I love so many…I love so many different styles and truly enjoy everyones creative differences.

Any fabulous information you can “hand out” to other photographers just starting in the business?
Mind your own business! I have many friends and other photographers that i go to for inspiration but as far as my neigboring studios? Who cares!?! My girls in the studio and I have vowed to stay off of their websites, blogs, facebook pages etc…instead of wasting our time on such negative behavior we decided to use that energy to create new products, sets, and ideas. It feels so awful to see an past client on another local photographers blog, why drain yourself? Move on, work positive! Focus on your studio!

And of course…. tell us about you… Are you a mama? Wife?
I am both! I have been married to my best friend for 17 years and we have four kids. Alec, 18 (going to college in a couple of weeks…sniff sniff) Tucker, 15~ Maddy, 12 and Sylvie 4. If somebody would have told me that i’d be enrolling one in college and one in pre-school…well, i’m just sayin’

Do you have an extraordinary talent we should know about?
Lol I can touch my toung to my nose. In my next life i am going to choose singing/dancing because I have no rythm and it stinks;-)

And there she is ladies and gentlemen.. the amazing, outstanding, and adorable… Julie Klaasmeyer!
Dont’ forget.. check out her sites!
Julie Klaasmeyer Photography
Design Revolution (we will be featuring later this month!

Welcome to the next edition of Prop Insanity PHOTOG of the Month and Prop Junkie!
This one is extra special… she is not only an amazing photographer who happens to love props.. BUT also a prop creator herself!!!

We introduce you to
Robin Long | Baby Photographer & Prop Enthusiast

First of all… we include our interview and some darling samples of Robins work… then below, enter to WIN WIN WIN one of her amazing ruffle wraps!!!!

Let’s start this off easy…. Share with us your name, website, blog (so we can give some lovin”), and any other sites affiliated with your fabulous photography!!!

Robin Long, Robin Long Photography,
robinslittlenest.bigcartel.com,
www.robinlongphotography.com,
www.baby-lane.com
http://www.facebook.com/newbornphotographerrobinlong

Are you a pro photog, momtog, or just a camera junkie? And of course.. what do you shoot with?!
Pro Photog, Nikon D700

If you are pro.. what is your target audience?
Maternity & Newborn

How did you find out about Prop Insanity, and how long have you been a member?
I found out about prop insanity through Flickr.  I haven’t been a member very long, maybe a month?

What is your favorite prop, and where did you find it?
I don’t know that I have just “one” favorite prop…I’d have to say my favorite props are hats.  I love all kinds of baby hats.  I have 4 buckets full and I still look for new ones all the time!

Tell us more about your fabulous lil prop, and how you came about the idea?
I came upon the idea of making my ruffle wrap from a wrap that was made by Tracy Raver & Kelley Ryden.  They’re always making cute little props for babies.  I loved the idea of the wrap/cocoon being just like the knitted ones you see, except sewn with fabric.  I wanted something girlie and classy and came up with the ruffle wrap.  I love all the girlie ruffles and the babies just look darling in them!

Share your favorite photographer with us… and tell us “why” you adore their work!
oh gosh..there are so many I admire, but I would have to say my favorites are Kelley Ryden & Beth Jansen.  They’re so different, but my style is a mixture of both of them.  I love color, like Beth.  I love Kelley for the more organic feel.    I admire the creativeness of both of them.  I crack up with some of the props Beth puts babies in and Kelley’s have a nice warm feeling to them.

If you won $100,000 and could spend it ONLY on Photography “stuff”.. what would you buy/invest in?
Oh wow! That’s a lot of money to spend on photography stuff!! haha..I’d have to start off purchasing new lenses, like the Nikon 24-70 and the 105mm macro, maybe the 135mm.  I’d love to have all those lenses.  I’d also invest in more workshops.  I love learning from different photographers and getting inspired.  I’d buy some little kid chairs, the vintage ones, more baby hats & blankets…and wow.. have I used up the $100,00 yet? Lol

What is your WORST bad habit (don’t be shy, we all have them! lol)?
Trying to be too perfect.  I’m always wanting everything to be “just right”, when in fact most of the time it is, I just don’t think it is and keep striving to make it better.

Do you have a hobby, other than collecting photography props of course, ?
I love to sew.  I’m not the best at it, but do love it and wish I had more time.  I’ve made ruffle skirts and quilts mostly.

