Bartering needs to make a come back. Sometimes cash can be short, but supplies and skills are usually on hand. A talented photographer friend inquired about an old tee pee I used to own as a possible prop. Unfortunately, it broke and I threw it away. But I figured I could make one. So I did, in exchange for a photo session for my girls. This was to be a mystical outdoor theme with flower chain crowns and whimsy. I needed to make dresses to fit the theme and I knew right where to look.
Carefree Clothes for Girls is one of the coolest sewing pattern books I have come across in a long while for girls fashion. I picked it up dubiously, when Barnes & Nobel was going out of business here in Lakeland, along with a few other sewing books. I am so glad I did. There are some delicious patterns and photographs in there. I used the Dress with Ruffle Trim pattern (page 76) and added antique doillies at random. I did not follow the pattern exactly, as I was in too much of a rush to use bias tape for the arm holes and back. So I improvised. The gauze, ruffles, unfinished hems and doillies come together to create a little gothic charm.
Now the following photos are mine. I need lots of practice taking pictures; Sarah thought this would be a great opportunity and I jumped on it. Consider these outtakes.
 |
| My flower girl, totally did the peace signs on her own. |
 |
| Behind the scenes of Gemini Portraits. Sarah and her assistant Krystal are phenomenal. |
Here are some sneep peeks from Sarah, owner of Gemini Portraits. If you are in central Florida, I highly recommend checking her out for your photography needs. She has an incredible talent with a camera, and children especially.
Thanks for wading through the plethora of photos with me. If you are interested in more of a step-by-step tutorial for this dress, just holler. They really did come together quick and easy. I was so crunched for time on this one that I made them the night before with finishing touches the next morning.
Wow, just stunning! Awesome job and it is lovely how everyone came together to create these. I think you are darn good as a photographer (the closeup of Savanna, gorgeous). Thank you for sharing, wonderful story to read on a Sunday morning. <3
ReplyDeleteThank you Jean!!! I am enjoying my journey with photography. There is always so much to learn. The close up of Savanna is one if my favorites too. I see her face changing so much. My absolute favorite us the last one Sarah took of both of them. I hope you are having a beautiful Sunday.
DeleteOh my goodness!! LOVE LOVE LOVE this post -- your girls, the dresses, the flowers, the tee pee & the photos!! Your pics are just as awesome as Sarah's!! Course, it helps that your gorgeous girls are so photogenic too!! Love this!! Looks like a fun photo shoot too -- those are the best!! :-)
ReplyDeleteIt WAS fun! It was a beautiful day, the girls were running around playing and Sarah and Krystal made it relaxed and natural.
DeleteJulie thanks so much for giving me this amazing tee pee. In exchange for a few photos, (not hard to accomplish with your breathtakingly gorgeous girls), you generously gave me a sweet prop that I'll be able to offer my clients for years to come. I so appreciate you coming out so I could play with the kiddos ❤️ I'm really super happy to follow you on your blog as well. xoxo
ReplyDeleteSarah
Thank you too Sarah. I have been wanting you to capture my girls for quite a while now. If you run into any snags or it needs repairs, let me know. Your business is blooming and it is wonderful to watch it grow by leaps and bounds. Thank you for stopping by and following. <3
DeleteJulie the photos are beautiful and your girls are so pretty! The tee pee looks great too! Love the flower pattern!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kim! We had a fun time. I ended up finding the fabric I needed at Hancock Fabrics. It was a little loud so I used it inside out. I hope you have a great week. :-)
Deleteoh those precious faces and that gorgeous light. I could stare at all of these pictures for days (I actually have been back several days and am awed each time!)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great trade, your tee pee is fantastic!
<3 there really is something so magical about the golden hours of the day. Lately I have been catching the sunrise on my way to work and it has me itching to photograph.
DeleteThank you Sunnee. The teepee had me on a learning curve but I eventually finagled it. I definitely got the better end of the deal :-D
Stunning! May I please have a copy of the picture with Savanna pretending to be a T-Rex? That is definitely Aunt bragging rights right there :)
ReplyDeleteOf course m'dear. I will even frame it too. I have one of your bday gifts coming soon and this will go nicely with it. SOME one's birthday is soooooon!
DeleteMy heart could burst! Thank you sis! I would love that in a frame and I can't believe my quarter century birthday is coming up. I can't wait to celebrate it with you!
DeleteOh Julie, your girls are just so radiant! I absolutely love these photos. And you, you are so talented to make the teepee and dresses and to trade something you made for the session! What a cool idea. :) LOVE the photo with the peace sign and the fact that she did it on her own. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Lauren! I am blessed to have an incredibly talented friend willing to swap. My girls are such huge blessings in my life. They are entirely and uniquely their own person. They have their own thoughts and ideas and surprise me all the time.
Delete