Sisters…in this life.

Those Sugar Skulls…

Every October is a very exciting month for our family.

This year, we had three little people turning five years old a week before halloween..and then *BANG* it is Halloween.  We are VERY busy with all of the activities that four children can be in (jazz, ballet, tap, tae kwon do, swimming, Beavers and Gymnastics) and somehow have to fit in the rest of our lives during this crazy time as well.

When I was pregnant with the triplets, I was stoked to make it to 35 weeks.  It was a huge accomplishment and was even MORE excited that my end goal, the one I could see the light for – the finish line if you will – was Halloween.  I planned my c-section for that date and just enjoyed myself day by day before my child ratio grew by 3.

A week before Halloween however, I ended up going into labor and having my three beautiful children.  At 35 weeks and three days, we ended our triplet pregnancy and a week later, celebrated Halloween.  I was very excited about the possibility of Halloween babies because I knew as they grew older they would have a great time each year on their birthdays.  The theme is always the same…decorations are easy to come by, and chocolate is everywhere!  What else can you ask for?

This year, to celebrate the babies turning 5, I asked my dear friend June, who ‘used’ to run an excellent face painting company in Red Deer, Alberta if she would entertain the idea of painting the girls into some Sugar Skulls for a photoshoot.  She said yes…

A Little Sugar Skull History

If you don’t know about the Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos) tradition in Mexico (where Sugar Skulls are very common) and a ton of different Latin and Catholic cultures around the world.  It is a celebration to honor those who passed before the living and can be minor in cost and event up to events costing 2-3 months pay.

They believe that the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31, and the spirits of all deceased children (angelitos) are allowed to reunite with their families for 24 hours. On November 2, the souls of the adults come down to enjoy the festivities that are prepared for them.  This information came from History of Day of the Dead web page by the way – I always give credit when credit is due.  Visit the page and learn some neat facts about Sugar Skulls and the history and traditions surrounding them.

The Peace and Calm before the Storm

Turning Two Girls into Sugar Skull Masterpieces

I constantly have ideas for photo shoots.  Sometimes though, I have to wait for them to get a bit bigger before I can actually shoot the idea, but I still collect them on an awesome list I keep at home.  Ideas are a spawned every day and it is amazing the things that I can imagine my kids doing – right into adulthood actually.  The Sugar Skulls was a recent idea of the last year or so and I really thought we could give it a go – so I called up my insanely talented friend who has her business on hold currently (hence no tag) and she got to work.

The painting took about 45 min each and then when we got home, we went through the Suzanne Taylor Photography dress bank and found some perfect dresses from Tutu Du Monde for the event.  I got each girl ready and the shoot began with some super cute accessories from Spirit Halloween at Bower Mall in Red Deer, Alberta.

I started with my oldest girl, because of a few reasons – reasons you need to be mindful of when you photograph children.  This child is always eager to be photographed but burns out really fast.  She didn’t care for the idea of the Sugar Skull makeup and while she is a trooper, there is no sense delaying the suffering sort to speak.

The Most Beautiful Monster.

What we created was an image that is so full of depth, mystery, and beauty – I feel it represented the culture of the Sugar Skull perfectly.  I wish your monitor was able to show you the beauty and depth of this image in its entirety.  You can visit the 500px website HERE if you wanted to see it in a higher resolution.

I next started on this beautiful young lady that loves the camera and was more than happy to show off her ‘princess’ Sugar Skull face paint (…ok…) and pose for what became some of my favorite images I have ever captured of these two beautiful girls.  This Red Deer photographer was more than happy to make something stand out a little different this spooky holiday season.  It is such a fun time of year to have a little extra fun with photo shoots.

Because what is a Sugar Skull without Candy?

Sharing…the most important skill.

PCS: Photographers Child Syndrome in Full Force

The beautiful mystery of the Sugar Skull Sisters.

Stand by me…forever.

Suzanne Taylor Photography wishes EVERYONE a very Happy Halloween this year and I hope that the spooks, ghosts, and goblins visit with big smiles and empty pillowcases for no end of candy.  Enjoy the season and leave me a note if you enjoyed these images – or have any comment about them!

Warmly,
Suzanne

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