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When I show potential clients my images that I create, one of the biggest compliments that I get is “ I love the details you put into your image. They create a story in itself.” And it’s true! It is the small details of the story that make the fairytale believable. For instance, the story Cinderella is a rags to riches story. The story centers around Cinderella and the prince. However, the details of the mice and their side story are what help bring the magic of the fairy tale almost tangible.
I have created a list of 5 every day objects you may have around your house that will bring extra magic to your storybook portrait! If you don’t have them, they are super easy to find either at thrift stores, antique stores, facebook marketplace or even yard sales! I will list the item, the story it tells, a visual idea and a creative tip for each item as we go through the list.
1. The Teacup
Inspiration: Teacups have a sense of elegance, nostalgia and references royalty
Visual Idea: A little girl hosting a tea party with barn kittens
Creative Tip: Look for patterns or colors that match the theme of your image. For example, florals for spring or a vintage room. Gold trimmed for a princess.
2. Vintage Books
Inspiration: Worn edges, old pages tend to take you back in time. There is a story in a story.
Visual Idea: A child using stacked books to reach another book while his puppy early awaits to hear the story.
Creative Tip: Use the book’s actual story or title as a prompt for your concept.
3. Old Suitcases and Trunks
Inspiration: Suitcases and trunks often are symbols of adventure, mystery and imagination.
Visual idea: A child finding treasures that have been stored in a trunk or suitcase located in an old attic
Creative Tip: Fill the trunk with props that hin at another story like lanterns, maps or a stow away puppy
4. Dress-up Boxes
Inspiration: Dressing up in costumes gives a pure, unfiltered glance at their personality.
Visual Idea: A royal portrait, a whimsical ballerina in the woods or a pirate on a ship
Creative Tip: Let the child pick their favorite costume and build the story around who they feel like when they where it.
5. Heirlooms (Even the Tiny Ones)
Inspiration: Heirlooms have their own story. They are perfect for family story portraits
Visual Idea: A child wearing a grandmother’s brooch or locket.
Creative Tip: Ask the client to bring “ one thing they’d want remembered.” Build a story from that object.
Inspiration is all around you. The best ideas often live in attics, closets, memory boxes or even in your garage. Look around where you live and as yourself, “what do I love that is laying around here?” “Why do I love it?” “ Does this (fill in the blank) have a story to tell?” Comment below and let me know what you find and how you are going to use it!
