National Association of professional Child Photographers » Erin Zahradka

A Mom’s Creation: Damsel In Dress!

Erin Zahradka — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 07:36:52 +0000

We all know the importance of preserving our memories through photographs, but Kayle Lamar, creator of Damsel in Dress, discovered a way to create new memories out of their old clothing, bringing adorable one-of-a-kind fashion statements to tots everywhere! All you do is send Kayle an old t-shirt. Whether it’s from a gift shop at Disneyland from the 70’s, or your alma mater, she will create a fabulous dress for your daughter or an awesome NEW t-shit for your son! I can’t remember exactly how I found out about Damsel In Dress, but my daughter has five of them, & I wanted all of them when we did their boutique session. Check out their online shop before Kayle takes my advice and raises her prices drastically! These are amazing! www.damselindress.com”

Are You Photogenic?

Erin Zahradka — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:49:45 +0000

The answer is yes!

Considering I’ve always squirmed in front of the camera and never really thought I liked what I saw on film, I wanted to do a little research. I used to think it was only facial symmetry that made someone look stunning in photos. Then I started to realize that a lot goes into being photogenic, and anyone can “be it.”

Truth be told, I had a bout of Bell’s Palsy in my early twenties, which caused paralysis on the right side of my face for two weeks. Many years later, I swear I can still blame my temporary condition for the freezing of my upper lip, the tilting of my head when the finger inches in on the shutter, and for my right eye closing a bit in almost all of my photos!

I called my project “How Does it Feel.”

The camera turned on me.

Quite Literally. My friend decided it was my turn to see how it felt in front of the lens. And it was a great idea. I Loved it. And hated it.

She showed me how uptight I am when the camera is turned on me, how different I look when I’m “aware” of the lens in my face, and how much work it takes for someone to actually look natural. We contemplated taking a break to have a few cocktails so I would relax, but instead she gave me her iPod to have in my pocket to soothe my nerves, and we kept going (we did finish the night with some margaritas at a delicious restaurant in Boulder called Juanita’s!).

It was a great project for me because now I truly know how terrifying it can be when you’re in point-blank-range of a 35mm. My friend took complete charge even though it was hard for me to switch roles! She made sure I had a range of facial expressions, and we had breaks where I closed my eyes for a couple seconds, and then opened them again with a fresh look for the click. It really helped!

So whether it’s facial symmetry that makes your look rock, the direction from a relaxed and on-top-of-it- photographer, or the bio-luminescence from the hair on your skin that is said to have been Marilyn Monroe’s secret for her “photogeneticy,” we all need to remember that we can look great in our pictures!

Most important rule: Relax, have fun, trust your photographer, enjoy your spotlight moment. You’ll be happy when you see your final images!

You can read more in-depth thoughts on this topic here.

Chocolate & Peanut Butter: A Perfect Marriage, Naturally

Erin Zahradka — Thu, 27 May 2010 03:56:25 +0000

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!