Focus on the Light

A session at the Park

2008-05-07T11:10:00.004-06:00

It's been so much fun watching these sisters grow!

Wall Portraits and Photographic Art Displays

2008-05-07T10:23:00.005-06:00

Here's a side by side comparison of an 8x10 photo on the left and a30x40 gallery wrapped canvas on the right. When decorating with photos, sometimes people may think an 8x10 or 11x14 looks "big" in their hands, but once displayed on a wall, the photos tend to look very small!

One of my favorite ways to find inspiration in decorating is by visiting model homes. I notice that they aren't cluttered with little photographs and decorations, but instead, they display just a few large scale items to draw the eye towards that prominent display. This can be done with either one very large portrait as shown below or a collection of smaller portraits displayed in a gallery type style.

My favorite quote from Nate, the decorator is to "surround yourself with things you love". Why not use your priceless photographs as one of a kind art pieces in your home?

8x10 desk portrait 30x40 canvas

Pics from TX School

2008-05-07T10:13:00.004-06:00

Here's a few photos from Texas School (see previous post).

A sweet little newborn! It's best to bring newborns in when they are 10 days old or newer, like this little gal!

A mommy-to-be

A sweet family with an active 18 month old (what 18 mo old isn't active?!)

And here's a behind the scenes look at the shooting location! A little flower bed at the hotel.

And here's my class gettting some practice! Looks like fun, huh? By the way, TX School always needs models. It's in College Station at the end of April next year. So, check out their website if that is something you would be interested in.

And here's some practice with studio lights!

Texas School of Photography

2008-05-05T13:27:00.002-06:00

I'm back from the Texas School of Professional Photography sponsored by the Texas Professional Photographers of America. What an awesome week of intensive training I received from our instructor, Lori Nordstrom. Not only is she super talented, she's also super sweet. I learned tons from her, but I also had a wealth of information at my disposal in my awesome classmates as well. For those not familiar with Texas School, it is the largest school of it's kind, boasting 995 attendees this year! It is a great way to stay current on industry trends and have a blast while doing it!

Congratulations!

2008-04-08T15:35:00.003-06:00

Thanks to all who entered the latest contest! It was close, but the winner of the complimentary session is Rachael J of Dallas! Congratulations!

Another Beautiful Family

2008-04-03T13:22:00.006-06:00

We had this great plan to take photos at this old train station where there is never anyone there. Well, wouldn't you know that at the time of our shoot it was "Thomas the Train" Day! Note t0 self - check location websites for upcoming events! Anyway, the family was flexible and we tried to stay as far away from Thomas so "W" wouldn't see him!

Yes, little "J" is crying in this one. He has reached the age of independence and wanted to run into the alley all by himself. Unfortunately, it was not a deserted alley!

Win A Complimentary Session

2008-03-30T18:08:00.001-06:00

Win a Complimentary Session!It's been awhile since we've had a contest, so this is your chance to win a FREE session! Here are the details:

1. Send an email to everyone you know with my website (www.photographybykelly.com).
2. Between April 1 and April 8 have them go to the contact page, fill it out, type in your full name only in the message box and click submit. One contact per person.
3. Whichever client's name I receive the most will receive a complimentary session.

Official Rules:
-Friends DO NOT have to book a session. They just need to contact me with your name only.
-Your friends are winners too. If they choose to book a session with their contact, their 5x7 complimentary referral print will be upgraded to an 8x10 print. Please have them type in "contest" to receive the promotion.
-In the event of a tie, both winners will receive complimentary sessions.
-Friends must live in the U.S.A.
-Complimentary Session is for two subjects only. Additional subjects are $15 each.
-Complimentary session will take place in downtown Plano or downtown Garland. Location choice will be determined by client.
-Prints are sold seperately.
-Contest runs from Tuesday, April 1, 2008 - Tuesday, April 8, 2008. Contest closes at midnight on April 8. Entries received after that will be disqualified.
-Winner will be announced on the blog (www.photographybykelly.blogspot.com) by Thursday April 10, 2008.
-Winner must have at minimum 10 referrals. If this minimum is not met, a winner will not be declared.
-Winner must book session within two months of winning and complete session by the end of 2008, or the session will be forfeited

Sweet, Soft, Cuddly Five Month Old

2008-03-22T20:33:00.005-05:00

Oh, what a sweetie, and such a trooper! She was happy as a lark
being naked out in the chilly morning!

She just discovered her toes last week!

Bright, Bold and Beautiful

2008-03-15T23:02:00.009-05:00

Ok, maybe handsome is a better word. But their outfits were so great, I had to do these in color. These brothers were loads of fun. After they played on the playground we went on over to an old train that is part of a museum. We opened a gate to get in and take some cool train pics. After a few minutes, the museum employee came out and I thought for sure he was going to ask us to leave. But, instead he was so cool! He opened the train for us and gave us a short history lesson while the boys got to play conductor. The boys had fun, we all learned something and we got some great photos to remember the day!

