Prop Insanity http://propinsanity.com Unique photography props Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:19:30 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 noUnique photography propshttp://www.propinsanity.comhttp://i696.photobucket.com/albums/vv322/propinsanity/PRIMEad.jpgProp InsanityPropInsanityhttp://feedburner.google.com Meet Jennifer Nace, our September Photog of the Month! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PropInsanity/~3/-Qx3LYHLRcI/ http://propinsanity.com/meet-jennifer-nace-our-september-photog-of-the-month/#comments Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:04:43 +0000 Tracy http://propinsanity.com/?p=4267

1) We welcome you to meet Jennifer Nace… baby photographer and prop junkie
phenom! Tell us a lil about yourself Jennifer, and please include links to
your sites… we wanna know and SEE more!

Let’s see– I am 31. I live in a small town in Southern Minnesota.  I’m married and have 2 kids.  I’ve been doing photography for about 4 years now.   My websites are:<

www.jennifernace.com

and facebook is:  http://www.facebook.com/jnacephoto


2) Being professional, can you tell us how you started out.. and what drew
you to photography?

I actually started out designing and selling birth announcements.  My best friend had a baby and she wanted me to make her a birth announcement so I did- and I took some pictures for her to use because I had a nicer camera than she did.  When she sent out the announcement people asked where she got the pictures taken and soon strangers started calling to see if I would do pictures for them, too. I knew NOTHING about photography 4 years ago when this all started.  Once people started calling I became obsessed with learning all I could about the craft.  I didn’t want to just do it– I wanted to do it WELL.  I feel SO blessed to have sort of fallen into this.  I finally feel like I know what I am meant to be doing with my life.

3) Tell us more about your studio. Do you shoot natural light, or studio set
up with full lights?

We have an acre of land and built the studio in a separate building behind our home.  I love having everything so close.  I shoot with natural and studio light– equal amounts of both.  I usually do part of the session natural light (I have a natural light area in my studio) and the other half with studio lights.  I just think there is such a different look with each and I love the variety it gives me.


4) And of course… always important…. what do you shoot with?  And what
lenses do you use and prefer? Any other gear you cant live without?

I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark ii.  Up until about a month ago- I was a zoom girl.  The 24-70L rarely left my camera.  I decided to buy a few primes (the 50mm 1.4 and the 135L) and have really fallen in love with them.  I love the extra DOF I can get with the 1.4 and the 135L is just plain YUMMY.   I guess the only other thing I can’t live without would be my reflector.  I use the bright silver reflectrasol from Larson Enterprises as a fill light with the natural light as well as with the studio light set ups.

5) Your portraits are a perfect blend of faces and props. Do you have a
favorite prop, or style of prop, that you find you use most?

I love anything girly so I guess flower headbands are a must and I have a whole bucket full.  I try to get outfits and props that go well with my backgrounds.    I use the lace rompers from Chic Baby Rose a ton.  They are cute alone or with a Tutu!  http://www.etsy.com/shop/chicbabyrose

For newborns I can’t get enough knit hats.  My favorite are from Lily and Lime boutique on Etsy  http://www.etsy.com/shop/lilyandlimeboutique

6) We must mention those gorgeous backgrounds in so many of your pictures.
Tell us more… what you have and where you get them (love love love them
all!)

My most FAVORITE are by Becky Gregory www.intuitionbackgrounds.com I love pretty much everything she sells and I have a lot of them.  They are just stunning. If I had to pick just one from her, I’d go with Sherry Blossom.  I love how it’s girly without being PINK or PURPLE.


I also love using walls as backgrounds– I have a brick flex tex from Denny Manufacturing that is so versatile.  I have a real barnwood wall and I also made my own tile walls. I have a ton of fabric that I use for backgrounds as well!  I’m all about variety.  I don’t want all of my stuff to look the same.


7) We noticed, and fell in love, with your session with “Anna”. What a
beautiful face, a gorgeous session, and an inspiring story.   My (Tracy
Joy’s) niece battled and won her fight against cancer, so this story touches
me.  Please tell us more about this session, and how props came into use…

I found Anna through another little special girl I photograph.  Her name is Madelaine – and like Anna, she is also battling this very aggressive form of cancer.   I found both of them on Caringbridge and contacted both families out of the blue and just asked if I could do a session for them.  The families were both SO wonderful and grateful.  These were by FAR the most rewarding sessions I have ever done and would encourage you to donate your time to do special sessions like these when you can.

