February | 2014 | Christal Gavin Photography

I love to learn about the traditions & cultures of each place we move to. I was surprised to realize how little I knew about Mardi Gras. I researched it a little bit, knowing that it was coming up sometime in March. (March 4th to be exact). After learning more about it, I knew I wanted to do some Mardi Gras inspired sessions to representing our time stationed here at Fort Polk, Louisiana.

These are some of the props that helped “inspire” me & are available to use at each session……

This king hat is a favorite among the little boys

The Mardi Gras colored tutu & matching headband is a favorite for the girls

For the kids feeling a little silly there’s this handmade Jester hat

The Jester hat was a collaborate effort & made by two wonderful ladies

Vicki Simpson made the hat itself, freestyle

& Carol Ann Woolever of Love You More 44 added the pom poms for that perfect finishing touch!

Both ladies take orders for custom crochet items

I also found several different masks in different styles & colors

To view more photos of the lace romper (above) from Lil Diva Bowtique, click here.

It’s also available during photos for little girls size 2-3t

These masks are a hit with the little kids & big kids alike

One of my favorite Mardi Gras pieces was this custom sign

It was handmade by one of my favorite local vendors

Liz, the owner of My Messy Desk

I did a previous post, dedicated to My Messy Desk, that you can view for more information

I’ve had a great time capturing so many fun Mardi Gras inspired sessions these last couple weeks.

There’s still time to book one of your own!

You can check out my everyday price list on my website

Also, be sure to “Like” my Facebook page so that you’re one of the first to hear about my specials & give aways

As a military family we move around to different duty stations about every 3 years. I love having family photos of us from each unique place that we’ve lived. We’ve got photos in front of the Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee. At the Harbor in Boston, Massachusetts & on the sandy beaches of Oahu, Hawaii.

I wanted to be able to offer my new Louisianan clientelle (primarily other military famliles) the same opportunity; to take photos that will remind them of their time here. I contacted a couple of Etsy vendors to see if anyone wanted to showcase some of their products in a themed photo shoot. What better way to remember Louisiana than with a Mardi Gras inspired session!

I linked up with Jenny, the owner of Lil Diva Bowtique. She operates out of Fort Wayne, Indiana and offers several styles of headbands, lace rompers, dresses, bloomers, shoes, tutus, pettiskirts, boys rompers and barefoot sandals. She had a lace romper that I fell in love with! But, it wasn’t quite the right colors.

She quickly got to work on a custom made, lace romper, featuring the Mardi Gras colors.