And last but not least…. what is your dream “prop”… something you’d love to have, but maybe dont have the room for it? Or maybe a prop that is so extravagent, it’s just not an ordinary “thing”?
I saw a small pink couch that I fell in love with.  It has swirly arms and curved back.  It’s about the size of a small love seat.  I saw it at Ana Brandt’s studio and I need to find out where she got it! I just love it!

Any other fun lil “quirks” or things about you that we’d love love love to hear about?
I’m in the process of coming up with another new prop from my Ruffle Line.  I think they are going to be darling, so watch my blogsite and become a fan of my facebook page to see when they’re released!  And as always…I love comments on my site and facebook, so share me some luvin’! (hugs)

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

THANKS Robin… it was great to get to know you a little better… and see a smidgen of your fabulous work in art!

NOW WHO WANTS TO WIN Their own Ruffle Wrap, by Robin Long?!?!
I had the pleasure of sampling one myself… and LOVE IT! I think it’s my new favorite baby cocoon! Not only is it unique and fun… but uber cozy for the babies!!!!

the lil layers of ruffles are simply a pleasure… and the cocoon itself is very versatile!  Easy for a newborn… but also the 8w old darling pictured above!

We’re VERY excited to see more of Robins work, and all her upcoming NEW Ruffle Wraps for 2010!!!  Drooling in wait….

Now the fun.. TO ENTER TO WIN:
Simply visit Robins shop here>>> Robins Little Nest and take a peek around.
Then come back HERE and leave a comment on your thoughts… and favorite ruffle wrap!!!
FOR EXTRA ENTRIES, visit her sites below and take part if the prop junkie world of Robin Long:
blogsite: Robins Blog, comment on her top link, the ruffle wrap intro to enter!
Facebook: Robins on FB
Twitter: Tweet Tweet with Robin

A winner will be picked next week.. SO ENTER NOW!!!

Jennifer Campbell!!!

Jennifer got our attention through one of our Weekly Prop Junkie Contests.. and when we fell into her stream… we were in awe!!!!  So, with no further ado.. we introduce you to our April Guest Photographer, and official Prop Junkie member….

Being our April Guest Photographer, Jennifer will help us with the very hard decision of choosing our weekly, and monthly, Prop Junkies!!!!  It’s an honor to have you aboard Jennifer, and have a fun ride with us!

Prop Junkie Interview with Jennifer Campbell:

So Ms Jenny, share with us your website and blog of course… we wanna give you some love!

I am actually working on a website right now, but I do have a blog “I am a bad blogger lol”   I do update every once in a while;)http://www.jennybphotography.blogspot.com/

• http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennybphotography/
• http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=3450131644

Are you a pro, momtog, or just an obsessed camera junkie?

Well, I think I started as a momtog became an obsessed junkie and somewhere in between turned pro “ISH”   I am a visual artist “I really never thought of photography for a different art type outlet “for me” so, when I figured out I could apply art to my photos and manipulate the photos  in photo shop I was hooked!!!

We noticed your amazing colors in your portraits… do you have a favorite processing??

I am not a consistent person lol   I am a scatter brain and get bored very easy “yeah its true”    After I finish a session I view each photo and study it  “its a long process for me”   I guess its kinda a OCD?    I try different actions and manually adjust each photo differently each time because to me each photo or in my eyes artwork can never be the same  But my fave actions for colour bursting are MCP’s colour explosion, Ittybitty actions and TRA actions Big blue!  Also Rita from coffee tea photography blog has some great FREE colour actions:)

And of course, WHAT DO YOU SHOOT WITH?!

I am a Nikon Girl I shoot with a D80 and a D300 my favorite Lens is 50mm 1.4 portrait lens .

What is your target “audience” with your photography… ie: children’s portraits, maternity, etc?

I dabble in everything from commercial to wedding photography  but Children’s photography is my favorite !  I love how they give so much expression and sometimes attitude. Kids keep you on your toes, I love how they are so natural. Children sessions are never boring.  I seem to get allot of girls which I love because its fun to dress them up!

Do you have a favorite prop that you use in a lot of your sessions, and where did you get it from?

