The Road to Boston

Melissa and I left early Thursday for our venture to Boston. I tucked my little pocket Canon ELPH in my purse as carrying my pro camera is too cumbersome for a seminar. We had a great time taking random shots (Melissa and I passed it back and fourth so these are a mix of both) and I decided to share them here for your viewing pleasure....

My view from the driver's seat as we waited in traffic on the bridge (yep, nerve wracking).....

The toll booth man....who was THRILLED to have his photo taken..

Another shot from the driver's seat - awesome to have this point of view, huh?

Magnificent sunshine...just about 8:45 AM

We don't have these tunnels in Maine.....

I had to have a shot of this for my boys....anything with a Pat's logo is a big deal here!

There's a rowing crew practicing in the water here - didn't even notice them there until I was cropping the photo.

Ahhhhh lovely city!!!

When you don't live in it every day, you really appreciate the beauty of the little things in the big city.

This guy had the right idea, the traffic was fast moving and frequent stopping....great shot Melissa! (poor thing had to tolerate my craziness I was screaming out "get this, get that, get the biker"!)

We had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory - I had a picture of Melissa showing off the menus but decided she probably didn't want to be showcased on my blog...so I went for the photo of the pizza - it was so yummy (Yes Diane, I ATE THAT FOR LUNCH - Di knows I'm a fussy eater and typically would turn away from a pizza with huge tomato slices but I liked them cooked this way - I'm stepping out of my box!)

We had a slice of cheesecake to go and ate it when we returned to the seminar - I forgot to take a photo!!

So....that was our trip to Boston - just a variety of photos to share today...

Bloggy love....you know what it is, right? Comments...people who blog love the comments...it just lets them know there are people out there actually reading their words. Well, after Cameron's parent-teacher conference last night and noticing that both of my boys struggle with their writing abilities, I decided to encourage them to start a blog. Hoping that they would seek other blogs of interest and learn how to write more colorful and structured stories knowing that real people would read them. When I suggested it to them on the ride home, my gosh, they were so excited! I think the glamor of being "online" was the big draw. Right now its just introductions...but go have a look and stay tuned for updates...I hope they continue to write a little something as time passes - even if its not daily! Branden & Cameron's blog. If you do go, please take a second to leave them so bloggy love - Cam is thrilled that people can write to them too!

Happy Tuesday!
Enjoy!

~kel~

Hi......image overload as I recap.

I apologize for my absence....I have been extremely busy and "away" from the pc so much I started having withdrawals. I had my special last weekend and must apologize to my clients for not getting their photos online sooner...its not my style! I haven't really even been able to keep up with emails and have only had a few moments to update my facebook page. BUT....if you are my facebook friend, you've seen some of my more recent work as I try to put a few online for my clients to put in their profiles. (Remember, any photos on my blog or with my name on them are allowed on your facebook pages, desktops, myspace, etc....happy to share!)

I have had a few sessions lately that have challenged my photography skills. Some I was REALLY successful at and others...well, I did "good" and will work on honing them more.

Monday I photographed the arrival of Ms. Mackenzie - I shared those with you but here is a snap I took on Tuesday for her hospital photo....she smiled when her daddy spoke to her...

While there, I grabbed a few of her hard-workin' momma lovin' her up......

And her proud daddy giving her kisses.....

Tuesday: I photographed these for a local comedian, Steve Cloutier. He's a new to stand-up and trying to get his name out there. I took this shot (his idea) for a potential project that is to come later in the year.

This photo was my idea....just because if you know Steve...he's very humble and really doesn't think he's studly.......

Wednesday: I had my nephew, Tyler (almost 5 mos) and as much as I like to think I'm a supermom, I'm so out of practice with the babies!! I've given away all my baby stuff and don't have anything to accommodate him. I found that I just had to cuddle him the entire day to keep him happy, it was DREADFUL!! (snicker) I didn't even take the camera out of the bag this day...it needed a rest too!

