A "Mini" Mini Top Hat...

My mini top hat was quite the hit, with so many people telling me I should make them and sell them. Sure, just what I need, another project to fill the creative void. I would prefer to just make them for photo shoots, or for friends as gifts. It's just more fun that way.

So today I made my friend Shelia a "mini" mini top hat for her newborn, who is due to make her appearance any day now. Shelia saw my other top hat and said "You should make mini mini's for newborn shoots. I would love one for my baby." So, I went onto her FB page and went searching for some nursery pictures to get an idea of colors and themes. Then I went on the hunt for just the perfect fabric and little accents.

I LOVE this hat too!!! It's just so fun and happy. Maybe people are right? Maybe I should make a few more of these in all types of styles and themes and get an Etsy site up and running? For now I will be happy with my daily projects as Eric and I prepare for our Fall cruise. I am making our costumes for this trip since we will be in Jamaica on Halloween. Booking agent made it a point to be sure we knew about the costume parties on board the ship that night.

This is the hat I made for Shelia. Wear it in good health little princess... :)

My Mini Top Hat!

I have been feverishly working on a new project coming up in October. Daily I you can find me at Home Depot, or Michaels Crafts, or House of Fabrics digging my way through all things crafty.

As of recent, my favorite store by far has to be Roundabouts. It is this amazing consignment store overflowing with tons of great finds. I have been purchasing, deconstructing, and reconstructing dresses, shirts, and lingerie all in preparation for their brand new roles.  Its been a great week!!!

Today my project was to make the mini top hat that will go with the Nickers and Shrug (Lovechild Boudoir) that our model could wear on one of the sets during the shoot. I have ordered the wigs and most of the props, which all should arrive on Monday. So until those things come in I figured it would make good sense to get the "crafty" projects out of the way. I have a feeling the sewing is going to be much easier.

I tried to pull out my camera to document the making of this little hat, but found myself consumed by a project that was a bit more intense to make than the video instruction led me to believe. The woman who is demonstrating the construction makes it look super simple, but I am quite sure that it wasn't her first little gem. She is really talented. :)

Me being, well... me. I went well beyond what she demonstrated by adding some felt padding to the top of the hat to make it appear a bit more dome shaped. Then some tulle, florals, and a broach, which I am sure is what made my project quite the... well, project! :)

You can find her and her video HERE on YouTube.

But I can't lie, it was such a blast to make! I love when I can take the time to mix and match colors and textures. I had a hard time deciding on embellishments. With this being my first attempt ever I was going crazy trying to stay on track and not get carried away. I could have made another 3-4 hats easy with all the amazing fabric choices.... Thank you Hobby Lobby. 

First few images are of my choices and just how I started to construct the hat. As it grew more tedious I forgot to take more pictures so the next set you will see are of the final product.

Enjoy... 
 


I must have searched hundreds of fabric bolts to find the floral I wanted in the right colors.



This is the body of the hat. You can see the padded top. I also added extra ribbon over the bias, and later I added a pearl strip to the top as well.




And here she is.... I think it turned out really nice for my first attempt. Little over achiever here. :)



I am in love with the little lime green polka dots on the fabric. I was lucky and came across these cream feathers with pink polka dots on them too. Great match! :)






This is a back view of the hat. I plan on taking more pictures to show the size and colors a little better.

Now an angel in heaven. RIP baby Jackson...

When Eric and I arrived in Texas, it just felt like home. But there was just something about Texas for the both of us?

Its extremely difficult to feel like anywhere is truly "home", with moving from one city, one state, or one country to another, and it can get pretty depressing if you don't make the effort to get out and meet the people in your new neighborhood. So it wasn't long before we started taking walks and meeting those to our left...

Our home was nestled on the back end of a cul de sac, with nothing but green pastures on one side of us and 2 amazing neighbors to our other. Directly next to us were Dean and JoAnn. This couple were newly married and our age. We spent countless evenings on their front driveway sipping on Arbor Mist and consuming mounds of Joann's amazing guacamole dip. Directly next to Dean and JoAnn were Tracy and John. Another newly married Army couple that transplanted from Kentucky. The three of us girls became fast friends, sharing lunch dates, movie dates, holidays and so much more over the 3 years of living side by side.

