New Year, New Blog!!

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."

-C.S. Lewis

For the last year and a half, I have used this blog to show you pictures from recent sessions, tell you stories about life, and try and give you an inside scoop on building my photography business. With the New Year, I have decided to make the switch to a blog that is cohesive with my WEBSITE. I have LOVED working with PHOTOBIZ in creating my website last summer, and I am so glad that they have released a new blog feature. They make my life SO MUCH EASIER! I could give them a gold star, kiss, and high five. At the SAME.TIME.

I love the different pages and features on my new blog, from the galleries to the contact form! People will be able to send me an e-mail from the blog, and also everyone will be able to comment without a hassle! That is one thing that people have requested, because sometimes commenting on these posts has been difficult.

Anyway, change is good. Sometimes a little scary, but SO worth it. So here I go, diving in to a new blog hoping that the change brings big changes for my little business this year! Thank you for staying connected.

You can visit the new blog HERE!!!

www.kelseylynnephotography.com/blog

Here is a little preview...Isn't she pretty?!?!

Life is always changing.

Skype Dates, Plunger Hickeys, & My Unicorn Scar

"She knew what all smart women knew: Laughter made you live better and longer."

-Gail Parent

Welcome to the first edition of "Kelsey's Embarrassing Moments". Please, take a seat. Grab a kleenex for fits of laughter that might result in tears...I'll start at the beginning.

For Christmas, Tammy sent me a package full of presents. She is the sweetest person in the whole world and if you spent 2 minutes with her, I'm sure you would agree. One of the things she sent me was an "iPlunge". Visit Here to purchase one for yourself. (You are gonna want one.) She thought it was hilarious and I did too. It is a mini-plunger that works as a stand for your iPhone.

On Tuesday night, we were Skyping and laughing about everything. This is a normal occurrence. We Skype, usually much later than we should be awake, and everything becomes hilarious. It might be because lack of sleep, or we might just be the funniest people you've ever known.

Anyway, while skyping, I noticed the iPlunge sitting on my desk and started playing with it. Suctioning it to my computer, my phone, my arm.....And then my forehead. Yes, I am a genius. Apparently my forehead is the flattest surface in the world, because it grabbed on for its life. We laughed as it was stuck looking like MAAAAYBE I was a unicorn. A unicorn plumber.

After a few minutes of laughing, it started to hurt, so I tried to pull it off. Let's just say it was a bit painful and felt like I was ripping off one of my eyebrows. And then, what did I see??? A HUGE RED CIRCLE. Oh ya, a huge red PLUNGER HICKEY! Tara, Tammy, & Kyle laughed. I kind of laughed, and then googled "How to remove a hickey?" I definitely have never googled THAT before.

So after reading up and realizing that I didn't have any Vitamin K laying around, I discovered that it most likely will last for 5-7 days. Oh ya, Internet. 5-7 DAAAAYS!!!

When I woke up in the morning, it was not lighter. And it hasn't gotten lighter yet. But that's okay. Because my family and friends are trying to come up with solutions for me. Want to hear some of my favorites???

From My Mom : Make some more red circles on my forehead. Draw vines with a marker. Pretend it's a cluster of grapes.

From Tara : Tell people I used to be a unicorn, but my horn fell off.

From My Dad : Get some flesh colored paint, because make-up doesn't cover it.

From Cara : Cut Bangs.

My Solution: Purchase a sweet "Dan'l Boone Coonskin Cap" from the Sportsman's Wharehouse and pretend that I hunt and fish. While wearing dresses.

All that to say, I have a new addition to my face. And people love to stare at it when I am in public. I have been asked many times already, "OH MY GOSH! What happened to your face!?" It's the best. I love love love my plunger hickey.

Take a look. 

Life is best when you used to be a unicorn...

See more of my work at www.kelseylynnephotography.com. Become a fan of my work on FACEBOOK. Give me a call so we can chat, 253.569.7600.

Communication, Vulnerability, + Bricks in the Face.

"Write your troubles in the sand, carve your blessings in stone."

There are times when life needs a pause button. Because sometimes, I need a little break. After going to Minnesota at the beginning of this month, I was feeling so ready to take on the world. Visiting one of my best friends, Liz, was something that my heart needed. But after coming back, life continued to happen. I was overwhelmed with the things I wanted to be doing, the things I couldn't do, and the things I couldn't change. I basically felt like I got hit in the face...with a brick. 