I really approached the session like I do any other. I had all of my girly stuff out for her to look at and play with when she came.   She picked out her favorites and we just had FUN.

Madelaine


Anna

8) Do you have any other prop websites that are a fav of yours?

www.etsy.com I find pretty much everything here!  LOVE it.

9) How could we not ask… do you have a fellow photographer whos work you
love and admire?  I know it’s hard to find just one…

I love Kelley Ryden www.kelleyryden.com and Tracy Raver www.tracyraver.com (who doesn’t) for newborns.  I also ADORE Mindy Harris www.pastelphotography.com I WILL have her photograph my family someday.

10) Being so many of us prop junkies are “jso”, or looking to branch out
further… can you share any tricks of the trade, or information on how to
“succeed” in the (much saturated) photography world?

I would say- SET YOURSELF APART.  Anyone with a nice camera can go outside and shoot pictures in the park.  Those are wonderful and all, but I honestly think the variety I can offer my clients sets myself apart from everyone else around me.   Yes, it is an investment to purchase all of these props and backgrounds, but I know I get clients that come to me just because of all of my cute ‘stuff’.    Make sure you are priced high enough that you are still making a profit after all of your purchases though….

11) And of course…. tell us about you. Are you a mama?  Wife?  Skydiver?
lol

I’m a Mama to 2 crazy boys (ages 4 and 6) and have been married for 10 years to my best friend.  Skydiving– NO THANKS.  I do love to shop though.  I buy WAYY too many clothes (and props and backgrounds HA).  I also love scrapbooking and designing when I have time.

12) With that being said… here is my favorite question…… Do you have
an extraordinary talent we should know about?  Or just a weird and fun fact
about yourself?

I have really long toes and can pick up pretty much anything with my feet :)   EXCITING, huh!?

~Jennifer Nace

]]> http://propinsanity.com/meet-jennifer-nace-our-september-photog-of-the-month/feed/ 0 http://propinsanity.com/meet-jennifer-nace-our-september-photog-of-the-month/ Looking for SALES this holiday weekend???? We got you covered… http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PropInsanity/~3/qfl-HnqvUJc/ http://propinsanity.com/looking-for-sales-this-holiday-weekend-we-got-you-covered/#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:32:33 +0000 Tracy http://propinsanity.com/?p=4260

Hey everyone…. we all know that Labor Day weekend always equals sales.. so why not make it a PROP INSANE WEEKEND!!!

If you’re a vendor of Prop Insanity, or part of our Advertising team… OR a shop we’ve featured on our site anytime in the past…
head over to our Facebook Page and scoop out some sales!

I’ve sent out emails to all our vendors, so give them a bit of time to post on the FB Page, but I’m sure there will be lots of great goodies and sales for you this weekend!
So come LIKE us, and join the insanity over on Facebook!
And in the process.. take advantage of some fabulous sales, from OUTSTANDING Prop Shops!!!

Click HERE for our *Facebook Page*

]]> http://propinsanity.com/looking-for-sales-this-holiday-weekend-we-got-you-covered/feed/ 0 http://propinsanity.com/looking-for-sales-this-holiday-weekend-we-got-you-covered/ MCP Blueprints… something you need to know, and need to check out! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PropInsanity/~3/CbnhYfU7UVk/ http://propinsanity.com/mcp-blueprints-something-you-need-to-know-and-need-to-check-out/#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:28:07 +0000 Tracy http://propinsanity.com/?p=4254

As many of you already know, we here at PI love MCP Actions.
(click any of the links here to be redirected to MCP for the full scoop)

MCP Photoshop Actions

Over many years, and a plethora of different sessions, I always find that I come back to MCP Actions for my editing process.
The sets MCP Actions offers always (and I truly mean always), have what I need for my edits.
Whether is a great color pop, an image sharpening, a beautiful vintage touch, and my favorite… black & white transition

And lucky me… well I was chosen by Jodi at MCP Actions to be a featured Blue Print on her blog!

Want to see my full blue print edits at MCP????
Simply click this link >>>>>Mcp Actions & Tracy Joy BLUEPRINTS!

Here is a sample of what I did… now you need to head over to MCP Actions to get the gritty details and get the details and sets I used to achieve these edits…… and of course PURCHASE YOUR OWN MCP ACTIONS!!!

