Do kids still use their imagination?

I was having a conversation with a Mom and Grand mom about how we as children used to have to provide our own imagery.

We used to play outside a lot more and in doing so, we invented stories in which we were all participating as characters. Mostly they were super heroes or thematic representations like a mom, a teacher, a pirate etc.... We did not consciously know this or even cared. the only thing we knew was that it was fun.

When friends were not available or when we couldn't go outside, I remember reading a lot. We had at our house, those large illustrated books that were big and heavy. As soon as I started reading, I embarked on the adventure. I imagined I was part of it. I am not so sure our kids get much chances to do this any more.

I think that subconsciously, I kept the special places from those adventure books that were close to my heart alive. Now, I have the chance to share all this and maybe give the opportunity to a few kids to experience the joy and the fun of role playing. Of course at my studio it is done with flair... The kids come in, get costumed, step onto a scene and play. While doing so, they get photographed. I must admit; I have just as much fun as they do throughout the whole thing.

Tattle Tales Portraits are about being the illustration in the story. I try to bring to the experience the way I felt while reading my big books. I have had very favorable feedback from the children and from the parents too. And now, the children can be their own illustrations.  have their own story books with their name and images inside.

See for yourself the different stories your children can be part of...

Happy Imagining!

Desiree

P.S. You're in luck. There are three different themes on throughout March Break

How I taught a small group what I truly love to do

Last night, I was hosting the Camera Badge night for our 1st Caledon East Girl Guides here at the studio.
I had spent some time planning the evening centered around the 8 criteria required to get the girl guide camera badge. I wanted to make it fun and hands on so the girls remember more and have fun learning. I decided to cover the theory part first so we can do the fun stuff later.

Not even realizing why, I had chosen for the hands on part,  #4 on their Girl Guide of Canada sheet which was "Use five pictures to illustrate a children's book or a poem".  It did require a bit of research. But this is what we did.

After printing a few short stories, poems and fables,  I set a simple scene at the studio with white background and a few props as a base. We had a fence, some flowers and a butterfly. I picked out a few more props, and accessories like hats, feather boas, umbrellas and suitcases that the girls would be allowed to use.

We made 5 teams. Each team had to read their story or poem together and decide on 5 pictures that would illustrate what they had just read. Then, they prepared with a few props and we proceeded to taking the 5 pictures. Each girl got to take at least one of the pictures. so they experienced holding and shooting with a professional camera hooked up to the studio strobe lights. And shooting looking through the viewfinder...

After everyone had their turn shooting and being in the picture, I got all the photos printed. They each received their five pictures and their printed story. They took those home to physically cut and paste, decorate and put in their scrapbooks.

The irony of it all is that I picked that particular activity because I thought it would be the most fun for them. I wasn't even realizing that this is the type of "pictures" I love to do. Illustrate a story with pictures is what I do all the time here at the studio with the Tattle Tales and even when I cover a wedding or event. This IS really what it is all about isn't it? It's all about the story... I haven't just been saying that. I have been meaning it too.

I had just as much fun as they did. It was an absolute joy to see their faces all lit up throughout the whole experience.

I was also very pleased with how they left the studio. All tidied up and clean. Thank you girls!

I really hope this gives you a good sense of what could be possible to do with a camera :)

Désirée

In Studio Be !

What a concept. All for the mind body and soul under one roof! And so close to home too...

Even when you have achieved a pleasing place for all of your being, I guess it's an art to stay at the top of your physical, mental and spiritual form. To take care of yourself everyday in all aspects, would probably demand all your day. It's great to have a place like "In Studio Be" where you can do bits at the time.


From Yoga to acupuncture and from meditation to coffee talks, Theater classes, Massage therapy, you name it... All well organized under body. mind or soul. You really need to see their programs so well done. Soul Events, body events, and art events


So far I have seen the space and I am very impressed with it. I am a big fan of the concept as well. Check it out for yourself and maybe even try it out.I am planning another visit next week.  This time to actually try out the infrared sauna and the whole body vibration machine.

Will talk about it!