Keeping in touch with people who you love is seriously the best thing. I have noticed lately how much I love the phone. I LOVE being able to talk to the people who I don't get to see everyday, or even every week. I love talking to people in Minnesota, California, Wisconsin, and Oregon and feeling like they are sitting in the same room as me. How lucky are we to have the phone? But really, the people in my life need to be told all of the good things about them. We all have a tendency to forget. To dwell only on the negative, on our imperfections, and our failures. But that is why we need each other. To remind us of the reasons why we are loved, why we are capable, why we are beautiful. 

I have been realizing that communication is one of the most important things to me. The people I am closest to are the people who I am able to communicate the most openly with. Because vulnerability is a place where relationships thrive. It is where they grow, are tested, and are made to last. I read once that "A relationship is only as deep as it is open, and as strong as it is broken." So so true. It is hard sometimes to be vulnerable, and even scary. But it is so necessary, and will always benefit your relationship in the end. 

So, I want to challenge you. To pick up your phone and call someone who you love, and remind them why. And when they ask you, "How are you?", be honest. Be vulnerable. 

And me? I'm doing alright. Life is good. I have a family who makes me laugh and who laughs at my ridiculous stories, I have a best friend who lives with me and reminds me always why everything will be okay, and I have even more best friends who call me to remind me that I can do it. They remind me to dream bigger, and to throw my fears away. So internet, that's what I am doing. 

Here are some pictures of my life these days...My crazy, beautiful life. 

Life is best surrounded by people who love us. 

See more of my work at www.kelseylynnephotography.com. Become a fan of my work on FACEBOOK. Give me a call so we can chat, 253.569.7600.

Gratitude, Dreams, + Full Hearts

"It takes a lot of courage to show your dreams to someone else."

-Erma Brombeck

It's the middle of the night. I'm wide awake sitting here in awe of how much I love the place I am in. Really, I feel excited each time I get a phone call about photography, every time I get to tell someone about what I do. I feel excited to write each Christmas card to my wonderful clients. I feel thankful that my parents didn't laugh at me when I told them my dream of being a photographer. And they still don't laugh at me when I tell them my goals for 2012.

Internet, I have big plans. But really, the only reason I feel safe to dream big is because I have an even bigger safety net. My friends and family. They are always backing me up, pushing me to dream big, and always telling me that anything is possible. Pushing me to not settle with okay, to take more pictures, to be myself, to find my style. I know this probably sounds cheesy, but I would not be where I am without them.

I have a heart full of thanks. Thank you Mom and Dad for being my biggest supporters and voices of reason. Thank you for believing that I can do this and one day be the photographer I dream about being. Thank you Tara Mae for being the kindest support ever, the best umbrella holder, the best dog toy squeaker, the best tic tac giver-outer. Thank you Michelle and Josiah and Melissa for being so kind and generous with your knowledge of photography and for pushing me to work on my weaknesses and turn them into strengths. And thank you clients and blog post readers, for being your rockin' selves. For trusting me to take your pictures and for making me the happiest person alive.

Here are some pictures from the last few months. These people are the reason I feel excited to turn on my computer and edit until my eyeballs feel like they might fall out of my face. Until the clock says 2:00 AM, and my yawns are lasting for hours. Because these pictures make me feel alive and my heart explode with  gratitude. 

Happy Thanksgiving, dream big this year. 

Life is best with a full heart.

See more of my work at www.kelseylynnephotography.com. Become a fan of my work on FACEBOOK. Give me a call so we can chat, 253.569.7600.

The Prettiest Thing.

"The real test of friendship is: can you literally do nothing with the other person? Can you enjoy those moments of life that are utterly simple?"

-Eugene Kennedy

Living with your best friend is something everyone should experience. For at least 3 months. Tara Mae has lived at my home since January. We shared a room until July. It really has been wonderful. She is seriously the MOST caring person I have ever known.

As I am typing this, she is bringing home a sweater that I fell in love with but didn't buy. She remembered, and went and picked it up for me on her way home from work. I mean really. How can I even get so lucky.

Tara and I met 3 years ago when I worked at Generational Leadership. She was a student and I was her staff member. I don't think either of us realized at the time that we would soon become best friends and sisters. It is crazy that we have only known each other for 3 years, because there are times when I feel like I have known her forever. We know about each others pasts, and what dreams we have for the future.  We talk about everything, laugh about most things, and are there when the other one needs to cry, yell, or get some ice cream. She proofs my blogs, and tells me that she likes pictures when I feel like having a meltdown. She even lets me take pictures of her when I don't give her a reason. Tara Mae, this was the reason.