Fun to be Four

2008-03-11T15:42:00.004-05:00

I loved this little guy! Isn't he cute? Sometimes I get asked how I get toddlers and preschoolers to give me genuine smiles and expressions. The kids look so calm in the final pictures. Let me tell you that any parent whom I've worked with knows that I leave the shoot having had my workout for the day! With this guy, his mom brought a soccer ball, some cars, a lovey etc. Those personal items that children love really help them to have fun and be themselves. So, I got to work a little on my soccer skills while I was behind the camera! It definately takes some patience to get "the shot", but it's well worth it and a lot of fun in the process! It also takes the pressure off of mom and dad to force their kids to smile. This mom was awesome - she just let me "play" with "J" which resulted in a ton of great photos.

Catching Up!

2008-02-22T14:05:00.003-05:00

I got a chance a few weeks ago to get away to Florida and focus on photography. I stayed at a resort that had a nature trail and got to photograph alligators, turtles, all kinds of birds, etc. However, I'm not really a nature girl. (My idea of camping is an air conditioned RV, or better yet, a hotel!) So, when I was out there all alone listening for rattle snakes, I freaked out at every sound I heard! I think I'll stick to photographing kids - believe me, they are not near as scary, although some people may disagree! :)

Eighteen months and full of life! "D" even sat in my lap and cuddled with me for a few minutes towards the end of the session. Well, I think he got close because he really wanted my camera! But, I'll take cuddles any way I can get them!

Valentines Kiss

2008-01-21T20:37:00.001-05:00

Valentines Day Cutie

2008-01-21T20:17:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year and a Coupon

2008-01-05T20:17:00.000-05:00

I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to 2008! I look forward to seeing old faces and meeting new ones this year! To start off the new year right, the first six people who book a session today (January 5) through the end of January for anytime in January - April, will receive a FREE 11x14 print from the session ($100 value) AND will receive 2007 print prices. Everyone who schedules a session in January for anytime in January - April will receive 2007 print prices. Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-21T23:28:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to you and your family! May you experience the joy of Christ's birth as you celebrate the season! The studio is closed for the holidays, but will reopen on January 3rd.

There is a lot planned for 2008 - so stay tuned!

Brothers

2007-12-03T15:04:00.000-05:00

It was a perfect December morning at the Arboretum! Here's some pics of another sweet family.

Updated Website

2007-11-13T13:59:00.000-05:00

It's been a long time coming, but Photography by Kelly now has an updated look! Check it out. You might even see your own cuties gracing the pages!

Sisters

2007-10-30T14:19:00.000-05:00

It's such a privilege to watch the kids I take photos of grow up! I saw these two beautiful and sweet sisters a year and a half ago. They have grown taller and hair has grown longer, but they are still such well mannered and fun little girls.

I didn't know I liked Chai Tea

2007-10-22T22:32:00.000-05:00

I have never liked tea or coffee and always wished I did so I could go hang out at Starbucks! Well, I had heard of chai tea, but assumed it was like ice tea or something. I finally gave it a chance tonight and was HOOKED! I mixed it with hot cocoa from Lattes on Location and it was DELICIOUS! Oh, what I've been missing! It went especially well with our first blast of winter air today!

Focus on Faith Blog

2007-10-22T22:28:00.000-05:00

I have always hand journaled things that I have been learning in Bible studies, church sermons, songs etc., but now am starting a blog about my Christian faith. I hope you will find some inspiration there as I journal about my journey with Christ Jesus.

Baby Boom!

2007-10-22T14:32:00.000-05:00

Lately I've been taking lots of pictures of siblings with their new baby brothers or sisters. Here's princess "L", who has grown up so much since our last session in January. Her 6 month old sister was full of smiles, even through the wardrobe changes. This was another wonderful family to work with. I say it all the time, but it's true - I have the best clients in the world. It's so great to meet all these wonderful young families. I LOVE my job!

Metroplex Baby Parent Guide

2007-10-16T20:46:00.000-05:00

Metroplex Baby is a great resource for Dallas area moms. There is a new section on their site entitled "Parent Guides" which has helpful articles on various subjects. I'm honored that they asked me to write an article about How to Take Better Photos of Your Children. I hope you learn something. Happy Picture Taking!

More Sweet Siblings

2007-10-10T13:46:00.000-06:00

This was such a sweet, peaceful family. And let me tell you, the big brother is SOME baseball player!

I need YOUR Photos!

2007-10-04T12:49:00.001-06:00

I have been asked to write an online article about how to take better photos of your children, so I thought I would enlist your help! If you have a photo (or a few) that you took and then thought, "How could I have made this look better? What did I do wrong?", then send it to me! Because, believe me, other people will have the same type of questions. I might use your photo as part of the article - so I will need you to have a model release on file or have you sign one if you haven't already. Please send in your photos/questions to: Photography by Kelly by this Sunday, October 7. If I use your photo in the article, you will receive a $30 print credit on your next order.

Growing Up!

2007-09-19T13:36:00.000-06:00

Last time I saw this sweetie was when she was 3 months old! She's now 14 months and such a cutie!