a look behind the scenes

My name is tammi swanson. I am a photographer, a children's clothing designer, and a stylist. I have also been a model, and a hair and makeup artist. My life, it seems, has always been surrounded by photo shoots and the fashion industry. My passion is children's editorial photography, and children's clothing. The stylist in me is always searching for the perfect items for photo shoots, so I have finally decided to turn my ideas into a children's collection. I see the end result, which is the photo shoot, in my head, and that is where I begin. I describe my designs to my pattern maker, we work out all of the details, and then I shoot the pieces the way I have them envisioned. It's all about creating a story, the mood, the beauty of childhood. I love the children in rennaisance paintings, pale sea and sand colors and tree-lined paths. I love formal gardens, small towns, farms and the countryside. Hopefully, some of you love these things too. This blog will tell the behind the scenes story of how it all comes together. Including what's really going on before, during, and after the photo shoots!

"Ophelia" tulle skirt giveaway!

Add yourself as a follower and automatically enter yourself to win the "Ophelia" tulle skirt! The drawing will be held December first and you will be able to choose your color and size of skirt. This is a $178.00 silk and tulle skirt with a silk underskirt. Perfect for a special photo shoot or a wedding or family portraits or the holidays!


the "Ophelia" tulle skirt

Sunday, January 10, 2010

black lace in winter





I have been so absent! I have so many ideas, yet not enough time to see them through- but today I was lucky enough to use a gorgeous winter day to my advantage. I have been loving black lace lately and wanted to do something with it for opal, so I finally got my chance. I used the Ophelia skirt in Noir and paired it with a pretty black lace parasol and some silk and lace flowerettes that I made. Mia made my perfect subject with her newly black hair. (she begged!) I had spied this open field on "old farm road" while running a while back and I'm glad I got the chance to shoot it while it was still all silver and wintery. I still have more ideas and I'll see if I can get to them before spring! I have a lot of catching up to do! Here's our shoot and some behind the scenes shots too-











Here's our location-




We drove Daddy's truck




Posted by Swanson 8 comments

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Opal in the Netherlands


Here is a blog entry from Josan de Ridder of Good Girls Company in the Netherlands. I am excited to have people there enjoying Opal Petit Clothier because I love the children's clothing that comes from that part of the world. Thank you Josan!
Posted by Swanson 2 comments

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Opal Petit Clothier in Elan Magazine!


Opal has received it's first press! You can see it here at Elan Magazine. Thank you so much to Darci Hansen, Elan Magazine's publisher. She is so driven. Not only does she publish this gorgeous women's magazine bi-monthly, but she also devotes her time an energy to women in need. She is currently working on a project for women of fallen war veterans. Truly amazing. I am so happy to be included in her gorgeous magazine and hope to work with her again in the future!
Posted by Swanson 4 comments

Monday, November 2, 2009

"Mia" tulle skirt by Tina Wilson










Tina Wilson is an AMAZING photographer who has recently shot some of the Opal Pieces. She just sent me some of them, so I am posting them for everyone to enjoy. They are gorgeous!!!
Posted by Swanson 4 comments

Mia Tulle Skirt Winner!



We have a winner!! Kristina, one of our followers, has been drawn as the "Mia" tulle skirt winner. She gets to choose the color and size of the skirt, and hopefully, she will share with us some photos! I am so grateful for everyone who has signed up as a follower! And just to let everyone know- You still have more chances to win more Opal gems! I am giving away another gorgeous skirt December 1st. Just in time for the Holidays! It will be the "Ophelia" skirt and it comes in Ivoire and Noir. I'll post more on that in the next week! But for now, here is an Ophelia skirt photo.


Posted by Swanson 5 comments

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

New bloomers, halter top and clothing labels!

We decided to add some cute little bloomers underneath the Mia tulle skirt for toddlers. They are so cute, I can't wait to photograph them on a cute little girl. This one is on it's way out the door, but I managed to get a few still shots. We also added this halter top to go with any of the skirts and it's made to match. This one is in a Gris/Blue dupioni silk. It is gorgeous! We haven't even named them yet and I'm going to have to start asking for help with that as I am running out of names!








Posted by Swanson 13 comments

Saturday, September 26, 2009

family



This family photo shoot looks so calm and serene- but no! What was going on before and during this shoot was anything but calm. I'm always reminded when we do this just what our clients go through to get a whole family ready for the shoot! This first shot is a nice final but there are plenty of out-takes because of our dog- Windsor Grey. He was making my kids die laughing as he ran around digging right  in front of us. So naughty! You can't see very much of it, but Mia is wearing the Opal "Mia" tutu in sand with the silk peasant blouse.




Posted by Swanson 6 comments
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