Tara Mae, you are so wonderful. Really, I am not sure how I got so blessed to have you in my life. You are just gentle and kind and caring and giving. I hope you know that I am so happy you live at my home. I love baking with you, talking with you, sitting in my room doing nothing with you. You are a lovely one. You find the prettiest things, because you are the prettiest thing.

Look at her cute face. She's the sweetest.

Life is prettier with a best friend. 

See more of my work at www.kelseylynnephotography.com. Become a fan of my work on FACEBOOK. Give me a call so we can chat, 253.569.7600.

Zebra Heels, Starbucks, + 22 Years Old

"Very early, I knew that the objective in life was to grow."

-Margaret Fuller

Today is my birthday. I'm 22 years old today, and I hope that I am always this excited to tell people my age. I've already had Starbucks and Chipotle, so it has been wonderful already. Full of singing voicemails and texts from people I love. 

I really am overwhelmed by the people in my life. They are genuine, and they enhance my life times a million. I know I have said it before, but I truly mean it. I am so incredibly blessed to have such caring people around me. My family is small but full of love, laughter, sarcasm, and honesty. My friends are close to me like family and I feel like there are so many people who I genuinely trust and adore. Thanks family and friends for making my life full of goodness and laughter. 

I'm fully convinced that 22 is going to be my favorite age yet. The day has already been good, and it's only the afternoon. If the rest of the year is like this, I will just be set.

Also, I have 3 sessions that I will be blogging soon that I CANNOT WAIT to show you!! You will LOVE them, so stay tuned!!!

On Saturday night, the family and 2 of my best friends, Tara and Brettany (& Baby Dawson) went to dinner to celebrate. I wore a dress I have been saving for months and a pair of Zebra heels that Brettany gave to me a few Christmases ago. Here are some pictures, because I wear heels about once a year. So we HAD to document the experience. 

Take a look at my fam bam...And those wild shoes.  

Life is best when you have a reason to be fancy and wear zebra heels.

See more of my work at www.kelseylynnephotography.com. Become a fan of my work on FACEBOOK. Give me a call so we can chat, 253.569.7600.

Happy Birthday, Dad!!!

"Life doesn't come with an instruction manual, that's why we have fathers."

-H. Jackson Brown, Jr. 

Anyone who knows me well would say that I am a "Daddy's girl". Don't worry, my mama would say the same thing. Well, today is my dad's birthday. And let me tell you, tonight at dinner, we will laugh, I might cry, and we will celebrate what a wonderful man he is. 

He seriously is one of my favorite people to talk to, to be around, and to laugh with. He tells it like it is and loves people more than anyone I know. He is my hero and has been through so much, yet is strong for everyone around him. He is generous with his time, his home, his finances, and his love. He is full of wisdom and has unlimited amounts of patience for me. He keeps my secrets and my heart. He is a man of influence and integrity. He pretty much is a rockstar. He likes to listen to his music loud and car dances with the best of 'em. He has taught me how to cook, to fish, to parallel park, to budget, to wakeboard, to love God, to love people, to live life, and to laugh. This man is my walking instruction manual. This man is the best father in the world. 

My parents might have only had one biological child, but they are a mother and father to many more than that. Watching them love my friends and my generation is unbelievable. They care about my friends like they are their children and nothing could make me feel more loved. 

Dad, Papa, Jer...You are the best man I know. I am so blessed by you always and cannot even tell you how loved I feel by you. You have been my rock forever. I'll love you forever and laugh with you for always. Thank you for believing in me and pushing me to grow and to dream big. You are my biggest fan and I feel your support daily. I love you. 

Here are some of my favorite pictures of my favorite man.

Life is best when we celebrate those who we love.

See more of my work at www.kelseylynnephotography.com. Become a fan of my work on FACEBOOK. Give me a call so we can chat, 253.569.7600.

Icebergs, Happiness, + Beverages for Daaaaays.

"Come, let us have some tea and continue to talk about happy things." 

-Chaim Potok 

The last week has been a full one. Wes + Ashley got married on Saturday and had one of my favorite weddings that I have ever been to. I was a bridesmaid and got to spend the day alongside one of the most gorgeous brides ever. Seriously, she looked STUNNING. It was a week full of laughter, hairspray, high heels, and caffeine.


