{shop update} photoshoots & play...

It's been really busy around here lately & I've been attached to my camera. I work with a local screen printer & have had about 5 orders sitting at his studio for over a month now - to say he has been overwhelmed is a bit of an understatement (I've had to count to 10 -sometimes 20 many times this last month). However, new products have been slowly trickling in this week & I've been going full speed ahead. With new products comes many photoshoots & the need to be extra creative as to how I'm going to photograph my independent little kiddo- who has his own ideas about what the day will bring. I've been getting him excited about the new additions to his closet & taking the camera with us everywhere we go, in hopes of getting some interesting shots. One of Sayer's favorite things to say to me on days like this is, "Mommy, look at me with your eyes- put the camera away!".  

Yesterday we started our adventure at the local farmer's market on the water front & cruised around that area for a bit- including looking for trolls under bridges & hanging out in the wind tunnels (alleys). Sayer was wearing the new klt:works Rabbit tee & it wasn't until I saw this last photo that I realized that the small klt:logo was missing on the back of the tee (where the tag is) -use your imagination as to what choice words came to mind. Ok, I won't dwell on that- moving on. So later after a snack & a rest, Sayer was a champ & allowed me to take some photos of him in studio reading the Velveteen Rabbit.    

These next photos were taken on the evening Sayer got his first pair of glasses. I wanted document that momentous event anyway ... so I had him wear one of the new Squirrel Cardigans.

We live a hop skip & a jump from my old high school (yes, it does feel a little weird at times) & now that school is out for the summer, we use the campus as our own little play area. Sayer loves to ride his bike over there & play "school". There are random desks & chairs hanging around outside & Chris & I take turns being the "teacher".  He basically drove himself to & from the photoshoot which makes me smile- he's such a pro. 

Just a day in the life of the klt:works family... Stay tuned for more shop updates. There is so much more to share. 

Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday weekend! How do you celebrate the 4th of July or Canada Day?

{Everyday Inspiration} shutterbug...

I've probably taken over 500 photos in the last 12 hours. Really...I don't think that's an exaggeration at all. I shoot (& think) much faster than I can edit & make-  always. There is also the dilemma of figuring out what project to work on first. I had the opportunity to take photos of a clay demonstration that Chris did at hutch studio today which was a lot of fun. I watched a lump of clay on the wheel, being transformed into a bunny right before my eyes. Before that however, I shot tons of photos of Sayer playing in his big boy room (that we have been working on a bit). Both places & faces I find visually interesting so I'm always going through the photos I shoot of them over & over again- picking out little details that I like. So, we'll see which ones I'll get to first. But before ALL of that- I need to finish 2 mobiles. Hmm, there isn't enough time in the day for everything I want to tackle.  What projects did you work on this weekend? 

{Everyday Inspiration} childhood nostalgia

My love of collecting vintage treasures has increased tremendously since becoming a mom. I seem to constantly be on the hunt for things that I enjoyed as a kid & now want to share. I suppose watching my son grow, makes me feel quite nostalgic about my own childhood. I try to see the world through his eyes & love to see his reaction to cool things that once caught my attention too.  

I admit, that I do look for vintage toys for a variety of reasons, but there is a definitely "boy" slant now when I'm browsing the local thrifts & antique shops. I found this great spinning top not too long ago and was drawn to it for the color, shape, &  illustrations. I thought Sayer would like it & sure enough, I was right. The minute he saw it on my shelf in my studio, he was intrigued. 

But the item that I purchase recently that really took me back to my childhood was the pair of rainbow suspenders that I found at 3ringcircus. When I saw them, I didn't have to think twice - I got them for Sayer right away. I used to have Mork suspenders that I wore all of the time. They were a little thinner, had some stretch, & I loved them! He discovered them again the other day and decided that they looked like fireman suspenders or "benders" as he likes to call them. He wanted to wear them yesterday & I saw an photo shoot opportunity right in front of me. I really think that one of my favorite things to do is take photos of Sayer (as you may have guessed). 

It's nice to be able to combine all of the things that I love into a "work related" photo shoot. My little retro lovin' klt:model & I had a fun afternoon yesterday - not to mention we got a lot done!  Is there something from your childhood that you've shared with your kiddo or keep around you as an adult?

{fun} A family of squirrels...

Having a small business means that not only do I wear many hats, but so does my family.  I got a call Friday at the end of the work day, pretty much telling me what our evening activity would be. I get my tees screen printed locally (about 5 minutes from my house) & my new squirrel tees were ready to pick up. My guys had no idea what I had planned for them when I got home. While it took a while to get into the modeling groove, things picked up quickly with some dancing & harmonica playing... 

Even though I'm sometimes met with resistance to these spontaneous photo shoots, in the end - I think we all have fun. The best part is that I have pretty consistent documentation of our little family. Work & play all at once - that's the name of the game in our house these days. Your can view the new squirrel tees here too. Hope you had a great weekend!

{Everyday Inspiration} balloons & a boy...

 

Something about balloons make me smile. When you add this little boy to the mix, the smile turns into a belly laugh! 

Yep, Sayer's turning 3 tomorrow & what an amazing three years they have been. I think he is ready.... let the celebrating begin!

Spontaneous Photoshoot

Spontaneous photo shoots happen all of the time around here. Being that klt:works is a small business, everything is pretty much done in house. We have a great little photo booth area that Chris created and it is utilized for all sorts of projects. As no surprise, Sayer is my star model for klt:works. He is has been extremely well documented in his 2+ years. The days of propping him up and making goofy faces at him in order to get a good picture, are gone (although that doesn't mean I don't still try). Getting a picture of an adventurous toddler is a whole different game. It becomes a family activity- a fly by the seat of our pants adventure. Forget about having any preconceived ideas about what the photos will look like, or what story they will tell. The trick is being able to capture the magic, let go a little, and remember to have fun.

Last night I needed a few photos taken of some new klt:tees and Sayer was eager to "help". He was giddy with excitement, not because he likes to get his picture taken, but because he loves to explore a room that he doesn't get to play in very often.  He is a definite goofball who enjoys being the center of attention (the jury is still out as to where he gets that characteristic). After about 200 photos, we decided to end all of the fun, even though Sayer wanted more. I thought I would share a little glimpse into the process of getting just a couple pictures. 

We were all smiles and giggles at the beginning of the shoot. It looked like it was going to be a piece of cake. Yes, there were a few breaks to play with cars, but changing tees multiple times can be exhausting. Oh, and the discovery of a jar with a red lid did hold us up just a bit. But, as you can imagine, it was really exciting. The best part of the whole process, for me, is sitting at the computer with Sayer on my lap, and browsing through all of the photos. I really do think he has a sense of pride knowing that he is so much a part of klt:works. Or, maybe that is just the mom in me talking.