Eric and I were the first to move away as we left for Europe. Tracy and John followed about 4 years later, followed by Dean being PCS'ed to California while JoAnn stayed behind for the year. Now, all 3 of us live outside of Texas, but we have all remained close friends.

When Tracy first came to me with the news that she was pregnant I was so happy for her! It was to be her first child and everything went beautifully. Her pregnancy went flawless with only minor bouts with morning sickness and almost no unhealthy weight gain. She looked amazing!!! And she became my first ever maternity portrait session. We used the new studio in the house and we captured some beautiful shots. Neither of us would have known that only days later Tracy and Johns life would be forever changed.

I walked into the dining room one night later in the week to see ambulance lights flashing out front of Tracy & Johns house. My heart sunk to my toes. Being a nurse my instincts were to run over to her and see if I could help, but I knew that whatever was going on she was in good hands and on her way to get further help. Days went by without even a single soul coming or going from their home and no word on how she and the baby were doing. By Friday we had received the news, and it wasn't pretty.

At some point on Friday evening Tracy's cord prolapsed and by the time the ambulance arrived they had no vital signs on the fetus. You should be able to feel the heartbeat and blood flow through the cord, and there was none. The ambulance drove straight to BAMC where they were immediately re-routed to the next hospital... which was over 17 minutes away. To this day I still will NEVER understand why BAMC sent that ambulance away knowing that it had a patient who had zero vitals?

By the time they arrived at Wilford Hall over 22 minutes had been spent pumping fluids and Oxygen into Tracy in hopes to save her child. Rushed into an emergency C-section, everything else was a blur. It was a whole 2 days later until Tracy would learn the fate of her son. Now, left dealing with a child with Cerebral Palsy, epilepsy, and a bucket full of other health issues. Until that fateful night her son was 100% healthy.

She asked me to capture some newborn images of little man Jackson, and it was a tough one. Not because of any health difficulties, but because all I could think about was how only weeks ago she was so happy, eagerly anticipating the arrival of her first born. Now... this. We both cried. We both hugged. We both were just so amazed at how quickly life can change.

Over these last 3 years I have watched Tracy become the SUPER MOM of children with disabilities. She read every article, book, health report she could on everything that pertained to little Jack. She worked with the Dr.'s on Jackson diet, helping him to get some relief from the daily seizures he suffers from. She developed a closet with moving lights and such to aid with Jackson's mobility. She hired a private nurse to assist and teach her all about Jackson's feeding tube and medications. She became Jackson's personal physician and she became very very good at it.

A year ago Tracy and John gave Jackson a baby sister named Sarah. When they brought Sarah home she said that the changes in Jackson were amazing! He would reach out to her, smile at her, make noises at her. They played together, laughed together and grew together. Sarah just celebrated her first birthday only weeks ago. How times flies! The family also moved back to their home town in Kentucky. Everything was wonderful and they were preparing for more summer activities with family and friends.... God had other plans.

July 1st, 2012. God decided that Jackson was needed more as an angel and brought him home. He passed away with his family at his side. This seizure being just too much for little man Jack to take. I read the news the next morning. I cried the rest of the afternoon.

No one ever knows why God does the things he does? Why he takes home the people that we love so very much? But me, I have my own opinion about this event. I think that God brought Sarah along just at the perfect time. I think that Jackson spent this last year talking to Sarah, preparing her for her role as the big sister. I think that Jackson waited until he was home. Home in Kentucky where his mommy and daddy would put down roots. Where other family could be nearby and be of support. I think that Jackson was tired, and he just wanted to make sure that everything here on earth was placed "just so" so when he took his last breath he did it right where he knew he would be safe forever.

Tomorrow morning I am making the 7 hour drive north to Kentucky. I am driving there to be with a dear friend who needs me right now. A dear friend who I can't wait to see. A dear friend who is stronger than I could ever be, but today, needs a shoulder and a hug.

RIP little man Jack. You are an amazing testament to love unconditional. You will be surely missed!!!

Pushed Dates & Just Keeping Up...

