The above is what happens when you tell five children to “pose themselves”. The real, relaxed and genuine “kid” comes out. These gorgeous children belong to another local photographer and friend – and if you read photography blogs at all, I’m sure you’ve heard about “Photographer’s Child Syndrome” or PCS for short. The children of photographer’s have become immune to having their portraits made… and can become shall we say, less than co-operative. Not bratty, or belligerent, just easily bored. The excitement is long gone for our children, and they know that another session is still in their future. And as a result, we often walk away from sessions with our own families without the beautiful portraits we create for our clients. Sometimes, having a photographer other than “mom”, is just what is needed to be sure that the “cobbler’s children will have shoes”. And as an added bonus, Mom gets to be in the photos too!

I have been curating lovely wedding related items for the past week or so, as I cruised around the Etsy world.  So today I present… A White Wedding.

Click HERE to go and view the actual treasury and to click on the wonderful objects.  But it will ONLY be there for today and tomorrow!  So don’t delay, CLICK NOW!  And you can leave a little comment on the bottom too!

Yesterday as we were digging out the driveway, I looked up and just marveled at the beauty.  I’m quite sure that my neighbors think I’m nuts, but it’s ok, I probably am.  I went inside to get the camera so that I could not only document the snowfall for family who lives in warmer climates, but also to preserve the beauty I saw around me.  I’ve added this image to my Etsy shoppe – though it’s not yet back from the printers… so it won’t ship immediately.  And I don’t really know when I’ll next see the USPS lady or my wonderful UPS and FedEx men due to not only the snow currently fallen, but the additional storm we are expecting tomorrow.  It’s a good thing I love my children as much as I do, though I fear they will be in school till August if the snow days continue!

I’m sure by now you’ve realized that I’m what my husband calls “crunchy”. I try to implement “green” policies in all areas of my life, and my business is no different. In fact, it’s even more important considering the amount of cardboard packaging etc the prints/frames/canvases etc require. But rest assured, that all the packaging materials are indeed recycled. But back to holiday wrapping… when I was looking for something attractive, that blended well with the willowdawn photography aesthetic, I started in the “eco friendly” section of my vendors catalog. Bags and boxes where quickly decided upon as soon as I saw them. They were perfect and with boxes containing 100% recycled fiber – on average 80% is post consumer. The paper wrap material is manufactured carbon neutral, FSC certified, green-e certified with wind certificates, process chlorine free (PCF) and are made in the USA with 100% post consumer waste and are green seal certified. It’s hard to get “crunchier that that!

The bags are a little less “green” at only 50% recycled content, but I was sold, not only because of their charming design, but because they are also, made in the USA. As many parts of our country faces tough economic issues – I’ll all for buying American – and keeping our citizens employed. And did I mention they’re CUTE?!?!

And then there is the paper and ribbon… I’m so excited by the paper that I’ll save it for last, but the ribbon is soooo cool too! This awesome ribbon is crafted of polyester and is made in the USA from 100% post consumer recycled plastic bottles. Of course, it’s not as posh as say a beautiful velvet or double faced satin – which I’m not knocking – they’re beautiful. But this is beautiful and guilt free! And the paper… let me tell you about the paper.

I’ve chosen to wrap your gifts in Mulberry Blend Gift Wrap which is made from natural fibers. This paper is made by artisans in remote villages around the world – creating jobs and fair wages for hard working communities. Distant Village packaging is providing more that just great eco-friendly and sustainable products. It is a sustainable model that supports real people in many ways. To learn more, click here. Now this a gift that feels great to give!

ALL gift items AND now, all canvases – will be 20% off on Friday, November 27th – and ONLY on Friday, November 27th. It was going to be only on gift items but I just received word that my canvas vendor is having Thanksgiving sale and I’m passing this savings on to YOU! Gift items include handbags, wallets, key fobs and jewelry! Check the GIFT GUIDE and then head over to my shopping area to start shopping.

Click here to enter shopping cart.

COUPON CODE: black

All items will come beautifully gift wrapped and ready to be put under the tree, shipped or presented to the one you love. Which reminds me… I need to go take a photo of the wrapping paper! It’s soooo cute! And is my way, all of the wrapping materials are made from recycled products! I’ll be back!

Bracelet has two images!

So the photos are ALL the wrong sizes so I’ll have to come back and clean up this mess I’ve just created, but it will have to wait! I’ve a party to go to… and I’m wearing the necklace with Miss C sitting in the chair!

I just got a spodey-odey new decal for the back of my car and thought it would be fun to play a bit of Where in Virginia is willowdawn photography? Hey, I warned you about the nerd dust! So if you see me around town in my cute little Prius – snap a pic with your phone or any other camera you have handy and email it to me. I’ll send you a coupon for your choice of free item! Oh, and please don’t get all daredevilish and try to do this whilst driving! And a pic of my car in my driveway doesn’t count! I’ll give you a couple of hints as to where you might find me. I don’t shop at the mall – but I seem to live at Costco. I’d keep my eyes open around Wegmans too! Oh and I ALWAYS park near the cart corral. Always. I attend church in the Massaponax area so Sunday’s I’d keep an eye out around there!

Good luck and I can’t wait to see who spots me!