Ok…never in a MILLION years would I think that I would be traveling from state to state to do photo sessions, but here I am! This summer has been PACKED with travel and sessions which has made my heart super happy. Not only do I get to say hi to friends and family, but I also get go to my old stomping grounds to capture some amazing photos. Take a look at this adorable family I was able to capture in one of my visits:
Mom contacted me in early spring wanting to set up a family session. She had searched for a photographer in the Milwaukee area and KatieRie Photography came up in the search. She saw my website said Charlotte, NC, but she figured she would reach out anyways–and I’m so glad she did! For one, I had to do some editing on my site to still include the Milwaukee area. But also, I was planning a few trips to the Milwaukee area and we were able to set up a Family Session. We were able to capture so much love and connection during their session. Take a look!
“Tee hee!”
One of the things I LOVE doing during sessions is finding the right balance between lifestyle and smiling at the camera. To me, my favorite images are the moments that are captured–the tickles, the giggles, the nuzzles into cheeks. Those true moments, but I also know that some people prefer the “looking at the camera photos” as well, so I try to do both.
So much LOVE in this adorable family! I love working with people from all different walks of life, and this session was no different. We bonded right away–so much so that the little girl said I was her best friend! I definitely call that a WIN in my book!
What about YOU? Are you needing to have your photos updated? LET’S CHAT and see if we are a good fit!
This sweet bundle of love came to the studio and was full of so much peace–she slept the entire time without a fuss! Mom, dad and big sister were all too excited to watch her session. Mom wanted soft neutral colors that would stand the test of time. I told her she came to the right place! Soft neutrals are my JAM! We showcased all of baby Ella’s features without overpowering them. And mom had a BLAST going through the studio’s outfits and headbands that were made specifically for photography. That’s RIGHT! You get to go through all my goodies as well, when you book my services! My collection of headbands, bonnets, hats, layering pieces, outfits and so much more!
Take a look at all the cuteness we captured:
You can tell that there is so much love in this family already. Proud mommy and daddy watched as big sister snuggled their newest addition. And we were able to capture so many different looks of just Ella as well!
When you book a session with KatieRie Photography, you will get VIP service and photos that you will have for a lifetime. You have access to amazingly unique products that are sold exclusively through photographers PLUS I will help you choose what which products that are the best fit for YOU and your family. And if that’s not your cup of tea, you receive digital files so you can decide how you would like to print your masterpieces.
Are YOU expecting or know someone who is?! LET’S CHAT and see if we are a good fit!
Some of my FAVORITE sessions of all time are family photo sessions. They fuel my fire. I LOVE capturing the laughter, love, snuggles and cuddles; the absolute utter JOY between family members. One thing you need to know before booking a session with me is that the style of KatieRie Photography is not necessarily the typical “look-at-the-camera-and smile” type session. To me, family photography is about the moments. Capturing the genuine smiles. Sessions are fun, relaxed, full of laughter, tickles, chasing, swinging and spinning–but everyone might not be looking directly at the camera–(gasp!). Parents might be looking at their littles, adoring their kin or at each other with a knowing look of “this. is. US.”
Let me explain what I look for during a family photo session..
Tender Family Moments
What Matters MOST During a Family Session…?
LIGHTING
Lighting is extremely important to me as a photographer. I am always searching for the best lighting in any situation. You can find me playing at the playground with my three kids and I will be looking at the time of day and the lighting. I will look how the light highlights my sweet babies as they play around our yard; how it frames their faces, hair and eyes and how that moment would look FANTASTIC if I had my camera with me. My family members will hear me comment on the beautiful lighting in the sky as the sun approaches golden hour. How the light peeks through the trees and how it’s not too harsh. Guys…I adore golden hour. The soft golden light highlights it’s subjects with complete, utter perfection. THIS is what I look for during sessions. Not necessarily the background–if there are flowers, trees or buildings; but the lighting and textures surrounding us. This to me is what takes the photograph from “meh” to WOW! Yes, I will capture the endearing moments between family members–the snuggles, laughs, and tickles–but the lighting will make your photos that much better.
Golden Hour Sweetness
FLEXIBILITY
If you’ve read anything about me, you know that I am “in the weeds” with small children–HA! (any waiters out there?!). We had three kids in under three years, so I understand complete chaos. I know that sessions need to be quick, laid-back and to the point and that I need to shoot FAST. I can recognize when we need to take a quick break or when the kids need to be directed to chase each other across the field or spin in circles as fast as they can. Sessions are run completely by the little ones and I gently guide the way (without them even realizing it!). It’s important that as the professional photographer that I remain flexible and know how to read my audience and adjust accordingly.
“Run to Mommy!”
Short and Sweet
Family photos with KatieRie are quick, easy and to the point. Whether you booked a mini session (20 minutes) or a full session (up to an hour), these sessions are orchestrated with extreme precision. Most kids (and husbands!) can only handle so much and for that reason I make cheesy jokes, have parents tickle their littles and have kids look for boogers in their parents’ noses so that I can capture pure, amazing, genuine joy that will hang in your homes forever. We shoot short and sweet and keep everyone happy.
Family Fun
Embrace the Uniqueness
I adore sessions where families show off their personalities–it’s what I like to call “imperfectly perfect.” These are the moments that you will cherish and bring you back to that time in life that you want to remember:
Picture Perfect
Here is a photo of my grandma and I–we both are definitely NOT looking at the camera, but I can look at this photo and feel the love between us. This was taken about a month before she passed away and I am so, SO thankful for this memory. She was 91 and a half years old and I always thought she would be around. Read about her words of wisdom for life. It’s about the CHAOS, people! I mean, I don’t even think I’m wearing any makeup and I hadn’t washed my hair yet, but I LOVE this photo with all my heart. We are connected and in tune with one another. Moment. Captured–BOOM!
