I used to think an 8 x 12 was a big photo. That’s the size you got if you wanted a photo on the wall. And in some cases, that’s true. Butit really depends on where you are hanging the photos, and how close you will be to them. For instance, I intend to rehang 8x12s in our new hallway – at the close distance we’ll be veiwing them, much bigger would be uncomfortable. But our new living room now looks a little like this:

That wall is around 4 metres long – perfect for a series of three 20x30inch canvases. We also are around 3 to 4 four metres away when veiwing the canvases.

But as well as distance and wall size, the size of the room comes in to play as well. In a large open plan area with lots of windows and light, these close-ups work well in large format. Our front lounge room, while a decent size at around 3 x 3.5m, is a closed room, with smaller windows and a lot less light. So while a 20×30″ canvas would work in there, I would need to be more selective, and perhaps choose a more environmental family portrait. As well, photo prints and canvases use space differently – generally you can go larger in a canvas than a print for the same spot.

So that’s some food for thought when you are planning what photos to put where. I know it’s a lot to think about when choosing your prints, which is why every session includes a complimentary in-home ordering session, to help create wall art that suits your home and style perfectly.

When booking a session, after we’ve locked in a time and place, one of the next questions, almost invariably, is “what should we wear?”

When it comes to family portraits, jeans and white tops has been popular forever. It’s safe and easy (ish). But what if that’s not your style? Where do you start?

And that’s where the seeds of “Fashion Friday” was born. On a semi-regular basis, I’ll pop up a blog post featuring some great looks that look good both in and out of photos.

{note – when I feature a label or company, it is because I truly love their products and style. I do not get paid to promote labels in this spot. If I don’t love it, I don’t share it!}

To kick off this series, I sent an email to a dear friend of mine. Anna and I first met in an online sewing group, where she very modestly told us she sewed children’s clothes. Being the sticky beak I am, I toddled over to her facebook page, and loved what I saw. And when I ordered dress or two, I was very impressed with the quality. Little baby Elsa, only 7 months old, has nearly enough TillyTom clothes to get her through next summer. And just between you and me, I may or may not have also bought her a size 2 dress as well. Hey, babies grow up!

One of my favourite looks for little girls from TillyTom for winter is the “Dream” twirly skirt. The gorgeous colour would add a bright pop to your photos, and really, what little girl doesn’t want a skirt that twirls? (and that beanie! the cuteness!)

My other favourite is the pinny. Made from beautiful Japanese linen, these pinnies are the perfect antidote to the winter blues. I especially love that they can be teamed with a long tee and stockings this winter, a short tee in summer, and a long tee and tights or jeans next winter A big thank you must go to Angela of Little Fingers Photography in Mildura for providing these images for me to use.

(this one is the one I’ve ordered for Elsa – love the colours!)

Also available from tillytom are very cute “Baby Legs” leg warmers – I’ve got the cutest little ruffled pink ones coming for Elsa!

TillyTom’s winter range is available now from their website.