DIY: Friendly and Spooky Halloween Tablescape Decorations

I love Halloween decorations, but I’m not fond of the scary ones. I like the cute and spooky stuff, you know?

Well, when my seven year old came to me with the cutest creation of Frankenstein, I was inspired to create a Halloween tablescape. I love when he inspires my creativity, because he is so creative all the time.

We created our spooky friends out of lunch paper sacks, construction paper, markers, glue and fake succulent plants.

Here are the steps to creating your own:

1. Brainstorm which spooky friend you want to create. There’s a ghost, Frankenstein, mummy, werewolf, Dracula, jack o’latern , bat, black cat, one-eyed monster, skeleton, etc. Ask your kids for more ideas :)

2. Select your colored construction paper and trace the paper sack onto your paper and cut it out.

3. Create your spooky friend with markers, glitter, extra paper or any other craft item you have in your home.

4. Glue your paper to your lunch sack.

5. Add a rectangular vase inside your bag or mason jar filled with rocks or something to weigh it down so it will stay open and not fall over.

6. Finish your creation by adding fake succulent plants from Hobby Lobby as hair.

Add this to your table with pumpkins, checkered black and white placemats and more succulent plants. Now you are now ready for a party!

My Secret To Photographing Kids

Do you want to know my secret to photographing kids?

Well the secret is patience. I know it’s not a big eye opening secret, but that’s it. Easier said than done.

When I photograph kids, I also play with them and talk to them and get down on their level. I give them actions so they don’t just stand in front of the camera and smile. For example "hold hands and walk in front of me” or lift your sister up with her hands in the air smiling at the sky and turn in circles.”

The in-betweens though, they are my favorite. The moment after the shot or when they are just being siblings. As a photographer you have to watch and observe, and that’s when the patience comes in.

Get the traditional smiling-at-the camera shots, but then let go and have fun yourself as the photographer, whether your are the mom, hobbyist, or professional photographer. Get outside the box and photograph who kids really are- super energetic, fun and loving. They always have a better idea for a photograph if you will just sit back and watch.

Have you ever done a photo scavenger hunt before? My friend Kristina started one up and she shares all about it on her blog. Click here and you can see the list she made and do it too.

The Holt's Albuquerque, New Mexico Maternity and Family Session

Celebrating beautiful pregnant mamas today.  As a mom of two, I know this road can be challenging.  But we always say, it is totalllllly worth it in every way. 

I love this family (went to college with this beautiful mama) and I had a wonderful time traveling up to Albuquerque to photograph them on one of their favorite trails.  How beautiful is this location?  I've decided that this is now my favorite new spot. 

The Hendley's Lubbock, Texas Family Session

Let them be little.
Explore and play with ladybugs.

A sneak peek from the Hendley's family session.