Featured Photographer: Porcelain Photography

A few months ago I had the pleasure of meeting one of my best Facebook friends, ReAnna from Porcelain Photography! My favorite part of finding new Facebook Photographer Friends- we are always creating together! I am always on the edge of my computer just waiting for the sneak peaks of her latest session (sometimes I get a little too impatient and message her during the sessions... whoops!) 

Do you want to be Friends with ReAnna or book her for your next session? Make sure to follow her on social media! 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/porcelain.photography.by.reanna.evelynn

What types of photography do you specialize in?

I focus on Maternity and Newborn-1st Year, but I photograph everything from Children, Families and Weddings as well as Boudoir.

What are a few of your "go-to" prop inspirations?

I order props for each newborn I photograph, so I draw inspiration from their family's story, their goals and hopes for their new baby, and their tastes - then I put a classic spin on them and strive to use their inspirations in ways they don't expect.

3 Tips for booking a session for you- and GO!

1) Book Early. I book newborn by Due Date, then schedule once the baby has arrived. Booking at least a month prior to a due date ensures that I can order their props and accessories. 

2) Be Prepared. I spend as much time as needed informing the soon-to-be-new-parents on preparations for their session, I try to verbally paint a picture so that they can properly visualize how their experience will go. this helps them be realistic with expectations of the session, and helps everyone relax. Preparation is key.

3) Keep Me Informed. Every single session is customized for my client and their new baby. I like to stay 100% in the loop about my clients' ideas for the session, and props they want to bring so that I can be 100% prepared when they walk in the door.

Lets talk inspirations! Who is one of your "Photographer Idols?"

Ana Brandt is a huge inspiration for me. I love that her photographs are so organic and they never seem forced.

What are your words of wisdom to share with your fellow photographers? 

Breathe. You can prepare as much as your heart desires but at the end of the day, its the baby's game - you're just playing in it :) there's no need to stress or get frustrated during a session when it's not going according to your plan, just breathe and go at the baby's pace and you'll be okay.

Now for some fun :) What is the funniest thing that has happened during a shoot? 

It wasn't funny at the time, and actually it was quite gross, but now it's my "go-to story" every time a baby poops on me or my props and mom gets embarrassed.

One of my FIRST newborns was a family friend's new 9 pound baby boy. My mom watches my daughter during every session, and since we grew up with my friend my mom came in during a set change to hold him - he was still naked and i didn't think to wrap his bum with a cloth diaper. Well, he pooped down my mother's shirt... so I decided to wipe her off. This was a bad idea as Mr R wasn't finished his business. He not only pooped in my face and somehow managed to soil the entire set behind me, but it also got into my eye AND my mouth. They thought it was hilarious, and all I could say was "Well, it doesn't taste like it smells.." and excuse myself to freshen up and change my clothes. 
best. day. ever.

Why do we do what we do? {Keeping Memories Alive}

This past week I took my little family to the Indianapolis Museum and it was a BLAST! They have this whole glass ceiling that you find shapes in, every morning this week I wake up wishing I was in the spinning chair looking at all those beautiful colors and shapes. But enough of that - I obviously don't need a glass ceiling- I need more coffee.

There is also a part of the Children's Museum that is dedicated to children of the world who have shaped our lives, country and literally changed the world.

Anne Franks, Ruby Bridges, Ryan White

There is an area where children write a promise on a leaf about how they are going to make the world a better place. While Domino was doing that- I went through the Ryan White room. 

Honesty, and more embarrassingly, I wasn't really sure who Ryan was or what he did. I was still really young and sheltered in the 90's. He had gotten AID's from a blood transfusion and helped rid the nation of misinformation and fear. 

He was so brave- so so brave. In his short life he brought to the world more guidance and understanding than most people give in 90 years. 

His room is set up there- exactly how it was when he left it. As if I wasn't crying enough already, you turn the corner, and there are his baby photos. The blanket in the photos, was one that his grandmother had crocheted him. It too, was folded right next to his baby toys.\

At that point, I was sobbing. 

That is why we do what we do? Right? Why we create beautiful images and keepsakes. To pass on to future generations. To give to loved ones to cherish memories. Ryan's family has that tiny blanket and photos for years to come. His mom wanted to keep spreading the word about his life, his disease and his amazing work. She could do that by the keepsakes that were left behind. 

Today I am proud to say that I'm a part of keeping memories alive. I have had parents and photographers request a keepsake prop for a child that may not make it much longer. Ones that have passed for remembrance and ones for children to have during recovery. It is always an honor to be chosen to be the one to help create a memory- or keep it alive. 

By the way, Domino finished her leaf and my baby brother took her though the Anne Frank exhibit, because I was crying so bad I couldn't. Poor girl. 

Finding Inspiration in Others {TGIF Mingles with Southern Willow Photography }

Hello Again!

This past month, I took a long, hard look at my life, business and environment. Working 12-14 hour days, spending too much time online vs. with my family has been taking it's toll. I know that is exactly how many of you feel. Tired, but your mind can't stop creating, networking- the minute you step away you feel as if you are missing an opportunity that you shouldn't have! 

One of my biggest time suckers is networking- it sucks my time because I LOVE it! Being able to chat with others and meet new creative people going though the same things I am is such a relief in my hectic day. Soon- if found my "networking" turned into scanning the humor boards of Pinterest and chatting with old high school friends on Facebook. Neither produce the creative edge I need in my company. 

It had to stop. So I have made the bold choice to do most of my networking though Mingles. I have to say I LOVE it! I have met so many new creative photographers and vendors who understand that work comes first on Facebook- and then you get to chat it up. I see their beautiful props and images in my newsfeed and instantly get inspired to write, crochet, or design an entire new line (which I will be posting sneaks of later!) 

This week I am SO excited to be a featured page on Southern Willow Photography's TGIF Mingle. I have been following Southern Willow Photography for some time, and love the images and others that follow them! I urge everyone- get in the mingles because THAT is where you can find true inspiration- and form those amazing connections that help you grow! 

To join Southern Willow Photography's TGIF Mingle, just head over to there Facebook page- like the featured vendors and photographers and post your own Facebook page for others to follow you as well! I will be following EVERYONE in the mingle today!