In the beginning of August, I made a list of things that I would not purchase until September. On the list were clothes, shoes, make-up, books, and the most difficult....BEVERAGES. Let me tell you, I have not purchased anything off the list! Except for a few beverages. Oh goodness, have I missed Starbucks.


Let me just clarify. I think that life is better with a Tea Lemonade in my hand. I'll drink coffee when I am EXHAUSTED. **Right now, I'm sipping an Americano to stay awake...** But there is something about tea that is just YUMMY. Especially with extra ice. Everything is better when it is the temperature of an iceberg. So this past month, juice from home and water has been my friend. And of course the drinks that my friends have bought me because they all are fully aware of my addiction. Thanks, lovely friends!!!


So, while I have not 100% succeeded, I have been very good about not buying things I don't need. I even spent money on an oil change today. Oh goodness, the Green Chariot is a happy camper.


All that to say, I will be blogging a few sessions in the next couple of weeks that are sure to make you smile. I cannot tell you how blessed I feel to have such wonderful clients. Really, they are beautiful and so much fun to be around and photograph. Until then, I'll be sipping on my Americano and trying to cross things off of my to-do list.

Here is one of my favorite pictures of Wes + Ashley.

Life is better with beverages.


See more of my work at www.kelseylynnephotography.com. Become a fan of my work on FACEBOOK. Give me a call so we can chat, 253.569.7600.

Decisions, Support, and My New Camera

"Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision."

-Peter F. Drucker

I like to have the people in my life very involved in it. I like to share things with them...Like chapstick, toothpaste, shoes, dresses, food, Starbucks, anything. So when it comes to my business and big decisions, I love to share my ideas or goals with my friends and family.

For about 8 months, I have been wanting to buy another camera. I have done lots of research, asked a lot of questions to the employees of the camera stores, and debated on which camera to buy. With some advice from a few of my favorite photographers, and lots of conversations with my dad about making this investment, I decided on the Nikon D700 and a date to purchase.

One year ago, in August, I decided to pursue a dream of being a photographer. It was a little scary at times and I wondered if anyone would like the way I see the world. But I could not be happier with the way this last year has unfolded. I can look back and see that I have improved and know so much more now than I did. I have practiced and set goals to push myself to become better. So as a birthday present to my photography business, I thought that August would be the perfect month to buy the camera.

Last night my fam bam took a trip to Seattle to Glazer's Camera to make the purchase because we all know I needed a little support. Plus, I love sharing my life with the people I love. We ended the night at Paseo for some Cuban food. DELISH! GO GO GO there!!!

Thank you Mom and Dad for believing that my dream can become my career and for also pushing me to dream bigger. Thank you Michelle Jensen and Josiah Reimers for helping me decide which camera to buy and for encouraging me when I doubted myself. Thanks Tara, Brettany, Liz, Jessica, and all of my other friends for being the best support system ever!!!

Meet my new camera. I'm getting to know it better. But let me just tell you. BEST.DECISION.EVER. 

And here is a picture of Baby Oscar taken with the new camera. Oh I love his little face!!!

Life is best when shared.

See more of my work at www.kelseylynnephotography.com. Become a fan of my work on FACEBOOK. Give me a call so we can chat, 253.569.7600.

S'mores + Sisters

"You're killing me Smalls! These are s'more's stuff! Alrite now pay attention. First you take the graham, you stick the chocolate on the graham. Then you roast the 'mallow. When the 'mallows flaming... you stick it on the chocolate. Then cover with the other end. Then you scarf. Kind of messy, but good!" 

-The Sandlot

Summertime is full of my favorite things. Trips to Lake Roosevelt, campfires, summer dresses, no shoes, freckles because we all know I don't tan, and S'mores. Yummmmm. There is something about s'mores that makes any night the best night. 

Liz, Tara, and I have been having a great week full of random dinners, movie nights, and sugar. Since it is summer, S'mores Rice Krispie Treats seemed like a great addition to our Friday Night. We were so right. They were perfect. I'd never made any kind of Rice Krispie treats before, but nobody told me that it was as easy as boiling water! Seriously, SO SIMPLE! New favorite thing to make! Except for banana bread. That will always be my favorite. 

You can find the recipe HERE. It was super simple and only a little messy. But the end result was SO WORTH IT! We cut some in half which were perfect for breakfast...Yes, I just said breakfast. Don't act like you wouldn't do it too...

Ready for your mouth to water??

Life is better with chocolate on your face.

Visit my new and improved WEBSITE or Give me a call 253.569.7600!!!