Thursday: I was away for the entire day - My photog friend Melissa and I drove to Boston (2 hours from home) to attend the NILMDTS training seminar and Photoshop World Trade Show. We covered the gamut of emotions from excitement of the drive itself and the trade show to tears during the training videos (there is such a need for this service - it's a proven fact that the photographs help the parents with the grieving process - "There is no footprint too small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world"). I hope to spread the word more in this area about the organization in hopes to change peoples mindsets about having photographs of their precious children - no matter their condition - its not morbid....its a baby!

Friday: I was glued to my pc all day - editing the photos for my clients who attended the special. I never got out of my pajamas as working at my pc is way more comfortable in my flannels. I needed to be dedicated to my work and my sweet girl Marleigh accommodated me so well - we had frequent breaks to satisfy her cravings and so that I could adjust the babysitter (TV programs). I don't like admitting that I use the TV as a sitter - but Friday it was a necessary evil to help me get caught up.

Yesterday, Saturday, I had an early morning appointment with Master Jaden who is now 12 days old! It FLIES by!!! He was the first birth session I shared last week! I was so thankful Heather was patient with my timing as I usually like to have the newborns in my studio before 10 days old but my week was just not allowing for one more session! They got to see why - even at 12 days old, they are not as sleepy making these types of sessions a little more work for adults. We waited him out and it was SO worth it! Jason is an arborist so when I told him I'd seen a portrait like this with a baby suspended from a tree branch, his eyes lit up and "cool" fell out of his mouth....at first I thought he was just pacifying me and snickering behind my back that I was nuts....but he trusts me....this proves it! I hope his mom gets to see these - she's miles away in sunny Florida - I used to babysit for her and my relationship with Jason goes back to when he was just this size too! Its amazing how these things come full circle like this....of all the people I know, its just so appropriate that its Ja's baby I get this shot of.....I'm very proud (of the portrait and Ja!)

Can you stand this......such sweetness.......

Well, that's where I've been.......just busy days. I was feeling bad that my senseless chatter was getting a bit much so I decided to stop it for awhile and only share meaningful information. I may have to go back to the senseless chatter as I miss my blogging time....

Enjoy!
~kel~

The birth of Mackenzie Rose

If you're my facebook friend, you got a sneak peek at these already....wink wink


A dainty little thing......even at 9.5 pounds and 22 inches long. I didn't know her parents before this day -only through one phone conversation and a few emails - they trusted me to capture this for them and I am truly honored!!! While we awaited Mackenzie's arrival, we had great conversation -swapping birth stories, family histories and discussing the name game. I captured several photos of Charlene working hard through her contractions, and then I watched her enjoy a break after the anesthesiologist gave her a dose of relaxation. As her body relaxed, the baby found her way into the world and we were all surprised by her size...born earlier than originally predicted!
I got an amazing birth shot of Daddy, David, assisting in the delivery! He has delivered several babies in his line of work as an EMT/firefighter but this one is by far the most special. (check out that umbilical cord!)
Her hospital hat was so cute - a little knitted sun bonnet, most appropriate for this sweet thing!

I was most touched when I heard the nurse announce that all of David's "brothers" from the fire department were waiting to see the baby less than two hours after her birth. They were by far the cutest bunch I'd seen - and so excited for David and Charlene.....it was heartwarming for me to see so many of them coming in support. Here's one for Mackenzie's baby book......
Thank you Charlene and Dave for having me as part of this very special day! I enjoyed my time with you and look forward to watching sweet Mackenzie grow!

Enjoy!
~kel~

Cute, cute and more CUTE!!!!

I know.......I really do overuse the word......but there's just no other that describes my clients from yesterday.....see for yourself.......

I saw Diva's.......
Beauty queens.......Summertime fun.......

....and handsome brothers that were willing to go shirtless for me!!!! I've been dying to get these two in front of my camera - they are my friend Peg's boys and they just ooze with CUTENESS!!!! It played out exactly as I'd planned......if they were anything like my boys, once shirtless, the muscles take over and the true boy nature emerges - wrestling and goofing off - I completely enjoyed chasing them around with my camera - watching boys be boys!!!

Thank you everyone who made up my day yesterday!!!!