I am a pettiskirt junkie I bought my very first petti from www.littlecreekboutique.com I know have about 6 of them but my first one is special lol    I also like to pair up the petti’s with parasols and legwarmers. The combination of all these props give such a yummy colour overload.  The girls especially love it because I let them pick thier own outfit out “even if it does not match”  and they will cooperate more if the set up is their own idea:)

We see you’re a 100% prop junkie… our favourite type of photog!  Want to share some of your prop secrets with us?

I am always looking for something with colour, the more colour the better. Hats have to be loud and scream wild, legwarmers with muliti colour stripes and anything that will get my attention.  I like to make things too “I am not great at it ” but I make tutus, party hats and flower hats for my sessions!   I adore etsy , I could spend hours on that site just visualizing how something would look in a up and coming photoshoot!

Did we mention how we LOVE that you use props on adults too??? ?!

Big girls love to dress up too and squeal with excitement when I bring the petti’s along:)

Of course… share with us your favorite photographer (if you can pick just one!)?

Yeah that is going to be hard lol   Well if I had to choose one it would have to be hands down the colour goddess Beth Jansen. She is a total inspiration to me. Her visual work is outstanding and her use of colour and art is mind blowing.  Such a true artist!

How did you happen across Prop Insanity… ?

I found prop insanity on flickr.

I was searching for a prop group and voila there it was!   I love the information on the discussion boards and viewing the wonderful works of art from other photographers.  When I was informed of the blog I was so exited to have a one stop place to see what is new and exciting in the prop and photoshop world.

Tell us about you… Are you a mama?  Wife?  Do you have an extraordinary talent we should know about? Lol

I am a wife to an extraordinary man and mama to three outstanding boys  I have 2 doggys a wiener dog named Macy moo and a pug named Fattydawg.  I went to art school kinda like the movie fame lol  I am not a good writer all though what I think of in my head is much better than I write down.  I can read tarot cards and believe in ghosts.  My kids hate getting their picture taken and so do I LOL

I like to watch horror films and sing in public.   I like being silly and  I love being a photographer!

Thank you so much for this honour prop insanity!

Jenny Beth Campbell

http://www.jennybphotography.blogspot.com/

You know her. You love her work and now a super cool, out of this world deal from Sarah Ulrich of Uniquely You Photography and Uniquely You Designs.

Head over to the design shop today and get the ENTIRE store (with the exception of marketing sets) for just $75!!! We are NOT kidding! Just $75 gets you all of Sarah’s templates!

From accordian mini books, to birth announcements and MORE!!

Head over now and score! Don’t miss out..you WILL regret it!

Through my years of business, I’m frequently asked

“How did you start up your business?“
(business’ by this time!)

And the first thing that comes to my mind is

DON’T HOLD BACK, DON’T MAKE EXCUSES, JUMP ON IT!

What is holding you back?

Starting your own business is a wonderful thing, and a step in your life that you’ll never forget and always look back on with pride.   So… I’ve put together a few simple steps, to get you started, and chime in on how I’ve become “Tracy Joy”.

First of all… don’t let your fears take you over. JUMP IN FEET FIRST!  The most important part for an entrepreneur to have is NOT HOLDING BACK… believe in yourself, your idea, and YOU in general.  You’re an amazing person, and no one can take that away from you   Have faith in yourself, and you’ll succeed.

Now, on to the business side of things….

1 ) I grabbed this from EHow, but it’s a great explanation that I think should be shared!:

A sole proprietorship is the easiest business structure to form. A sole proprietorship is a business owned by one individual. As owner of a sole proprietorship, you are legally liable for everything that happens in your business.

Features: For tax purposes, your business is automatically classified as a sole proprietorship if you don’t have partners, aren’t incorporated, and your business isn’t a limited liability company.

2)   Pick a Company name... something that is easy for your clients to remember, but is specifically “you”.

3)   Check with the Trademark & Patent Offices to assure the name is not already taken Click here for the Trademark Office of the US *trademarking your name is always a great idea as well.. though it can be pricey

4)   Register your company with your County, State and any Federal. You may need to do a DBA (doing business as), but it varies on states. I’m in Illinois and we must file a DBA if doing business under a name other than our “real name”. CLICK HERE for information on State-State business Tax information

5) Get a FEIN number.  Getting  FEIN number gives your company it’s own sort of “social security number”… so you don’t have to use YOURS  when filing paper work on the company.  CLICK HERE, to register for a FEIN. Quick, easy…

6) Check into local licenses’ and other paperwork that might need to be filed

CLICK HERE to check more

7) START SHOOTING, YOU’RE IN BUSINESS BABY!!!!

