Hi everyone! I haven't been very consistent about blogging recently and, to be honest, I haven't been doing much portrait photography either. Capturing people's personalities is still something very near and dear to my heart but I have SO many other things going on in my life, it's been hard to make time for it all.
Despite not promoting my business much, I received quite a few portrait photo session requests late last year which was a blessing and a curse. It was a curse because I work for the ballet and The Nutcracker season is nothing short of utter and total chaos. It's a blessing because I get to visit with people like this amazing young man and his family.
Patrick's aunt was one of my closest friends in middle and high school. She was one of my bridesmaids and even though she lives three hours away, we've managed to stay in touch over the years. I actually remember when Patrick was born and how excited his aunt was to have a wee little nephew!
Well Patrick is all grown up and getting ready to head to college (don't cry Kylie, don't cry). I couldn't believe it when I saw this tall, handsome man step out of their car in Eugene! WHERE DID THE YEARS GO?
Anyway, Patrick and his family were in town to check out the University of Oregon campus and decided to get his senior photos done at the same time. We went to one of my favorite spots near the river but it happened to be a particularly cold day so we didn't have a ton of time. Luckily, Patrick was totally at ease in front of the camera and had great style and energy. I had so much fun capturing his personality and hearing about his big plans for the future. Recently, I learned that Patrick was accepted to the University of Oregon and will be starting school next fall!
Even though I haven't been around in the photography world as much, even though I have been insanely busy and fitting it all in can be challenging, I'm so thankful for the moments when everything comes full circle. Congrats Patrick! Remember, no matter how old you get, you're never too old to go down the slides on the playground.
noun: burn-out
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the reduction of a fuel or substance to nothing through use or combustion.
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physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress.
I tried to do it all.
I tried to have a career with the ballet, with a side career in photography, with a side side career in social media coaching.
I tried having a couple thousand hobbies including crafting and gardening and reading and playing video games and cooking and editing photos and doing yoga and hiking and and and AND...
I tried to improve my meaningful relationships and create new ones.
I tried to squeeze every last quenching drop out of life because tomorrow it could all damn well be gone. Poof. Finished.
The problem is, I didn't prioritize. I didn't force myself to figure out what was really important to me and what could take a back seat without effecting my Happiness Bottom Line. Trying to do all the things all the time led me to only give 50% of myself and my effort. That's when everything in my life began to suffer.
So, I took a break. I let go of yoga. I let go of coaching. I stopped seeking new photography clients. The only thing I really threw myself into during the last six months was the ballet and enjoying the people around me.
Other things happened during this time, some good things and some bad things. Losing all the photos on my hard drive was painful (I ended up getting them all back). But turning 30 surrounded by the best people a gal could ask for was pretty spectacular.
Ultimately, I realized that I desperately missed taking photos. Whether it was of scenery or my dogs or spring flowers or tiny, adorable clients, I just missed having a camera in my hand. There are some photo opportunities at the ballet and I take them when time permits but the limitations in availability and creativity are not enough.
So, I'm back. I don't plan on taking every job or attempting to fill every weekend with photo shoots, I just want to it to be a part of my life again.
I'm looking forward to rediscovering all the things that led me down this path in the first place. I'm also hoping to learn knew things that will help enhance my photography and push my limits within this medium. Regardless of what happens, of who is listening, I'm glad to be sharing photos again.
Note: These photos were taken on our recent trip to Sol Duc Hot Springs in the Olympic National Forest.
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Little Harriet is baby number two for my childhood friend, Shelly. In fact, Shelly and Tim's first daughter, Cecilia, was the flower girl in our wedding!
Here's a cute picture of my husband holding adorable little Cece on our wedding day:
Watching childhood friends graduate, get jobs, meet their significant others and have babies has been so exciting and fun for me. I'm also thrilled when they want me to photograph their new editions and exciting milestones. It's just lucky that my folks have a lovely house with lots of light so we can capture all the cuteness when I'm in town. Check out Cecilia's newborn photo session and first birthday photo session!
For baby Harriet's first photo session, Shelly wanted to include her big sister Cecilia but Cece had other plans. We weren't able to get her to take a photo with her little sister but we got some adorable shots of both of them.
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It was a gorgeous day in Portland and little Kaylie and her big brother, Jacob, were wonderful subjects for me. I'm super happy with how this shoot turned out and I'm thrilled to have two more shoots in Kaylie's first year package to fulfill (even though her first year is officially over). Here are some of my favorite photos from our shoot.
For starters, I recently accepted a new job and will be leaving my beloved Marketing Assistant position at Fall Creek Nursery behind. This was a difficult decision as I truly love my boss and my co-workers but my new position will mean great things for my future (more on that later).
