Day 1

Last night around 9:00 PM I got a call from Kenna's teacher......the school is closing down for seven business days due to a probable case of swine flu. I'd heard the buzz but the confirmation call sealed the deal. Makenna's disappointed - she loves school - but the boys are okay with an extended vacation! At least its not like a power outage when you can't cook or watch TV - this is like summer came early.

I'll keep readers up todate as the week progresses. I'm not allowing the kids to play with friends until after the weekend - then they will be past the 72 hour deadline of when probable contraction of the virus might have occurred.

Its hard for me to focus on editing when they are all bouncing around me.....eating me out of house and home like a bunch of carpenter ants....my growing babies....but.....I did have a chance to work on Master Evan's session.....is this a beautiful baby or what? I love this pose, the square crop...everything....its so hard for me not to print all of these for my studio! I hope his momma likes this one (and the rest) too!

That's it for today - one photo - I will work on other sessions in the days to come as I will need some sanity from all the buzz around here.

Be safe!

~kel~

Kennebunkport Wedding.....

I got a call on Monday asking if I was available Tuesday afternoon for a small wedding for Denise and Chris who eloped to Maine!! I jumped at the chance to part of something so exciting! My friend Julie (also my Silpada rep) referred them to me and I'm so thankful it all worked out! The weather was AMAZING!! Here is their sneek peek.......

Are they adorable or what? Seven years this beauty waited for her day........I loved their story!

The house in the backdrop here is the summer home of former Pres. George & Barbara Bush.

Denise & Chris, thanks so much for having me!! I look forward to editing your wedding day photos and hope you enjoy the memories I captured of your day!

Enjoy!
~kel~

Good DAY!!

I DID IT!! or maybe it should read....SHE DID IT!! Yesterday, while blogging my desires to get Marleigh to this path, she appeared next to me, dressed in this simple white sundress telling me she was ready to go! I couldn't resist....hopped in my car and drove the 30 minutes it took us to get there. She was prepared to do the job and boy did she do it well! With onlookers and temps a bit chillier than we'd planned, she toughed it out and posed as well as some of the high school seniors I get to work with!
Really wishing the trees and grass were green....but beggars can't be choosy and the look on this sweet face still works for me!

Here's my favorite from the day - the face is her natural look - I love how the wind blown look.

And look at her in all her cuteness here.....yes, its hard to resist the urge to eat her alive sometimes!

She kept her eye on the prize and you know, I struggled to find an open ice cream shoppe! She cheerfuly chanted "I'm getting TWO SCOOPS" (because she sings about everything)! I was happy she had her heart set on something but was so sad none of the great places were open during the week! The summer season has not officially started and lots of those warm weather shops close down over the winter until Memorial Day. I told her that Dairy Queen was the only place open to us - and she was happy to settle for a Cherry Star on a stick.

Yesterday as Kenna prepared for her first day back to school, she chose this new summer dress to show off her do. It was a tad chillier than today is predicted but she was so excited, I let it slide. She looks so different to me!

Well, a busy day ahead of me!!

Enjoy!!

~kel~

What a weekend!!!

We had a relaxing week off from school....lots of play dates, overnights and some shopping for warm weather clothes. It ended with us opening the camper for the season. It feels like its officially summer when we open camp and I noticed the kids struggled just a bit getting back into the swing of the school routine this morning. The weekend here in Maine was amazing with warm temps and sunshine the entire stretch. It seemed the cold weather was lingering so long. We decided to take a ride to the beach for pier fries (with lots of vinegar) and a Bill's pizza. It got chilly when the sun went behind the clouds so as soon as we finished eating, we decided to take a drive along the coast.


We stopped for a quick visit on the sand but the wind was just making it too cool for the sundresses and shorts, even though we had sweatshirts...poor Marleigh's teeth chattered. I grabbed this shot as we were all piling back into the car. The seagul flew into the shot at perfect time, I love how he adds to it (I think you can click on the photos to see them enlarged....sure, save them for desktops if you'd like!)
On our way back through, we drove past a cemetary that is famous for their Daffodils in the spring. I asked Jean to take a drive through....so glad I brought my camera......

love this path......and Ms. Marleigh has agreed that for ONE ice cream cone, she would walk down it for me!!! I'll keep you posted!!

I'm back on track today - I love my routine!!

Enjoy!

~kel~

My morning.....

I regularly get kisses and hugs, I'm not deprived at all....but this morning's hugs and kisses from Makenna are more frequent, longer and more meaningful than usual.