]]> http://propinsanity.com/mcp-blueprints-something-you-need-to-know-and-need-to-check-out/feed/ 0 http://propinsanity.com/mcp-blueprints-something-you-need-to-know-and-need-to-check-out/ Funky Photoshop Actions & Always Underpay WINNERS are…. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PropInsanity/~3/OJWvdgRm188/ http://propinsanity.com/funky-photoshop-actions-always-underpay-winners-are/#comments Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:22:59 +0000 Tracy http://propinsanity.com/?p=4252

Funky Photoshop Actions winnerS are…
1) Jennifer (Jm Photo)
2) Erica (LV Shots)

and our next..
Always Underpay petti set winner is…
1) Kendra Hollybee

]]> http://propinsanity.com/funky-photoshop-actions-always-underpay-winners-are/feed/ 0 http://propinsanity.com/funky-photoshop-actions-always-underpay-winners-are/ Confessions of a PROPaholic, 1st Edition {Antique Shops} http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PropInsanity/~3/RjR7kqpSXgE/ http://propinsanity.com/confessions-of-a-propaholic-1st-edition-antique-shops/#comments Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:00:21 +0000 Tracy http://propinsanity.com/?p=4237

Welcome to the 1st Edition of Confessions of a PROPaholic, by Carina Olsen!
Something fun, fresh, and exciting to Prop Insanity…. and a new addition we KNOW you’re gonna love love love! So, with no further delay…. meet Carina Olsen, a true prop addict (in the best sense of it!)

Confessions of a PROPoholic 1st Edition {Antique Shops}

Hi my name is Carina Olsen and I’m a PROPoholic. Kind of sounds like an AA meeting huh!?

I’m the owner of Kat’s Photography in League City, TEXAS and my greatest support system is my Family. I’m married to a literal Rocket Scientist and have two beautiful girls with one more making her debut some time this November.
As a photographer it’s easy to find your self getting lost looking for the next great prop. I’ve done this my self. Over the years I’ve collected hundreds of props of all kinds. With this segment my goal is to help you find that diamond in the rough. Being a self proclaimed PROPoholic I get questions on a daily basis about where I find all my fun props. Most of the time people are shocked by my response. The truth is, you don’t have to sacrifice an arm and a leg to get a quality item that will in turn help you sell your images to your clients.
This week I wanted to talk about one of my favorite places… ANTIQUE SHOPS. As a kid I loved wondering aimlessly through the countless shops in my home town of Bakersfield, California. You can spend all day on just one street in the old down town. Some of my favorite items used in my studio have come from these prop treasure chests.
This week I thought I’d take you with me on a treasure hunt.
Welcome to one of my favorite playgrounds!

Some times antiquing can be very overwhelming, especially if you bring your kids along like I do. But with a little patients you’ll quickly see great items that will make the time you spend worth all the effort.

While walking around this shop I spotted my first find of the day. Can you see it?

I know I sure did. This stool has so much potential. I took a closer look and realized that though the fabric is not exactly appealing, there are two screws on the back that will allow me to change the fabric easily.

I also spotted to other items on this trip and snagged them right up.

This red stool and old suitcase will be great additions to my prop collection.

Once I got them home I grabbed one of the best models in the world… My oldest daughter… and we snapped a few test shots. I’m very happy with the results.
I started with the not so pretty brown stool and added a temporary zebra print to the padding.
This is going to work out great.
There is lots of scrap fabric laying around my studio that I can swap out as needed. So I think I’ll leave the screws off and make this quick change. Not to shabby if I do say so myself.

Up next… the suitcase…

… and last but not least… the red stool…

Over all I think this trip to the antique store was a success! I got three new props for around $35 that I know will get plenty of mileage in my studio.

Tons of ideas are running through my head as to how I can use these two stools and suit case… Newborn sessions maybe?
I guess well have to wait and find out.
So visit your local Antique store today! You’ll be surprised at what treasures you’ll find .
Till next time… My name is Carina and I’m a PROPoholic…..

]]> http://propinsanity.com/confessions-of-a-propaholic-1st-edition-antique-shops/feed/ 6 http://propinsanity.com/confessions-of-a-propaholic-1st-edition-antique-shops/ Flokati Heaven…. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PropInsanity/~3/Sm0o-gjgncI/ http://propinsanity.com/flokati-heaven/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:58:32 +0000 Tracy http://propinsanity.com/?p=4233

I love searching the web for great prices… being I’m a total clearance and sale fanatic!
And my prop buying is included!