Cherished Moments
Moments that are captured help you savor that time in life, so you can look back at that time period and remember the smell, the feel, the emotion that we quickly forget. Cherish the imperfectly perfect moments that make your family unique. They are what you will look back on and chuckle and hold near and dear to your heart.
Family Joy
What are YOUR thoughts? Which family photos are the photographs YOU cherish? Is everyone looking at the camera? Or are people caught in the moment with genuine laughs and smiles? I know which moments are hanging in MY home…
Do you think we a good fit?! I would love the capture your family’s uniqueness. Let’s CHAT!
I am SO excited to reveal an online service that clients can use once they book a session with KatieRie Photography! Whoop! (happy dance, HAPPY DANNNNCE). Guys…for whatever reason I was stuck in the dark ages. I wrote everything down in my paper planner (habit from teaching), contracts were sent back to me via snail mail (I know, I KNOW! Palm to forehead, call me old fashioned! And obviously NOTHING against snail mail)…BUT!! Now I have this system in place and it is sooooooo AWESOME! Clients have their OWN CLIENT PORTAL!!! I know, I know, I was JUST as excited!! See below the screen shot of my site. Clients can click on “Client Portal” and it will take them to….
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…a screen that looks like this:
[pp_gallery id=”356″]There you will insert your email and the password that I sent you via email and you will get….(dum, dum, DUUUUUUUM!!!) THIS:
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Isn’t that COOL???! It’s like your own Facebook page for KatieRie Photography! LOL!
What does this mean to for YOU? My awesome, amazing clients? That there’s a one-stop shop for all your needs. You are able to see your invoices–what you paid and/or what needs to be paid, you are able to sign your contract right there online, any forms or questionnaires that I need you to fill out, you can find on your very. own. portal. (BOOM. Mic Drop).
I will NEVER stop servicing my clients EVER. I will always push myself to learn more in all areas of this little business of mine so that YOU get the VERY BEST.
Now…I’m off to do my own happy dance with my three littles. These days our happy dance goes along to all the songs in the “Greatest Showman.” It’s the cutest thing, even IF my kids make up all the lyrics and they don’t make sense. #chaosisliving
My beautiful grandma went to be with Jesus last week Thursday. She was an amazing 91 (and a half) years old. (I added that half because as a perfectionist, she would think it was important for you to know that very detail;). The whole experience was a rollercoaster of emotions. It was confusing for me at first because I knew she was old, but she had always been healthy, so this sickness thing was very new for me to grasp. I had to really dig deep to understand why her death was so upsetting to me. And I think it comes down to the fact that it was extremely painful to watch the whole process. And it was a very lengthy, painful process at that. We found out the end of February that she had a very aggressive form of cancer and that she would have about two months to live. Ugh. Bam. Two months? I know some people have gone through losing parents or siblings or even kids–I just can’t even imagine that. This news was devastating, even in her old age. With the exception of the past few years, Grandma was always “with it,” she still golfed (in fact she taught ME how to golf), she had extremely beautiful skin (almost no wrinkles!), she could drive herself places, heck–she even walked all around New York City when she visited without a single complaint! She was around for my wedding and the birth of my three babies (in which I feel SO blessed). I just kinda figured she would be around for awhile longer.
Over the past two months, I visited the hospital and her hospice care facilities and brought her favorites–ice cream and Swedish fish–until she was no longer eating food. We had very meaningful conversations, some of which I captured through video on my phone. I took photos of her and other loved ones. I sang to her the hymns I knew she loved because I remembered how loud she would sing them at church. It’s such a blessing and a curse knowing your time with someone is about to expire. There’s an anxiety that comes with the “knowing.” I would wake up in the middle of night wondering if she had taken a turn for the worst or wondering if I would get “the news” the next day. I watched my mom go through the heartache and stress of caring for a sick parent. I was anxious for her as well. But with all that, there’s also a peace knowing you can spend time with that loved one and savor those moments.
A Slogan Worth Cherishing
My last meaningful conversation I had with her was about two weeks before her death. That conversation will be held on a pedestal for the rest of my life. My three kids–4 and under– were running around her room causing a ruckus. One was pulling at my sweater begging for a snack, the other was pulling the phone off the hook, the third one was trying to climb into bed with Grannie Annie. Screaming. Whining. Begging. Ugh! So. Much. CRAZINESS! “I’m so sorry for all the chaos, Grandma!” I said through gritted teeth, basically trying to maintain my littles while trying to visit with my grandma.
“Katie!” She said very firmly with a strength I had not seen from her for quite some time, “Chaos. IS. Living.” Each word was strongly emphasized with emotion and feeling. I lost it. That was the last time I had a real conversation with her. She bestowed that wisdom with every last oomph of her being and two weeks later she was gone.
I say all this because ever since she said those words, I have tried to repeat them to myself every single day. I remember seeing her look a little forlorn when she would come over to visit. She would sit and watch as I chased all my kids around trying to look like I had it all together (because Grandma always had it all together). She would always tell me I would miss “this,” and that “these were the best years of my life.” I know it’s difficult sometimes to get caught up in the craziness of life and feel overwhelmed. I know the days are hard and long. I know sometimes we yearn for early bedtime. Or even just a break from the stress. But I will always try to look at the picture of this crazy life through the eyes of my grandma insisting that this. is. living. After all, this is what makes up the story of our lives. This is what we will yearn for when we are older. This chaos is life.
