Fortunately, I work for/with some pretty amazing photo people and on Christmas morning, when my cry for help was sent out in desperation it was answered with a glimmer of hope. Since I am writing this and not weeping and gnashing it is safe to assume my photos were recovered. All *ehem* 94,000 of them. I had approximately 94,000 personal images that I had taken in the last 6 years. Mostly of Noah & Chloe and many that I sell as stock photography images.

Several lessons come from this experience. Lessons of backing up files, of using a good organized workflow, developing friendships with good tech people…but in true hoarder fashion it made me realize that since getting my new and amazing job(and new amazing camera!) I rarely take photos just for me anymore.

So I’ve been thinking of what I do to inspire myself to pick up my camera and start shooting.

Hop in the car with one of my favorite friends/models/husband and drive! We can drive 20 minutes out of town in practically any direction and be out in the middle of nowhere. Where I photograph as many trees and birds (my cliché go-to subjects) as my little heart desires.

Thrift a new prop. Sometimes I will find a dress or shoes or some obscure discarded something. Seriously…I once found a buttercup yellow dress and it has inspired so many images. There was a time that I couldn’t afford to buy the things I found and my friend and I would take pictures of things in the thrift store dressing room.

Play with my kids! This could have been listed first but I did take pictures before I had children…just not as many

Take a walk. I like to start by going out my backdoor. And I like to do this one both with company and without. You can be looking for something like a color, a certain item (clouds, flowers, leaves), anything really. Would it surprise you if I chose birds?

Collaborate with someone. Do you have amazing friends? Brainstorm and feel free to mix in the aforementioned ideas.

There are many online sources to help you out of a rut. I like to do “A Day in the Life” where I shoot everything to do with my day and share it with an online community. There are project communities that require a daily self-portrait, offer weekly themed contests, and lots more.  Even places to share your “phonetography”.

I love to look at other artists work too. We have tons of photo magazines here at the studio…I don’t suggest copying what other photogs have done but they can be a great source of inspiration.

I left it totally up to them to choose a drop for me and what I got was certainly a pleasant surprise. It is what they call a “2-fer Split”. What that means is basically a wall and a floor in one. The printing and the vinyl are very obviously high quality and I love the versatility of having the 2-in-1 drop. Because we do get creative and invert the drop so that the floor half can be used as a background as well as it just being a lovely wall and floor set.

The backdrop I have is the perfect size for my baby photo sessions. I just clamp it to my backdrop stand and drape it over a block. Really it couldn’t be more convenient and when I am finished with it I just roll it up. Which is important if you have as many props and as little extra storage space as I do! They are also waterproof (baby pee proof too) and clean easily.

But my favorite thing about the Silver Lining Backdrop is that it photographs so beautifully. I haven’t used printed backdrops in the past. I was skeptical of how a “printed wood” floor would look in my images. But it looks fantastic and I am very happy with the results. These backdrops are an amazing way to get a large variety of looks and sets for not a huge amount of money.

Now I want them all. How beautiful would this be in my holiday photos?

 “Where the highest quality meets affordability”

And great news!! Silver Lining Backdrop Shoppe is offering one of my readers a $50 gift certificate towards the purchase of one of their backdrops.

 Go to the Jividen Photography Baby Blog to enter!!!

*The opinions expressed in this review were my own. I received a complimentary backdrop and no other compensation.

I can’t wait to post some images of what I’ve been up to and will soon.

Noah and Chloe are growing and changing so quickly now that they are in school. It is so strange not to have them 2 inches from my face at all times. I worry about my Noah. He has been getting in trouble at school on pretty much a daily basis. He is so smart and it is somehow translating into being  manipulative and sneaky. I must get him to use his powers for good. I told him “with great power comes great responsibility”. I am hoping the spiderman approach will work because it is currently like my 5th approach.

Today is going to be a crazy busy day…Friday!

“Capturing Couture was founded by two working moms, with obsessive creative passion, spirited ambition, and a fearless hands on work ethic to make magic happen…”

I was so excited to receive the little black box from Capturing Couture and take out my beautiful Sophia Black 2” Camera Strap from the Tapestry Collection. It was presented nicely enough that I could have given it as a gift without having to change anything.  And what a gift these straps would make for anyone who loves to accessorize!

 It is made from lush, high quality and gorgeous materials.  It matches my personal style perfectly…so, yes…I LOVE it.  With options like, Boho, Artisan, Tropical, Silks, Tapestry and Organza Collections it would be easy to find the perfect match for your taste.  Or several matches! These straps are for anyone with a camera and there is even a line of masculine designs.

I cannot deny that Capturing Couture camera straps make the “ultimate fashion statement” but the quality and functionality are even more impressive.

This strap seems exceptionally durable and strong enough for me to feel safe using it with my heavy DSLR.  It has metal findings and attaches to the camera traditionally and securely.  The part that goes around your neck is padded and velvet lined…what a luxury!  If you’ve ever lugged around a beast of a camera then you will really appreciate the extra care taken to ensure your comfort.

I think I need one for every outfit!

“Replace that boring old black camera strap, and make the ultimate fashion statement with a Capturing Couture camera strap.”

Capturing Couture is offering a *Gift Certificate for a strap to our readers!

 To enter: Go to http://baby.jividenphotography.com/index/view-post/id/7

Winner will be chosen via Random.org on September 7^th.

U.S. residents only.

I received this strap for review with no other compensation…the opinions expressed are entirely  my own.

*Gift certificate will of $39.00 value plus shipping- the price of the largest selection of straps.

He has his uniform, backpack, and cute new shoes. And that beautiful smile!

My little nervous boy. I am pretty sure he was just born so I am not really grasping this whole big boy/kindergarten concept.

Good luck my little big boy on your first day of school!