Trendy Tuesday :: Toys That Tell A Story

Trendy Tuesday Tips with Kayla:

Well, it’s been AWHILE since we featured “Trendy Tuesdays.” Needless to say it’s been an extremely busy spring and summer! I’ve asked creative gal & stylist  Kayla  Penzien, to guest write a feature on the site: “Trendy Tuesdays.”  Kayla will share style & creative insight as it may relate in preparing for your photo session, but also to life in general. She has been my art friend for a number of years; in addition to assisting me during shoots, she also helps to plan session concepts and wardrobe consulting. Today’s post is about finding using toys as props:

As kids we all had toys that were our prizes possession….our little treasures. Mine was a stuffed monkey called Kiki (in the photo above). He slept with me every night and went on all my play dates.  The stuffing has literally been beat out of him, to say the least, he has seen his better days and is now retired to the shelf! But he’s still part of my life. Amelia had a tiny music box hanging over her bed and she remembers pull the string each night before bed (the last photo below). I know Amelia’s boys love their light sabers. I love watching them play, they take the stance of a warrior and for moment, they are invincible! Children are warriors, princesses, mothers, fairies, and kings with their toys in hand.

My favorite part about photography is capturing these “king of the world” moments that unfortunately dwindle as all of us get older. The moments that tell a story, their story.

So watch your kids, see what brightens their day….
What takes away the pain of a scraped knee? What gives them joy? What are the little outfits that they look so stinking cute in? I had a little bikini that my round tummy poked way out in…by the way, I think it is the only time that a belly and a bikini are acceptable. Do you like the “vintage” look?  Pull out your OWN old treasures (many of them are back in style)! Or your mom probably still has them.

Some of our favorite toys to use as props are: Bubbles, swords, cute shoes, big bows, dress-up clothes, stuffed animals, blankies AND candy (we save that one for last!). If they like it…..bring it to your photo shoot! We love the adventure of capturing these moments with children. We are all a bit intimidated by getting our picture taken, so a security blanket of some sort can be a great way to relax kids. While your kids play, we can capture moments of them with their treasures that define them in their moment.

Here are photos of some of our own families’ favorite toys (and candy) growing up…

- Kayla Penzien