the photokatie photojournal

Kids Portraits and Brother-Sister-ly Love…

Another kids portrait shoot last weekend with a very photogenic little brother and sister.  Their house was exactly what I hope for to shoot in: (and to live in, for that matter--so my style!) beautiful hardwood floors and woodwork throughout, and great windows for lighting up little faces for portraits!  Little Joe-Joe was ready for his closeup the moment I stepped in the door, and though big sister Ellie took a little more convincing, after some encouragement from baby brother she eventually turned on the charm big time as well.  And thankfully, they met in the middle for lots of hugs and kisses!

Thanks so much for having me over, guys!

Portrait Party - kids portraits in the park

So like I said, I had a Portrait Party scheduled with the LUNA Moms' Club on Friday morning--to follow their StrollerStrides workout session--at a great park in Plymouth. 

And what is a Portrait Party, you ask?  Excellent question!  A Portrait Party is the best way for moms to get a few great shots of their little ones in between family sessions, for a great price and in a fun, laid-back setting.  We get about 4-8 moms and their kids together, at someone's home or a local park or playground, and each child gets a 5-10 minute mini-session and a set of 4 wallet prints of mom's favorite image--for just $10!  Kids can play, ladies can talk, I get to take pictures and make new friends--everyone goes home happy, and a short while later, you get to see your photos online, choose the photo for your wallets, and order any other shots you might happen to fall in love with. 

Unfortunately the turnout for this last one was a little sparse, but the park itself was lovely, and quite popular, so I was able to meet quite a few moms and show off my photobooks a little bit.  Even picked up one extra kiddo for pictures right there on the spot, so all in all, it was a good Friday morning!

Leave a comment and let me know your favorite!

(I asked her if she could make a mad face…and this is what I got---- I love children!!!!)

I'd like you to meet my friends!

This morning I had the pleasure of hosting a portrait party for the ladies of the LUNA Moms' Club in the Maple Grove/Plymouth area (more on that--with pictures!--tomorrow), an offshoot of the very cool StrollerStrides exercise program for moms of young children, which reminded me that I have been meaning to post links on the photojournal to some of my favorite fabulous fellow businesses serving children, moms, and special events in the Twin Cities.  Now, these are not random recommendations or paid ads, but people who I personally know to be warm, genuine, helpful, fun, and absolutely awesome at what they do!  So please direct your attention to the bottom right column of the blog, and click at will--I know they'd love to hear from you!

• Lila Buffet Styling --  organizes and caters your personal OR business event with amazing food in a one-of-a-kind, jaw-droppingly gorgeous setup that completely redefines the word "buffet."  Check her out for graduation parties, baby showers, house-warmings, anniversary parties, and special events for businesses with style. 

• Before & After Baby Planning, LLC-- Expecting moms click here!  Like a wedding planner for expectant parents, Linda Bauchwitz and Sarah Chambers can help you feel ready for the new baby without running around like a chicken with its head cut off, whether you just need a checklist of what to buy for your nursery, or want the full royal treatment, they're your baby ladies!

• Stroller Strides/JnJ Fitness -- A fun, convenient fitness program for new moms to get fit while bonding with your child and with other moms of young children in your area.  Jamie and Jen of JnJ Fitness help women in the Maple Grove/North Metro Twin Cities area, but check the website for other groups in your area as well! 

Anniversary Portraits at the Sculpture Garden

Last weekend I also got to help Jason and Laura celebrate their first year together with some fun anniversary portraits down at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden--which really is a great location!  Lots of great spots to choose from besides the customary spoon-and-cherry backdrop, and the different pieces kept me going with lots of ideas.  Plus it's always great to spend time with a couple who really just like being together.  They said they always get asked if they're on their honeymoon--which is a pretty sad commentary, if you think about it, but I can see why!  Not because they're goofy or "mushy," but clearly just happy!  And lovely to be around. 

So thanks again, guys--here are some of my top picks!

One-year-old is my favorite age for kids' portraits for a reason!

Warning--this post contains some all-time super-favorite images! 

Saturday I got to go for a lovely morning walk with this feisty little one and her mom and dad, and though what should've been nap time came around much too quickly for comfort, I did catch some fabulous faces and moments that reminded me why I like photographing one-year-olds the best--they're mobile and full of personality, but still have that baby face.  There are a couple in here that are seriously, without a doubt, some of my favorite kids' portraits ever to come out of my camera.  Ever.  Seriously!  AND I get to make them a book--I am super excited to design around these images!  (Maybe if you're good, I'll post some of the book pages on here, too, when they're done  ;~)

Here's my top ten from this kids' portrait session…

(She got a real kick out of chasing her shadow!)

Senior Portraits in St. Paul

I think St. Paul is my new favorite place to shoot senior portraits--I know it has a lot of character, but I always forget just how incredible it really is! Just driving around I bet I saw ten spots I'd love to use, including a couple of the places I took Nikki on Saturday, which became instant favorites.  We had so much fun!  She was such a sweetheart, and except for the occasionally gusty wind--and some sort of street fair downtown which involved masses of families, white tents, and little girls on stilts (seriously!)--it was a PERFECT day to be outside.  And we got kicked out of a historical site, so you know the shoot was a success.  (Not for bad behavior, thank you very much, turns out they don't allow photo shoots without special permission and a little moolah--shame on you, St. Paul!  Share the wealth!  ;-)  So thank you VERY much to Nikki and her family for a great senior portrait day, and they couldn't wait to see the pictures so without further ado, here they are!