Photography Studio Spreads Love With 'Lovies' Series

Around Valentine's Day, the staff at started talking about love. Pretty soon, they were swapping stories about their "lovies," -- chosen, best-loved childhood toys and stuffed animals that went on every car trip, got tragically lost in airports and became worn with love over the years.

So worn and loved that eyes went missing, the plush fabric ripped and the fur pilled all over.

"We thought, we should photograph these and see how it turns out," said Tera Andaya of Classic Kids Photography. No "lovie" is turned away, no matter how worn. "We thought it'd be quirky, cool and out of the box for our clients."

"Lovies," as it turned out, weren't strangers to the photo studio either. Many of the children who are photographed at owner Julie Floyd's studio clutched their "lovies" and separated from them reluctantly for the camera. Floyd is a Winnetka resident and her four boys and their "lovies" partly inspired the project.

"These are not just objects. They're family members," Andaya said.

Classic Kids also decided to spread the love and comfort "lovies" provide. Through April 30, for every "lovie" photographed, the studio donates one to a homeless child through the Primo Center for Homeless Women and Children. The session is free with the donation of a lovie and a portion of the print sales also supports the cause.

"These pieces are not only beautiful, but they tell a wonderful story. They are sure to be conversation pieces.” Floyd said. “It is a wonderful opportunity to give a little warmth and comfort to children without a permanent home.”