How to uniquely display your family photos

We all have family photos hanging in our home. We cherish them! They bring us joy and comfort every time we look at them. But the trend now is to showcase your family art in new and exciting ways. Now, you don't just take the print and stick it in a pretty frame and find a great place to hang it.... no, it is much more than that now. We all have a personal gallery that is just waiting to be showcased to friends and family! Just imagine, walking into a home and the very first thing you see is this great center piece on the wall, it just screams "Look over here! This is my family and this is how much we love each other!"

So, just how do you go about this? How can you get that gallery effect in your own home?

Well, first of all we need to be sure we are selective with our photos! Yes, we all love every goofy and fun picture we have of our spouse or kids. I admit, that even I have some silly photos in frames too! But, as for a gallery level showcase, picking the right photo is key! Remember, though, this display should speak to YOU, most of all! Don't pick pictures that you think others will enjoy and leave out your true favorites! This is your home, your wall, and your memories... be sure to use the ones you love the most! Having said that, if you are picking more than one photo to showcase, be sure to keep a theme somewhat. For example, if you have kids in your family, take a family photo, center it on the wall and surround it with pictures of each member individually. That's just one idea! There are so many more! Just be creative, but be you!

Second, you need to frame it correctly! Frames are meant to enhance your photos, not distract the eye! The frame is not the subject, it's the accessory! Also, if you are showcasing more than one photo, keep the frames in the same category.... they don't have to be the same color or the same size or shape, but they should compliment each other and look cohesive. If you like the new frame-less canvas print look, which I personally love, then have fun with that too! Go with unusual shapes and sizes!

Another quick tip for a fresh approach to your family wall art.... go color blind! Black and white photos can have an entirely different effect on your subjects! Color is fun and bold, yet, in my opinion black and white photos are more dramatic and interesting! It's personal choice, of course!

Here are a few links to give you some ideas:

http://thebumbleinthebee.blogspot.com/2011/05/tutorial-repurposed-frames.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/55397648@N00/4931320253/

http://puremotif.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/hollyryan_metalprints.jpg


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An itch that desprately needs to be scratched....

I have had the privilege of shooting some amazing families and some really unique teenagers. I've also been privileged to be a part of some really special events, weddings, graduations parties, engagements, anniversary parties, etc. But, I have been itching to step up my photography lately. I am ready to expand my creativity. It's an itch, I am dying to scratch!

I want to do some more elaborate infant and child sessions. Larger props, whimsical sets, etc. I would love to be able to do some exciting new engagement sessions and family sessions with themes.

I have some really crazy ideas, and I just need to find the right families willing to play along with me in my weird and playful imaginative photographic world!

So, in order to get the ball rolling, I figured Fall would be the ideal time to start on my new endeavours and it would be appropriate then to offer a special discount to all my clients, new or returning, who would like to participate in more eccentric photo shoots.

If you are in the Rim Country area of Arizona, and are interested in doing a shoot with me I am going to offer a FREE session to the first 5 to book a "Wild and Whimsical Photo Shoot". You will then have the option to buy a disc or prints. But, the session itself will be FREE!!! It will last anywhere from 1/2 hour to one hour, on location, (Payson, Pine, Strawberry or close by) and will be loads of fun and guaranteed to be memorable!!!

Call me today to reserve your spot! 928-978-4619

Keep it snappy my friends!!!

Ever had one of those days?

Have you ever had one of those days where you feel like your kind of floating through the day? You know, like things are getting done, but your not completely sure how or who got them done, you just know it's done. You know you made phone calls, you know you sent out mail, you even know you ran all of your errands for the day, but it feels like someone else was in your shoes doing all the work! This probably doesn't even make sense to some of you, but I had one of those days today. In fact this week, so far, has been awkward at best! I know I've taken care of things, but I feel like it should be Monday and I should just be getting things going. Maybe I am sleep deprived, maybe I am lacking a nutrient... whatever it is, I am sure this is one of the weirdest weeks ever! I think, (although I hate to declare it), I am almost caught up!!!! WHOA! I'm not even sure I know what that feels like anymore, but I am taking a leap here, and proclaiming, that I have just about got all the 'need to do' stuff done! You all know what that means don't you??? PLAY TIME! Wahhooooo! Now I can focus on my new packages and new shoot ideas and hopefully get all my ducks in a row to be able to reveal things to you very soon! It's very exciting! You've already seen my new logo and new ad style and I really hope you all like it! I love the colors and the style. 

So stay tuned and stay snappy!!