Photo jewelry by Michael Wesley Designs

I am so excited about the new collaboration with one of my client’s brothers, Michael Wesley! My client, Amy,  had been telling me about his amazing work, and he came up with these beautiful designs to incorporate my photographs!  You can check out more of his jewelry here: www.michaelwesleydesigns.com

 

This pendant is two sided and is on a hinge so you can turn it back and forth!

New Photo Murals printed on Metal!

I am soooo excited about these murals printed on metal tiles! Our sample just got here of my nephews, and I can’t stop looking at it! I am thinking these will be super cool for portraits in general- but think about doing one of these from our Halloween sessions! They come in a variety of sizes and the prices are great-  and it comes with all of the hanging hardware- so no framing needed although assembly is,but if I can do it, you can do it, it is soooo easy! – The  smallest print 24×24 is $350.00 and we can print as large as 36×48!

My nephew’s visit to Raleigh!

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A few weeks ago, one of my four nephews-Jacob-who just turned 11-flew to Raleigh for a little Aunt time! It was soooo much fun- Here are some of the photos of his time here in Raleigh, and on our weekend to Elizabeth City, NC .

Jacob and Elizabeth at mini-golf course:photo by Ted Sampson

How to dress children for a photo shoot, some cool vintage fashions!

It is Saturday, and I am stuck on the couch with a sprained ankle(don’t feel too bad, there was wine and dumb high heels involved), so I have been looking around on the web for things to inspire me! It has been a while since I wrote, so I thought I would mix a little work with my lazy couch day!

Many times I am asked, ‘”what should my children wear for their photo shoot?” – I usually answer keep it simple, solid colors so it doesn’t compete with their faces and each other.  I adore vintage clothing,especially children’s clothing. A lot of it from the late 1800s and early 1900s was made very simply, sweet lace, beautiful buttons- and soft muted colors. When I find pieces at an estate sale or antique shop that are in good condition and inexpensive, I pick them up, hoping to photograph someone in them! I have spent some time searching today online, and found some awesome sites- some are completely vintage, and some are hand-made using vintage materials. Any of these would be beautiful in  a photo session. The other advantage to choosing these options, is you are supporting small businesses- I think all of these below are  women-owned too!

One rule of thumb is if you have more than one child, go with the small patterns or solids- you don’t want to have clashing clothing that takes away from your kids smiling faces!

 I would love to photograph some of my sweet clients in these! I hope you find some inspiration as well!!   

mod dress by Urban Tot

 Mod Mellow Yellow Dress Limited Edition

upcycled poppy dresses by the Measure

Striving for sustainability, many of these dresses are made with 100% upcycled, repurposed men’s button-up shirts. Always offered in colors that are easy to find (white, blue, white and blue stripe, grey, black, and off-white) they are also available in any print an Oxford is made in, depending on the availability in her inventory. She loves to take a treasured piece of Dad, Granddad, or Brother’s clothing and transform it into a special heirloom for your little miss, one both you and she will treasure.

Upcycled poppy dress, sizes 6m - 6, in short sleeve, long sleeve, or 3/4 sleeve, 11161

 Vintage teatowel flutter dress by Periwinkle,Jazz This dress is only $19.50!!!Each of her pieces of clothing are handmade from vintage fabrics, trimmings, buttons and anything else that inspires her. If you don’t see something that perfectly suits you, she will make you a custom piece in your favorite colors, a different size or even made from your very own vintage items.

vintage tea towel flutter sleeve baby doll dress 6-12m

And this is a great one for BOYS! And girls! http://www.bluponyvintage.com/index.php

http://www.edensbouquet.com/

http://www.belleheir.com/shop/

A Handmade Camera And A Vintage Trailer: On The Road To A Lost America

I read this article today on NPR website and wanted to share it! I am so inspired by the story, the gorgeous photos shot with 4×5 film using a hand-made camera, and the film was processed and printed in his Airstream while he was out on the road shooting on this adventure! I want to hit the road right now! Please check it out!! http://www.npr.org/blogs/pictureshow/2011/05/23/136507209/a-handmade-camera-and-a-vintage-trailer-on-the-road-to-a-lost-america

"The Wigwam Village Motel in Holbrook, Ariz., is one of the last remaining wigwam motels in the country. At one time there were 15 of them stretched all across the U.S. on Route 66 — old concrete teepees. This was number six."

EnlargeCourtesy of David Michael Kennedy”The Wigwam Village Motel in Holbrook, Ariz., is one of the last remaining wigwam motels in the country. At one time there were 15 of them stretched all across the U.S. on Route 66 — old concrete teepees. This was number six.”

