Better and Better each Year

I have been thinking a lot about what to post about our Girls' Night Out portrait session we did last night. The problem is everything that I can think of is either extremely cheesy or totally inappropriate for the blog-o-sphere. In case you don't know, these images are of me and two best friends. We not only grew up together but we keep growing up (or not growing up) together every year. I really wanted a portrait of us together at this age in our lives, because I truly believe we will look back at this age and ourselves with much awe and amazement. Love you guys - and I'll never forget what we were laughing at...

I Believe in the IPPA

When I was learning photography way back in 2001 (why does that not seem like a long time ago?) I joined our local IPPA - The Intermountain Professional Photographers Association. It is our local affiliate of the PPA (Professional Photographers of America). In a nutshell, it is a group of professional photographers who meet to learn, share, and bounce ideas off of each other while striving to understand such intimidating phenomenon as lighting, posing, marketing, social media, etc.



This past week I had the honorable opportunity of co-teaching a workshop for the IPPA with Laura Bruschke and Miyo Strong from Busath Photography. It was probably one of the hardest things I have ever done. Not only did I have to come up with something to teach (and teaching alone is something at which I've never felt very adept) but I had to stand up there with two of the best photographers in the state and give something unique and hopefully useful to those in attendance. I was so nervous and physically affected by it that I couldn't even point my nifty new laser pointer right because my hand was shaking so badly.



It got easier, though, as the day progressed. Pretty soon I could see that most everyone in the audience were people that I already know, and with whom I have built trusting relationships. These fine photographers are people I have called in desperate times of need and they have answered with no hesitation. They are friends and colleagues who totally geek out with me when we start talking sweet light and gear. It's these same people who sit in print competition with me - holding our breath while the judges call one of our prints back - and silently high-five after the final score has gone out... After realizing all this, it was quite a bit easier, and I was so grateful for those relationships, and for those fantastic people who were there in support of the three of us. I had an incredible sense of belonging and family unlike any class I've ever attended in the past.



And then there were my kids. When I was trying to come up with an ideal set of models for our demo, I thought, "I need a couple of kids that are brother and sister, between the ages of 8-12, who's mom won't care if I take them out of school for a day to model for me...." And then I realized that I actually HAVE that in my own kids, so I decided to try it. I was really really nervous to be teacher, photographer, and mom all at the same time because I have not had much success with multiple roles in the past. Turns out my fears were totally unwarranted, and with a little help from Allison (life saver!) they were the best-behaved and most amazing models I could have ever hoped for. I seriously was swelling with pride and love for them, and was just grateful that I am lucky enough to be their mom. Here are some of the images I created at the class - when I look at these, I will always remember how unexpectedly wonderful the whole day turned out for me. It was a truly wonderful day.

March for Abigail

I'd like you to meet Abigail:



She is a very brave little two-year-old who is fighting Neuroblastoma. Many details of her fight can be found at her website: www.abigailfightscancer.com. She is getting treatments in New York City every month and KD Portraits is sponsoring a fundraiser to help with some of her travel costs.

Every Friday in March will be set aside for special donation sessions in the studio. For a $35 donation (all of which will go directly to Abigail's family) you will receive

• Thirty minutes in the studio with our Master Photographer for up to 5 people.
• The artist's favorite image from your session in a 4x6 deluxe print
• A private online viewing gallery
• And exclusive portrait pricing for Abigail's fans only (up to 50% off our regular print prices.)

We are hoping to raise $500 for Abigail's next trip to the Big Apple, so won't you please spread the word to as many people as you can? Please post a link on your Facebook accounts, copy and save the flyer below, and help us spread the word in any way you can. If you can't book a donation session, you can also just donate at her site (link above). Please call Kris at (801) 556-1661 for any questions or to book a session. Thank you so much in advance for your help!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Holidays are like 100 times better with kids. All of them. My kids and I had what I'm sure they will consider one of their favorite photo sessions of all time in preparation for their personalized Valentine cards. We assembled the boxes while listening to crazy pirate music (Cap'n Bogg and Salty - these guys are my favorite pirate rock band) and then I just let them frolic around in the studio doing what they do best - being silly and goofy and so creative. The result was awesome, and we all have an incredible memory to go with these images. I have a place in my dining room reserved for one framed holiday portrait (my goal is to get one for every holiday eventually) and now I have the perfect Valentine decoration for that spot!! Here's love to everyone out there today!

PS - thanks to my friend Brekke for snapping a quick one of us together for Daddy!

