Cocoa Dot Cakes - Take Home Cake Pop Kit

I’ve been taking on a few more commercial clients and really enjoying the journey it’s been taking me on. I have definitely seen my editing style shift to a more crisp and vibrant product because of it. It’s still me and true to myself while still reflecting the brand. I’ve also been learning new editing techniques to make sure what I deliver is consistent - especially important when doing product photography.

I was so happy that Megan from Cocoa Dot Cakes asked me to do some product photos for her over the last few months. We have now done 3 shoots, the first beginning with retail product. I ran around the store like a chicken with my head cut off, with almost no plan. Those first shots vs. these fresh and clean new ones are like night and day! Luckily, because of my new editing skills I can adjust my old images to reflect these changes for my client.

I was more than happy to take home this Cake Pop Kit for Ella to do while Leo slept. She had a blast and couldn’t wait to share the treats with all of us. Everything you need including the instructions was in the kit.

Microwave these guys in 20 seconds increments, stirring in between. I’ll be honest, Ella was getting antsy so I added a little bit of water to speed up the process.

While you are melting the candy, have them pop the dough onto the sticks! Ella did them all on her own.

Now for the fun part! Now you can dip it in the melted candy melts and then the sprinkles!

Ella preferred to hand sprinkle vs. dip. After every one she would say “now for the final touch!” She really likes baking, and I try to do something like this with her twice a month. This kit was stress free and easy.

The final product! Which lasted all of 30 seconds because they were delicious.

Some BTS! I am not a videographer (maybe one day!!!) but I really wanted to capture her having a blast. AND her singing her own theme music!

Emily-May Photography Collaborations

I have definitely entered into a new world here with collaborations! It’s so so neat and definitely there is a little bit of a learning curve but I was so happy and thankful to still be shooting while we needed to #stayhome. I have started booking again so I won’t be able to take on many collaborations but if you have a product that you need photos of - let me know! I am actively searching to collaborate with makeup brands, home decor, artists & clothing makers.

This amazing shirt (and the one below!) came from Happy Brooke Designs ! I think it is super stinkin’ cute and these are definitely some of my favourite photos of Leo ever. Kyle was really into soccer as a kid so definitely some good memories for us.

Leo was a bit crankier this day but still got some adorable shots!

This collaboration with The Love of Colour was what saved me during isolation. I found the entire process of dying all these lace blankets and tablecloths so incredibly relaxing. Even though it is quite a bit of work!! Especially for something this size.

All my lace is thrifted or purchased second hand so now I have a HUGE variety of pieces for client use! It makes it easy for me to customize photoshoots and I couldn’t be happier. Julie’s company is also Canadian and I was so happy to be connected with a fellow Canadian brand.

Loved this set of 3 scrunchie’s so much that I have been “borrowing” them from Ella. They’re super soft and really easy on her hair (and mine!) Thank you so much Rue Pont Neuf Studio, we loved working with you.

These were so fun and my fridge has never looked better! After turning the side of my cabinet into a chalkboard the next step was obviously chalkboard magnets. Ella spent the better part of the week playing with them and rearranging them on the fridge, which I am always a okay with. Anything that keeps her busy and looks this cute is good in my books. Kirkton Creations is also a Canadian company!!

Neveo Family Album

The world of sharing photos is always changing! A lot of images only ever end up on USB sticks or stuck on hard drives and never get printed. I’ve been meaning to put in a print order for our house for months.. and I haven’t! (I am tonight, not leaving my office without doing it!!) This is one of the reasons I think Neveo is SO COOL. You can upload your photos every month from your phone or from your facebook or other social media accounts. They make it so easy, no excuses. Use coupon code FAMILY for 50% off for 3 months!!

These books are beautiful and suit any decor! I am changing the title of the book for next month’s to Our Family - I totally didn’t realize the title on the app becomes the title of the book. It makes sense now BUT save yourself from my mistake!

Leo wanted a copy too, but with this being our first month I only ordered the one extra.

I chose to send a copy to my grandparents - we usually go and make a trip to see them every year but due to Covid-19 we weren’t able to. It was so special for me to look through the photos with the kids. They see them quite often on video chat, usually once or twice a week (sometimes more if I need some extra help with the kids!) But now they have a beautiful coffee table book with more on the way.

I love this moment, catching Ella bean giving him a little kiss and seeing their reaction to it on the screen. As close as we can get to being there.

My camera and I made a special guest appearance!

Grandma & Grandpa sent me this after, they love their album! And grandma already asked for the link to share with her friends so I’ll post it again here. Use coupon code FAMILY for 50% off for 3 months!

Thanks for reading! Happy Sunday!!

Indigo Dye Kit - The Love Of Colour

The end results after using The Love of Colour’s Indigo Dye Kit! I adore it!! The baby blue lace piece is now a stunning deep blue. I will be using it in so many shoots, I know it. I’ve just finished up the rest of my rainbow, can’t wait to show you images of those ones too. Thank you so much to Julie for sending me these kits!! I am so grateful to have had something to do these last few weeks.

Step 1!

Pre-wash your fibres to remove waxes & pectins. You could scour the fibres or do what I did and just run them through the wash!

I made my vat up the day before because it’s recommended to get the best results. I filled a pot with 15 L of water and heated it to almost boiling, then put the water into a very big plastic container. Then I added the fructose, calx & the indigo!

Then I stirred the up for 3 minutes in a whirpool motion!

I stirred every ten minutes for the next hour (thanks Google!). Referring back to the instructions provided it was looking good! The surface was shiny and blue and when I stirred I could see the green liquid.

I thought it looked so so pretty! And you can see me taking the photo, it was quite reflective.

After this I popped it upstairs into the dyeing area (my bathtub!) so I’d be all set for the next day.

I pulled out a little liquid the next day so I could really see the green colour. If it’s green that means you’re ready to dye.

Step 3) Dyeing

I soaked my lace in warm water and lowered it into the vat! It was in there for 10 minutes and I moved it around so it would be evenly dyed. I pulled it out over the side into the tub because you don’t want it to drip into the vat and introduce oxygen to the dye.

You can see the colour change from turquoise to a more true blue as the air hits it. Honestly I found this process quite relaxing! Then you dunk your fibre into a bucket of cold water to make sure it is fully oxidized and hang it for at least 10 minutes.

I dunked and redunked my lace 8 times! It was definitely a process but so worth it. I didn’t want to show you the same steps over and over but it wasn’t to time consuming over the course of the day. I really liked that it was okay to leave it for extra time if I needed to (mom life!) I even dunked it once more the last day.

Easy cleaning, the dye washed right down the drain! It did temporarily stain the tub but it came out quite easily.

This is the oxidization process, the most fascinating colour changes to watch.

Once you are happy with the colour your fibre will have it’s final rinse in warm water until it runs clear. I also soaked it in vinegar to be safe!

A little sneak peek at the full rainbow of colours!! So fun!! And so excited for my big shoot with them and the kids. Stay tuned for that. You can order the full rainbow kit from Julie at The Love of Colour here for $46.95 (on sale!!)