A host of Golden Daffodils

My Nan gave us a bunch of freshly cut daffodils yesterday. I love Spring, and I heart daffodils! So, I used them in a photo shoot with Jack today. I love his eyes in these shots, which is why I am entering this into the Paper Mama's weekly themed photo challenge again this week. (Thanks to Chelsey for featuring my photo last week!) I know I am very biased, but I honestly think that Jack's eyes are the most amazing eyes I have ever seen.

My lovely little Staffy/lab doggy, Maisey, got in on the photo action today. She loves to get on the backdrop when the camera comes out, although for this reason, she often gets in the way. She's such a poser.

Tonight, my husband and I are going on a rare night out... together!  So Jack is staying overnight with his Granny. I know he'll be fine, but I miss him terribly already. We are hardly ever apart, and I always feel like I'm missing a limb when he's gone. I'm sure we'll have a great night, but... roll on tomorrow!

Paper Mama Photo Challenge: Green

This is my entry for The Paper Mama's weekend photo challenge, 'Green'. If you're interested to know the brand and colour of this backdrop, it is the shade 'Summer Green' by Creativity Backdrops. A few posts back I had mentioned I was dissapointed with the shade as it reminded me of Chromagreen. However, I haven't changed the colour of this at all, and I really quite like it. It's fresh, perfect for Spring! So I kind of take it back.

The outfit Jack is wearing is my favourite outfit ever! The polo shirt and cardigan are both 70's vintage, and the yellow cords (avec faded knee detail from all the crawling they have endured) are from Baby Zara. He's also wearing his little black Converse. I think, in years to come, when I think back to my wee 1 year old Jack, I will remember him in this outfit.

Walk this Way

It has been all go here the past few days, and... Jack has started properly walking! Exciting times! He took his first step all the way back when he was 11 months, and after a couple of falls and knocks, he decided he would crawl for a bit longer, until last night that is. He hasn't stopped since. I am so proud I could burst! His little Clarkes first walking shoes (see top photo) should take some of the credit for his achievement. They have helped to keep him steady during his first wobbly steps, which in turn has helped rebuild his confidence. I have to admit though, aesthetically, I much prefer his baby converse.

My camera and I have been inseparable recently. I have been taking it everywhere, so I have added a couple of outdoor, candid shots, in addition to the usual backdrop portrait. Also, my lovely husband, who is a professional illustrator by trade, gave me the most wonderful Mother's Day gift on Sunday. He created and framed this beautiful portrait of Jack. If you like his style, and you're interested in seeing more of his fantastic work, he blogs too. You can catch him here.

Wallpaper

I had an old wallpaper sample lying around, just enough to place two pieces side by side. I thought it might produce an interesting effect when placed behind Jack for a quick portrait. It seems to be popular now for backdrop suppliers print a flocked wallpaper effect on full size backdrops. If you're using it everyday, I would imagine it could be worth the money, but obviously I wouldn't, so this is my one-off cheap alternative. 

I didn't spend too much time on the shoot itself, but I did spend quite a bit of time in photoshop afterwards attempting to give a 'film still' feel to the photo.

I am quite pleased with the outcome. I like his quiet contemplation. Jack is a very thoughtful boy indeed.

When Irish Eyes are Smiling

Happy St. Patricks Day from Jack! We're a little bit early, I know, but Sunday morning has turned into 'Portrait time', and I thought I would make this photo very green, in anticipation of all the celebrations that will be taking place on Saturday. Ironically, in Ireland, we don't really celebrate as much as all you American folk. Some people get a day off work, some don't, and it is mostly just the student population that seem to take advantage of an excuse to drink all day long! So, my little family has no exciting plans for Saturday, I'm afraid. But I hope you enjoy whatever festivities you are participating in - I would love to hear what you're up to!

I photographed my little leprechaun against my Summer green backdrop today, and 'greened' in up a bit in photoshop. If you regularly visit Jack, you won't be surprised to hear that he is sporting another little vintage polo shirt.

You might be interested to hear what Jack, Dada and Mama got up to yesterday - we attended a 'Baby Rave', organized by the Belfast Children's Festival in the Waterfront Hall. It is a proper disco for little people (and their parents) with music, big screens, and flashing lights, topped off with great decor and little activities taking place all around the venue, such as those big parachute thingies for the kids to run under. Jack was frankly terrified to begin with, and kept pulling me towards the door, presumably telling me, in his own way, that he wanted to leave. But we persevered and gave him time to get his bearings. He soon came round and danced the hour away! Fun had by all!

I heart Faces Photo Challenge: Black and White

Today I am revisiting an old portrait of Jack, taken when he was just 9 months old. I have this one printed and framed in my back room and it remains one of my favourite portraits of Jack - ever! I snapped this before I owned my white paper backdrop, using a cream sheet in the background instead.

I am entering this into the brilliant, 'I heart Faces' black and white photo challenge. They are offering some superb prizes this time round. 

Thanks for visiting!