Q: How do you take better newborn portraits on-location at the family's house?

 

A: One clever way is my using my portable newborn studio

Using a portable studio for newborn sessions allows you to relax while your baby’s first photos are captured in the comfort of your own home. 

Having the handiness of keeping the loose routine is a bonus for all. 

The ‘puck’ or ‘ottoman’ style of beanbag is here

The 'ottoman', 'puck' or 'nest' is extremely a must for a safe and convenient for a platform for beautiful  newborn portraits.   

Setting up my backdrop system with safety clamps and 2-3 layers of blankets is what I do within my main shooting area on the newborn nest. 

Positioning it only a couple of feet away from the window (east facing) because I am a natural light only photographer. 

 

BOOYAH!

The ‘puck’ or ‘ottoman’ style of beanbag is here

The ‘puck’ or ‘ottoman’ style of beanbag is here

a behind-the-scenes look: spirit of christmas past 2013 photoshoot – part 8

I'm being overwhelmed with childishness today with all the lovely feedback REdbOOTS & styling team {'the girls'} are receiving with our 'Special Feature Photo-Spread' in Chiller31 magazine.

iTunes App Store has updated the version to include the Christmas issue. 

Here are a few promo codes for first few people to download

 43N97634ATLE

X6R3KRAP6W7R

a behind-the-scenes look: spirit of christmas past 2013 photoshoot – part 7

migraine

double trouble

a story to tell...

When you have a consignment to do a photography spread, the idea/theme is given by the editor of the magazine for a particular issue. The brief could be one word/perception and this time it was the 'Christmas Carol' for the December issue of Chiller 31 magazine. Our styling team ("the girls") was determined for the viewer to be transported back to the 17th century. 

Casting Anja was essential, as she was the main factor that determined the ambiance of the storytelling of our Viscountess Conway. Choosing a model that isn't comfortable in front of the lens but has the knowledge behind-the-scenes was just magical for me and "the girls".

Contributing to the 17th century the clothes and props added to conceptualization that we were after. Carlingford Vintage Bazzar's clothes and The Posy Parlour's floral props fit the brief and more importantly, that they enhance on how I wanted the images to look like. Then the make-up artist and hair stylist was absolutely essential to pull everything together. 

All variables above were ROCKING!  The stylist, hair stylist and make-up artist kept focused on the whole vibe moving positive and nailed down what was needed to require the winning shot. Plus, having Anja playing along through the journey of emotions to grasp the concept of the consignment, BRAVA!

 

{ Chiller31 feature spread photos:  Flickr}

{ order print/digital }

a behind-the-scenes look: spirit of christmas past 2013 photoshoot – part 6

 

I was able to convince a fast-rising young talented Anja Maye to jump in front of my lens for our next storytelling consignment. 

This amazingly poised, dedicated and hugely passionate fashion creative tells her thoughts of the day.

 

enchanted wardrobe: Day in the life of a model: I've done it all! Okay not really, but I can say that I have experienced being a 'model' for a day. Storytelling shoots always ...

a behind-the-scenes look: spirit of christmas past 2013 photoshoot – part 5

We are all waiting patiently for the launch of Chiller 31 ~ December 2013 issue

 

Having your work published in glossy magazines is an honour but this time we have a story inside that compliments our work. 

On the front cover it has "The Lisburn Castle Ghost of Northern Ireland" in tiny little letters at the bottom left hand corner and very excited to get our hands on a copy.

If you're anywhere near an USA newsagent or access to buy a digital print (itunes.apple.com). 

We highly recommend taking a look but we would have to say that, right? 

Stay tune to join us celebrating the launch!!!

a behind-the-scenes look: spirit of christmas past 2013 photoshoot – part 4

Our stylist, Natalie Alice wanted to add a bit of Christmas spirit to our English philosopher, Viscountess Conway . Natalie Alice brought on board The Posy Parlour to design bespoke fresh floral headpieces and pomanders to add that little something to the storytelling imagery.

At The Posy Parlour, designer Jackie Kusters does both fabric only or fresh flower and fabric mixed headpieces for brides. Depending on the request, she can work on customized designs for brides. It is important to note that fresh flower headpieces can only be made and collected the day before the event. Each piece speaks to a different style of bride and wedding and with the growing trend more brides will consider floral pieces as an accessory.

a behind-the-scenes look: spirit of christmas past 2013 photoshoot – part 3

To gather the all the scrupulous wardrobe and props for any consignment project is a bit of a rush for our stylist Natalie Alice.