Now you can feel legit, and look a touch more “professional” to your own clients by bragging about your newly formed BUSINESS!!!!

~Tracy Joy

My Companies

The Jag Bag is an S-Corporation

Pink Heels Boudoir is an Illinois Partnership

Prop Insanity is a Partnership

Tracy Joy Photography is a Corporation

Welcome to our 2nd edition of 2010′s PROP INSANITY GUEST PHOTOGRAPHER!

This months guest photog is a flickr favorite of MANY… and it’s easy to see why our hearts melt when we look at her portfolio…

Robyn Pollman is a PROP JUNKIE…. and incorporates props in almost all of her shoots.
Unique, whimsical and sweet are just a few quick words that pop to mind when I think of her portraits….
just check out her website at Buttons and Bows Photography and her flickr stream at Robyn’s Flickr.

Now.. on to her Prop Insanity interview… aka the GOOD STUFF!

So Ms Robyn, share with us your website and blog of course… we wanna give you some love!

Professional website: http://www.buttonsandbowsphotography.com

Blog: http://paperieboutique.com

Are you a pro, momtog, or just an obsessed camera junkie?

Early on before children, I was an obsessed (toy) camera junkie at lomo-motion.com – turned momtog at shutterblog.com – turned pro at buttonsandbowsphotography.com – so “D – all of the above”.

And of course, WHAT DO YOU SHOOT WITH?!

I shoot primarily with a Nikon D300, MB-D10 grip, and SB-800 speedlight. My backup is a D200 with an SB-600.

What is your target “audience” with your photography… ie: childrens portraits, maternity, etc?

I shoot maternity and newborn / infant / baby portraits almost exclusively. I do photograph some toddlers, older children, and families during the holidays. But the rest of the year I only book “belly to baby” and “baby’s first year” packages. Most of my sessions are photographed in studio lighting, with a few natural light sessions at area parks and beaches sprinkled in for good measure.

Do you have a favorite prop that you use in a lot of your sessions?

I would call it more of a “client-favorite prop”, but it’s constantly requested that I bring my retro-suitcases to my sessions. I have two sets in Tiffany blue and red. They are no longer available for purchase, however I just discovered that “Land of Nod” is carrying a similar style in similar colors.

We see you’re a 100% prop junkie… our favorite type of photog! Want to share some of your prop secrets with us?

I’m a complete prop junkie. Everyone always jokes “can you fit a baby in it” when shopping with me, because they know that’s exactly what’s on my mind.

I even had my mom in the action back in Oklahoma for holiday props in 2009!

My biggest ‘secret’ is that I’m cheap. I often joke Saks in look, Target in budget. I start having heart palpitations if I pay more than $25 for a prop. That’s not to say I “don’t” pay more than that. I just allow myself only 2-3 of those bigger splurges per year, however. I stalk eBay and use esnipe.com to manage my maximum bids. I dig through Michaels, Target, and IKEA sale bins. I do my absolute best to use a coupon online and/or make the purchase through ebates.com. And the best advice I could give is make friends with Etsy sellers — it’s a very mutually beneficial relationship. They get professional photos for their products, and we get the products we so desperately want. Also, don’t forget to look a client’s home over as you’re setting up for the session. It’s amazing the props you’ll find ripe for the picking right there in front of you. If you can make a connection in a photo between the client’s child and their home decor, it almost always equals a sale.

Did we mention how DARLING your new puppy is?!

Normally I’d think I’m just being biased calling my puppy Zoé the cutest puppy ever, but she just won 3rd place in a national “cutest pet” contest held by baxterboo.com. She’s a blonde American Cocker Spaniel born on 10.11.09.

Oh yeah… and your rockin’ website www.PaperieBoutique.com

Paperie Boutique is one of those extra things I put on my plate that I did NOT have time for, but I made time for it anyway. I absolutely love paper, packaging, and tieing the two together with good marketing. I had a popular Flickr set devoted to this topic, and it just seemed natural to expand it into a blog. I feel like a little kid at Christmas every time a box from Paper Source shows up. I try to give my readers that same sense of excitement and euphoria when they visit the site.

Of course… share with us your favorite photographer (if you can pick just one!)?

Eeek. Just one? If I have to narrow it down to one, I’m going to have to go with Beth Jansen simply because she’s an Oklahoman (and I’m Sooner born and Sooner bred).

