Looking for photographic props for babies and toddlers

I've decided that I'd like to put together a 'Props Box' to use during photography sessions. I've been researching on various web sites such as Etsy, Pintrest and plain old Google images.
I love handmade things, so I've decided to put in the time knitting some baby blankets using a polyester yarn called Marshmallow from Moda Vera. Its in a chocolate brown colour 37 and cost $2 a ball. I've bought 10 balls and am using 12mm knitting needles. Im hoping for a blanket that can be used to cover props or as a cocoon that a new born could be hung in. I also purchased a meter and a half of Minky Dot in Pearl that can also be used to cover props such as baby baths, wicker fruit bowls or wicker laundry baskets. My local Spotlight http://www.spotlight.com.au/ had the Minky on a huge discount, it's usually $29.99 per meter, but I paid $9.95 a meter, so I was excited to grab a bargain.

My sister in Law has introduced me to Etsy http://www.etsy.com/, which is an awesome web site for handmade creations that are original and beautiful. Last week I purchased a cute hand knitted crown in pale pink which we be gorgeous on a new born. I've also purchased several knitting patterns from Etsy which an Aunt will knit for me. These include a mermaid tale and shell bikini top, a pea pod, nappy covers with matching beanies and a few different cocoon's.
There are all sorts of different ideas when it comes to props that can enhance photography, they don't have to be expensive, the photographer just needs imagination and be self driven to visualize the end product.

Camera Bags

I recently invested in buying a new camera bag. And wow what a bag it is. Not the usual bulky awkward looking carry all but a fabulously stylish bag from 

I believe that it is extremely important to protect my equipment, especially when I travel, as they are the tools of my trade.

I bought the medium camera bag, which fits 2 camera bodies with lenses attached, 2 extra lenses and several pockets for batteries, charger, usb cables, remote control and external hard drives which I use to back up my work, more about the importance of backing up another day. It also includes a little money pouch, which can attach with a clip inside of the bag.

The bag is leather and even has little feet on the bottom so the leather bottom never touches the ground. It comes with a long shoulder strap or can be worn as a shoulder bag.

I recently travelled to Tasmania and I used this bag as my on board handbag to keep my camera close and I had no trouble fitting it under the plane chair or up in the overhead lockers.

Don’t expect a good quality bag of this kind to be cheap, it cost me $300 Aussie dollars from Photo Continental   

 

New software

I love getting parcels in the post so today I’m very excited because my new copy of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom arrived.. It usually retails for $499 but I found it on eBay for $250 so I couldn’t be happier!

Recently I attended a photography course through Vincent Swift Photography @ Main Street Studios, it was an excellent course for beginners to learn to take their DSLR cameras off auto and learn the basics of setting the camera settings manually. There’s a lot to take into consideration. For example, f/stops, ISO and the aperture. Anyway during the course, Vince stated that the industry standard photo imaging software used was Lightroom, so I’ve been saving to get my copy..

It will take me a little while to get the hang of all the new settings but I am confidant that left to my own devices I can learn.

I can’t wait to share with you what I have leant and continue to learn. It’s such a fun journey where even the frustrating tasks are exciting..

Welcome Welcome!!

Hi to anyone following this, which is my very first blog about my passion for the create medium of Photography.

It has been a long journey of discovery for me, which started with a love of scrapbooking. I found myself more and more, ‘poising’ my children with layout ideas banging around in my head. Scrapbooking its self can be a rather complicated design project then to add in the photography layer, it added a depth that I loved.

So, from this came the idea to apply to Open Universities Australia and start taking on units to work my way towards a Bachelors Degree majoring in Photography and Visual Arts. So far I have completed 3 units and plan in 18 months time to venture on campus at Griffith and embark on a straight Bachelor of Photography, which is only offered at Griffith.

So come with me on my journey of discovery and love of all things beautiful as I discover and refine my love for- Photography.