Assignment period: 17th Century

We needed THE dress which was supplied by Carlingford Vintage Bazzar

Anja fell in love with the delightful lemon dress but it wasn't the correct era for our English philosopher, Viscountess Conway

Nestled among quaint boutiques in Carlingford, Co. Louth, Ireland, Carlingford Vintage Bazzar (CVB) has earned its spot as one of the most adored vintage shops in the area. In addition to offering an array of eclectic vintage apparel collection and accessories, CVB also stocks lovely household items that brings back happy memories to all shoppers. Owner Edwina McNamara has cultivated a close connection with the community, offering service with a smile and part of the REdbOOTS styling team.

a behind-the-scenes look: spirit of christmas past 2013 photoshoot – part 2

"For many, stories of ghosts and spirits are taboo subjects, reserved only for the occasional slumber party, but for others they are a doorway into the past, romanticised legends of the once living. The Lisburn Castle Gardens, renovated grounds of a formerly grand manor, signify..."  ~ Charlotte Newton

I love getting absorbed into total bliss with storytelling imagery. Having the beginning of a historical tale that was retold by Charlotte Newton to launch myself into a swirl of creative intoxication was just the beginning.

Making all the right calls to assemble the perfect match for the REdbOOTS styling team started.

stylist: Natalie Alice
hairstylist: Caroline Sugden | Hair by Cherry on Top
theatrical media makeup: Holly Smith
model: Anja Maye

a behind-the-scenes look: spirit of christmas past 2013 photoshoot – part 1

Do you have the Christmas spirit yet? 

Our styling team worked with model, Anja to create the effortless 17th century style to compliment our legend of Anne Conway consignment for The Chiller 31 Magazine and Chiller 31 app for iOS ~ December 2013 issue

Caroline Sugden (Hair by Cherry on Top) and the styling team in action, throughout various projects we have done together. Since forming a working partnership, I work closely with Caroline and a freelance team, to ensure the creative punch of excellence of styling and special effects makeup artistry. Caroline and the team always pride themselves on giving 110% quality and professionalism.

Take possession of the Christmas spirit as you get a sneak peek behind-the-scenes look at our Spirit

Catch the Holiday spirit with us as we give you a behind-the-scenes look at our Holiday 2013 photoshoot.  Enjoy the scenery, meet our models and get to know our crew–who all help make the magic come to life! - See more at: http://www.ae.com/blog/a-behind-the-scenes-look-holiday-13-photoshoot-part-1/#sthash.RFPyOJMO.dpuf

of Christmas Past 2013 photoshoot.

 {Official launch in December}

Catch the Holiday spirit with us as we give you a behind-the-scenes look at our Holiday 2013 photoshoot.  Enjoy the scenery, meet our models and get to know our crew–who all help make the magic come to life! - See more at: http://www.ae.com/blog/a-behind-the-scenes-look-holiday-13-photoshoot-part-1/#sthash.RFPyOJMO.dpuf

Catch the Holiday spirit with us as we give you a behind-the-scenes look at our Holiday 2013 photoshoot.  Enjoy the scenery, meet our models and get to know our crew–who all help make the magic come to life! - See more at: http://www.ae.com/blog/a-behind-the-scenes-look-holiday-13-photoshoot-part-1/#sthash.RFPyOJMO.dpuf

photographer: Angela Martin | REdbOOTS photography & design
model: Anja Maye
hairstylist: Caroline Sugden | Hair by Cherry on Top
theatrical media makeup: Holly Smith
stylist: Natalie Alice
dress: Carlingford Vintage Bazzar
floral accessories: The Posy Parlour
location: Lisburn, Northern Ireland

Catch the Holiday spirit with us as we give you a behind-the-scenes look at our Holiday 2013 photoshoot.  Enjoy the scenery, meet our models and get to know our crew–who all help make the magic come to life! - See more at: http://www.ae.com/blog/a-behind-the-scenes-look-holiday-13-photoshoot-part-1/#sthash.RFPyOJMO.dpuf