Pushed back AGAIN... those were the words I was greeted with last evening during a call with the editor of CINHTE Magazine to discuss the shoot for designer Bryan K Osburn. Garments hadn't shipped on time, now a model is a no go for the date. I really don't mind the delay because I have some wicked fun ideas in mind if I really get to stretch my creative wings during this shoot, and I could use some further planning. But because of all these crazy ideas I have rolling around in my head I'm also growing increasingly antsy for this shoot to finally set, and keep, a date.

So onto next project... props for my client on Saturday. An old aluminum chair that I am painting garnet is what I am working on at the moment. She has this country theme going so I am coming up with nice, sexy, country style props and ideas so her session is fun and full of action. I even spoke with the MUA (make up artist) today and she is a go as well.

Then, it's back to working on the website. Seems more and more inquiries are coming in about stylized bridal and engagement portraits so I thought it was time to link that baby as well. I am meeting with the women at Wedding 101 to discuss advertising with them. And then I received a message from Fashion Blogger, fashionista, PR wonder woman, and all around great gal Gigi LaBord of Miss Fancy Threads asking if she could interview me for her feature? I mean come on now... how could I say no?

Monday there will be another FemFessionals meeting. This one is at the loft, so everyone come on down and join us for an amazing night of networking and friendship making.

For now I leave you with the new Buttons for the website. Yes... they're film strips and I shoot digital. Hahaha... These new kids won't get it! LOL!

I LOVE THIS POTTY SHOT!!!!
Thought it was just TOO cute
for the Blog Button.

Promotional Items finally ordered...

With two HUGE orders still looming overhead, we decided to finally get one out of the way by ordering most all of our promotional items needed for advertising, etc.
Banners, postcards, work polo shirts, t-shirts, and such all were placed for delivery this afternoon after spending literally 13 hours in front of the computer editing the little detail of it all.

I'm pooped! But I really love how they all came out. Right down to our "I've Been Exposed" coffee mugs.

Bridal Boudoir Special!!!

Your wedding day is fast approaching. You've been going to the gym., eating like a health freak, tanning, growing your hair just right. It's no surprise that you're finding yourself feeling on top of your game. and believe me IT SHOWS!!!

Don't ever forget exactly how amazing you were feeling in these months prior to the big day, and give him something that he will treasure in the process...

Bridal Boudoir Images!!!

Imagine his heart racing as he opens his personalized, custom flush mount photo album; Filled with images front to back of you, only you, his soon to be wife. Or have your image custom mounted and framed, then ship it to your honeymoon suite and have it hung on the wall & watch his surprise when he see's that it's you! There are a million ways we can customize this gift to be as unique as you are.

After all, he chose YOU over ALL others. Never let him forget exactly why he made the best choice ever!!!

Contact us today and receive 5% off your collection if booked by May 30th, 2012.

Our Press Release~

Deborah Berard Photography is ready...
Is Columbia?

Liberating Columbia's women:
One Fierce Photograph at a time!!!

___________________________________________

Grand Opening Special!!!

Deborah Berard Photography;
Liberating Columbia's Women; One fierce photo at a time...

________________________________________

Our New Website is ready!

New templates, new designs, new everything...

This website edit proved more difficult than others in the past. It seems that Blu had revamped some of their sites best features, but left others out; Others that are terribly needed for a spell check crazy like me. Without the ability to cut and paste your text content, and no spell check button available any longer, the process of final edits will take days. This would be about the time I hire an editor!

But for now most of the important information is visible and available to potential clients interested in hiring Deborah Berard Photography.

The Black Swan Loft...

Being a military spouse is not an easy deal. I knew these women were tough, but I never knew just how tough until I became one. PCS'ing, TDY's, Deployments... is was all so new to me and it was not an easy adjustment. I spent the last 2 1/2 years in Europe, which for most I assume would be an amazing thing. But it was so hard on me, sitting at home with only 10 channels of tv, 4 ft of snow more months than I care to remember, and sun that only came out from 9am until 4pm 5 months out of the year! Who lives like that??? I couldn't wait to come back to the states and get back to working.

Shortly after we arrived back in the states, my husband came to me with the proposition of retirement. We speak about everything together, and make all family decisions together, so he wanted to know my thoughts. I had all to do to hold my excitement inside. After all, this man has made a life out of being a soldier, and I don't want him to ever make a decision about his career based on me. I'll wait for my day, because when it comes I know that my husband will be just as loyal to my dreams.

