A St. Patricks Throw Back Thursday

St. Patrick's Day is coming and we're looking for new photography ideas for the babies.  We thought we'd celebrate this "throw back thursday" with a St. Patrick's Day picture from two years ago.  At three months old, we were inspired by the When My Baby Dreams photos and thought we'd snap our own version of our Irish babes.

Boy have they grown in two years!  I still see glimpses of the sweet babies they once were.  Happy Throw Back Thursday and St. Patrick's Day!

5 Tips for Fabulous Beach Pictures

I think you guys must be ready for summer, because lately, you've ALL been reading my post about bringing babies to the beach! Ever ask yourself "how to take pictures of kids at the beach" or look for "beach pictures with kids" or "kids beach photo ideas?"
I don't mind...  I'm right there with you!  While we might not be making it to the beach this summer (we're planning our first Disney Trip I believe), I am always glad to pass on some "lessons learned."  This past trip, I braved the sand a little more with my DSLR Camera, and the results were fantastic.  While I'm only an amateur photographer, I wanted to share some ideas with you for taking great pictures this summer as you take your own trips to the beach!

Picture Perfect DIY Family Photos with EasyCanvasPrints

I have been an amateur "momtographer" for a little over a year now.  After realizing that my point-and-shoot wasn't doing my gorgeous kids justice, I decided that it was time to find some better gear.  I got a DSLR, took a class and got to practicing - and the rest is history!  I was thrilled then, when Easy Canvas Prints got in touch with an opportunity to partner together for a post!

One of my "must dos" on every vacation to the beach is to get a steller family picture.  With two toddlers, this is much easier said than done.  While I'm no expert, I have learned a thing or two along the way just from experience.  Here are my four little tips for a great DIY family photo with kids!

1 - Happy Kids:  Start with kids that have napped and have full bellies.  Nothing sabotages a shoot more than cranky kids!

2 - Consider your Background: No matter if your camera is on a tripod or in the hands of an untrained family member, pose yourselves in front of something that is pleasant to look at, that won't be a total distraction from the subjects.  We chose the beach dunes which also made it obvious where we were.

3 - Watch your Shadows and Light: One of the hardest parts of getting great family shots at the beach is not having harsh shadows and squinting eyes.  A good rule of thumb for soft light is to always take pictures around the time the sun has set - with enough light to illuminate, but none to cast shadows on the face.  We adapted (sunset was dinner time) and used the time right after the sun set behind our building for a similar effect.  No squinting and no shadows.  Another option is to use a low flash to fill in the shadows and add catch lights to the eyes - but of course I'd left mine in the room and wasn't going back!

4 - Do Whatever it Takes for a Smile:  In our case, this was spinning around for "ring around the rosie" and when we'd turn around the bend, Julie still full of glee, the picture would snap and there we'd be.  Get creative with whatever makes your child smile!

Once we got the perfect shot, I was so excited to see what it looked like on canvas!  We chose the 16" x 20" size and got to work at www.easycanvasprints.com ordering our portrait.  I absolutely loved the ease of using the site - super easy to follow along and practically "goof-proof" for those who are technologically challenged.  I loved that the site allowed me to adjust the photo's cropping to make sure it was centered and balanced.  I appreciated the options for the canvas sides - black, white or a mirrored print of the image.

My canvas arrived expertly packaged and ready to hang.  The image quality was great and it was so sturdy that I knew it'll last the test of time.  Our canvas looks so professionally done that I was proud to hang it in our dining room!  

I am so pleased with my experience with Easy Canvas Prints that I'll definitely be ordering from them in time for the holidays.  What a great gift for family members!  Canvas prints would also make great gifts for new parents, or newlyweds with shots of their baby or wedding.


Easy Canvas Prints has generously offered to give away a free 8x10 canvas print for one of our readers!  Enter using the rafflecopter form below for your chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Easy Canvas Prints.  I did receive free product for my review, but all opinions remain my own.

And if you have a second, please click the links below!  Your vote every day helps us stay in the ranks.

Western Pennsylvania Balloon Quest: Field Trip Friday

Every so often, my mind used to wander to a time when, as a child, we'd been coming back from my Dad's company picnic, and had the pleasure and surprise to see numerous beautiful hot air balloons floating through the sky above us.  We'd stopped and taken the time to enjoy them, and the memory has lingered throughout the years.

Brayden just adores looking at Balloons (especially shiny Mylar ones) and I thought he might think that seeing hot air balloons was pretty cool too. It turned out that I started googling local hot air balloon festivals at just the right time, as our local one was just the next weekend after my search!  The Western Pennsylvania Balloon Quest  is an annual event in New Castle, PA on the fourth weekend in July every year, and is done in partnership with their local fire department. It's very well established, having been operating since 1989.

We arrived right on time to see about fifteen balloons inflate, lift off, and drift over the horizon.  All in all, it was a pretty quick experience but one WELL worth the hour drive up there - we'll definitely visit again!

From our experience here's a few things I'd share:
- Get there early!  There were a billion people and they all have to park.  We were so close to missing the action that next year we'll definitely get there earlier.
- Many people bring lawn chairs and settle in.  There's tons of room to get a good view so there's plenty of room for all.
- Bring your camera!  People were all over the place with DSLRs.  So glad I had my camera with me for some beautiful shots you don't see every day!
- The event happens all weekend with a balloon glow on Thursday night, and launches Friday Night, Saturday morning and evening, and Sunday morning and evening.  Plenty of time for everyone to check it out!

website: http://wpaballoonquest.webs.com/

address
UNION TOWNSHIP VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

304 SOUTH SCOTLAND LANE

NEW CASTLE, PA 16101

After the balloons drifted out of site, we checked out the carnival happening on site.  There were numerous rides and food vendors, but nothing really "for us" with tiny kids that I am still super cautious with.  We did make our way to the fountain and duck pond right on site and had a great time checking out the ducks and munching on a snack.

We had a fabulous time and will definitely be making this a yearly tradition.  Perfect event for free family fun in the Pittsburgh area!

Be a pal and take a minute to vote! 

Irish Eyes

Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Coleman Babes!

Beach Babies

When I first saw Adele Enersen's photographs at Mila's Daydreams I was completely in love.  They featured a peacefully sleeping babe, with an intricate scene created by blankets and fabric.  I just could  not get enough of her images, and am looking forward to purchasing her book soon.

In the meantime, we've decided to create our own pictures in the same style.  Hopefully with a little creativity, we'll be able to incorporate both babies in the pictures with some creativity - and even get them to stay still long enough to snap a picture.  Our first attempt is a beach scene, since our family loves beaches of all types and it seemed like a perfect "dream" for a mid-February afternoon.

Julianna - with brown throw (sand) blue bedspread (sky), brown dress (tree trunk)
two green sweaters (palms) and  yellow t-shirt (sun).

Our next project will most likely be a rainbow for St. Patrick's day because just as much as we love our beach - we love being Irish too.  Wish us luck!