How did you happen across Prop Insanity… ?

I joined the Flickr forum waaaaay back when, just as the blog was getting off the ground. I pop in when I can, and subscribe to the Twitter feed.

Tell us about you… Are you a mama? Wife? Do you have an extraordinary talent we should know about? Lol

I married my husband Todd in the New Orleans French Quarter in 1996. I had just graduated from the University of Oklahoma in ’95 and he was still in grad school at OU. We moved to Florida in 1997 and lived in Tampa Bay until 2007. Todd started a new job in Orlando 3 years ago, and off we went! We have two boys, ages 4 and 6 — and had been told for several years that having them was not in the cards for us. I call them my biggest achievement because I did — twice — what they said could never be done.

I have been known to dust my house in a tiara to break the monotony. Oklahoma Sooners football, win or lose, is an essential part of my life. I an have irrational fear of mariachi bands that dates back to childhood. And I played not only classical music, but also Weezer, to my boys in utero – you know, for balance.

As far as a talent, I guess it would be the ability to pull up a song lyric from memory for just about any situation in life. I have been cursed more than once for putting an earwig in someone’s brain…

I’ve never had any formal training in photography, other than what I’ve read in books and online. But I’m always trying to learn more. Do better. Work faster. Play harder. And of course…click the shutter!

SPECIAL FOR ONLY PROP INSANITY READERS
I am donating a free Moo mini-card template of mine. 
I hole punch the corner and use it as a gift tag on my packaging.
I haven’t put it online for download before so it’s exclusive to YOUR, Prop Insanity readers!

Download link for template:   http://paperieboutique.com/downloads/paperie_boutique_moo_mini.psd

Thank you so much for allowing me to do this interview!

-Robyn
paperieboutique.com • shutterblog.com • buttonsandbowsphotography.com

When I first started chatting with Melissa Campbell, of Preserved Photo, I knew right away, this is one funny chic! We have since spent some time sharing ideas into the wee hours and laughing all the way. I knew she would be the perfect photographer to write up a guest post on how to engage, entertain and get those smiling pictures of the always challenging toddler clients.

Thank you Melissa for your tips and tricks! Imust start practicing my animal sounds and silly faces!

P.S.-Stay tuned for some really cool goodies from Melissa in the next couple of weeks! Not only does she rock a mean kid shoot, she wraps canvas and her hubs is a framing fool (frames that are TO DIE FOR!!) You will not be disappointed, hint hint, there will giveaways and discounts!

Know the kid. Before going into a session, I ask new clients to give me some insight into their children. I want to know as much about them as possible before we meet. To some, that probably seems like overkill. Sure, the basic information like age & name is sufficient, but if you take it a step further, I think you’ll find that it’s easier to develop a bond with the child, making your job that much easier. If you know their interests – be they princesses or dinosaurs – you can better prepare for the session and, as an added bonus, you can keep the child engaged in conversation with you (which always makes for better eye contact).  

Bring comfy shoes. You’ve heard it before, but I’m telling you again. Kids are naturally energetic and, unfortunately, most adults are not. From the time they are born, children are constantly learning new things about the world around them. They’re inquisitive and they want to explore. You know what else? They expect you to want the same, so be ready for it. You will run. You will jump. You will sweat (that’s the worst part, for me anyway). Shooting kids can be a great workout and, in the end, you’re more likely to come away with great shots that Mom & Dad will love if you are engaged. Kids are fast, so you need to be fast and shoot fast. Consider it like hiring a personal trainer. A really small one. Who may only be in kindergarten. 

Regress. The best tool in your arsenal when working with kids? Experience. Not necessarily behind the lens, though. Remember, you were a kid once, too. You might be surprised to learn that the games you played as a child are still fairly popular with the younger crowd. How about a little Red Light/Green Light? Maybe a quick round of Simon Says? These are all ways to get the kid (or kids) to interact with you & your camera. Simon’s my personal favorite because Simon can say things like “freeze” and kids fully believe that they’re required by the Law of Games to do so. It’s effective. I’m just sayin’. One important tip – take turns. Give your subject(s) a chance to be the leader, also. Put the camera down and do as Simon Says. 

