I ♥ Faces -- "Props"

First off, I have to note that I am not a professional photographer. (Maybe someday...) I am just a stay-at-home mom, so I don't exactly have a lot of money to throw at photography props. But occasionally, I think simple props that can be found around the house are just about as good as anything else.

Prop #1 in the picture below is one that I have used in spontaneous little photo sessions with all my kids, usually because I find it convenient to plop them in it (to keep them contained and entertained for a while) and then realize how cute they look. Who knew a laundry basket could be so photogenic?

Prop #2 (if you can call it a prop... perhaps more of an accessory?) is my daughter's headband with the large pink flower. What may appear to be a fairly simple accessory is actually a trinket that happens to be very dear to my heart... see below.

This kiddo has been through quite a lot in her 15 months of life. She was born with a condition called craniosynostosis, in which one or more of the sutures of the skull (the gaps between the bone plates) fuse together prematurely, causing abnormal head, face, and brain growth. If untreated, it can cause pressure on the brain, resulting in anything from headaches to developmental delays to permanent brain damage, so it is potentially very serious. So for our daughter and most children like her, this means major reconstructive surgery on the skull. This surgery requires a huge incision that goes from ear to ear, and it can sometimes be a challenge to hide the shaved hair and the scar. But through a support forum for those dealing with this condition, I found a woman who was just starting a charity to make and ship free headbands to little girls who need a little something to help hide their scars. My daughter was one of the first to receive a headband. This awesome lady has now really gotten going on her foundation and has currently sent over 250 headbands (and now pirate caps for boys) to children all around the world. If you are interested, please head over and check out her web page! http://www.cranioangelnetwork.com/

I love my baby girl... she is such a little trooper!

Don't forget to check out the other entries on iheartfaces.com!!