Word to the Wise : Fill the Frame

"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see." 

-John Burroughs

I LOVE my clients. I love the mama's that I get to work with and I LOVE seeing pictures of the families on Facebook from Christmas, birthday parties, and everyday life. Honestly, I wish I could just follow all of my clients around for weeks and take pictures for them, and we can laugh and talk. Because my clients become my friends.

When I was first starting out, I noticed that some of my clients even had nicer cameras than me. THAT was awkward. But when they noticed, they would ask me, "How come my pictures don't look like yours?" Which was KIND OF a compliment...I think. So I thought I would maybe write some of my favorite "Tips & Tricks" that I have learned so that you are able to have great pictures too!!!

Let's get real. I am NOT a landscape photographer. I could not rock out photographing a mountain to save my life. Trees and Mountains and Valleys do NOT make me excited to wake up in the morning. Flowers, that's a different story...Mostly because bouquets of flowers involves weddings. AND I LOVE weddings. So...All that to say, I am a PEOPLE photographer. I LOVE people. Like if kissing people on the forehead was socially acceptable, I would walk around the grocery store bestowing forehead kisses on almost everyone. (Except for the creepsters.)

When photographing people, I love to get REAL close. Up in their "grill" so that the picture doesn't feel like they are miles away and we are shouting to have a conversation. I like pictures that I am close enough to whisper. Except for not, because whispering freaks me out. So this is my FIRST tip for all of you with a camera, an iPhone, or a mental picture photo album...

FILL THE FRAME

The Frame = The Picture

When you are close to your "subject" it allows you to have conversation with them and hopefully get genuine reactions such as laughing or smiling. And it leaves out extra space that can be distracting or unnecessary. 

Get CLOSE! Let me show you some examples.

These last two are Mr. Dawson Attwood. He has grown SO much! (The bottom picture was taken on my iPhone.)

Life is best close-up. 

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.

Relaxation, Christmas Presents, + The Eyebrow Whisperer

"The time to relax is when you don't have time for it."

-Sydney J. Harris 

Britani is one of the NICEST people I have ever known. I got to know her when she was a student in Generational Leadership and I was on staff. During that year, I watched her experience the love of God and it changed her life. She became confident and influential. We have become great friends and I am so glad. She is kind and caring, asks questions about my life because I know she genuinely cares about me. She is patient and passionate.

Before Britani did GL, she was an Esthetician. She is FABULOUS at it. Really. She has the best demeanor, and makes you feel so comfortable and relaxed. She has waxed my eyebrows and given me facials. Oh my goodness, Facials. BEST.THING.EVER. I just got one last week and told her that if I could get one every week, I would definitely. I also call her the eyebrow whisperer. I think she's happy with her new title. I know my eyebrows are happy that they don't connect in the middle. They like to be independent and have their own space. Britani makes it happen.

This year, Britani has opened her own Day Spa in Bonney Lake at Beyond Design Salon. Visit Her Facebook Page and click "Like" to keep up on all of her specials. Get 25% off of your first spa service! Also, its a great gift for Christmas! What mama or best friend doesn't want a few hours of pampering! And if you buy a gift certificate, you get a complimentary eyebrow wax!!! Visit Her Website to view the list of services and pricing! Also! She does make-up for events and weddings! I have seen her work, and she makes anyone camera ready!

Also, Britani sells the Eminence Skin Care Line. The products are amazing and they smell divine. I bought one of the masques and it makes my face feel awesome!

We took some pictures for Britani to maybe put on her website, and because every girl needs to model once in a while. Seriously, she worked it. The camera loves her pretty smile and her bright eyes. Not to mention, her hair is my favorite. This girl is gorgeous. Let me show you.

Life is so lovely, just like Britani.

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.

Pumpkin Patch Mini Sessions!!!

"Everyone must sit and take time to watch the leaves turn."

-Elizabeth Lawrence 

Fall is almost here, and that means that it is time for some of my favorite things! No, not Pumpkin Spice Lattes...But boots with dresses, Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup, Beautiful Orange Leaves, and THE PUMPKIN PATCH!!!

Ever since the session I blogged last Fall of Ben + Galadriel at the Pumpkin Patch in Enumclaw, people were nuts about the photos. I was actually so in love with them, I blogged twice about it!

Well, because many people loved the photos, and I had a blast taking them, I will be doing mini-sessions at Thomasson Family Farm in Enumclaw on October 22. It's a Saturday and I will be there from morning until the light disappears! You will schedule a 30 minute session with me, that we will walk around and play at the pumpkin patch. There are so many locations, it will not be hard to get a variety of photos. To see what I mean, look at Ben and Galadriel's! Your session will come with a $25 Print Credit which you get to order beautiful prints to put around your home, on your desk at work, or send to Grandma and Grandpa!

If you have any questions, please give me a call! I cannot wait to spend time with your family or kiddos, or whoever shows up!!! Here are the pretty details...

Life is worth remembering! 

If you are interested, send me an e-mail or give me a call so I can reserve a spot for you!

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.

Plaid Overalls, Cupcakes, + Baby Aiden

"A boy is the only thing God can use to make a man."

-Anonymous 

My best friend/sister Tara works as a nanny for a fantastic family in Renton. She watches a baby boy named Aiden and absolutely loves her job. She comes home with stories always and we laugh about how cute babies are. I have heard about Tony and Janine since January and could tell that they were the kind of people who draw a crowd. Aiden's first birthday was August 21st, and Tony and Janine wanted some pictures of their baby with family at his birthday party and to celebrate how cute he is. 

Let me tell you, from the first moment that I walked into their home, I knew I liked these people. They are warm and inviting. Janine told me stories about her hectic morning and we laughed like we'd known each other for months rather than minutes. I love people like that. Who invite you into their life when they first meet you. 

It was very important to Janine and Tony to have pictures of Aiden with both sets of Grandparents. And I have to say, when going through the pictures, they had to be my favorites. This family is full of joy and love. 

Aiden can say "Spongebob Squarepants" and that automatically makes him the coolest 1 year old I know. He also wore plaid overalls for the day, which means we have matching outfits...I kid, I kid. This child is adorable. He loves to smear frosting on his face/eye when he eats cupcakes. He learned that from Tara. What a great nanny she is! :) 

Look at this beautiful family, and this adorable baby.

 Life is wonderful. 

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.

A Man in Uniform.

"If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again."

-Excerpt from The Marines Prayer

On Saturday, August 6th, Christopher Howe became a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. He was surrounded by family and friends who believe in him and think he is capable of anything he puts his mind to. This ceremony was not the end, but the beginning. Chris' father swore him in by reading the Oath of Office. His mom and sister pinned on his Butterbars. The ceremony was full of decorum. Everything had a meaning and a reason. 

Chris and I have known each other since high school and have stayed good friends since. I did the happy dance when he asked me to take pictures at this ceremony. 

Chris, I am so proud of you. No really, you are one of the most diligent people I have ever known. You will have great stories from your life to tell your kids and grandkids. You will be their hero. I just know it. Also, when you write a book about your life, I would like a signed copy. Thanks. 

Take a look and wish you had a sweet uniform. And a sword.

Life is better in a uniform.