Act a fool. My number one rule when working with kids is to be a silly, ridiculous, hot mess. If you want them to laugh, then you’d better be ready to give them something to laugh at. Funny noises, silly faces, crazy dancing – these are all moves that I might bust out at any given time during a session. Ok, truthfully? These are all moves that I might bust out even not on a session, because I’m a little bit insane. I realize not everyone is as comfortable with their inner goof ball, though, which is why I’m telling you to find yours. And when you do, embrace it. Do the Hokey Pokey with it. That’s what it’s all about. 

Bartering – a lost art. So many times I’ve been on a session where the kids aren’t meeting their parents expectations (even though they’re doing great by mine) and immediately the kids are reminded by Mom & Dad that there will be a reward if they behave. Do I agree with this? Maybe. Maybe not. I think it depends on the kid – and on the reward. Some children are motivated by physical rewards. Some aren’t. It’s not my place as a photographer to determine whether it’s a good or bad idea for parents to practice this. What I will tell you is that I don’t believe that it produces the best results for photographs. If little Susie has her mind on whether or not she’s getting a new toy today, how natural do you think her facial expression is going to be? Not very. One solution I’ve found is to provide kids with more immediate, tangible rewards during the session (not after). For me, the most effective one is to swap places with the child. Yes, you heard me right. Very frequently, I hand my camera over to the kids I’m shooting and I let them shoot me, instead. Parents most always freak out about this, by the way (some of you may also be shuddering at the thought of this). Kids love it, though. Quickly, it becomes a reward that they find attainable, and worthy of working for. They get excited about being able to use the camera and, wouldn’t you know it, they smile. Don’t feel comfortable letting the gear go completely? Get Mom & Dad in on the action and make them be the subjects – that way, you can assist the child with snapping a few and still keep control over your camera. I’ll tell you, though, kids are very excited to see their own work and will quickly hand the camera back over to you if you say “let’s see what you got!” – then, show them. You’ll be surprised how many times their shots are well-composed and in focus. 

Take the opportunity to shoot when they’d least expect it. Some kids just do not want to be corralled. It’s true. No matter how much you play and run, there are always going to be kids who just go-go-go and really want nothing to do with you. That’s trickier, obviously. But, it can be done. If you take a breather and assess the situation, you may just find an opportunity that you can use to your advantage. Do his shoes lace up? Ask mom to do you a favor – tie the shoes. Slowly. Time for a diaper change? Get on that ground and distract the little nugget with some monkey sounds. Things like this will give you at least a few seconds where the child is content to sit and be still (somewhat). And maybe, just maybe, you’ll get a keeper or two. 

Give them a break. Kids get bored easily. Especially when they’re in a position where they’re expected to perform a task. Give them time to run & play. Put the camera down or take the focus off of them and shoot with just the parents for a few minutes. Enlist their help to try & get a laugh out of a younger sibling. Do anything that puts them “behind the scenes” for a bit and maybe then they won’t be so over it by the time it’s their turn to be front & center again. 

Take charge. One of the most frustrating things for me is always when parents try to steer the attention of their child away from the camera. Calling their name, saying things like “look at mommy!” – it’s frustrating. But you need to remember that parents don’t always realize when they could be hurting the cause. It’s your job to ask them to come closer to you when they do that – or to stop doing it all together (tactfully, of course). Sometimes, kids are more natural when their parents are completely out of sight. I almost always inform my clients that I may ask to take their child away from the herd (so to speak) for individual photos. Most parents are totally fine with this, all you have to do is ask. Additionally, they’re usually in awe of the natural expressions you are able to capture when they’re not there hovering.  

Change it up. Repeat clients can be tricky. The things that worked with a child the last time may not work again. When they’re 2, the barfing noise might be effective and hilarious, but when they’re 4? Well, you may have to move on to something else in your bag of tricks. Be ready to switch gears if something isn’t working (not just with repeat clients, even with new ones).  

Admit defeat. Do I consider myself to be an expert on the subject of working with kids? Absolutely not. Do I nail the shot every time? Ummm – no. These are just tips, they’re not foolproof. None of these things are guaranteed to get fantastic images. They’re merely guidelines that I use when working with my clients’ children. So when you leave a session feeling down about the fact that you might not have gotten what you’d hoped for, be ok with that. Know that you’re definitely not alone. Everyone has a bad day now & again and working with young kids is not easy, by any stretch of the imagination. If you try, though, you may just surprise yourself and find a keeper once you start clicking through those files.

Check out more of Melissa’s work here.