Most of my photography experience over the last 10+ years has been shooting outdoors using natural light. I love the look and simplicity of shooting in natural light, but I also find beauty in the simplicity of a neutral photography backdrop. The focus stays on the subject, their facial expressions, tiny details, and uniqueness.
Four years ago, my oldest daughter, M, had just turned 6 months old and I was still mosty on top of taking monthly portraits. She was sitting up on her own, which was an awesome milestone in its own right, and made the photographer in me so excited for all the new posing opportunities. It was winter and all of my favorite spots to shoot are outdoors, so I decided to cobble together some materials from Home Depot to build a makeshift photography studio in my living room.
I loved how they turned out, and Valentine's Day was coming up so we made and printed cards for friends and family.
A couple months ago, I found the sweater she's wearing in my now-5-month-old's drawer and began dreaming of recreating this photo series with both of my girls. That sweater is one of about 8 pieces of clothing I didn't give away immediately after M outgrew it and although S was only 4 months old and definitely not sitting up, she had a big sister to hold her up. I spent a couple late nights working on another makeshift backdrop, and then decided last-minute to invite friends and clients to join in.
My girls were quickly unenthused but I got a couple keepers. Little Miss C brought lots of smiles with her and many many keepers. I'll definiltely be trying out another sister photoshoot before S outgrows this sweater, but did learn through honest feedback from my trusted 4-year-old that the garage setup will not do. I've loved exploring more outdoors and even some rental studios around town together since then.
