• Welcome to the Cats Cradle Photography blog! I welcome you to visit the blog often for sneak peeks from recent sessions, photography specials and other important information. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or to schedule a session of your own!

    ~ Tara Swartzendruber

    Cat's Cradle Photography specializes in fun, natural and unique portraits for newborns, children, maternity, small families and seniors

Family!

A few weeks ago, I was excited to have 3 1/2 year old Ashtyn back in front of my camera.  However, this time, I also got the pleasure of meeting and photographing little brother, 6-month old Leighton ~ and the rest of the family too!

Both brother have such beautiful blue eyes!

I loved this little outfit of Ashtyn’s, the hat and tie shirt made a great look.

I know it’s not necessarily the photo mom and dad want to see, but I think Ashtyn has the best pouty face ever!  See this post for his pouty face from last time.

But you’re pretty much a cutie however you look!  And wow, how you’ve grown!

April Showers…..

Lovin’ these flowers and trees from around the yard.  Spring seemed to come a bit early this year, but it is beautiful!

Get Stylin’ (i.e. WHAT to wear!)

I’ve been wanting to write this post for awhile now and now that spring is approaching, it’s time!

It will be fun, informative and hopefully helpful as you decide the answer to that all-important question “What to Wear?” for your next photo shoot!!

Yes, not to panic anyone, but I do believe that what you wear can help make the difference between a ho-hum photo and a great one!  What you choose to wear says something about YOU!  It also helps me to plan the shoot around YOU and your style.  We all know the basic rules, right?  ”horizontal strips make you look wide”  ”bold patterns draw your eye to one person” “shorts look the best on kids only” “words on shirts are distracting” ……  But let’s say you know all of that and you are just looking for something fun and fresh ~ something you will enjoy looking at on your walls.  Well, come on in……

There are, of course, the old standbys for kids….. gap, old navy, children’s place, etc….. you can drive there, try it on and purchase.  But what if you are looking for something just a bit more unique, a bit more stylish or fun?  Then THIS is the post for you!!

In this post, I have a number of online links to great merchants, some even on Etsy, where you can get some fun one-of-a-kind buys that will make your photos truly stylish and unique.

I ALSO have a PINTEREST board titled (what else?) “Photo session clothing ideas” Check it out!  I add new stuff often as I run across different items that I think would be great for photos.  And pay attention to the accessories.  Headbands, leggings, vests, ties, etc…..all add beauty to a photograph.  Most of these photos have a direct link to where the item can be purchased!

If you are NOT on pinterest, and want to check it out, send me an email and I’ll send you an invite to join!:)

SO, without blabbing any more, HERE are the great links!!!

CLOTHING:

Matilda Jane ~ one of my personal favorites.  Clothing mostly for girls/women.  A little frill, a little edgy, great colors – truly one of a kind!

Amelie Jo – etsy store.  Girly.  Ruffles.

Noah and Lilah – boy and girls.  Lots of skirts and dresses.  I absolutely LOVE her fabric choices!! Great prices too!

The Measure – modern, vintage, eco-friendly.  for girls. definitely unique

Kait Emerson Designs – girls and boys.  Awesome ties for boys…..great colorful designs throughout the store!

Zara – Reminds me of the Gap, but with more unique items!  Clothes for the entire family.

ZoZoBug Baby – girls.  bright colors.  dresses and pants.  can be very ruffly, but some neat stuff  too.

Persnickety Clothing - “Fancy little Frocks”.  Clothing for girls and women.  This site donates an outfit to a child in need for every outfit purchased.

Edens Bouquet - Boys and girls.  Very vintage. Pricy, but can provide inspiration if you like the vintage look.

A Bird Baby - Fairly monochromatic.  Black, white, grey, some pink.  girls.  I love the outfits on their “shop” page.

Zulily – This is a “deal a day” website where they list clothing, toys, bags, shoes, etc…. from various manufactures at greatly discounted prices.  Some of their deals last for a few days, but you still have to be quick, and  check often!  Some really cute stuff!

ACCESSORIES:

The Pleated Poppy - ties. belts. accessories.  cute.

Knuckleheads - Awesome hats, especially for boys….love the fedoras!

Sew Whimsy and Neishas Blue Boutique – both etsy stores are great for newborn headbands and bows

Little Piggies – local merchant.  Adorable little shoes for 6 mo-1 year.  Love that the bottoms are fabric too.  No more ugly shoe bottoms in your photos!

Chick Baby Rose – newborn petti rompers.  Unique.

And the winner is….

Thanks to all who stopped by the Cats Cradle Photography booth at the Henderson Homeshow this past Saturday!

I enjoyed seeing many of you and meeting some new faces.  I am excited for 2012 photography!:)

At the homeshow, I held a drawing for a FREE sitting for 1-6 people.  And the Winner is…….Natalie Ochsner!

Congratulations, Natalie!!  And thank you to all who entered.:)

Homeshow

Just wanted to let you know that Cats Cradle Photography will have a booth at the Henderson Home Show this Saturday, February 25 from 9:00-2:00.  The Homeshow is located in the North Gym at Heartland Community School  in Henderson.

Be sure to stop by our booth to see photos from this past year, pick up information, see new products and definitely sign up to win a FREE sitting for 1-6 people!!!

While you are at the homeshow, also check out the great food for sale and visit the 30+ booths full of information, products, specials and more!!  There will also be entertainment by the IGNITE! Dance and Cheer dancers and activities for the kids!

Check out more information at Heartland Beat:  http://heartlandbeat.com/2012/02/henderson-home-show-february-25th/

Hope to see you there!!