We've Moved! | Jill Heritage Child & Baby Photographer Calgary

I should have done this from the start, but I'm a bit late.  We've moved to our own domain name and I've exported all of these blog posts to the new site.

See you at our new location:

http://www.JillHeritage.com

The Messy Photo Room | Jill Heritage Child & Baby Photographer

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Most people dream of a new house to have the best and the newest design, appliance, or likewise.  I dream of a new house to have a studio and a full photography room!

For now, all of my "photo clutter" is in my newly acquired room (courtesy of a child moving out of province for work!).

I present to you, a week later than I'd planned, a few simple shots of what's now known of as Mom's Photo Room in our house

This is, obviously, the cupboard. There's some sort of organization going on there, but it's not easy to tell!  It's mostly props and such with a bit of paperwork in the file boxes.  I just realized I need to add the Disney outfits to my prop list! (Infant size - they fit 6 months to 1 year)

That's my pile of framed pictures, unframed pictures, and empty frames awaiting me to get some time to find wall space for them.  Since I took over the room from my daughter, she's got a lot of her own pictures still up!

My wall of my favourite pictures so far - see above, there's still more to add!

And that's it - that's your brief tour of my photo room.  It doubles as a guest room so if anyone ever comes to visit, they're surrounded by adorable children. I REALLY need to win one of those lottery homes soon...

Organization Week | Jill Heritage Child and Baby Photographer Calgary

I've got no shoots arranged this week for the first time in a while.  In a few weeks, I've got Paetyn's three month follow up session coming up and I'm excited for that! Can't wait to see how much she's grown.

This week I've been organizing. I bought shelves for my photo room (formally my oldest's bedroom - but she moved out of province). Previously I had a mish-mash of old end tables and small shelves to store my things. Now I've got two pretty new store bought shelving units.

I've gotten most of my favourite prints from my sessions framed and hung on the wall... then discovered that I have no talent for hanging frames on walls. lol There are a few left I've still got to get up, but I'll have to move around some of the things my daughter left when she moved.

I tried to get a quick picture to add here but discovered a quick picture was not a good idea. I'll give it a try again this weekend.

Jude | Jill Heritage Child and Baby Photographer Calgary

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Today I did something different, something outside my comfort zone.  I spent the day with Jude who's almost two in an outdoor session.

I'll admit it - I'm a control freak and I like indoor shoots where I can control the light.  Today brought challenges (note to self - do not book outdoor sessions at high-noon!)  We did, however, find some open shade next to the house and managed to make a day of it.

I have the cutest clients - I'm so blessed.

So, without further chatter, I present to you Jude

Tub Shots! | Jill Heritage Child and Baby Photographer Calgary

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I got the ok from Mom to share this gem of a photo from Hunter's session.  Don't you just want to pick him up and squeeze him?!

Prop List Updated | Jill Heritage Child and Baby Photographer Calgary

The prop list is FINALLY updated.  Apologies for the delay

Click the link on the left to see the props - I suggest use the "full screen" option or download so that you can see them better.

Something New | Jill Heritage Child and Baby Photographer Calgary

I spent today travelling around Calgary with my daughter's friend doing headshots for him (he's off to Hollywood in July - how exciting!)

He's a little outside my normal age range so I won't post any here, but we had a blast.  It was so different working with someone in their 20's but fun on a whole different level.

Hailey & Hunter | Jill Heritage Child and Baby Photographer Calgary

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Here's the hard part - how do you pick?  I'm trying to find favourites of this session to put online and it's hard to pick just a few.   

I introduce Hailey and Hunter after an amazing day with them.  I fully expect to see Hailey on "America's Next Top Model" as she came with her outfit changes and had all her own poses figured out!

I have a few awesome shots of Hunter sitting on the edge of the tub but since they're "bum shots" I want to make sure Mom doesn't add them to the exception list on her modeling agreement before I post them (I don't think she will, but I want to make certain!)

WOW | Jill Heritage Child and Baby Photographer Calgary

THE MOST beautiful headbands arrived in my mail today.  I've got to get them added to the prop list!  I don't often laud a designer/seller on this blog but will now.

Check out My Sweet Bee at Etsy for stunning and beautifully made headbands. I got two of the feather and jewel ones.

Storyboards - Austin | Jill Heritage Child and Baby Photographer Calgary

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I really enjoyed building this one of Austin. It shows off his active personality.  When we were doing the shot with the wooden blocks, I ensured that I grabbed a shot of just his name as I knew I'd use it later (probably in a storyboard). 

I also learnt to bring at least two sets of blocks. I thought that I was safe with a short name without repeating letters, but the coloured "A" was on the back of one of the letters that I already used so I had to go with the plain one since I'd only brought a single set (and I own four... how silly)

For those that don't notice it right away, the top graphic in this is a Toy Story themed room.  It went perfect with the little cowboy who is also a Toy Story lover. I just wish I'd found an actual Toy Story font... I'll have to keep looking.

Falling Behind | Jill Heritage Child and Baby Photographer Calgary

I've got some more pictures to upload, new props to photograph and add to the sheet, heck, I've even got some book keeping to move from receipts and scribbles into Studio Cloud!  It's been a busy few weeks - sick, then on course, then my 45th birthday, now Mother's Day.