In September, I am marrying the man of my dreams! Jason and I have been together for nearly nine years and on September 19, it will be official! I'm so excited to celebrate with our friends and family.
Besides a new job and new husband, I'm taking photos, traveling, camping, looking for a house, cooking, writing and so many other things so I haven't made as much time as I'd like for blogging.
Even though I'm way behind, I wanted to blog about this very special family.
I first met Krissy and Lucas a few years ago when they were pregnant with their first child. They live near a farm on the beautiful Sauvie Island which I had never been to and instantly fell in love with. The maternity shoot yielded some of my most popular maternity photos to date and I still look back on them fondly.
After little Adah-Leigh was born, I took her newborn photos and one-year photos also at the farm! They turned out better than I could have hoped.
Fast forward to 2015 and Krissy emailed me to say she was pregnant again and wanted me to make a trip up for a photo session! I was thrilled. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to make it to their maternity session due to car problems but I did make it up after their little girl was born. Eileena is perfect in every way and it was so lovely to meet her and see how much Adah had grown!
One thing I absolutely love about this family is how loving and close they all are. Krissy always requests a photo of them on their front porch. She told me, "I know it's not much to look at but something about a front door of a baby's first home is meaningful to me." I can't wait to watch this family grow and change over the coming years.
Here are some of my favorite photos from Eileena's newborn shoot:
In March, Air emailed me to announce that she was pregnant and wanted to order the First Year package again! I was ecstatic. Not only was it a joy to see Air and Ryan again but meeting little Kaylie and seeing how big Jacob had gotten was such a joy. Little Kaylie fussed for a bit but we eventually got her to settle down. These are some of my favorite photos of this beautiful family:
I always get so emotional when I write about my mom or Mother's Day. I'm not sure if it's because I wasn't always the best daughter to a wonderful mom or if it's because I know people out there who aren't as lucky as I am, either because their mom is gone or isn't deserving of the title.
One of the qualities I love about my mom is how much passion she has. I know myself to be a highly sensitive person and I believe she is too, but while I consider it to be a weakness in me, it's a strength in her. I've seen her cry for perfect strangers and pray for no one that she knows. When she faces difficulty, she quietly researches before tackling the issue head on. Whether it was my broken knee or my sister's Tourette Syndrome, she took this approach. I once saw her work for many hours over several days trying to get a computer game to work for me because she "refused to be beat by a machine." I think I spent less time playing it than she spent simply making it work just for me.
Though she has a calm, light-hearted demeanor, she's also fierce and fearless and a little scary. Of course, she has fears, but I've never seen anyone square off with someone quite like she does. Once she gets her finger involved and starts telling someone exactly why they're wrong, it's slightly terrifying, and also awesome, because that's my badass mom. That guy at the flea market or the dude at the bowling alley had no idea what was coming towards them.
She's also funny, like really funny. We both love to laugh - at ourselves, at our animals, and at vegans (sorry vegans). She loves to be silly and sing loud and proud. Last October, my sister, mother, and I all drove to Seattle so I could try on wedding dresses. The night before we went to the bridal shop, we went to a dinner theater called Teatro Zinzanni and had the best time. On our short walk back to the hotel room, Mom began singing "California Dreamin" by The Mamas & The Papas (she loves songs that require more than one person to sing). Soon my sister and I joined and we were singing loudly while dancing down the sidewalk, jumping on benches, and swinging around light posts. We passed a woman who was sitting on a bench with a big smile on her face, half-laughing at the mini-show we were putting on. Then we were gone. I like to think we made her night.
That's what my mom does. She passes on smiles. She loves inside jokes. She's sentimental and creative and crazy smart.
I honestly hope to be half the mother she is.
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When my mom was eight months pregnant with giant me, she waddled into the supermarket across the street from the house her and my father had recently bought. Kayleen's mom, Debbie, was a grocer at the Eagle Thrift Market and asked if my mom needed help with the baby. My mom said yes and many lifelong friendships were started in that one moment. Debbie watched me often and I played with Kayleen and her sister as we grew up. Many years later, Kayleen and I would end up working together at Boise Cascade and she would introduce me to my fiance at the local Starbucks.
Kayleen met Jon not long after her and I reconnected and they got married in 2010. Now, they are expecting their first child and I couldn't be happier for them! I can't wait to meet their little one and I'm counting on Jon and Kay to make it look easy for my fiance and I! I was telling Kayleen how much I love going through these milestones with childhood friends. It seems like so many of us are finding careers, getting married, and having children around the same time. We don't see each other as often as I'd like especially since I don't live in the Rogue Valley so I treasure these photo sessions even more.