Solid Gold

Christmas gift idea: go through your mom's closet, pull out some awesome vintage dress that she loved way back when, and create a portrait of yourself wearing said dress. If it's a 1971 number complete with gold shoes, belt and purse, EVEN better! Then frame the portrait and present it on Christmas morning - instant winner! I had so much fun making this Christmas wish come true. Seriously, my job is way too much fun sometimes.

Halloween fun at Christmas

Here are a couple images from fun little Halloween mini sessions. I love how both of these gals were totally confident and totally into their characters. I love people in character.

The Unveiling

Now that the Christmas Cards are out, I can FINALLY post my family portraits created by Allison of English Photography last September. This portrait was about 4 years in the planning, when I decided that I wanted to redecorate my 1994 forest green front room. I love the color blue, and wanted to design my color scheme in the room around my logo colors of black, white, and blue. I knew the Salt Flats would be a perfect location to use for that specific combo. Then I decided that I wanted to go very 1950's Father-Knows-Best with our outfits, and this miracle happened: my husband was totally all gung-ho about getting his portraits done (which he has previously been less obliged to do than go to the dentist.) I can't even tell you how much I love these portraits! Allison - thank you so much for catching the vision completely, and buying those chairs, and having the band-aids, and everything else! Your technical prowess is matched only by your extreme generosity and creative genius.

Long Overdue (Utah Child Photography)

These are my daughter's baptism portraits. We created them in two sessions: one a year ago, and one last spring. I have been wanting to post them for a while, but just haven't had a break to work on them. Took the day off with the flu today, and did something for myself. I am absolutely floored by this girl's good heart, her willingness to serve, and the kindness with which she treats others. She is my best helper at home, and even cleans bathrooms cheerfully. No, you can't have her. We have gotten really close in the past couple years with photography as a common interest. I hope she always carries the confidence she does now. There is nothing this girl doesn't think she can't do - and she's right. I don't care if you are on team evil, I love you, K, so much!

St George Portrait Event (Utah Professional Photography)

I've finally got images for you from my St George Portrait event. We photographed two families on one very cold windy day. Both families were such troopers despite the cold. I don't know when, but I will definitely be going back to Washington County and specifically Snow Canyon for another portrait event in the future. If you are interested, please let me know!

What is a Professional Photographer and Why should I hire one?

I just stumbled upon an amazing website: Take Off Your Mommy Goggles. I am a member of many professional organizations that exist to instruct and educate photographers on how to be better at their art and business. This is the first site that I've found that is dedicated to educating consumers about what is (and isn't) good photography, and how to navigate the incredibly saturated field of people who accept money for photos. I strongly suggest you visit and read all of the "for consumer" pages on this site, whether you are looking to purchase photographic art, or you produce it yourself. The best parts are her "Lulu" and "Moondoggie" tutorials. I love those two plastic models! :-}

Nice toasty warm studio (Utah Family Photography)

The weather outside might be frightful, but inside the studio is so delightful! I really love having a studio in which to work this winter. Not that I don't enjoy photographing on location - or that I wouldn't love to do some snowy fun portraits, but sometimes it's just COLD out there at this time of year. And I'm not a cold-weather-loving person. I'm plowing through the work in my inbox, so if you are waiting for images or previews, please be patient while they are finished. Thanks to both of these families for sharing a couple hours in my new favorite place! :-)

Channeling Soderberg (Utah Family Photography)

There are probably only 5 or 6 people who will understand this post. Maybe it was the wicker chair, or the blue and brown backdrops, or the humongous softbox, but this session made me totally nostalgic for my adopted family from Soderberg Photography. I was incredibly lucky to have such an amazing experience to start my career. The five years I worked as a sales associate in that little studio did more ground-tilling and seed-planting for my current station than anything before or since. I feel extremely fortunate to still be BFF's with the women (and Kent!) with whom I worked. Missing you guys (especially you, Scott) this holiday season. May your pot roast not burn... and if it does, just don't tell anyone.

To the H family, thank you so much for your trust in creating your first "official" family portrait. Your little one is an absolute delight. I hope you enjoyed your pancakes! :-) I will have your online gallery ready to view your previews in about a day.

The Nutcracker (Utah Dance Photography)

Here are a few images from Utah Artists School of Ballet's Nutcracker cast this year. If you are interested in taking your family to a fun Holiday event, go to http://utahartistschoolofballet.com/ for ticket information. If you would like to order your Nutcracker portraits, click here.