The Prop Connection

Using props can always add an interesting element to a photo, but when you use a prop that has a connection to the main subject in your photo, it adds a deeper level of meaning. For instance, when shooting senior photos, I like to ask the teens that I am photographing what their hobbies and interests are. I even ask them to bring along a favorite article of clothing or jewelry, something that they have a connection to. One senior wore a necklace in her photos that was special to her. That way, regardless if the necklace was lost or damaged, she would have it forever preserved, photographically, for her to always remember. These props can be an old teddy bear, a heirloom from a grandparent, a favorite hat or a piece of their sports equipment.

The reason for this? When someone is passionate about something they love or even love to do, it typically comes through in the photos I take. My photography is not just about capturing images, it is about creating memories.

When you shoot a photo with a prop that they have selected, it reveals a little bit about that person’s life and evokes conversation and interest. Sometimes, it reveals a personal and sentimental connection. And sometimes, it just is a comfort zone that puts your subject at ease. In having something familiar from their real life in the photo session, it makes them almost forget that the camera is there. Of course, it helps to continue that chatty conversation which also helps to distract and relax them.

In the example above, I thought it would be interesting to bring along an old  bike wheel that had some busted spokes as a fun prop since the model, Kylie, works at a bike shop. It makes the viewer wonder, “why does she have this wheel?” and creates more interest in wanting to know her life story.

Begin shooting with props and exploring ways how you can reveal a little bit about the life of the person that you are shooting and leave the viewers of your photos wondering...what is the prop connection?

For more examples, vist my website or Facebook Page.

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Project 365 - Days 88-97 The Creative Life Continues

After an exhausting prom weekend, I headed to bed early for much needed rest. 

Now, I am ready to share with you some more catching up on project 365 - daily creativity!

Day 88 - Volleyball Tournament Photos

Day 89 - College Memories Box

You may remember the keepsake box I made for Kylie to store momentos from her relationship with her boyfriend. I didn’t want Ashley to feel left out, so I made her a College Memories Box to store letters we send her and other favorite keepsakes from her college years at FAU. I found the box at Marshalls and decorated it to personalize it for her. It coordinates with the comforter set we bought for her dorm room.

Day 90 - Crosses for New Digi Set

I am working on a religious themed set with crosses and words for Religious events and holidays.

Here are a couple elements from that I just finished.

Day 91- Dishwasher Magnet Design Team Project for Glue Arts

You can check out a supply list, complete project instructions with additional photos on the Glue Arts blog. Scroll down to the bottom of this blog post to view the project.

Day 92 - Stained Glass Cross Art

Working on my last graphic to finish up my Faith Filled Set!

Day 93 - Faith Filled Set Completed!

With Kylie's Confirmation coming up, I got busy completing this set so I could use some of my own digi art for making cards and gifts for my small Confirmation group and Kylie’s friends.

Day 94 - Photos of the Merc

My husband’s uncle surprised us with a visit. He brought down his classic custom build 49 Mercury so to leave behind for Ashley to use for Prom and for us to enjoy for a while. I took a few pictures of it to share with everyone. It is such a cool car and I just love the paint job.

Day 95 - Eggs to go...

...actually, to go along with the Bunnies and banners that I created earlier. 

All for a new set that I am working on called Bunny Hugs n’ Wishes.

These eps and png files with solid underlayers allow them to be grouped and layered

any way you wish. They are also easy to edit and change out the colors.

Day 96- Confirmation Card

Here is a hybrid card created in Photoshop using a white brush and the stained glass cross art done ealier this week with airbrushed colors on a separate layer below. I then used a mask to contain those colors to display just behind the art. I printed out the art, mounted on card fronts and added a simple bow to each.

The verse and screened, decorative stem flourish are also from my new Faith Filled set.

Day 97 - Flower Illustrations

Spring is here and beautiful flowers inspire me so I wanted to create a set of pretty inked flowers...very clean line with beautiful details. Here are the first two sketches.

I haven’t shared many cards lately, but for you card enthusiasts, just wait for my next group of posts.

Day 98 holds a new set design that has brought about an Easter cardmaking frenzy. I am having such a blast working with my latest digi set. And for you photo enthusiasts, I have more photos to share as well.

