Smiles and A Nursing School Failure.

Stressed. Hmm, that's not the word I'm looking for. It's definitely way more than that. A big ol' mixture of stress, worry, fatigue, self-worth, totally overwhelmed...Well, you get the point. The past few days I have wrapped these feelings around me like a zebra print Snuggie.

Then I get an email.

An email from a client telling me why family photos are so important to them and how exciting it is to have ME as their photographer.  How it means so "much more than capturing a moment in time."

Emails like this. PEOPLE like this. Is why I love what I do. A couple years ago I was going to be a nurse. I started working in health care when I was 18 and really, there was no other option. My mom is a nurse, my Grandmother is a nurse, my sister-in-law is a nurse. So I was going to be a nurse too. Until I flunked out of nursing school. Twice. Not to say I didn't give it my all, because I did - blood, sweat, tears studying all night. It was so close, but not close enough.  I had failed myself, my family and my daughter. No need scraping the bottom of the barrel because I was already there. What was wrong? What now? People kept telling me I had a good eye. I had a certain way with the camera. . I remember sitting at a local pub with my dear nursing school family on the last day of class. We were talking about where I could display my work and how I could get business.  So I started to read. Alot. And shoot. A lot. I fell head-over-heels in love with photography.

My first paid photo session was with my nursing school instructor and her family.  Crazy, right?

Turns out you don't have to be a nurse to accomplish a goal of bringing people love, smiles and happiness. I am truly grateful to be doing what I love.

Sabrina Maternity | Kelly, NC Maternity Photographer

Awesome...Awesome, that's beautiful...Really? That's so awesome!...Sorry, I say awesome a lot...Awesome!...See? There I go, said it again.

"That's okay my thing is saying Seriously."

Seriously? That's awesome!

I knew I liked her from our emails but really, I love this woman. Saying hello to Sabrina was like greeting an old friend. Plus she has photos all over her house, so how couldn't I love her?  The time during our session flew past and she was a natural in front of the camera. She was open to anything; she trusted me completely and humored me when I wanted to prolong her session and shoot outside.

We shot these in February. Sabrina gave birth to her beautiful baby boy last week and I cannot wait to meet him. 





Big Sister, Peyton. Not a shy bone in this girls body and an absolute dream to photograph.

Spring Mini Session - UPDATED

Several changes have been made to KFP's Spring Mini Session information.  Please take note and book your session before they fill up!!

Love Affair With This Thing Called Spring

I am in love with Spring.
If I could carry it around in my pocket all year long I would.
I love having the privilege of watching things come to life after a cold, blue, barren winter. 
The flowers, the green grass, the Carolina Blue sky.
It makes my heart sing.

 

 

10 on Monday

Several people in the blogging world like to do a 10 on Tuesday post. Just 10 random things that they want to talk about or that is going in their life at the time. I was feeling froggy and decided to do one, but couldn't wait until Tuesday. So here you have it: My 10 on Monday. 

• My 8 year old daughter, Eva has Bieber Fever! She is in love with his music and after seeing his movie over the weekend she loves him too! We were dancing in our seats by the end singing along...those poor people sitting in front of us never had a chance. Lol! (they were singing and dancing too) I confess to having The Fever as well. There's just something about him that makes me go "Awwww!" 
• I have been focusing so much on the business side of this journey. So much that I was frustrated and feeling very defeated. I'll just say it: I know NOTHING about business except that I want to run one. The past several weeks I haven't been shooting as much because I've been reading, researching and planning. I was getting into a funk. I HAVE to have a creative outlet or I'll go bonkers. So I have taken a step back and reevaluated. Conclusion? I'm working on finding a better balance so I am happy.
• Reese's Peanut Butter Cup EGGS! They're everywhere and somehow end up jumping into my shopping cart whenever I'm out. 
• I am head-over-heels in love with this almost Springtime weather. Seriously. I want to give it a hug and a big smooch.

 

*For those of you that are wondering; yes, I asked permission before taking this photo*

• I've been reflecting a lot lately about the paths we follow in life.  It sounds cliche but you know that poem by Robert Frost? "Two roads diverged in a wood And I - I took the one less traveled by..." I've  been down many of those roads in my measly 31 years some by choice, some not. Sometimes the direction of that road is so clear, so straight forward that I walk with confidence. Other times it's rather foggy and I fear the unknown and grow leery of what's around the next bend. Something good always comes at the end...it's all about perspective.  
• Several months ago one of my family members who I am extremely close with was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer. Then this past week the Sister of one of my best friends unexpectedly left this world too early. So as things naturally go it has brought up a lot of thoughts about life.  I think most of the time we don't really consider it...how precious life is. How we need to be so thankful for our loved ones. Hug them tight and be sure to say "I love you" everyday and tell them how much you appreciate them.
• I've been reading the autobiography of Anne Geddes. That woman is a genius.  The majority of her props are hand made and she uses digital manipulation as little as possible. She makes me want to put a baby in a flower pot and get all crafty.
• I am having Spring Mini Sessions the first weekend of April. It's a wicked awesome deal and I hope to see a lot of kiddos getting their Spring/Easter photos done. I absolutely love shooting outside especially amongst the flowers and green grass. Natural light, cute kids and gorgeous weather. *sigh*
• We went to the local St. Patrick's Day parade in Downtown Wilmington on Saturday. It was fun! (and not so long where the kids got bored).

• I am patiently waiting for a baby boy to be born! Well, I'm trying to be patient and I'm sure his parents are very anxious to meet him. I've been planning his session for weeks and and can't wait to show off some of the new props I have. 

Hope everyone has a great week!! And happy early St. Patrick's Day!

Zachary | Surf City, NC Newborn Photographer

Zachary was just 12 days new when he had his session.  He was such a dream! He hardly fussed and was easy to fall asleep.

I was so proud to get the above pose! It has been something I've been working towards for almost a year now.  Once Zachary fell into a deep sleep he was very accommodating.

I was so excited when Laura asked me to photograph Logan again. He was a week old the last time I saw him (and was the first newborn I ever photographed).  We had a great time at his session playing and eating yummy birthday cake. Probably the best part of the session was when Logan took his first steps and walked right to me! I still remember my daughters first steps and to have the opportunity to witness that milestone again was incredible.