A fav place of mine to look around for deals is www.Overstock.com.
And recently, at Overstock… I found flokati heaven!

Follow this link: *CLICK HERE*, and it will direct you to the flokati search results on Overstock!

My lil goodie I picked up, a Hand-woven 2000 Gram Flokati Pink Shag Rug (3′ x 5′), for only $67.99!!!
It’s a perfect size! I used it for a boudoir session this weekend, then fluffed it back up and used it for a 1y baby session today!

Perfect on both occasions!

]]> http://propinsanity.com/flokati-heaven/feed/ 0 http://propinsanity.com/flokati-heaven/ Are you ready for Halloween? Feature & Giveaway from Hannahs & Bella Claire http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PropInsanity/~3/LqU4genY5b8/ http://propinsanity.com/are-you-ready-for-halloween-feature-giveaway-from-hannahs-bella-claire/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:50:43 +0000 Tracy http://propinsanity.com/?p=4226

September is ready to sneak in on us, which means the fall colors and Halloween are ready to creep on in!!!

And if you love the holidays like I do, you like to include a lil spice and sass to your fall sessions… and my fav way to do that is with Hannah’s Tutus & Bella Claire Baby matching tutu & bloomer sets!
I esp love their Halloween Collections… every year bringing out something new and cuter than the last!

You can see their Halloween Sets *here* , but also get a quick peek below….

Hannah’s Tutus & Bella Claire Baby have been working as a team for the past 2-3 years.. pairing up to create DARLING sets for your little ones… and your clients!

They have old time favorites like the Shabby Kitty and Bumble Bee… but this year they also have the Sea Witch, and Sweet Paris Kitty costumes… along with a truckload of others!

All hand crafted by Hannah’s Tutus & Bella Claire Baby, these sets are sure to please.
I’ve been working with these 2 gals for the past 2 years myself.. and I 100% acclaim for their quality, craftsmanship, and all around PERFECTION!

Did I mention the great prices on their darling lil Halloween sets??? For around $30 you can get a fully custom costume… and one that no other kid in your culdesac is going to showcase!
Ahhhhh, girls after my own heart.. I love to be unique!

A great lil blurb of info, from Bella Claire Baby’s site, about their beautiful friendship & creative bond….

Bella Claire Baby & Hannah’s Tutus

Our relationship with Hannah’s Tutus began in July 2008. Since we both have businesses on etsy.com, we discovered that pairing our unique items together would be an asset to our customers. We both have innovative design styles and are the first to create distinctive looks, new color combinations, and unique collections. Our evolving friendship and business relationship has given us the ability to have so much fun with our businesses! We both are wives, mothers, and business owners, which enables us to understanding each other well. Because of our dynamic relationship, together we are able to create innovative designs and provide our customers with unique, coordinating outfits!

Now.. WHO WANTS TO WIN! Hannahs Tutus is giving away one Sea Witch tutu (hat not included).
All you have to do to win, is visit Hannah’s Tutus , and tell us your favorite Halloween Costume!

Photographer credits for Hannah’s Tutus & Bella Claire’s beautiful images go to:
Misty Jones
Nicole Taylor
Renee Ross
and of course me, Tracy Joy

]]> http://propinsanity.com/are-you-ready-for-halloween-feature-giveaway-from-hannahs-bella-claire/feed/ 52 http://propinsanity.com/are-you-ready-for-halloween-feature-giveaway-from-hannahs-bella-claire/ the Flexi Mirror… http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PropInsanity/~3/Rv487SH-SG0/ http://propinsanity.com/the-flexi-mirror/#comments Sun, 29 Aug 2010 15:44:36 +0000 Tracy http://propinsanity.com/?p=4219

I got an fun lil email this weekend, from a fellow photog in the UK. She was curious how I did a reflection in one of my pics… which brought me back to one of my all time favorite props..

the Flexi Mirror

An easy lil prop… that can give amazing results! The Flexi Mirror is not like a regular mirror that can shatter and break.. nore is it like regular flexi glass. It is a lil bit of both!

Simply use a black back drop for your shoot… lay out the flexi mirror… and put your lil “doll” onto the mirror (towards the back, so you can get his/her full reflection in the mirror).

And it makes edits easy! Simply do a lil “burning” here and there… and you have a very sweet image.

Not forgetting to mention…. the mirror is a great way to capture the babies attention. What lil bug doesnt LOVE looking at her/himself in the mirror? When they see the lil baby smiling and waving back, it keeps them busy and in place… giving you time to snap away!