Sorry for slacking - I will get the updates done soon!!

PS:  as a funny, somewhat related, side note... I do think I am the only woman around who got baby clothes for her birthday but doesn't have a baby or a grandchild!  My awesome daughter croched me some beautiful things to add to my prop collection <3

More Austin | Jill Heritage Child and Baby Photographer Calgary

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I only shared one shot from Austin's shoot last night - must have been the whole 4am thing!  Here are some more from the day yesterday.  My mom had an amazing idea of handing the child paint and a big brush to have fun on the white seamless at the end of the shoot.  Good in theory, but not so much in use.  I got a lot of shots of his back, and we both ended up with painted faces (I DID warn you that I'm nothing but a big child myself, right?!).  Will I do it again? Definitely.  It may not have been great for shots, but what a great way for a child who's been so very patient all day to unwind at the end of the shoot.

Note to self | Jill Heritage Child and Baby Photographer Calgary

When wanting to do a shot with bubbles, white seamless and white t-shirts are not a good option.  The resulting pictures are only "good" if underexposed enough to see all the stuff :(  Too bad, because there was the possibility of some cute ones!  The shot below would have worked if it was on my blue seamless, and a solid darker shirt... and no puddle of bubbles at his feet!

Lesson learnt...

Austin | Jill Heritage Child and Baby Photographer Calgary

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It's 4am here and must be bed time. Just wanted to share a favourite from my day with Austin.  This adorable almost three year old was a bundle of energy and fun - a day full of giggles and hugs!

I share with you a rare pensive moment from Austin

Ivory Baby | Jill Heritage Child and Baby Photographer Calgary

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I had to share this gem - doesn't she look like she belongs on a 1960's Ivory Soap ad?!

Storyboards #2 | Jill Heritage Child and Baby Photographer Calgary

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Two more storyboards from this weekends' session.  Too baby babe had the blanket under her, but she was zonked and we didn't want to risk waking her!

I'm really happy with Jayden's. I have one that I'm working on for Abby but I don't have a nice full set with the same outfit like I do for him so it's taking some more work than normal.

Abigail & Jayden | Jill Heritage Child & Baby Photographer Calgary

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Today I bring you Abigail and Jayden.  Both of these children are not only photogenic, but an extreme joy to spend time with.  We had a long, but amazing day with them.

Awesome Day | Jill Heritage Child and Baby Photographer Calgary

I had the best day with a brother/sister duo. It's 3am now and I'm calling it a night.  Will finish developing the pictures in the morning and should have lots to share!

Storyboards | Jill Heritage Child and Baby Photographer Calgary

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Story boards appear to be all the rage now so I've been working to get some together.   Here's my first offering to a mom - I'm pleased with how it turned out (of course, the ribbon with my name isn't on the final print, that's just for the web).  Funny enough, this isn't technically a story board as there's only one photograph in it..
.

The Sweetest Things | Jill Heritage Child and Baby Photographer Calgary

I just got the sweetest message that made my day!  Friday I've got two sessions - a six month shoot as part of an ongoing baby package and her three year old brother.

Mom just messaged me to confirm the final details and told me that the three year old is really looking forward to seeing me again!  Awww.. the littlest things warm my heart. 

I adore children - always have.  To hear that they're as excited to see me again as I am to see them is just such a great reward.

I love my job.

Changes to Prop Page | Jill Heritage Child & Baby Photographer Calgary

I've overhauled the prop page taking it from one wandering list of images to a PDF file.  Ok, it's not the prettiest PDF file on record, but it does the job.

If you're booking a session go take a look. It's easy - just browse through and email me with the number of the item that you like and then I'll update your session notes to tell me to bring it with me.

Yes, I'm lacking in little boy props. I've got some awesome ties I'll have to photograph and add in but it just seems that girl stuff is everywhere!

Mail's Here! | Jill Heritage Child & Baby Photographer Calgary

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Mail is so exciting - may I never outgrow that.  I still get excited by the mailman walking up the steps and bringing packages!

My new mini cards from Moo arrived today.  I'm impressed with the quality (it's my first purchase from them) and can't believe I waited so long to decide to get them.  If you're interested, drop me an email - they gave me five 15% off codes for folks to use on new orders and I'd love to pass them out! The delivery date was May 2nd so they even arrived a week early. YAY!

I'm trying to get back in the swing of things here this week. I took 10 days off when my husband and I went to San Francisco but managed to come home with a horrible cold (it started the day after I got back, luckily, and didn't ruin the trip!). I've had to rebook two sessions already since I don't want to pass on this plague!  Let's hope it's gone by my first rebook this Friday, I'm done being sick.

Here's a peek at the cards.  I chose my three favourite images to date and made three different cards; with Mini-Moo you can have as many images as you'd like so I'm certain I'll add to this as time passes.  On the back is all my contact information in plain text.

