Though they hadn't originally planned on sharing the big news so soon, my boyfriend Jeff's sister Lindsay and her husband Lyndon ended up surprising us during Easter dinner with the exciting news that they are expecting a baby on Thanksgiving Day of this year. SUCH a happy day!!!! We immediately decided that we wanted to do regular photo shoots to document her pregnancy....starting with our first shoot at 10 weeks. I haven't ever had the opportunity to document the progression of a pregnancy, so I was thrilled when Lindsay was also excited about the idea. And so, about a week and a half ago, Jeff and I met up with Lindsay and Lyndon for a quick "10 week photo shoot" before dinner and a movie.
Prior to our shoot, I had done a little research online for some fun prenatal photo shoot ideas. However, I just couldn't seem to find any cute ideas for EARLY ON prenatal pics. So, I had to resort to a few ideas of my own. I decided to run to Hobby Lobby for some ideas and was thrilled to find an ornate black framed pin cushion (shown above),complete with crystal pins, and decided that it would be fun to use that every time we shoot....with an update of how many weeks along Lindsay is. I designed a neutral "week counter" in Photoshop and printed it out on photo paper. Each time we shoot, I will just alter the number of weeks and print out a new one to be pinned on the cushion. Little did I know, that the colors I chose for the image would match Lindsay's outfit (that she will wear every time we shoot during the course of her pregnancy) PERFECTLY. Great minds think alike. :-)
In addition to the framed pin cushion, I decided to pick up a chalkboard. Umm....the chalkboard is now officially my most favorite new thing EVER! It's so not a new concept in photography...but it is new for me. I LOVE IT! Such a FUN FUN FUN idea.
On the way home from work and on the way to meet up with Lindsay and Lyndon, I had a last minute idea. I decided that I wanted to do a "storyboard" of sorts. As I was driving, I tried to think of a "script" for the "story" and jotted it down on the back of a receipt. I wanted Lindsay and Lyndon to communicate to each other VIA the chalkboard.....to share the news of their little one. You can tell who's "talking," by who is holding the chalkboard. I loved the idea in my head, but had no idea just how awesome the end result would be. Check it out.....
I am so ridiculously thrilled with every shot in this fun shoot...but the storyboard ended up being my absolute favorite. SO FUN!
I was even more thrilled when I found these SERIOUSLY AWESOMEdigital hand drawn frames, designed by my dear, dear friend and amazingly talented designer, Heidi Larsen. Heidi and I designed together for years and years...and it's been ages since I've been able to play with her awesome work. I just about SQUEALED when I saw these frames in her "HERBANELLA" ETSY STORE the other day and absolutely HAD to have them to use with Lindsay's pics. Heidi..you are amazing!!! SO HAPPY to see you designing again!
I have done hundreds and hundreds of photo shoots, but this was my very first "early prenatal shoot." So fun to come up with ideas for ways to BREAK THE NEWS. It's always fun for me to step out of the norm and do a shoot with fresh and new ideas. Can hardly wait for our next shoot at 15 weeks!
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