GRAY'S NEWBORN SHOOT

Like I mentioned in the post on Gray's birth announcement, we had the wonderful Johanna Cosby capture Gray as a newborn when he was 10 days old. Again, he was not too stoked about being arranged and posed while he was trying to get his beauty rest, but the picture's still turned out beautiful. After looking through some of Johanna's past work and seeing her gorgeous, airy family portraits, I decided I wanted to take the majority outside of our new family of three. I'm so glad I decided to do so since Gray didn't love the posing! I'm a huge fan of candid photography so these are right up my alley! I'm in the process of framing some of these for Melrose. 

Here are just some of my favorites -- 

MATERNITY PICS

I did a small sneak peek on instagram last night of our maternity pictures and I said I would post more, so here they are! Ann Wade of Ann Wade Parrish Photography took these last week in our back yard and she did a fabulous job (if I do say so myself). It was sorta a last minute decision and I really had to persuade Brandon, but I'm so glad we decided to do them. I wanted to do something casual and laid back to capture these last few weeks before Baby Owens makes his debut and they're exactly what I intended. Here are some of my favorites from the shoot - and if you are looking for a great photographer, contact Ann Wade! 

STYLISH CAMERA BAGS

While I'm in the mode of preparing for Baby Owens' arrival - one thing I started to think about while reading the multiple handy "what to pack for hospital" lists is my DSLR camera. I know I will be taking it to the hospital for pictures, but eventually my brain starting going 1,001 different directions and I ended up surfing the web for a new camera bag. I currently have this ONA insert and organizer, and I really like it, but after shoving it into my purse on top of my wallet, phone, make up, etc. and toting all that around, it ended up weighing 30 pounds = not fun! I would be content with this insert if it had some sort of attachable cross body strap to use when you're on the go, but it doesn't. 

It took me a while to find some good options that didn't resemble a men's gym bag, but I finally found some stylish, and affordable bags. I decided to compile this chart of my favorite options for people in the same boat. Since I was clueless in the beginning, hopefully this will help you out in the future when in the market for a new stylish camera bag! 

ONE: 2 Sues bag in grey by Kelly Moore - This looks like a great bag to double as a purse and protective camera bag
TWO: Betsy Black by Jo Totes
THREE: Cheeky Lime Classic Bag in green
FOUR: Libby bag in caramel by Kelly Moore
FIVE: The Bowery in black by ONA - I ordered this one due to its price, size, style, and convenience to grab it and go! I'm sure I'll have my purse with me and this bag looks small enough to wear cross body while still toting a purse (or diaper bag!)
SIX: Rebecca Minkoff Craig Crossbody Camera bag - look at all the fun, summer colors! This one is on the small side for a large price - but it's super cute!
SEVEN: The Palma by ONA - This one is my absolute favorite but is not a reasonable option right now, but if I start shooting pictures more often, I'd love to have this to use everyday!
EIGHT: The Claremont by Lo & Sons - Another classy leather option very similar to the Palma 
NINE: Oliday Tan Canvas Bag - a great affordable, but stylish option 
TEN: Georgia Nautical by Jo Totes
ELEVEN: Missy Mint by Jo Totes
TWELVE: London Backpack by Epiphanie - A perfect gender neutral option big enough to tote around anything you may need during your outing

What do you use to tote your camera around? If you could invest in a new camera bag - which style is your favorite? I went with #5 and can't wait to see how well it gets the job done! Happy Friday! I'm officially at 35 weeks today so 5 weeks to go, eek!

AFFORDABLE ART

I think an easy way to spruce up a room in a house is adding framed art and, the bigger the better. I know several blogs have done similar posts to this, but in case you haven't seen them I wanted to share my favorite prints, artists, and shops.


1. Etsy, of course: This fun and hand-made site has millions of amazing artists and cool shops that sell anything from vintage and modern prints to charcoal sketches and acrylic paintings and more! Here are a few of my favorites -

siilso art by yangyang pan

I love all of her bright colors and abstract heavy strokes

the far side print

4 giclee prints

groundwork

This artist appears to be on vacay right now, but check back in a month to see more of her beautiful artwork! 

constants of motion

amber alexander

I love all of her sweet watercolors. She always chooses a beautiful, subtle color palette and leaves enough white space on the page for the illustration to breath.

bird watercolor - strawberry

feathers no.2

How pretty would a collection be of these birds and feathers? In a white frame and white matte ... note to self.

in the water

kari herer
Her illustrations and photography have been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Lonny Magazine, and several awesome blogs. I really love her work and can't wait to get my hands on a few of her pieces.

 magnolia and flower illustration

anter no. 6944

botanical no. 5633

jessica torres

Her photographs are so calming and serene. I especially love her focus on nature and the outdoors. There are so many I wish I could post, but that would be overwhelming so here a few of my favorites.

warm lake mini print

spring aspens

autunno

2. 20x200: This site features graphic prints from various artists in several sizes. They are constantly adding new art work and replacing old or sold out items. It is fun to browse through all the different styles and mediums. Here are some of my current favorites-

fingerprint by ky anderson

vegetables by wendy macnaughton

golden state freeway by michael light

the black and white contrast in this photograph is brilliant. 

praia pinquinia by christian chaize

This artist has a series of these beach photographs. I have seen gorgeous large scale versions of this scene in rooms and it makes such a statement. I actually have one framed on my mantel at Melrose and the colors are captivating. 

3. Poster Cabaret: This site also sells posters and prints produced by several artists. I have not ordered from this site, but they have some amazing art work I would love to introduce to Melrose.

gregarious grosbeaks

This lithograph print is from the talented children's book author, Charley Harper. I love the punch of yellow in this sea of neutral tones. 

city scape by blanca gomez

4. deviantART: This is an online social network for artists where anyone can sell their artwork on paper or products. I just recently discovered this website and have simply browsed a few times. I am sure there is more fabulous art work for sell on it than I am posting. 

original nude watercolor

stylized watercolor of fashion model

Do you have any other favorite shops where you buy art work? If so, please share! I love finding new sites for inspiration. Hope everyone has a great weekend! Hopefully I can share what was in the big box next week!

for more art options, check out my pinterest art board