As a photographer I am constantly inspired by the world around me. Books, movies, videos, catalogs, music and artwork are my muses. I will see something and get an idea, but I often don’t act on it. I am trying to get better at giving my ideas life.
A couple years ago I saw some photos in an Anthropologie catalog that I thought were so interesting. The model was photographed with large and small scale props, whimsical cutouts and surreal surroundings.Here is a blog post that includes some of the images. The theme was subtle, but you could tell it was referencing Alice in Wonderland. I have since misplaced the catalog, but I never forgot the images. Nearly two years later I decided I wanted to offer Alice inspired mini sessions and after a few weeks of planning and prop making it all came together. I enlisted my friend Heather for help with prop making and styling. I am so thankful for her efforts.
I know the Alice theme has been done so many times before, but it is a theme that I felt many would enjoy. I wanted the sessions to have an Alice feel without being too cliché. I wanted the viewer to see the connection to Alice without it being too obvious. I thought about the props first because they would be a big part of the theme. I decided to try to create something large scale for little ones to sit on. At first I was going to try for a oversized chair, but in the end I decided on a giant tea cup. The pieces were purchased at Home Depot and Michaels. I used a large plastic flower planter for the cup. I found a hose in the plumbing department to use for the handle. The hose was attached to the “cup” by drilling two holes and feeding the hose through them. Heather and I spray painted the “tea cup” and I used mod podge and wall paper to decorate it. The kids, especially the little ones, really responded to the giant tea cup. This little guy was all smiles in the cup. 
The backdrop was another project. Many thanks go out to Heather for this one. It took lots of hours of cutting and tying ribbon, burlap and fabric to complete. I love how it came out. It added whimsy and a splash of color to the images.
Another prop I created were the boy’s top hats. Everything I used I bought at Michaels. It took some time and lots of glue gunning, but it was worth it. I didn’t want them to look just like the Mad Hatter’s top hat, but I wanted them to have a whimsical feel. First, I covered a plastic top hat with fabric then I decorated them. I used multicolored buttons and feathers on one, gears and feathers on another and the last one had a skeleton key and a brown feather. 
Because I wanted the Alice theme to be subtle I didn’t see the need for the girls to be dressed just like Alice and for the boys to resemble the Mad Hatter. I let the clients pick the outfits and everyone did a great job of coordinating with the theme. Heather brought a couple of feather skirts which I loved. I also ordered some mini top hats for the girls which I felt put a new spin on the top hat idea. 
These two adorable kids are mine. They had a great time being models their mommy. My husband did my boy’s hair…can you tell?
Other props that I used were giant books, a large wall clock, and a deck of cards. I used a couple different locations in a wooded area that I felt would feel dreamy like the Alice in Wonderland story.
The mini sessions weren’t just for the kids. We did some family, mother/daughter and couple’s portraits too. 
Special thanks to:
My clients for listening to my crazy ideas and letting me capture your family. It got up to 105 degrees during the sessions and everyone did so wonderful! You can’t even tell everyone was sweating in the heat. Thanks to all the parents and kids 🙂
Heather Bomhower for helping with props and styling. Heather helped me carry all the stuff, set up and stayed to help with the sessions. She also helped clean up in the excessive heat. Thank you!!!
Boy’s bow tie: Ami Garcia thanks so much. You did such a wonderful job!
Feather skirts and flower headband: MelissaJane Boutique
Mini girls’ top hats: Little Lady Accessories
LOVED the theme – very unique!