For months she's been asking for a haircut.....short like mine. I'm sure lots of moms can relate...especially with the first daughter....you never want to cut those long locks off, its almost as if the ends are tied to her baby years and you'll lose them forever. I've given her many trims over the years so I know those baby hairs were trimmed off long ago...but to change her look completely was where I struggled. I knew she'd look cute....but worried she'd cry that she looks like a boy with her hair cut short. Just minutes before I cut, she said "what if they laugh at me"...it really bothers me that at this young age she is worrying about getting teased. I told her I would do whatever she'd like - cut or no cut, she looks beautiful to me. She confirmed it was what she wanted and she prepared herself by wrapping the cape around her neck. The moment I made the cut and showed her the ponytail was no longer attached, she shrieked with happiness.....no going back now!
This morning she appeared in my bed, woke me with a kiss on my cheek. When I looked at her, her smile was huge - I commented "You like it?" She replied...."I love it!!"

Just a short bit ago I heard her talking to the dog: "Jack, its me....Makenna....do you recognize me....I know I look different but it really is me." She thinks she's completely unrecognizable and her happiness is making my heart smile.

Its the little things......

Enjoy!
~kel~

Jamie, Thanks for this......

It's a perfect day for yard work so I'm taking the opportunity to put my hubby to work and get some things done that I need his help with.....BUT.....before I do that, I wanted to show off what my day yesterday consisted of!!

Dave & Charlene came by with the WHOLE family! I got to meet them ALL this time and it was a good time! Thanks so much for choosing me guys - I look forward to seeing you regularly now! I hope you like these.......

The bulk of my day was spent second shooting a wedding with my gal pal Deb. She and I have great fun working together and I'm hoping to do more of this stuff this summer! It was a PERFECT day for a wedding! It was a tad chilly but with all the hustle and bustle, it made it feel comfortable. The clouds made for such amazing photos......

There were lots of really great shots but I chose these as my favorites......I will share more in the days to come - and the story of Jake the dog......such a good ole boy!!!

This one...........absolutely my FAVORITE!!!!!!! Are they so cute or what?

Im off - he's started the job without me - you know what that means???? He's trying to pull rank on my project!!!!!! Toodles....................

~kel~

What do you suppose??

What do you suppose the original intention of this masterpiece started out as? Made with all of my darling Makenna's favorites...wood, glue, paint, feathers and sequins! (sequins are hard to see but definitely there!) What will I do with it now? I already have a paperweight and ashtray/jewelry dish. I don't save them all.....just the ones I know were really hard work because one day, they may come in handy as a graduation or wedding gift! I think I will allow her to keep this one on a shelf in her room since the colors match so well in there (not!). I may encourage sharing it with Godmother's so that they can enjoy the vibrant colors and interesting design features.......yeah, that might be just what I do considering neither of them have daughters to create such amazing pieces!


Yesterday was fantastic! I left early in the day (sorry, no time to blog before leaving) to run some errands....stopped to talk about upgrading my phone plan to add some texting minutes for my boy who's got some pals he'd like to stay in touch with and ended up getting myself an Iphone to try out! I'm not sure I'll keep it, thinking it may be way more phone than I really need...but gosh those features are so awesome! I love having internet and email wherever I go!

I finally got to meet sweet Evan....his momma was that super cute maternity session I did a few weeks back...he's here and just the cutest little piece of heaven even though he didn't feel like sleeping once she got him nekkid. He's got big plans though.......maybe a centerfold...as he posed for this one.....(love his full belly-Regina just fed him)
.....this one made me say "awe" the minute I saw it.....

.......and the foot poses this boy gave me were all his own ideas!!

Then.....the day got even better (I know, hard to believe an Iphone, a beautiful mom and newborn already this day but yes...it gets better). Our first meeting ever....this is Debbie with her sweet bundle Elsie! Absolutely beautiful...both of them! Ms. Elsie (love her name) was wide awake too as she rocked in her moms arms.

She looked so cozy....

This one....I warmed up a bit on the brown side.....

We may use one of these for her birth announcement......but I haven't really looked at all the photos yet, just quickly picked a few for blogging purposes!

Kids are off school through next week. I hope I can find plenty to keep them busy!!

Enjoy!
~kel~

Two Days!!!

Okay, two days in a row now, its the old me.....back again!!! Would have updated earlier but I had so much running around first thing this morning, its delayed me a bit. Now I have Marleigh asking me why I have to update my blog...she wants to go water flowers (there is not a single sign of floral life in my yard but she's got that creative mind so I'll humor her).

I failed to mention a few days back that Burgah (Burgie as Branden calls her now) had a run-in with the rock wall on Easter. We've told most strangers that the egg hunts at our house are pretty serious business. When people do ask her where she got her black eye, Marleigh responds with "I'ts NOT BLACK!" Well, she's right.....its a lovely shade of blue and purple...and is starting to clear up some so now its turning yellow and green.

Branden's lacrosse team had practice on the local beach until the school yard dried up enough they wouldn't destroy the grass. It was a bit on the chilly side but gosh, look how happy they are to be out there getting back into the game! I only had my pocket camera with me but still couldn't go wrong on a day this pretty!

