It’s no surprise most moms consider nap time their favorite time of day; relishing the few quiet and peaceful hours while their babies sleep, but California mom and artist Queenie Liao looks forward to the downtime for an entirely different reason. For Queenie, it’s the perfect opportunity to capture adorable and imaginative photos of her youngest son, Wengenn.
Photography became a hobby
for Queenie when her first son was born in 2002. At the time, it was the best
way to watch her son grow and send updates to her family. Like most new
parents, Queenie took many pictures and continued to do so over the years with
her growing family. In 2010, she came across the work of Adele Enersen, who
took creative images of her sleeping baby. Adele’s work inspired Queenie to
experiment with similar ideas with her third child, then three-month-old son,
Wengenn.
“As an
artist, I always try to be creative,” Queenie says. “I love to think, observe
and imagine. Anything around you can be a source of inspiration. Growing up, I
used to love fairy tales and children’s stories. I used to imagine myself as
the princess in these stories, meeting my Prince Charming. I decided to use
this idea but have Wengenn be the main character in some of my favorite
stories.”
First
Queenie would come up with an idea — or as she calls it “an adventure” — for
Wengenn. Next, she’d gather materials to create a background setting.
“I’d use mostly plain clothes, bed sheets , stuffed animals and other common household items,” Queenie explains. “After everything was set up, including putting Wengenn in the appropriate costume, I’d just wait. After he fell asleep, [it was] time to get to work!”
Queenie
would gently place little Wengenn into thecenter of the theme she created and
start taking pictures. Throughout the shoot, she’d be careful not to disturb
Wengenn by always working around him. If he moved in his sleep, Queenie would
simply reset and readjust the props. She also made sure Wengenn’s costumes were
always snug, so he wouldn’t be uncomfortable and wake up.
“Overall,
he’s a very good sleeper,” Queenie admits. “This made my job much easier!”
From
exploring castles in the sky to being abducted by a UFO, the little guy has
been on many exciting adventures!
Wengenn’s
explored the Wild West.
Today
Queenie has taken over 100 photos — a series she calls “Wengenn in Wonderland.”
One of her favorites is an image of Wengenn climbing a ladder and reaching for
the stars, called Starcatcher.
“Starcatcher
is my favorite because, to me, the stars are symbols of dreams and goals in
life,” Queenie says. “I really want to see him grow up, reaching all his goals
and dreams.”
Over the
years, Queenie’s work has garnered a lot of attention. After posting the photos
online, she received thousands of views in just a few days. She’s also received
emails from fans asking for prints, calendars and photo books. “I’m very
grateful to have this opportunity to share with the world,” Queenie says. “Not
just my pictures, but more importantly my love, joy and pride as a mother
creating this special album for my son. I think taking pictures is a wonderful
way to spend quality time with your baby.”
Queenie’s
advice to other parents:
“Take lots
of pictures, because they grow really fast,” Queenie says. “Be creative. Enjoy
the process and have fun. It’s the work of love, and your kids will treasure
them when they grow up.” Visit Queenie’s
photostream to see more of her photography. See more photos below and enjoy!
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