Do You Have a Little Pirate in Your Family?

If so, why not capture it in a beautiful portrait so you can cherish these memories forever?

I designed and built this set for a client. She came to me with a son and daughter and during the consultation we discussed the interests of the children, as I always do. Our ideas for portraits for her daughter were going to be easy. She loved the idea of modelling pretty dresses so her shoot was sorted. Her son on the other hand was more difficult. Where ever possible I try to incorporate something about the children into each portrait. That can mean books, sports, dance, musical instruments or anything a person has an interest in. In this case he hadn't yet developed any interests, other than pirates.

Now my client didn't want me to go to too much trouble. We agreed it wouldn't be easy to make anything pirate themed look as though it fit my style and level of quality. A shop bought costume wasn't going to cut it. But I just had to try. I love dark wood in my portraits and I had a few bits I could use already so it was a matter of building a few more bits and tying it all together. And thankfully my client was patient as it took longer to build than I anticipated.

I knew that I wanted a sail, for which I already had what could be used as a mast. I planned to make sides of the ship and to use my studio floor as the main deck and I knew I already had plenty of wooden boxes. When I came across the nautical wheel on Amazon which look amazing I knew it was going to work. In figuring out how to get the mast to stand I decided that building an upper deck and slotting the mast into a hole in it would be the best way, not to mention I think it looks pretty good this way. Thankfully I already had the steps which saved me a job and they work perfectly. I just built the upper deck around them.

And finally, I came across the adorable mouse which I plan to use anytime I create a scene such as this and I've tried to move him about throughout the session to provide a bit of interest for the kids involved when they see their photos.

I am so glad I now have something for boys that will get them excited as much as the girls are. I know its cliche and somewhat sexist to suggest that photo shoots for girls should be in pretty dresses. But the reality is, that is what most girls want. Not that we are limited to only this of course. Its just that the options for young girls seems greater than it is for boys. So many boys of this age are very into pirates. I can remember when even my daughter was into them. So this is by no means limited to just boys of course. But I'm pretty sure I will get more requests for this by the boys than the girls. And I'm pleased to say I now have something that fits my style of photography but also makes the boys happy. It wasn't difficult at all getting this young man to pose and smile during this session. According to his mother it made one of his dreams come true. In his own words, this set was 'epic'. I can't ask for better than that.

So if you would like portraits like these of the little pirate in your family please get in touch. I'd love the chance to use this set and costume again. And I'm prepared to place an order for this costume in a different size if needed also.

My contact details are below if you'd like to book or find out more.

Email: christina@christinalauderportraits.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/christinalauderportraits
Instagram: www.instagram.com/christinalauderportraits
Website: www.christinalauderportraits.com

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