Reflections

I have spent a lot of time looking at my photography portfolio and comparing where I am now to where I was at the beginning of the year.  While my progress felt slow, I can now see a substantial difference! I have watched countless videos, read magazine after magazine, and spent {who knows how many} hours taking pictures and editing.

may 2013

october 2013

may 2013

october 2013

I have reached most of my photography goals this year, which makes me feel pretty great!  I have worked with some wonderful families, couples, women, and children!  I am even attending a craft fair this fall to reach out to more people in my area!

june 2013

september 2013

I will have even more to look forward to next year!  Things are changing pretty quickly, and I'm loving every minute of it!  For starters, I now have custom packaging for my print orders!  

I'll also be posting more of my photography here on the blog! After each session, I will make a new post!  If you ever have any questions, don't be afraid to leave it in the comments!

Facebook Gallery

xo

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Our Little Getaway

From Sunday to Wednesday we enjoyed some time away at Old Orchard Beach, Maine.  It was lovely!  My husband and I hadn't had a vacation since our honeymoon three years ago- and it was nice to get away for a little while.  Of course, our son came along- and my parents!  I wanted to share some of my pictures with all of you!

We got there Sunday night, and I met my sister in law! She was amazing.  The next morning, we woke early and went down to the beach to watch the sunrise.  It was spectacular!



My son was still a bit drowsy, so he snuggled close to my husband in the sand.



After breakfast, we returned to the beach for some family pictures.  I brought my tripod, and set it up with the amazing ocean backdrop and a timer!

  
  

On Tuesday, we went to Portland, Maine.  We took a boat to Peak's Island, had dinner in Portland, and drove out to a lighthouse!







All in all- we had an amazing few days away.  So much fun- my parents put a deposit down for the same two bedroom apartment in June! For a full week!

CLICK HERE to see more of my photography!

xo
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Sblossem Boutique

I wanted to take a moment today to share an Etsy boutique with all of you. Sblossem offers a variety of items at reasonable prices. Her bows are some of the most unique I've seen- and they make me wish I had a use for them! (Since I only have a son). 

I spoke with the shop owner, and asked her a little about herself.

I am a 31 year old stay at home, married mom to 4 amazing kids. My etsy dream started a few years ago after making my sister in law a hat, blanket, bootie and teddy bear matching  set for my beautiful niece. The gift was a huge hit at her baby shower and by the end had taken 5 custom work orders from some of the other guests. I have been crocheting, sewing and making bows for many years mostly for family and friends and decided to give it a shot. Never in my wildest dreams did I think it could turn into a full fledged business the way it has.
Crafting is an outlet for me, with 4 kiddos, 3 of which are boys, things in my home can get pretty crazy from time to time. Sitting down with my crochet hook, sewing machine or the hundreds of rolls of ribbon I have to create something beautiful is such a huge stress buster for me. I love to see something in my minds eye and then bring it to a reality, or have a customer tell me what they have in mind and make it real for them. Its such an exciting process for me and incredibly rewarding as well. As silly as it may sound, this is my dream come true. -Sblossem Owner

 Below are a few of her personal favorite items!

This is a super stacked bow made up of multiple primary color grosgrain ribbon, The bow is attached to a partially lined single prong alligator clip and also has a no slip grip attached to the clip. All ribbon ends have been heat sealed to prevent fraying.

This is a burp rag and bib set. The burp rag is a super soaker cloth diaper embellished with a cotton fabric. The bib is in the same cotton fabric with a felt center for absorbency and backed with a white minky fabric. The bib closes with velcro.

(wish I had one for my son when he was younger!-sc)This is a bib and burp rag set, the burp rag is a super soaker cloth diaper with cotton fabric and grosgrain fabric as an embellishment. The bib is in the same cotton fabric with a felt center for absorbency and backed with a minky fabric. The bib closes with velcro

(how cute!-sc) This is an example of my custom work. My customer wanted a John Deere dress with matching bloomers, she also asked that the dress have matching ruffles at the bottom of the dress. I made the bloomers in a matching yellow to the deer in the dress and attached a pink and green bow to the tush of the cover to tie all the elements together. My pillowcase dresses can be embellished with an applique with your childs name and or almost any character or element you want, If there is an idea you have in mind tell me about it and we can get it worked out. My dresses come in size newborn to 5T, bloomers can be added for an additional price up to size 2T.

