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    • Erin ZahradkaErin Zahradka

    Chocolate & Peanut Butter: A Perfect Marriage, Naturally

    May 26, 2010 | Posted by Erin Zahradka

    Grab an apron make a perfect food match!

    When I find something I love, I spread the word.  I have only met a few people in my life who didn’t love chocolate.  Of course, not everyone loves it as much as I do, but then again, there was a point in my life when I was literally looking for a chocolate addict’s support group (the only one I found at the time was in Switzerland, so it was geographically prohibitive for me to attend the meetings)!  I am a bit on the extreme end of love when it comes to chocolate.

    I eat 99% organic at home, and when I go out, if it’s pretty fresh, it’s good enough for me.  I have never been vegitarian or vegan, for that matter, but when I discovered this recipe I had to try it.  Don’t let the word “vegan” in the title turn you away.  These are incredible.  And while they aren’t exactly low calorie, you can rest assured knowing that the ingredients are all natural.

    The Kind Diet Cookbook is my favorite recipe book right now.  It’s where I found my most dangerous dessert recipe yet:  Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. Try this recipe and let me know if you feel the same love for it as I do.  I now keep these in my refrigerator at all times.

    *Please note:  I have known people to try to replace these ingredients with less expensive ones… and it just doesn’t taste the same.  For your first batch, make sure you follow the recipe exactly.  When you discover a less expensive but equally natural and delicious tasting, please let me know!  As far as where to buy the ingredients, you can find them all at Whole Foods, Sprouts, Sunflower Market, etc.

    *Enjoy*

    MAKES 12

    INGREDIENTS
    1⁄2 cup Earth Balance butter
    3⁄4 cup crunchy peanut butter
    (preferably unsweetened and unsalted)
    3⁄4 cup graham cracker crumbs or 10 graham cracker squares
    1⁄4 cup maple sugar or other granulated sweetener
    1 cup grain-sweetened, nondairy chocolate or carob chips
    1⁄4 cup soy, rice, or nut milk
    1⁄4 cup chopped pecans, almonds, or peanuts

    STEPS
    Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. (“If You Care” makes unbleached liners made from recycled paper.)
    Set aside.
    Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
    Stir in the peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, and maple sugar and mix well. Remove the mixture from the heat.
    Evenly divide the mixture, approximately 2 tablespoons per cup, among the muffin cups.
    Combine the chocolate and milk in another pan.
    Stir over medium heat until the chocolate has melted.
    Spoon the chocolate evenly over the peanut butter mixture.
    Top with chopped nuts.
    Place in the refrigerator to set for at least 2 hours before serving.

    They are great soft, but even better a little firmer!

    sarah dobbinssarah dobbins

    Newborn Photography

    May 25, 2010 | Posted by sarah dobbins

    bloom and grow : the importance of capturing your newborn’s first days

    Why newborn photographs?

    With the growth in popularity and demand for custom children’s photography, one very unique niche in the industry has begun to emerge as an art form of its own–the photography of our very smallest clients, the brand new members of our families–newborns. So often, if people haven’t been exposed to the fine-art style of newborn photography, they might shy away from this rare opportunity to capture the fleeting moments of their new arrival’s first days. A lot of parents might picture a red-faced, grimacing baby swallowed up in clothing that is almost certainly too big for them–propped up in front of a backdrop, or carefully wedged in the corner of a couch. Parents might think–why newborn photographs? Why not wait until they are smiling, or until they can sit up, or at least until their eyes can focus?

    Part of the joy and beauty of photographing children is getting the opportunity to educate parents on the unique opportunities that await them when they choose a custom children’s photographer; specifically, a photographer that specializes in newborns. The art of newborn photography is blossoming–parents are discovering the breathtaking beauty of seeing their perfect little one in a fine-art photograph, and photographers themselves are exploring the depths of capturing the essence of a baby’s first days. There is nothing quite like the first few weeks in a baby’s life–never again will a child change so quickly, will details and qualities vanish so rapidly.

    Why so early?

    It is because of the rapid disappearance of these newborn traits that most newborn photographers recommend an infant be photographed in his or her first ten days of life. Believe it or not, just a few weeks makes a major difference in a child’s development in those early days–and the goal of newborn photography is to capture the very first details of a baby’s journey in life.  Newborn photographers are experts in recording and enhancing these details, and it’s crucial that babies are brand new–so they are still super-sleepy, and they still like to maintain their favorite position, the “curl” that they had in their mother’s womb.