Here are some of my favorites from Jon and Kay's maternity photo session last weekend:
What do Moms want?
They want healthy, happy babies. They want kids who play and believe in magic. They want to hear laughter, and feel warm hugs.
Moms want their kids to grow up and make mistakes, albeit safe ones, and learn from them. Moms want to be there to help through the inevitable hard times and comfort their little ones.
Moms want to reluctantly watch their children grow up and need them less, but still call once in a while.
Moms want to watch their children fall in love and find happiness in the world. Moms never want to stop being needed and loved.
If you have a mom in your life, consider getting her something that will remind her why it was worth it<3
Communications have been heavily interrupted making it difficult to reach people and slowing aid to devastated regions of Nepal. Aftershocks continue to cause damage also hindering aid. For those of us who are thousands of miles away, it feels we can only sit and watch the horrors unfold on the internet as hundreds and hundreds of photos appear. As amazing and wonderful as photojournalism is, it also aids in my feeling of helplessness. It makes me, and many others, want to do something, anything short of quitting my job and hopping on a plane to help. Luckily, I found this news article that features seven aid agencies that have been vetted so any donations will be used properly. Like many of you, I have bills and plans and rent, but if we all gave a small amount, just $5 or $10, we could make an impact.
My former clients said when they visited Nepal, the locals kept saying it stood for "Never Ending Peace and Love." Let us show Nepal that we support them in this dark time.
How to help Nepal: 7 vetted charities doing relief work following the earthquake
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Carmen brought two props with her that I thought were pretty genius. The first was a container of these colorful little puff balls. This was smart because toddlers like Janeva have super short attention spans and typically move around a lot. The puff balls got her to sit still for a few shots which was super helpful. The other thing she brought was a few books, although Janeva was not super interested in hers.
Overall it was a great shoot and I so enjoyed photographing them again! As always, my favorite shots are below.
Late last year, she messaged me saying she wanted to photograph a new family session. I was super excited to be working with them again! Unfortunately, winter in Oregon can be difficult to work with. If it's warm, it's raining. If it's sunny, it's freezing. It was sunny.
Luckily, I was able to get to the location in time to play with the lighting so when they arrived, we only shot for about 45 minutes but it was well worth it:) Here are a few of my favorites from this session:
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It's done, it's finished.
It feels weird to not have hikes hanging over my head and I have to admit, I'm a little down now that it's over.
When I set out to do 100 hikes in 2014, I didn't think it would be as difficult as it was. 100 hikes works out to about two hikes per week which is totally doable right? However, previously unforeseen challenges presented themselves throughout the year: it was hard to motivate myself when the weather was less-than-ideal, many times I didn't have anyone to go with and I broke my wrist and had surgery because of hike #51.
Eventually, I overcame these things and crossed the invisible finish line with unmeasurable glee. After my heart stopped fluttering, my next thought was, "now what?"
Of course, it felt great. People congratulated me, my parents gave me a lovely note and gift card to commemorate and my fiance took me to dinner. People who I didn't even know were paying attention to my constant photo-posting told me how inspiring they thought it was.
I accomplished so much more than the hiking because of this goal. I saw more of Oregon, my home state, than I'd ever seen. I learned the value of silence, of nature, of my health, and of time. I discovered how much I enjoyed my own company and became less-reliant on social interactions to feel fulfilled.
Several people have asked me, "what's next year's goal?" and for awhile, I didn't have an answer. This goal was stressful at times and I was worried about creating an even loftier one only to fall short. A few days into 2015 and I am already itching for a new adventure.
So, here are my 2015 goals:
-Hike 400 miles in 2015. I like this goal because the longer hikes will add more than the shorter ones I did for most of 2014.
-Discover and conquer 10 new challenging hikes in Washington, Oregon, California and Costa Rica. This will include some bigger ones like the South Sister and Mt. McLoughlin.
-Compete in at least one race. Let me make something clear, I hate running. My hatred for running is part of the reason I hike, hiking gets my heart rate up without having to run. Despite my loathing for cardio, I did actually run with my dad a few times this year and realized it wasn't quite as bad as I thought. So I figured, what the heck? I signed up for a run in 2014 but didn't actually go through with it (who knew you had to pick up your packet the day before and couldn't do so the day of?). In a way, I'm recycling this goal from last year but I am fine with this. If anyone has a good race they think I should consider, please let me know!
There it is. Large? Yes. Doable? Abso-freaking-lutely.