This is an example of my custom crochet work. This customer wanted a John Deer hat and diaper cover set in newborn size. My crochet work can come in any combo of colors and just about any embellishment can be added, buttons, crochet flowers, the options are truly endless. My hat and cover sets come in newborn up to size 2T. My covers are always a single or double button closure. I can also do just a hat in any size up to adult. 

This is a single color simple traditional twisty boutique bow. The bow is attached to a single prong partially lined alligator clip, a no slip grip is also attached to the clip. All ribbon ends have been heat sealed to prevent fraying. single color bows come in any color you want.

(I love this one-sc) This is a simple stacked punk rock/rockabilly style boutique bow. It had layers of damask spikes, pink grosgrain and a black satin with girly skull print. The bow is attached to a single prong partially lined alligator clip, the clip also has a no slip grip attached, all ribbon ends are heat sealed to prevent fraying.

This is a double color simple twisty traditional boutique bow. You can choose from any two colors for your bow. The bow is attached to a single prong partially lined alligator clip, the clip also has a no slip grip attached. All ribbon ends have been heat sealed to prevent fraying.

(my personal favorite-sc) This is a super stacked almost over the top boutique bow. This now features feathers in hot pink and black, as well as black, pink zebra print, and polka dot ribbon. the double loop bow on top is a double layer with zebra on the outside and hot pink on the inside. the bow is topped off with a cute girly skull flat back to give it that extra rocker/rockabilly vibe. This bow is attached to a single prong partially lined alligator clip, the clip also features a no slip grip. All ribbon ends have been heat sealed to prevent fraying. 

If you like her work- head on over to her shop! Sblossem Boutique

xo
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Fall Fashion 2013 Part 3

Part 3

Complete Rebel

I've already touched on the updated grunge look for this fall- but another rock and roll trend has caught my eye.  If you want to take your rock look a step further- go for it! Punk seems to be making a major comeback with this fall's fashion!

Even more studs and chains- Leather, plaid, houndstooth, and moto jackets!

It doesn't matter if you're a student, mom, or office woman- you, yes YOU can rock this trend! Go as subtle or as bold as you're comfortable with.  Below are a few pieces that follow this trend. Mix and match, and have fun!

Click the camera to follow me on Instagram

Be bold, and have fun!

xo

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Fall Fashion 2013 part 2

With all the ins and outs this year, I've noticed one consistency throughout the seasons- a sort-of laid back, grunge meets skate punk style.  Floppy hats, combat boots, flannels.... and it's continuing into fall!  I'm seeing a flashback to high school (as is my husband) but with more updated looks!

The Look

updated grunge

The idea of this look is to be comfortable.  Loose fitting clothing, ripped jeans, etc.  Imperfections and not-quite-matching pieces are okay!

{above} an off the shoulder sweater, grey jeans, cropped top, combat boots, and a floppy hat.

{above} a tank top with a plaid layer on top, ripped shorts, converse, and a chunky chain necklace

{above} a long, patterned and baggy sweater, graphic shirt, ripped jeans, and moto boots.

Have fun with it! 

xo 

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Have you tried this look, or do you plan to?

networking is everything

No matter what your business is, networking is everything.  You never know where your next referral will come from!  Keeping this in mind, I am spreading out even more. You can now follow my blog with bloglovin!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Fall Fashion 2013 part 1

It's that time of year again! {my favorite time of year} Fall fashion!  A few of the same trends are blending into this fall, but there are some different looks as well.  Over the next few week's I'll be scouting them out and sharing them here with you!

Part One

Pastels

Pastels were popular last winter, but this year these spring colors are sneaking into fall fashion!  Pants, jackets, accessories- you name it!  If you're looking for a minor way to follow this trend, add an easter-egg shade of your favorite color as a scarf or belt!  I've also put together a few looks- pastel can work for any style!

