In our absence from one another, I received one of the sweetest packages in the mail. The kind of package that makes you run and greet the UPS driver with bedhead and in your jammies.
I apologize now, for missing one picture in the "reveal." Imagine a sweet brown box, tied with an unassuming cream, twill tape bow. Now, untie that bow {in your head} and lift off that lid and LOOK!
Okay, so you may not have the same reaction because it isn't your family portrayed through the BEAUTIFUL eyes of Jeanne Hansen Photography, but it was MY family...and believe me, it was a gasp heard round the world!
Let me tell you a bit about my love of professional photography...this professional photographer in particular.
I have FOREVER taken my children to get their "ages and stages" photographs at various locations along the way. 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 1 year, etc... you could find me (and my less than cooperative) child at the local, point and shoot, print them while you run and grab a snack in the food court, photography studio. Now, granted, I have loved those shots because they were of MY children. They gave me a tangible reminder of my child's size and maybe a sweet expression...maybe.
Then my dear friend decided to start a little business and my photographic life changed FOREVER! Her sessions are relaxed. She's an awesome mommy and approaches my kiddos in a...well...mommy-ish way that puts them...okay, all of us...at ease. I can't say that I've had that same experience at other places...at all. She also looks at my kids with a "mommy lens." Perhaps, you haven't experienced this lens before, but its the one that captures emotion...not just a "shot." These photos remind me of great, big love and pride in my life's work. The smiles make you smile back...and even giggle. Check out her photos and I can only imagine that you will see...no feel...the same thing.
Anyway...back to my little project. Remember that sweet box of memories...they needed to be somewhere where the world could see them. ALL OF THEM! Well, I don't know how many art galleries that you have been to, but I am pretty sure that one of the reasons that they are so sparsely decorated is due to the price of frames...ugh. But my GORGEOUS photos needed something worthy of their importance and beauty....but on the cheap. Here's what I came up with...
Yes, the bottom right side needs some straightening...the toddler seems to be magnetically drawn to that frame in particular. He broke one in the "hanging" process and has knocked its replacement off once already.
I purchased my frames from Michael's and Wal-Mart. My priciest frames are the 3 photo frames which I got on sale for ~$22 each at Michael's. The least expensive frames would be the frames that house my 5x7" photos and I got them for less than $10 at Wal-Mart. They are all a mix of brown and black, wood tones, mat colors, and black and white and color photography. I am pretty sure that combo breaks every rule in the home decorating handbook. But I think the thing that works here is the unity of the photo session within the pictures. Same clothes, similar backdrops, etc. What do you think?
I purchased the frames before I ordered pictures so that I knew what photos I wanted where. Believe me...that was a challenge (to narrow down my choices, that is!), but produced a result that now makes me sit and look at my wall with such a happy heart that I can't imagine replacing it ever. A moment in time...wrinkles, cowlicks, crooked smiles that have already disappeared in my everyday life but are forever remembered on paper. I challenge you to find a collection of pictures...better yet...call my friend and have her create a collection for you...and place them somewhere where you can see them everyday for the rest of your life. The reward will be sooo worth it. I promise you.
