A Boutique Life

We as mommies are so very, very proud of our children. We love taking pictures, and showing all of those special moments. Today we are going to meet Aimee, a model mom and well established designer in the boutique community.

Aimee please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I'm a SAHM to 4 kids - Seth (10), Sarah (6), Sam (3) and Sean (7 weeks). I've been married to my college sweetie, Ken, for a little over 12 years. We live in Bishop, GA - which is about 65 miles outside of Atlanta and about 7 miles outside of Athens. My mom taught me to sew when I was 10 and I really picked it up when I bought my first house in 1995. I was part owner in a retail sewing store where I sold Viking and Bernina sewing machines, fabric and supplies. I also taught heirloom sewing, smocking and quilting. I closed my store about 2 years ago and now sell all that "stuff" on Ebay. I've always loved photography but really starting getting into about a year and a half ago when I discovered high key boutique photography. I'm a Nikon girl and am hoping to start a photography business in a few years when time is a little more abundant!!!

You are also a designer as well tell us a little bit about this?

I've been designing for almost 10 years - since my oldest son was born. For the longest time I made more of the heirloom and smocked clothing. I had a business with another designer for a short time. We did home shows and I had our things displayed in my sewing store also. That didn't last and then I ended up on Ebay. I had no idea that the boutique community on Ebay even existed, but once I found it, I was hooked. I was asked to join The Courtyard design group and then we merged with The Chicks (originally The Stitchin Chicks). It's been a part of me ever since!!! I love my Chicks!!!

Where can we find your designs?

I am currently on Ebay (ID-sewgirlygirl) and Etsy (ID-sarahbearoriginals). I've been on maternity leave, but am now getting back into the swing of things.

How did you get started?

I started with the boutique photography about a year and a half ago after I purchased Carrie's (emersonsmom) ebook on high key photography. I joined her wonderful group and started making my list of wants/needs/desires!!!

Do you need any special equipment?

I guess you could say that I need some special equipment. I have a Nikon digital SLR camera with a couple of extra lenses. I've got a studio set up in a spare bedroom with backdrops, flooring, high powered lights and reflectors. All of these things came from camera stores, so I guess they're "special".

When is the best time to shoot?

I prefer to shoot on the weekends when hubby is there to help with the other kids. Usually I can get a lot done on Saturday mornings - when the kids are bright and happy!!! I do have my studio almost completely dark, so I can shoot any time of day and not have to worry about the lighting.

Any tips for the readers?

Don't rush!!! When I try to hurry to get through a photo shoot, the kids can tell and they don't want to cooperate. Just always take your time and most of all - HAVE FUN!!!

Picture Share!

Sam