THE ROCKER

Black on black- mix it up and throw in a pastel shirt, shoe, accessory, or all of the above!  I've even seen a few pastel moto-jackets if you REALLY want to kick it up a notch!

GIRLY GIRL

Colors probably aren't new to your wardrobe.  Keep it simple with other neutrals underneath- like this white eyelet dress and nude accessories.  The sweater adds just enough pop!

OFFICE ATTIRE

Brighten up your day to day office wear with a pastel jacket or an accent shoe- or both!

Don't be afraid to mix and match. I'll update with more trends soon!

To view my day to day finds, or see some of MY daily outfits, follow me on instagram!

until next time,

xo

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safety first!

When photographing your children (or someone else's) it is important to keep safety in mind. Injury can easily happen from falls or from certain props. Accidents happen of course, but if you have a baby or child on an elevated place,  or if they are using a prop that could easily fall or tip, it is a good idea to have a spotter.

Newborn photography has its own set of safety guidelines. Please research and be cautious before trying more advanced positions.

To use as an example, I recently did a concept photo with my son.

I had this image in my mind for a while before I was able to create it. After gaining permission from my sister to use her equiptment, we went outside together and set up. Since my son is not capable of holding a guitar on his own yet, my sister stood by as a spotter!

Iinstagram: @schase1212

Do you see her fingers at the top of the guitar?  With some quick cloning in lightroom, I was able to remove them for the final picture!

What safety measures do you take for pictures? 

xo

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How to rock the rock look

It's nothing new- I love the rock look. Regardless of the current trends, it's something I lean towards when I build my wardrobe. I do get excited when I see it in the current trends, though! For one- I'll get less odd looks in public (giggle).  Well once again- leather, black, studs, and biker boots are filling the fall previews this year!

For those who have been wanting to give it a try.... it's easy! You can take a lot of what you already have, and just add a couple pieces!

First and foremost- find a good jacket.  A leather jacket is timeless, and it will last!  I've had mine for 6 years, and I love it!  Find one that fits your form well.

Here are a few starter clothes, with added rock pieces for a complete look.  I'm sure you have something similar in your wardrobe somewhere!

Leather, studs, and metallic. It's simple!  The key is to look effortless.  Grab a shirt, a jacket, and some edgy shoes and accessories and you're done! 

Still unsure?  Take a look at some of your favorite female rockers and piece outfits together that way!

I *love* Joan Jett.  Her rock look is classic.  Black on black, leather, jeans, studs (you name it)!

Lzzy Hale (Halestorm) has a little bit more to her look than black on black- but she always has that rocker edge!

Just have fun with it!
CLICK HERE to follow me on Polyvore

xo

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Hello Cutie!

I am always on the lookout for new accessories to add some flare to my wardrobe. I love to stack bracelets and wear several different rings.

Recently, my sister began making jewelry, and a lot of it caught my eye!  She made me a set that I absolutely love! And I wanted to share.  She took in the idea that I have a girly style as well as a rocker edge, and came up with a stack of bracelets that is totally fitting!

I love that the beads can be dressed up for a special night, yet they'd still look great with my leather jacket! This is a set of four- which would be priced around $15. ($12 if you take off the top string of pearls).  Oh- I should mention now, she'll soon be taking custom orders! I'll add her link to my page as soon as it's available!

With every rainbow-colored PRIDE bracelet she sells,  50% of the proceeds will go towards the HRC- Human Rights Campaign.    

"As the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, the Human Rights Campaign represents a force of more than 1.5 million members and supporters nationwide — all committed to making HRC's vision a reality.

Founded in 1980, HRC advocates on behalf of LGBT Americans, mobilizes grassroots actions in diverse communities, invests strategically to elect fair-minded individuals to office and educates the public about LGBT issues." -http://www.hrc.org/the-hrc-story/about-us

Braided bracelets are $2 per bracelet, or 3 for $5.  Again- I'll be adding her link to my side bar soon!

This one is a work in progress- another for my stack! EEE! (my squeal of excitement). The little spikes are just perfect for my style! 

So keep an eye out for the upcoming, handmade jewelry from Hello Cutie!

xo

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