A few weeks ago the boys attended a birthday party for a friend of Cam's. Its really neat to see how things are changing as they grow...even the style of parties has chaned..now its a sports gathering. Here's a group of spectators.......watching this......(I dont remember if Branden made the shot or not.....he doesn't care though, the pic is neat...good form Bran!)

Okay....I'm getting hounded to death by a black eyed beauty who needs to get out to the flowers! I better go before she starts resenting the blog!!

Enjoy!

~kel~

Revisiting sessions...

I decided this week I will go back and revisit some recent sessions as I have some great shots I wasn't able to share with all that rushing around I was doing. Here's Master Jaden workin' the camera at his newborn shoot. My sister-in-law the very talented (and chatty) Tina, made me this hat in both blue and pink so that I could use them with newborns...I adore them, thanks so much, Tina!

Loved this cozy peaceful smile.....

This was how he looked when we took him out of the tree! He had the cutest pucker on his face...I love this one...especially with a square crop...I might have to print it for the studio!

Here's Jason, lovin' his boy.....

Then Heather had a turn......
The three of them together....

Another favorite.......

So that was a visit to a newborn shoot....oh wait....one more......Jason has a "thing" for my camera and when I put it down to position Jaden for the next shot I wanted to take, Ja picked up my camera and shot this of me....its so neat to have this photo...I might have to add it to my website "about me" section! Thanks Jason!!! I love working with babies!!!!

Enjoy!

~kel~

Did you have a nice Easter?

Our Easter Sunday was casual...we relaxed with our families and enjoy a restful pace. I purposely chose my children's gifts wisely this year, trying hard to cut back on the candy - knowing my mom would fill in the blanks....she spoils her grandchildren well! I do allow the kids to indulge themselves more on this day - I want the memories to be grand for them. Its the days that follow that are so hard, they are constantly asking for "just one more".

We gave the girls early naps so they could enjoy the afternoon uninterrupted......but still, there were times I had to disappoint my youngest...like when she asked for a Fun Dip (a bag of sugar you dip with a stick made purely of sugar too...one of my favorites as a kid).

Her reaction....... (a close-up as she tried to crawl up onto my lap)
I handed my brother my camera.....he followed her plea for more candy......but I did not give in to this attempt to change my mind.

Loved this shot of Kenna......her early nap served her well.
When we got home from meems at exactly bedtime, Marleigh had to put on her new cheerleading outfit one last time. The Easter Bunny brought her this knowing how much she likes to dress up. She has mentioned a few times in the last few weeks that she was going to be a cheerleader someday - I'm sure she will - and she'll be great!

Friday I had a father/daughter shoot for my book before Erin returned home (out of state)........LOVE IT!!!!!!!! Thanks Rick for bringing your beauties in on short notice.....Im thrilled to have this as part of my book!

My friend Deb is selling her camera and I thought I'd make mention of it here on my blog too....just incase someone is interested....its a pro camera!

Here is her drescription:
Brand new Canon 1d Mark III for sale.
I bought it as a last minute tax write off on Dec 31st. I've used it less then 10 hours and it' still sparkly new!

I paid $3,600 for it and will let it go for $3K (this is an amazing deal on a great pro camera!)

It's a great camera but just can't get used to the function keys.

If you're interested contact her through her website or contact me and I'll put you in touch!

Enjoy!!!

~kel~

Oh what fun!!!

The days are sunny and bright, my clients are sunny and bright, my outlook is sunny and bright......okay, don't vomit over my positive spin on this morning...but its all good and I gotta share!

Tuesday evening I met these beauties.......their mom, Beth, is an old friend who found me on facebook (so glad I signed up, its like a walk down memory lane). I was thrilled when she complimented me with a phone call to book a session with her girls. I just couldn't wait to see her and meet the girls! I even offered an outdoor session when Erin (oldest) comes home for a visit this summer - I really wanted to shoot them outside but the dark clouds made the night fall too quickly.

Its officially the season for the red, white and blue they wanted to do a shot for dad as they are all big Sox fans! Their idea.....I loved it!

Here are some individual shots I chose quickly upon viewing the proofs. I had to convert Erin's to show at least one in b/w.....it was an afterthought that maybe I should have done all three converted but I just didn't have time to go back and change them.

It was awesome meeting you girls....and Beth, it was so great seeing you again (although, I do think we need a lunch to get really caught up)! I look forward to that outdoor session....call me!


Yesterday I had great fun meeting up with about 30 other wedding photographers at a luncheon in Portland. I was able to put faces with names and got some great advice! I met some new friends too that I've already emailed since being home and I'm anxious to see them all again!


Well, we're off to see the Wizard (Meem) so that I can get back here and get some work done on these sessions!


I hope your day is sunny and bright too!!

Enjoy!

~kel~