I bought my flexi mirror off of Amazon… just follow this link *click here*, and snatch one up for yourself!

]]> http://propinsanity.com/the-flexi-mirror/feed/ 2 http://propinsanity.com/the-flexi-mirror/ Always Under Pay | Feature & GIVEAWAY! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PropInsanity/~3/9C0PzDs0TwE/ http://propinsanity.com/always-under-pay-feature-giveaway/#comments Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:50:05 +0000 Tracy http://propinsanity.com/?p=4215

Would you believe me if I told you …

The below pettiskirt was only $9.99..
The wings were only $1.65….
and the headband…
well you can just imagine…
Well I well come you to Always Under Pay
a discount SUPER STORE on line… full of goodies for photographers, crafty vendors, and mommies alike!!!

Now you can imagine my hesitation… a pettiskirt for $9.99?  I was very curious about quality.. and man, I was seriously blown away!
The petti I received (pictured above), was full… lush…. and well… BEAUTIFUL!!!

And the wings… same thing… perfect… I would have easily paid over $20 for wings like these!

Always Under Pay
has products from the shown pettiskirts and wings…
to even products for vendors! Like tulle, grosgrain ribbon, and hair clippies!

How they do it.. I dunno, but it’s fabulous!!!

If you havent left this post to check them out already… what are you WAITING FOR!!
Always Under Pay

WHO WANTS TO WIN?!?!
We will be giving away one full set, same as pictured above, to one lucky prop junkie!
You’ll get the leopard petti (in 2t)… matching black wings… and matching black headband w/brown flower clip!!!

To enter win… simply visit Always Under Pay, the come back HERE and leave a comment on
what product excites you the most… and how much it costs!
IE: I love the pettiskirts… only $9.99 cant be beat!
You get the idea ;)

]]> http://propinsanity.com/always-under-pay-feature-giveaway/feed/ 116 http://propinsanity.com/always-under-pay-feature-giveaway/ Funky Photoshop Actions | Feature & Review http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PropInsanity/~3/9M4MajiRZdc/ http://propinsanity.com/funky-photoshop-actions-feature-review/#comments Sat, 21 Aug 2010 21:04:10 +0000 Laurie Nowling http://propinsanity.com/?p=4202

Hey there, it’s LAURIE!

I am so excited to be posting my very first review for the PI Blog!!!
I feel so honored to be asked by Tracy and Gina to come on board and I know that I have some big high heels to fill.  :)

My first review is of the supercool, superchic Funky Photoshop Actions that were created by an amazing photog from down under (those Australian photographers are just so darn talented aren’t they?).  I’ve just gotta say, I love getting me some new action!!  LOL

I played around with both action sets and the cool thing about these actions are the customization functions.  By reducing the opacity here and there and layering and adding actions from both sets I was able to create some really amazing results in half the amount of time it would take me if I were doing everything on my own.  Take a look at the difference Funky Photoshop Actions made on my photos.

Pop N Snap 80%, 80s Summer Haze with Mushroom, Autumn, Leaves, Dandelion selected at 85%

Lighten Up Baby 60%, Color Boost It 50%, Tilt Shift Vintage

Color Boost It, Popalicious, Orangeade 80%, The Dark Side 23%, Pop N Glo 17%

Popalicious, 80s Summer Haze

The Funk It Up Action Set contains 40 actions designed to really Funk Up your photographs!
From getting the perfect portrait, to color converting, softening, color popping and preparing your perfect pics for the web!

The Retro Funk Action Set are 40 actions oozing vintage subtle tones and old skool styles that make your heart sing!
All the actions are fully adjustable, so you can do as much, or as little as you like!

Both action sets, as well as a really cool B/W, set can be found at http://www.funkyphotoshopactions.com/.

They even offer up FREE ACTIONS… CLICK HERE for freebies!

WHO WANTS TO WIN BOTH the Funk It UP, and the Retro Funk ACTIONS SETS?!
Funky Photoshop Actions has offered two (2) winners… BOTH sets!
ENTER TO WIN, by simply visiting their site and peeking around… HERE HERE HERE
Then come back to this post, and leave a comment on why YOU should win this set… EASY AS PIE!

]]> http://propinsanity.com/funky-photoshop-actions-feature-review/feed/ 99 http://propinsanity.com/funky-photoshop-actions-feature-review/ nonadult