I'm waiting for a phone call from a mom who is being induced today! Another birth story!!! I'm lovin' this birth photography - it's like reliving it but without the pain! The thrill of watching new life.....well, you know what I mean!

Enjoy!!

~kel~

Blue eyes.......

When Stacey contacted me about having photos done of her big blue-eyed girl, without even knowing what she looked like, I knew I wanted to see those eyes on this pink backdrop....she was as cute as a button!!

.....then we went to the blue backdrop....

A family shot......

....and a "being a family" shot......

Stacey, thanks for contacting me! I enjoyed photographing you guys and your beautiful little girl!

Shouting out a THANK YOU to everyone for the comments and email's you have sent regarding the birth photos! It was an incredible experience I will NOT soon forget! If Heather and Jason allow, I'll post the slideshow when its ready to go! Stay tuned for growing Jaden's updated photos....the newborn studio shots should be coming in a few weeks!

Enjoy!
~kel~

Where Have I Been???

Gosh......my life these last few days has been a whirlwind of activities but I've just gotta share some big news.....

You've seen their engagement session, their wedding photos and just recently her maternity photos.....Welcome Baby: Jaden William...he's a 10 POUNDER!!!!! I was honored to photograph the birth of my cousin Jason and his wife Heather's baby boy! It was an amazing time...and incredibly fun because I hung out with my family waiting for his arrival!

After his bath, he attempted to open his eyes.....and there I was with the flash to shut them again.....he cried and I felt bad...

And here is the photo of the night......Jason delivered his first son.....look at his face!! He did such a great job! Is this a precious shot or what? I was shooting over Heather's tummy - doc gave me the best stool in the room (he definately gets a copy of this for his corkboard!)

Sorry if these are too graphic for some....but it was such an incredible thing to witness...I HAD to share!

Enjoy!

~kel~

Kids are CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!

NEVER in a MILLION years would I have thought I'd have baby goats in my studio! They look like little deer.... These sweet girls are named Salt & Pepper and they are all of five days old! Still have umbilical cords!!

Cute or what? Lots of pets lately....its good because I want to build my pet portfolio! Marleigh was my helper again....

I'm running back outside to enjoy this beautiful day!

Enjoy!

~kel~

Chocolate............

Not the kind you eat.....the color!!!

This is my brother's dog....Ruger. He's about 8 months old and a beauty! Marleigh was with us in studio and had so much fun sharing treats with him.

See what I mean...........

I can't get the women in Maine to think about boudoir photography.....so my friend Jen thinks I should focus on pets.....

Enjoy!

~kel~

Makenna's confusion.....

This morning she says to me "for some reason, at school they make me put an R at the end of my name and I don't know why". Me: "because your last name is Roy honey". Her reply: "oh, that makes sense".


Okay, we are better than halfway through the school year and this is just dawning on her. Poor girl, she's not as apparently clever as her male siblings and I'm afraid I am to blame! I have those moments too...just sheer stupidity! I remember being VERY young and during mass at church with timing as appropriate as any youngster, I was asking my mom how they knew boy babies from girl babies and she kept saying "think about it, you know". Seriously, I remember thinking......was it the eyes? Then when she told me they look under the diaper, I felt so incredibly stupid...I bet I didn't ask questions for a LONG time! I still have these brain cramps - and often its entertainment for Jean! I swear sometimes I'm totally out to lunch!

I'm holding hopes this child of mine has not gotten too many of my genes and has some book smarts! If not, at least she's a looker! (I'm totally kidding, she's a smart girl who is eager to learn to read!) I love my Kenna girl....she knows me best!


A few weekends ago Cam wrapped up his regular hockey season with tournaments. I attended a few of them - I so love to watch him play! I gave him strict instructions to play hard and get a goal for me.....which he did!!!! Here he is (red #17) smakin' it past the goalie...
I love how the sticks go straight up in celebration......

.....and the goal maker makes his way around the ice beaming with pride....

....his team congratulates him....

....he returns to box and waves at his momma....(I was too busy waving back and missed the wave but you can see he's watching me snap the photos).

I'm off for an appointment at the studio!

Enjoy!

~kel~