And so she was born. What is now affectionately known as The Black Swan Loft. Deborah Berard Photography's new loft studio is just about complete. Minus 2 chandeliers and a little paint. Maybe some odds & ends as well? But all in all I felt she was ready for her reveal. She had been a bachelor pad for 2 years prior to me, and believe me when I tell you that it took about the entire first week of being in there to get the BOY smell to go away! LOL!

But in this moment of excitement, I want to also take this moment to publicly thank my husband Eric for all he has done to help me get this studio ready. From cart roller, to box shredder, to driver, to IT wiz, to banker, to cheerleader... this man can do it all. And I love him so very much! Thank you baby for your belief in me. For backing this dream, and for not yelling at me too much. LOL!

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The dream has consumed me for years. The vision that I was once told by a fellow photographer that "I had given up on." The desire to create something unlike anything Columbia has ever seen in regards to boudoir photography. In this studio my desires is to show women the way back to sexy. To show women that they are amazing creatures, and should be pampered and adored. Where for one complete day she gets to be catered to. No phones, no kids, no job stress... just to be.

Isn't it time you came to be...
Just be...
Beauty. Exposed.

First shoot in new studio loft...

This afternoon was simply beautiful in Columbia, SC. The weather was a warm 83* with light winds and clear skies. Certainly not the rainy day that was earlier predicted, and we were all very pleased because I had a new baby girl traveling all the way from Sumter to have her pictures taken. She is 4 weeks old, so a little past my typical newborn age, and I really would have loved the studio to have been completely finished before anyone came over. But sometimes things like this can't wait and a newborn only looks like a newborn for a little while.

And although I only intend to post these two... I think they're pretty snicking cute!!!!

Tomorrow we have the U-haul for the day and all the large items are being moved, like the bed, the antique chair, and the chaise lounge. The painter comes on Tuesday, and I am fairly certain that by this time next week we will be open for business!!!

Wait for it... Waaaaaait for it!!!!

• A weeks time spent sitting on pins and needles thinking "Why haven't we heard back from anyone yet?"
• OR worse yet "What if they say NO for some freakish reason?"
  
• It was killing me.
• I'm thinking its now going on 3 tubs of Butterfinger Chunk Ice Cream by this point~

And then it came. The email asking if we could come down around 4 to sign the lease and pick up the keys!!! I was thrilled!!! I mean, Tom Cruise on Oprah's couch thrilled!!!!

So the morning that started with tears, and an uncertainty in the air, ended with a smile and two golden keys in my hands. I was relieved.

All in all I completely realize that this venture would never be possible without the complete financial, spiritual, and business guidance of my husband. I am truly blessed in so very many ways. So I hope that one day he steps back just a little and allows me a mistake or two. Because in all honesty, my biggest secret is....

"I WOULDN'T WANT TO DO IT WITHOUT HIM ANYWAY!"

Silent, but not lost~

It would surely seem that on my list of "priorities" that I should include on that list "Take time to Blog about what's going on"!

Swamped with responsibility, nauseous most of the time, needing more sleep, and so excited I could bust. Yep, that pretty much sums it all up for me at this moment. I am days away from getting the keys and I can't wait until I can make a post entitled "We're Home".

Until then, please know I have not forgotten you my sugar sweets. I am busy creating a playground just for YOU! (bicycle not included. Ok maybe?)

Believe me when I tell you, it will all be worth it in the end.

New Website almost ready!!!

Things have been pretty busy around here.

And although I won't share much else about it all with you now... very soon you are going to see some amazing things happening for us here at Deborah Berard Photography.

For now I will leave you with a little tease. The SPLASH page of my new site is just about finished. And I must tell you that I am loving the new - softer color palettes. Can't wait to tell you all about the big news!!!

Stay tuned~

Who got engaged during Valentines Day???

Valentines Day. Said to be one of the most romantic days of the season. Personally, my hubby and I give gifts year round to show our love and devotion for one another. I suppose after a certain year in your marriage its just a simple I love you, just on a different day?

I was bored, so I decided to go back over some old external hard drives. I found some great finds.

Things are changing yet again here at Deborah Berard Photography. So I am once again re-vamping my website and blog to reflect our change of direction. Until things are finished, I thought I could show off a few images from way back when...