| Effervescent Media Works Photography

Fort Collins Engagement Photography | Andrew and Caitlin | Colorado Wedding Photographers

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Couple | Andrew and Caitlin
Location | Fort Collins foothills and CSU Campus
Summer 2020
I've known Andrew since he was a baby! And now I feel old now that I am photographing the weddings of these babies. Lol. We use to play pirates together when he and his brothers were toddlers and it was a hoot. We are so happy to have Caitlin join our crazy crew. It's a party!

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DIY Giant Christmas Wreath

Friday, November 12, 2021

Most Christmas Mini sets involve a setup that sits around or behind the subjects, but rarely all around and in front of framing them in the cutest fashion! I love this giant wreath of mine. I use it for Christmas Mini Sessions here in Longmont, CO at my studio as well as for spring sessions dressed up with all the flowers for on-location spring minis. A lot of my setups take a lot of DIY spirit. Any other crafters out there like me? Have you made your own giant wreath? Let me know in the comments below what you did differently.

How I made my giant Christmas Wreath:

1. Bend a 3x4 inch or 1 inch wide 8 ft long PVC pipe from Lowes or Home Depot into a circle

2. Put industrial strength glue on a metal bar that will fit inside the PVC. Also, attach together with an attachment piece

3. Use additional glue on any creases and wrap with duct tape. (this process is a two-person job to help hold things in place)

4. The metal rod will help to keep from drooping into an oval shape when hung) this would easily happen to a hula hoop. Once you have glued and taped, set your circle upright on a tarp or newspapers (dripping) and place heavy objects on top to help it keep its shape. Let dry 24 hrs.

5. Once dry. Continue to help shape if needed. Use a hairdryer on heat to slightly loosen the elasticity. 6. Use Floral tape and wrap around the entire wreath (this will help ensure no white is visible through greenery later)

7. Purchase bare (if you want to have more diversity with how you decorate your wreath... i.e. spring flowers too) garlands. Michaels has a nice selection around the holidays. I used more of a loose fern type greenery for my wreath. Different pine will have different vibes.

8. Wire and wrap hoop. 9. Add ornaments and light if desired.

10. Hang from a backdrop stand. (this hoop is NOT for sitting on in a hung position.) If you are wanting one a client can sit on, you will need one professionally welded with metal. I have however had a stoll I have had my spring fairies sit on that I photoshop out for such an effect) And while my wreath is fairly lightweight, it still tests the hanging limit on my backdrop stand. I hang my wreath with gold wire.

For our Longmont Family Portrait Work, check out https://rebeccamabeyphotography.com/

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Rebecca is located in Longmont, CO and you will find her family work at www.rebeccamabeyphotography.com Setup a call today to talk about your family portrait needs.

6 Month Baby Milestone Photoshoot + Fruit Milk bath | Longmont, CO Studio Baby Photography

6 months is such a sweet milestone age to photograph. They are too loosey-goosey on the loose yet but are starting to stand themselves up and then there are milk baths!

4-6 months is the ideal age to attempt milk baths of any time. Just a few tips for doing milk baths: 1. The water needs to be warm! I leave the milk out overnight and will add warm water until it is a pleasant temperature. And I do so right before the session starts so it doesn't cool down. If the baby generally screams with any bath time, that they will not like milk baths either. 2. We will give them something to distract them from the "uniqueness" of being put in a milk bath... like eating an orange slice. 3. I laid a white round table cloth over a kiddie pool set on my kitchen table, that was lined with a small tarp, then we filled a few gallons of milk and warm water and fruit slices. This way I was able to be next to the windows for some of the shots I wanted to get.