Blog — Fairy Dust Photography

When I first started photography I was what you call an "all-inclusive" photographer : shooting your session and then delivering your set number of included digital images on a CD.

But, I was never fully satisfied with that way of running my business and, over time, I sat down and really thought about why photography was important to me. What do I want to achieve? What do I want to provide for you as my client? Well, I'll tell you. I want to provide you with art. Something you can display in your home with love for you, your family and guests to see!

From planning your session - to shooting - to discussing your plans for your images at our reveal and ordering appointment and seeing you through the process-- that is what you are getting with me. A full-service experience designed just for you.

I dedicate myself on providing you with a quality experience as well as products (wall art, table art, heirloom albums, announcements, and more) because I truly feel if you are going to invest in a professional session then your final product should reflect that and be of professional standard. Having said that, I do provide high-resolution digital images for those seeking them, but once a file is out of my hands I cannot guarantee consumer print lab outcomes.

A thought hit me last night:

Our young kids do not follow us on Instagram. They are not our Facebook friends. (At least, my little ones aren't on social media at the ages of 3.5yr and 1yr ;) )

Our babies don't see our timeline galleries. They don't see the "likes" and the "comments" 3rd cousin Fran gives or friend-of-a-friend Stan. What they do see are the walls in their home. Our tables. Albums on a bookshelf. I have said time and time again that it is about our legacy. It is about what's passing down to our children and providing for our extended family. Memories. It is our love being displayed in our homes with pride for us and every visitor to see. Our physical "timeline," if you will.

I want to create something special for you. Let's start painting your story.

Excuse me while I sob. My baby....my sweet, funny, charming, friendly, chubby little baby just turned ONE. She did not listen to her mother when she was told to slow down on the growing and stay a wee one for just a little while longer. But alas, here she is, inquisitive and happy, interested in everything about life and nap times (hehe).

Turning one is such a pivotal moment for both baby AND the parents! My husband and I high five when our first daughter and this little baby turned one: "We made it a year!! They are still alive and WE are still alive and managing to live off of little sleep!" So...it's kind of a big deal!

I was inspired to create a Princess and the Frog themed portrait and cake smash session solely from the fact I adore fairy tales (and Disney!). I also like to incorporate the area that we are living in (ie. my first daughter was born in Japan and celebrated her 1st birthday there, so her theme was cherry blossoms and she had an origami crane on her cake). When we learned we were moving to the New Orleans area, I just knew the Princess and the Frog would be the perfect fit.

For her outdoor portraits I wanted the gorgeous hanging Spanish moss on the trees and a wonderful golden light. I created her crown (my first DIY project!) and hand selected her outfit from Mia Joy Studios (gorgeous work). I had contacted The Wooly Possum to create a custom hand-felted frog prince to make his debut in these images (he will also be available in the studio now for client sessions!!). I am so pleased with how it all came together. (Scroll down to read and see more about our cake smash!)

Ahhhh....the cake smash. The most delicious part of a one-year portrait session! Now, I want to preface this topic by saying not all babies are crazy about this portion (if any of you watched my LIVE taping of Adelyn's sessions, you will see she did not want to touch her cake. Same went for my first daughter). I will create a new blog that will talk all about cake smash sessions, what they entail, how to prepare for them and all that fun stuff :)

We brought Adelyn's smash photos into the studio where I carefully created every single flower on her backdrop. Again I used the tiara I had made from a little Mod Podge and lace. My two good friends who were my partnered bakers in Okinawa (Whipped Up By Mimi) and California (Sweet Serendipity Cakery and Studio) both added a loving touch to her cake. Whipped Up by Mimi shipped hand-created Frog Prince and magnolia for the cake, and Sweet Serendipity Cakery and Studio created the textured cake.

My friend and a favorite vendor of mine, Emilee from Le Petite Couture Designs custom made Adelyn's delicate vintage-inspired romper. She has created over half of my stocked newborn and infant items..I just can't get enough!

I am so thankful for the relationships I have made throughout my photography journey so far and I am so touched they played a big role in my baby's special photos. Please enjoy while I weep bittersweet tears!