By U READY, TEDDY?
In 2016 Devon Meves from U Ready, Teddy? started a photo series called #ureadychalks documenting each month with her children on a chalkboard background.
The first set of photos in the series uses only white chalk on a large board painted with chalkboard paint.
Babies are not the most cooperative models, but you can usually count on them to grab on to a small prop like a ball to help get them into a desirable pose.
The photos are not Photoshopped. The baby is laying on top of the chalkboard background + the photo is taken from above.
Once the baby rolls over the chalkboard gets smudged + the outfit gets covered in chalk so its important to take lots of photos quickly.
The simple costumes are made from clothing found in most closets or DIYed with tape, fabric or repurposed items (like this tube sock scarf).
Some of the chalkboards use 2 boards to give the illusion that something is in front of the baby.
The baby grabs on to the edge of the 2nd board giving the illusion that he is pulling himself out of the chimney.
The second set of photos in the series features baby #2 + uses colored chalk for more elaborate background designs.
The chalkboard backgrounds are inspired by the month's holidays. seasons or current events.
Adding a sibling can help position a squirmy baby.
An adult's hand can help keep them in position too!
Sometimes the chalkboards are inspired by pop culture like popular TV shows.
Sometimes they are inspired by famous characters.
The most interesting chalkboards use perspective in the drawings to really give the illusion the baby is participating in the scene.
A doll or a pair of footie pjs laid out on the board help to plan the positioning before starting on the chalk drawing.
The third set of photos in the series features baby #3 + is still in progress
Upside down poses are an easy way to create a more interesting photo.
The more colorful the background the more chance the baby model needs a bath afterwards!
This photo series was made to document monthly milestones + make people smile!
Toddlers make great models for chalkboard photos as well. With a little bit of bribery you can get the perfect pose + smile!
The bigger the kid the bigger the chalkboard! This one is made with a 4'x4' board