Where it began...

I had my housewarming party this past Sunday. It was such a joy to show everyone my {new} home. Most have heard about it, but few had seen it....and pictures never did do it justice. :o)

I also enjoyed showing everyone my portrait studio. A once talked about dream, now a reality. "So, when did you start taking pictures?" was pretty much the question of the day. My answer was the typical... "about 2 years ago I started doing it 'for real' since my Nanny position goes to part-time during the summer". Well that's really only 1/2 an answer.

I remember like it was yesterday. Christmas morning, 11 years old, I received my very first camera. A black 110mm camera. Best Christmas ever. Now that I think of it, my Mom was smart to buy it for me. She was busy being Mom, I was busy capturing her memories. Best choice ever. I was willing to do just about anything (chores, babysitting, etc) to get film/developing, so I believe the benefit went both ways.

Flash forward a year, Christmas morning. I opened a small box with 35mm film in it...oops...Dad missed the little star symbol on it (Mom's way of letting him know it's a "big" gift)...to be opened last...and in a certain order. My heart jumped just a little, first because I knew what was coming next, but also because Mom screamed "not that one first" out of nowhere. BEST Christmas ever. I still have that purple camera. In a box. Tape holding the battery compartment closed.

Well, I guess they figured they had something good going. The following Christmas, I received my very first Nikon 35mm camera. Dad got the order right this time, my mouth dropped in disbelief, Better than BEST Christmas ever.

I'm pretty sure I had become "one" with my camera for most of my teenage years. I know my family got sick of all of my brilliant photo ideas. My younger siblings all suffered through hours of "playing portrait studio". You know: blankets for backdrops, piano bench for posing, and fake flowers for props. I'll spare them the embarrassment of posting them, boy were they something!

Unfortunately my Nikon's shutter broke, and maybe just a little piece of my heart with it. I got an 'automatic' 35mm Pentax with my high school graduation money, but it never was the same. With college came my busy years, and also my I don't have any money years. But in 2006, 36 hours changed my life. :o)

My niece was born, and twin nephews followed by literally 36 hours. I couldn't even find my Pentax (sad-I know), so I went crazy with disposable cameras for as long as I could take it, and went digital for the first time ever. When it broke less than 2 years later (clearly overused!), I took a leap and got my 2nd favorite Nikon. Best purchase ever.

My Nikon & I are attached at the hip. When new nieces & nephews arrive, my flash is the traditional "welcome to the family".

So I'm pretty sure my parents never expected this outcome of a little black 110mm camera, but because of 1 purchase, I hope to captures years of Best pictures ever. :o)

Just a few applicable pictures...

The 3 babies that changed my life! Taken in 2006 with my first digital camera. :o)

The photo that changed my life. Taken in 2008 shortly after I got my new Nikon. It also won my very first ribbon for photography...2nd place at the local fair.

A few more, figuring out my style (and my logo). :o)

These next 3 are some of my favorites, and started my love for close-ups. All taken in 2008.

 

A family classic taken in 2009. :o)

My very first newborn collage also taken in 2009.

I'm pretty sure this was the day I decided to be a "real" photographer. It was no longer a dream of "what if" but "I can". Taken in 2010

And this little girl made me realize my love of newborn photography. Taken in 2010.

This photo won me my very first Blue ribbon at the local fair. I was thrilled. :o)

Smiles...memories...Best gift ever. Taken this afternoon. :o)

Settling in...

Tomorrow will bring the 4 week marker of my long anticipated move into my house. I think today was the first day it all felt "real". I spent most of the day washing dishes, putting them away, and organizing my kitchen in general. I have to admit it felt a little bit like Christmas finding items I boxed away months (some items even years) ago... awaiting this very day.

So my first real goal of making it my home is to become organized. This is where my photography ties in. Life has a way of getting ahead of you...we all know this to be true. I don't know that I will ever be truly organized, but I'm going to give it my best shot. That being said, I'm currently plugged into my external hard drive... to do what you may ask? To pull out some photos that have been overlooked during the last several chaotic months. :o)

Take a look...

It's great to be related to a photographer...your memories will be captured whether you want them to be or not! But the downside..? You're usually the last one to get to see your pictures. My one-and-only big sister is as patient as they come, but she has 3 boys, so I'm not overly surprised. :o)

There are never dull moments with these wonderful little boys...accidents waiting to happen...

Trouble to find (even when they're not looking for it!)...

Sillies to be let out...

And wonderful memories to be made!

But that's not all...

Another little bundle of joy...

A little one to squeeze protect... truly loved from the start.

Counting down the days...

While chasing 3 little boys...

But oh she was worth the wait!

About 1/2 a day old. :o)

A few days later...her very first (of many of course!) photo shoot...

Such a sweetheart...

Finally some pink for my sister's beautiful family!

They really dote on her...

2 weeks old

She may have some silly big brothers...

But they are equally sweet...

Such a smiley girl...

So hard to believe her 3 month milestone has already passed...

She'll have to learn to be quick on her toes...

And they'll continue to learn to bring out their softer sides...

But no doubt, she'll be forever L.O.V.E.D. & cherished!

So as our mother reminds us all the time....I'll tell my sister...don't blink! It goes by way to fast. Please remind me when when it's my own children I'm taking photos of.

In the meantime...I'll help you capture yours. :o)

Pretty in pink...

After nearly 3 years of waiting, I finally moved into my home a couple weekends ago. It was a real fixer-upper, and I am extremely blessed to have a father & brothers who have turned it into something wonderful.

One of my favorite parts about it, is I now have a studio! :o) This afternoon I tried it out for size as I took my niece's 3 month photos. We captured some of her siblings as well.

Here's a peek...

This little peanut made her grand entrance quite late, but is such a joy in all of our lives. I can't wait to see what life brings!

But it seems I'm a bit ahead of myself here...let's take a trip back...

After waiting an extra 12 days she made her {grand} arrival on March 1st!

A few days later she had her very first {official} photo shoot. :o)

And I've been taking photos of her regularly ever since!

2 Weeks Old

6 weeks later...

2 Months Old

Doesn't she have a beautiful smile?? :o)

So welcome to the family little one... I hope you're used to my camera by now, because the fun has just begun!

A mother's treat...

I'm trying something new this year! I'll be hosting my very 1st Annual Mother's Day Mini Sessions. You work hard all year raising your children, let me help you capture some moments to remember this Mother's Day.

Here's the information...

How does a mini session differ from a full session?

My regular photo sessions usually last an hour and a half to two hours in length and at the location of your choice. Mini sessions are conducted at a specific location and are twenty minutes in length.

May I book multiple mini sessions together?

You may book more than one session in a row. In fact, it is recommended that you book multiple sessions if you have three or more children.

What is the cost of the mini session?

The cost is $25 for up to 5 people (add $5 for each additional person) and will need to be mailed to me to reserve your spot.

How do I sign up for a mini session?

Email me at kbphotography10@yahoo.com. Please let me know the number of people included in your session.

What if it rains or the weather is bad on the day of our mini session?

I will have 2 locations planned for your mini session. If the weather is bad, we will simply shoot indoors instead.

Can I get a map to the mini session?

I will email you the address of the location to be used at mapquest.com. I include this information in a private email to disclose the location to participants only. The generalized location will be in Butler.

When will I be able to order my pictures?

We will set up a time to meet following your session. At this time you will then be able to view your images and place your order.

When to arrive?

On-time of course! Please don’t be late as this will put us behind schedule. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early.

Don’t wait to sign up! This mini session is first come-first serve!

There are very few spots available!

Hope to see you there!