Sugar and "Spice"

This time of year, I usually begin to lose my "photo mojo".
When the weather is warmer, I can get out and explore, but right now it is just too cold and it's difficult to stay inspired. So, I have been trying to find some fun things to shoot without having to brave the elements.

While grocery shopping last week, I picked up some Valentine's Day candy. It is good to eat, but I thought it would also be fun to photograph. I loved the bright colors!!
Saturday morning, I grabbed my camera and the goodies and headed for the kitchen table to set up.
(I had a few assistants willing to help as soon as they saw what was in the bowl)


I get tired of seeing my kitchen table in every food or flower shot, so I have been using colored place mats, tea towels, fabric, or even wrapping paper to provide different backgrounds for my photos. In addition, for this photoshoot, I decided to bring out a string of Christmas Lights to add a little more interest!


This is a poplar set up and I am sure many of you have already seen or even tried this, but for those that were wondering how to achieve this kind of look, I thought I would take a few steps back and photograph the entire set up.


It was super simple. All you need is a table or flat surface near window light, a white board to clip or tape your fabric, a string of white lights, and your camera!

I had to work quickly, because my "props" were disappearing..... one piece at a time!
Pat lured the girls out of the kitchen(aka, my studio)and put a movie on in Sarah's bedroom, so when I was done "playing", I took them a little treat.


Except I made one mistake......
I only brought one snack dish for the girls to share.


When it comes to toys, she will share, but food, NO WAY!!!
Would you look at the expression on this child's face?


And just to make sure she did not get shorted, she decided to stock up...two handfuls at a time:)


These two are quite the pair.
Even when sugar meets "spice" ....it always ends nice!


This series of photos were taken a few minutes before the ones I posted on Sunday.
I had to let Reagan consume quite a few of the candy hearts before I could get her to hold them in her hands without popping them into her mouth.

Happy Wednesday Everyone..... We are halfway through the week!!