Paetyn & Mykael | Jill Heritage Child & Baby Photographer Calgary

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I finally met a newborn who doesn't want to fold up, does not like to be swaddled, but is still cute as a button. The only thing that she wanted touching her was her Mom's scarf.  Didn't get any "classic shots" - she was certainly my biggest challenge to date.  I actually thought it was going to be a wash and we'd have to reshoot.  Mom was happy with the few that worked and we'll try it again at three months.

Meet Paetyn and her brother Mykael.

Let the rush begin | Jill Heritage Child & Baby Photographer Calgary

Don't you just love it when things run hot and cold?  That's the only way I appear to know how to do it. 

One of my newborns was born yesterday morning - just waiting for mom to be home and rested up before I go over.  I have a six month old booked for this weekend and her three year old brother coming up soon after.

Oddly enough, I've been hired to take some pictures of a horse so, in turn, the owner can get a painting done.  All this in the next three weeks.  Doesn't sound too bad until you factor in that I work from 11am-9pm Mon-Thurs at my office job and have a week long vacation coming up in San Francisco.  Now it's starting to sound busy.. I love it :)

The Postman Always Rings Twice... | Jill Heritage Child & Baby Photographer Calgary

TWO deliveries today!!
The pink iron doll canopy bed arrived.  Even more fantastic in person than it was in the auction pictures. Now I'll be busy making bedding for it for the next while :)

The Postman Arrives! | Jill Heritage Child & Baby Photographer Calgary

My new flooring is here!!  It's actually bullitin board paper but I've seen great shots with it.
Can't wait to try it out

Bought it here for folks who are interested:  http://www.mardel.com/weathered-wood-fadeless-paper-roll-pacon.aspx

Prop photos are up | Jill Heritage Child & Baby Photographer Calgary

Some quick and dirty photos of the most popular props are up on their own page now

Check them out at http://jillheritage.blogspot.com/p/props.html

Today's my day off | Jill Heritage Child & Baby Photographer Calgary

I awoke to found that my 18 year old was late for school so took my car (he left a note, and a plethora of "sorry I didn't ask in advance!" lines) so I was stuck home for the day. Kind of happily; I'm the only one here and it's so quiet

So what do I find myself doing right now?  Taking photos of my most popular props trying to get a visual aid for what parents would like me to bring instead of hauling everything but only using two or three.

I'm just hitting up the most popular first.  That'll be enough for now!  I also think this will require its own page.

Back to work for me, just came down because I heard my cell phone ding.

eBay finds | Jill Heritage Child & Baby Photographer Calgary

I've started to narrow down eBay search terms to start to find what I want. Let me tell you, if you just put "photography props" into eBay be ready to wade through pages and pages of stuff you may or may not be interested in.

This week alone I was the successful bidder in three auctions - one for an old wicker doll bassinet, one for a very old iron dolls canopy bed, and a final for a doll sized Radio Flyer wagon complete with wooden sides.

Below is the wicker - it was the only one that was from Canada so I got it really fast. Still waiting for the others to crawl across the border from the States.  Best part of this one? It was a mere 99 cents :)

Oh no, I'm one of *those* people | Jill Heritage Child & Baby Photographer Calgary

Yes, I spent a few days taking pictures of my cats. I can, with hesitation, admit to that.  I don't need releases for them ;)

Here's my scenario - My kids are 18, 20, and 22. Not so happy to sit around while I take pictures anymore and really not happy to wear goofy hats and sit in baskets.  ha ha.

When trying new things for lighting and shadow - I use my cats.  I am not a crazy cat lady... yet... I swear.

New props from Jysk | Jill Heritage Child & Baby Photographer Calgary

I went on a new basket hut with my Mom a few weeks back. I'd gotten suckered in by a "Dollar Store" for a nice enough basket but they got $19 out of me for it.  Mom and I discovered how many awesome baskets they have at Jysk and I was in heaven.  This one with a washable, removeable denim liner was $6 - just one of many I found there.

Always a safe bet for props - Michael's | Jill Heritage Child & Baby Photographer Calgary

So here's a gem I found at Michael's the other day.  They've got all these storage boxes and they were on sale at some crazy percent off. I ended up paying $9 each for the books and $14 for this with straps and a metal latch. I adore it.  The books below are fantastic - I have three of them now.  Excuse the silly still life (of my first camera, no less) it was part of a lesson in using reflectors to fill shadows.

I'm just sitting here talking to myself.. | Jill Heritage Child & Baby Photographer Calgary

Pardon me as I work through figuring this out.

Note to other photographers out there - get a model release. Even if you don't think you need one; you probably do.

I'm going through looking at infant photos that I could add here but none had releases. They were all done specifically for the families and I never assumed that I'd require them for anything else. I was wrong. I now have a photograpy blog with no photos.

I've been doing practice shots on some props to get some lighting ideas, and sometimes my cats feel the need to join in on these shots, maybe I'll just break down and add these photographs. I can always remove them later, right?

Going forward, all new clients will sign a release so I can use the photos for promotional materials.

I finally broke down and did it | Jill Heritage Child & Baby Photographer Calgary

I've always been a word of mouth photographer and never figured I'd have a website, among the sea of websites, for my craft.  Everyone's first question, however, is "do you have a website?"

I've given in and will start with this Blogger page - if the need is there, I'll migrate to a real website/domain later.