    What is a newborn session like?

    Custom children’s photographers who specialize in newborns will often photograph infants asleep, and almost always with a diaper only or in their bare skin. They are masters in lulling and keeping baby asleep, and using creative techniques in posing and arranging to provide you with magical images of your young one at his or her tiniest.

    Being a new mom is hard. It’s tiring, it’s demanding… but all mothers know it is also one of the most beautiful and divine experiences in the whole world. It is the newborn photographer’s goal to enhance these sublime first days by expertly carrying out the session and rewarding moms with a gorgeous record of the experience in the form of fine-art prints, canvases, or my personal favorite, luxurious custom albums. Some photographers even provide clients with professionally designed custom birth announcements. Every newborn photographer has their own way of approaching these new little clients–and their mothers–but the common theme is simplicity and grace. I have had so many clients exclaim, “but it was so easy!” in surprise at the conclusion of a session. As you can expect with any newborn photographer, my newborn sessions are always very quiet, very relaxed, and very peaceful. Your photographer may have a studio, or they may prefer to come to you, in the quiet atmosphere of your own home. I prefer to travel to my clients–I bring everything with me that I need, and I fully expect a messy house! Your session will probably last 2-3 hours; newborn photographers are experienced in the ways of brand-new infants, so there is always ample time for nursing and changing.

    What if I want to do it myself?

    Here are a few tips to photograph your newborn if you choose to do it yourself:

    1. avoid distracting clothing–the birthday suit or a plain cloth diaper is best, or a close-fitting onesie.
    2. think warm–turn up the thermostat or get a space heater so your baby doesn’t get chilled while you shoot.
    3. feed your little one before photographing–they will be more content and more likely to snooze and snuggle.
    4. find even light–try to avoid direct sunlight or overly dark rooms. find a room where windows are letting in lots of indirect light.
    5. try posing baby on a soft pillow or beanbag, covered in a soft, textured blanket.
    6. don’t be afraid to try creative angles or ideas–try a knitted hat or a colorful swaddling blanket.
    7. don’t forget the details! be sure to capture the little toes, little fingers, little swirls of hair, and the sweet wrinkles in baby’s skin.

    Making the decision to capture your little one’s very first qualities, choosing to preserve your child’s very first days–investing in newborn photographs for your little one is something you will never regret. It is time you can’t get back, a brief snapshot in your child’s life that is so unique, and so evanescent, and so important to remember forever; your images will be treasured not only by you and your loved ones, but by your baby himself as he grows, and for generations to come.

    Crystal JamesCrystal James

    Make the most of your custom photography investment….

    May 24, 2010 | Posted by Crystal James

    …because it is an investment in YOU!  These will be images that you (and future generations) will treasure for many years to come.  Images that will evoke emotions and memories of a time long since past – but preserved forever.

    You have done your research, spent hours reviewing blogs and websites, and conferred with all of your friends — and finally chose that special photographer (and future friend) to capture your family.  Now the real work begins!

    One of the biggest concerns is deciding what to wear (which is a whole separate article) but for the purpose of giving a quick tip – be comfortable and be YOU!  If Sarah loves her purple Crocs and hot pink shades – why not bring them for a few pictures? In ten years you won’t remember a pastel flowered dress, but I bet the purple Crocs will bring a smile to your face!

    The first piece of real advice I have for each and every client is SHARE with your photographer.  Share who you are.  Share who your kids are.  Share your style and how you live.  Share what you enjoy and what makes your family laugh.  I consider myself an artist, not just a photographer, and I strive to capture real love and emotion which comes from a connection I make with my clients.  I want to know about the pretend games your son likes to play and that special book your daughter loves to read.  I want to know if your family likes to hit the silver comet trail every weekend or cuddle up on the couch with popcorn for a family movie night.  I want to know who you are so I can do my very best work for you.  Think of it as a return on your investment.

    Assuming that you have browsed the galleries of your chosen photographer’s website, be sure to let them know which images made you smile or laugh.  Do you prefer color or black and white?  Are you drawn to the candid moments, the giggles and silly faces, or do you love the family on the bench leaning together in a big hug?  Are you dying to have a huge wall portrait of sweet little Mary that showcases her big brown eyes, or do you want a keepsake album that tells the story of her amazing personality?  All of these details will help your photographer make the most of your time together – honing in on the details that are most important to you.