Raleigh Tornado Fundraiser to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of South Raleigh

Donated by Elizabeth Galecke
$70.00

This week’s terrible storm brought devastation to many in our area. Some of the places that were hit especially hard were buildings at  the Boys and Girls Clubs in South Raleigh. A local woman owned business, IndieNC, promotes North Carolina artists and designers, and has put together an online fundraiser of local wares with 100% of sales being donated to the Boys and Girls Club of South Raleigh. These are kids who need our help- I hope you will check out the site! I have donated a mini session to the fundraiser, if you are thinking about coming in for some photography, this is a great way to purchase a session!  Click here to shop for a great cause!

If you love local music and would like to help raise money for the Red Cross to benefit those in Japan affected by the earthquake and tsunami, on Friday night at the Pour House in downtown Raleigh, there is a fundraiser starring amazing musicians who are donating their talents for the night. Check out the site on facebook for more info!

Portrait Specials in Raleigh this Spring/Easter!

Spring is here! And the weather is gorgeous! I am running a bunch of specials this coming week of April 17 for Spring Portraits! If you would like a regular session, take $30.00 off! If you would like to go to Duke Gardens this Thursday, April 21, $30.00 off, or if you would like a Mini session just to capture a few moments between your children and their grandparents while they are all in town for Easter, $70.00 for a session! I will be working all week and on Easter Saturday if you have family in town, I would love to capture some memories! Call or email for more info! 919-785-0620 or info@elizabethgalecke.com

Two Sisters Designs Baby Hats!

How cute are these??? Jessie Brinkley, who is an amazing graphic designer and her sister Margaret,who is an incredibly talented artist, are designing these really cool hats for kids! They also do many other great things, I have a lovely t-shirt that they designed and notecards that I love to send to my friends! I had the pleasure of working with Jessie on a project for Lutheran Family Services in the Carolinas - I documented the different programs that the organization provided and she used my images in their various brochures, annual reports and posters. It was so great to work with her on that project, but it is really fun to see this whimsical and modern work! I am hoping some of you might adorn your kids in one of these hats and bring them in for a session!!! Check out their Website for more info! http://twosistersnc.com/ 

They will be at the Hand Made Market on Saturday,April 23, one of my favorite places to find  gifts for my friends and myself made by local talent!

- What’s new with the Si    

Stop By Epona and Oak today, March 23rd

My friend Kristen Townsend, maker of beautiful MoodSwing jewelry, and I, will be volunteer tending shop for our friends at Epona and Oak in downtown Moore Square today! We will be there at 11 today- not sure how long, so come over early! They are a small local women owned business featuring amazing hand-made jewelry, ceramics, clothing and much more! They also offer massage, facials with locally made organic skin products, and acupuncture!

Amazing art in Raleigh this March! and First Friday!

I am so excited! Now, if I can get rid of this cold, it will be an amazing First Friday this week! There are so many great things going on in Raleigh this month! First, I just found out  one of the photographers who influenced me most while I was young- his  work is being shown at the NC Museum of History opening this week! I first studied Lewis Hine’s work when I was in high school. He was able to use his photography in the early 1900′s to help win rights for children as young as 5, who were working in mills, coal mines and other horrible environments. His photographs are so incredibly moving, and they made a serious difference in the lives of these children as well as future children. The focus on the exhibit in Raleigh is on children working in the NC textile mills. I have never seen his work other than in books, so I am really excited to see this show. I thought this would be a great excuse to have a fieldtrip to the Museum and then dinner out in Raleigh! If people are interested in viewing the other exhibits listed below as well, let me know! We could always make it a day! Here is another link to Lewis Hine

Wed. March 17th, 3:45 meet at NC Museum of History Lobby

please rsvp to info@elizabethgalecke.com

5pm to local dinner to be determined

“Lincolnton Spinner Girl.” Photographs courtesy of Lewis Hine Collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, Washington, D.C.

And next, my good friend Lee Moore Crawford, has her opening reception of her art combining painting and photography at the Nature of Art Gallery in the Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh this Friday! She is an amazing artist and has been working so hard on this show, I can’t wait to see it! Click here to read more about it! Opening reception on March 4th, First Friday 6-9pm.

Rain Cherry Tree Blossoms, photo painting by Lee Moore Crawford

And then, at Adam Cave Fine Art, is an exhibit of Diana Bloomfield’s pinhole photography. Diana is an amazing photographer whose work I have admired since moving to Raleigh. She works in many old, really interesting processes such as platinum and gum printing. I am really excited to see this show! For more info on this exhibit and directions click here.

Capital Grounds by Diana Bloomfield, Photography- Platinum Palladium Print

Hopefully I will still have time to get to a few other shows this First Friday! I hope to also go to the Mahler  and  to Monument!

Have a great week!