So I've been asked what feels like a million times "How did you come up with the ToddleWood concept?" Well here's what happened. In 2008 when my daughter, Skylar, turned 3 years old, I purchased a Nikon D40x. Having a degree in TV and Film production doesn't help you take digital photographs. I have an eye for the artwork that I want to achieve but I had to teach myself how to use the darn camera. Lots of trial and error. But the very first picture I took of toddler-Skylar, was a picture of her in a really cool hat. I convinced this 3 year old to look slightly away from the camera. I'm not a fan of people looking directly into the camera unless it's absolutely necessary. I nailed that shot and Sky nailed that look. I turned it black and white and became obsessed with learning everything I could about the camera.
For those who know me and know me well, will understand that I'm not the type of person who does things simply. I've got way too much energy to take the simple route. So taking photos needed to meet my personality. But I wanted to include my little Sky in whatever project I came up with. I was sitting in the train of the Long Island Railroad one day and I happened to pick up a brochure from the seat across from me. It was a brochure for Madame Toussaud's wax museum. This Madame Toussaud had a brilliant idea of making celebrity icons out of wax. WAIT!!! That's it!!! I'm going to make celebrities out of children.
"Huh?" Said my husband. Followed by "that's nice, honey." Then when I mentioned it a second and third time, he got a little curious. My husband knows that when I put my mind to something I make it happen. He loved the idea and said what he always says "I think you should do it." Followed by "Oh God, what's my role in all this?"
Three more cameras later, I gathered a dynamic group of creative people whom I've ever so grateful for. They saw my vision, agreed to the project and went to work. They will always have a place in my heart because they believed in me.
Our first casting call started off quite unpleasantly. I was on my way to the city for the casting and in my hurry and nervousness, I neglected to look at the gas meter.
Yes, I ran out of gas right on the Long Island Expressway. Everyone was waiting for me in the city and I was on the side of the highway waiting for a tow truck! I thought to myself, "well, I can assume this is a sign and just call this whole thing off or I can suck it up, curse myself out for not putting gas in the friggin car and
find my way to the casting call. Here comes the tow truck. My car and I were taken to the closest gas station and then I high-tailed to Manhattan. I walked in embarrased but tried to find my Tricia confidence. The moms and kids were so great! My crew who made it there before me (clearly they feed their cars) were so gracious with our guests. The casting went great.
That same day I shot my very first ToddleWood image. A black and white shot of Mini-Marilyn Monroe. Robin, my
seamstress made the iconic dress, Tammy, my
wardrobe stylist got the right jewelry and shoes and Linda my make-up artist dolled up that cute little face. The show indeed went on. And ToddleWood was born!
xoxo, T