    The second piece of advice is TRUST your photographer.  You have chosen this artist based on all of your research, now give him or her your trust to do the job.  I find that all of us Mom’s (me included) have a difficult time giving up control of the situation (as it involves our children) and letting the session simply happen under the guidance of a skilled photographer.  The child will always run the show during my sessions (unless they are going to do something dangerous of course!).  It is important for me to connect with each child independently from the parents so they will interact with me — and feel comfortable in front of the big black box in front of my face!   We will play, laugh, make silly faces, run, jump and maybe even cry – and it’s all okay.  So, try not to yell “SAY CHEESE” or “SMILE!!!!” or “BE STILL” because none of these things will accomplish what we all really want – the honest, innocent smiles and soulful, gazing eyes of our children.  Step back, relax, enjoy the moment and the experience of having someone take pictures of your family just the way they are today — this minute — this second.

    I view custom photography as a partnership between myself and my clients.  It is not just a service that I provide, but a relationship that I work hard to build and nurture over time.  The privilege of being chosen to capture the essence and beauty of someone’s child is a precious gift.

    whitneyelizabethwhitneyelizabeth

    Family photography as art in the home…

    May 23, 2010 | Posted by whitneyelizabeth

    If you’ve already found the time to search for a family photographer-congratulations!  You’ve completed step one.  The next of several steps is to complete your portrait session and then order these important family images that you’ve anxiously been waiting for.  After making this investment, I feel it is so important to make sure that the art work you have ordered from your photographer is displayed in your home.  Most families are weary about ordering a 20×30 inch family canvas for over the fireplace, but you don’t have to do that…find your favorite home magazine or store catalog and browse through it.  There is inspiration lurking on every page and though some magazines may be displaying French art work, that could easily be changed to a living room spread over the couch of your latest family photographic session!

    Some of my recent, favorite magazines inspirations are below, curtesy of Elle Decor.

    janejohnsonjanejohnson

    Photography Studio vs. On-Location: A Biased Opinion

    May 20, 2010 | Posted by janejohnson

    I met 10 year old Jack while he paused his Guitar Hero long enough to shake my hand. He then quickly resumed his game, eager to show off his widely practiced skills to a new audience. I was at Jack’s house on a recent trip to Scottsdale for a portrait session. We were on his turf, in his domain, and his dog ran by with the occasional bark to remind us that she was important too.

    There’s something about going into a child’s environment that makes an instant friendship a little bit easier. When they’re surrounded by familiarity, having someone new with a camera in their face isn’t quite as intimidating as a photography studio with lots of expensive equipment they aren’t allowed to touch. I might have a biased opinion since I am a strictly on-location, natural light photographer, but let me give you a few reasons as to why your home (or favorite locale) is the perfect backdrop for a portrait session with your child.

    Freedom to wander.

    Children like to be entertained. Toddlers, particularly, don’t like to be in one place for long. I don’t know how many times I’ve spent an hour running backwards with my camera low trying to catch a little one on the move. During my session with Jack, we spent most of our hour together exploring his backyard. He showed me his mother’s rose garden, and which buds he was saving for the girl he has his eye on at school. We lay in the grass, threw the ball, chased after the dog, and (when all that grew old) Jack offered to show me his “washboard abs”. That’s when I got the good smile out of him. The continual change of scenery allowed for a wide variety of visually stimulating backdrops that I couldn’t have gotten inside a studio.

    Your style is unique.

    Once a portrait session is booked, most moms immediately think to themselves “what are we going to wear?” Putting the effort into styling your children in a way that they won’t resist while still adding a touch of your personality always results in a series of photographs unique to your own family. Pairing that with the backdrop of your own home is a guarantee for something that hasn’t been seen. Because no one’s house looks quite like yours. But what if your house isn’t quite the house of your dreams? Simply choose to have your session in a favorite meadow, that building you love downtown, or even in a local ice cream shop. The options are endless!

    Yummy evening light.

    There are plenty of lighting options when it comes to in-studio lighting, and a photographer with a good understanding of light can create some pretty stunning effects.  However, nothing really compares with a good dose of yummy evening light.  The kind of light that just wraps itself around your child and kisses the freckles on their nose.  The kind of light you think of when you remember going to bed as a child when it wasn’t yet dark outside.  The kind of light that makes your soul smile.  After all, many things in life are fleeting.  But the warm glow of a summer evening is always waiting to greet you.  Even if it’s hidden behind some clouds.


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