Have a week filled with Living your Life Creatively!

Project 365 Challenge/Days 45-47 Photos & Flowery Sympathy

Some more daily doses of inspiration... I am getting caught up on photographing and posting some of my daily project challenges. Day 45 was a struggle in trying to get good digital photos at a volleyball tournament with very low lighting and no tripod or use of my flash. I just eye spied in a magazine a new gizmo...a tripod that fits onto a water bottle. That may just be an investment for an upcoming tournament. So, as it sometimes goes...you take a whole lotta shots just to get a couple good ones. In this case, this was my only real favorite from the bunch...of one of my daughter's friends (aka, one of my adopted daughters) right before she was ready to serve.

Day 46 - Flowery Sympathy Card

It is funny  how in life God brings you different people and different experiences that forever change your life. We have been going to the same Life Teen mass for several years and have shared the same pew with this sweet elderly couple. As time passed we got to know them a little better. Ginny was suffering for throat cancer and has been gradually losing her battle for the past year. They are a couple who remind Dan and I of one another in height and stature. Walter is real tall and slim and Virginia is short like me and petite. They don’t have any children or local family so we bring them soup and other meals when I make them up. We also invited them for Christmas dinner, but they both came down sick and weren't able to attend. Well sadly, the day after Valentine’s Day, Ginny slipped away from Walter’s caring hands in to those of the Lord. Our hearts are saddened however we know she is at peace now. I made this card to send to Walter to let him know that we are here for him and our friendship will continue. Her services are being held in Indiana so we have no way to formally say our goodbyes. Making this card with Ginny in mind made me feel just a little better, as creating always does!

inside view...

Day 47/ Sweet Floral Sympathy

It seems that death comes in pairs or trios. Just as I finished making one sympathy card, I found the need to make one to comfort another friend who was dealing with the surprising loss of her stepdad, Jim. 

I really liked the color combinations I used on the other card, so I introduced a deeper linen CS with embossing to make this card for her. Check out my Picasa gallery for supplies.

inside view...

Although I don't have formal sketches for these cards, you can use these basic layouts 

mixed with your favorite ribbons, CS, papers, stamps and embellishments to create

lots and lots of cards for any occasion. Hope this weekend, you live life creatively!

Pain is temporary; Pride is Forever

If you got to experience the pain and suffering of a torturous 2009 volleyball season, then you could begin to appreciate the joy going into this season. It started with new coaching, a new training philosophy, summer camps and open gym followed by a new excitement for the program...something that Ashley has looked forward to for her senior year of volleyball.

Varsity tryouts were the first day of school. Both girls made it, but Kylie was given the choice to be part of the varsity team and sit out a bit more or be J.V. captain and give leadership and experience to the J.V. squad. She chose the latter and is making us proud by showing her enthusiasm for her team and desire to assist coach Dave with whatever is needed. I am team mom for J.V. which is something new. We are looking forward to a great season and doing some fun team bonding activities.

Ashley reassumed her spot on the varsity starting line up and was appointed team captain by the coach due to her experience and leadership abilities. We are so proud of her. What an honor for her last year playing volleyball for West Shore. And man, did she play her heart out at last night's scrimmage game! It is really great to see her playing so confidently and for all the coaching to fall into place for the team. They won big over Eau Gallie proving that West Shore girls are not only smart in the classroom, but also on the courts. Everyone played great. And wow, did her friend Lindsay have a wonderful first game experience blocking and hitting like a veteran player! You would never have known she was a rookie! All the girls served so well and did not let the taunting of fans interfere with their concentration. Lots to celebrate already!!!

I mentioned on my facebook page the slogan in my post...Pain is temporary; Pride is Forever. I saw it on a guys t-shirt while walking this Saturday with Bella. It stuck with me because the girls’ school is often thought of as where the smart kids go or the nerdy school, not really being known for their athleticism. The coaches so wanted to focus on executing the drills and instilling school pride, and it was so great to see all the pain, sweat and effort culminate into real results...a WIN! It unfortunately doesn’t count on the record books, but in the esteem department the pride of that victory will last well beyond the season!
Go Wildcats! Remember...Dig Deep! Play Smart! Win Big!