Running from the Law: The Gift of Photos

Friday, December 16, 2016

The Gift of Photos

Anyone that's ever met me or laid eyes on this blog knows that photos are a very big deal to me. I both blame and credit my mother for this - she's just as obsessed with photography as I am and was the one that gave me my first camera and inspired my love for taking pictures. As you may remember, last year she lost her house, her pets and everything she owned in a horrible house fire, including all her photos. Years and years of documenting, preserving, scrapbooking and memory-keeping of her life, her children and her family were gone in the blink of an eye. It honestly breaks my heart thinking about losing my childhood photos and all those precious memories we'll never be able to revisit by looking through albums and scrapbooks. But we also know how lucky we are to have her still in our lives and we're now focused on making new memories and documenting life going forward. 

One of my best friends from high school is an incredibly talented photographer - Stephanie from SVSiefkas Photography. (Have I mentioned how lucky I am to have so many amazing photographer friends?!) While we were back home visiting my mom a few weeks ago, she just happened to be hosting mini sessions at a local tree farm, so we had to go! I've been dying to do a "Mommy & Me" session with the kids (and Ryan was busy hunting), so this was the perfect opportunity. I even drug my mom along and even forced her into a picture or two with the kids. I was really hoping to turn these photos into some fun Christmas gifts for my mom and all the grandparents on our list. Stephanie did an amazing job and I'm just madly in love with the photos, even if Mac was a bit "bah humbug" by this point in the day (late night, early morning, no nap, lots of sugar = crankypants). I still adore them and we even managed to get a few smiles out of him by making fart noises and singing songs about toots. Boys (insert eye roll emoji here). Scroll down to the bottom of the post to see a little sneak peek of some of the fun items I made with these photos for gifts! 

Aren't they lovely? How could I not turn them into adorable gifts? I started with the idea of making ornaments out of the photos and came across the prettiest glass and zinc Tiny Prints photo ornaments. They have a great selection of sizes, layouts and colors. I ordered one for all three sets of grandparents and one for ourselves. And then I got more excited when I found the Tiny Prints mugs, notepads and the magnets. Can you ever have too many mugs, notepads or magnets? I also make a personalized photo calendar for our families each year (which I adore all year long). And while I was at it, might as well throw in a cute photo iPhone case, a canvas and maybe even a personalized stocking(with or without photo)!

Because if you have beautiful photos - don't leave them stuck in your computer or on your phone. Use them! Print them! Gift them! 
Tiny Prints personalize photo gifts
1. magnets // 2. mug // 3. iPhone case // 4. notepads // 5. ornaments

I've already received my mug, notepad and magnets- my ornaments should be here any day! I'll come back and post a few photos of my items as soon as they're gifted (I don't want to completely ruin the surprise!).

If you want to make some personalize photo gifts from Tiny Prints, you still have time to order any of these items and receive them by Christmas with expedited shipping (you can get cards in only 2 days!). And don't forget your photo holiday cards! Tiny Prints as a huge selection.

Do you gift photos?

13 comments:

  1. Gosh, these photos are just the best! I love the setting, love your outfits, and love these people! And yes to the fart jokes - that's exactly what we did for our family photos in October!

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  2. I didn't know your love of photography is 'from' your mom, that's awesome. How fun to share that passion!! Sweet sweet pictures, especially the one with Mim resting on you. Keepsakes for sure!!

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  3. These are gorgeous!! With all the gems you have on your hands making picture gifts is the best idea.

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  4. I'm sure you guys are just checking out a rock or an M&M, but that photo looking through the trees, where Mim is holding something is just gorgeous. I absolutely love that one!

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  5. I LOVE giving the gift of photos in fun ways like that. Last year we gave Seth's grandma photo magnets because she doesn't have a lot of room in her place for photos, but she does have lots of space on her fridge! We also always gift Seth's mom a new phone cover with all the grandkids and she LOVES it. Whoever the recipients of these gifts are are going to be very happy!

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  6. I love photography too ! Your photos are always stunning. The mini session you had with your children is just beautiful ! Happy Holidays :)

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  7. That third picture of Mac and Mim? HAHA!! Yes, perfection.
    This is such a great shoot. I'm trying to convince Scott that a mommy and me photo shoot would make for an awesome Christmas/Mother's Day/Birthday (hell, I don't care) gift!

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  8. Oh I just love these! Perfect setting, and the neutral colors are perfect. And so so sweet to have your mom with the kids too!

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  9. Love these photos and love making photo gifts for the grandparents. Joe mentioned that we should really own stock in Shutterfly if we're just going to keep giving them all our money ;)

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  10. That is so sad what happened to your mom! These photos are great.

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  11. Reading about the fire all over again still brings tears to my eyes! I am so thankful that your mother is okay. I love that you were able to take these oh-so-beautiful photos and turn them into gifts. I know they will be loved and cherished. I love your outfits and the location is perfect. Just gorgeous, friend.

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  12. Ugh. I feel you on losing all those photos, but I love how well you document so much of Mac and Mim's lives. These photos are absolutely priceless; I love the outfits you chose, too!

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