Finally, I want to say again how thankful I am for the support. Getting others involved was probably the only thing that kept me from giving up on my 100 hikes goal. The people who came with me or suggested other hikes were wonderful, but even the little comments, the folks who said they liked my photos or mentioned how proud they were, made a huge difference in my motivation and my life.
Thank you all. You helped me make 2014 a great year for me. Come hike with me in 2015!
Here they are, all 100 hikes from 2014:
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Recently, the Millers contacted me again to tell me they had another brand new little girl named Roxy and wanted me to photograph her! They had moved to a new house but the nursery still had a good amount of light and I'd be photographing Roxy with many of the same items that were in her big sister's newborn shoot! It was a blast to see Kaia again as well, she absolutely loved the camera and had no shyness reservations what-so-ever.
I had a great time reconnecting with the Millers and I can't wait to meet little Roxy again.
Here are some of my favorite photos from the shoot.
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I've always admired those who set New Year's resolutions. They come bursting out of the corners, still covered in leftover Christmas decorations, ready to dedicate their precious time to drastically improving an area of their lives they feel is lacking. And what better time? The holiday season madness is over, the weather will start improving (eventually), it just feels like a prime opportunity to start something new.
However, we all know the track records for resolutions: by February gym memberships are sitting unused or cancelled, blood pressure is still too high, and savings accounts aren't any larger. So what are the hurdles to these resolutions and how can we overcome them?
1). "2015 Goals" Not "New Year's Resolutions"
Resolutions tend to be broad and at least slightly vague. According to this list, the most commonly broken resolutions are large and do not detail how the resolution will be reached. Also, the words "New Year's" refer to the year being new even though it eventually won't. We typically don't hear folks talking about their resolutions in September right? Instead of making resolutions, create goals. Then, print or write these goals out and place them where your eyes have to glance over them frequently. The fridge, your desk, a bathroom mirror or a bulletin board are good candidates. This will ensure that you revisit these goals throughout the year.
2). Make It Measurable
Just before 2014 began, I hiked a popular local hike with my cousin and had a wonderful and uplifting experience. While it was cloudy and chilly in the city, it was fresh and sunny at the top of of the butte and I loved how accomplished I felt when reaching the summit. I told my cousin, "I'd like to hike this thing 100 times this year" and suddenly, my goal was born. This goal would help me with the broad things I wanted to achieve: lose weight, improve my health, spend more time outdoors, and spend less money. By specifying how many times I wanted to do something and an end date, I had something I could easily keep track of and measure.
3). Create Smaller Goals
Small goals provide milestones that can help guide you to your larger goal. If your main goal is to learn a new instrument by 2016 you could set smaller goals that include learning a song on the instrument every three months. You could make the songs more difficult each time and if you complete them all, you'll know you've completed your overall goal. Just make sure these are also measurable and have a deadline. Some of the smaller goals for my 100 hikes in 2014 goal were:
-Hike Spencer Butte bare foot by October.
-Hike in the redwood forest in August.
-Discover five new hikes by 2015.
-Hike Mt. McLoughlin in the summer (I did not complete this goal in 2014 but I will in 2015).
4). Get Others Involved
For my hiking goal, I found that getting others involved was the biggest motivation to keep going and complete my goal. Initially, I told those closest to me about my goal. Then I used the hashtag #100hikesin2014 on social media and documented each of my hikes with a photo. Soon people were asking me which hike number I was on or suggesting other hikes to try. These comments, whether large or small, kept me going when I was ready to give up. Getting others involved kept me honest and helped me push myself to keep going especially when I didn't want to.
5). Don't Sweat It
If you don't reach all of your smaller goals or your main goal, THAT'S OKAY. Take advantage of falling short to find out why you weren't able to reach this goal and reflect on the reason. Create a similar goal for the next time frame or complete it after the time frame. You'll be glad you did. Most importantly, don't beat yourself up over it. Accept that you were daring enough to set the goal in the first place and and will learn from the experience.
6). Reward Yourself
Go away for a weekend, get a massage, or buy something you've been wanting. Whatever it is, give yourself a reward for completing your goal. You earned it!
Some resources to help you with your 2015 goal-setting:
-FREE Goal-setting worksheet from Money Saving Mom
-Goal-setting phone apps. to keep you on track such as Lift.
-Getting and using a planner or journal will be a lifesaver.
So, what are your goals for 2015? I'll be posting mine in the next few weeks!
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So when Jessica asked me about taking her daughter's senior photos, I was thrilled! Senior photos are such a fun, unique photo session because the focus is on just one person and who they are at a significant milestone in their life. It is especially important to capture and reveal this individual personality in a frozen moment which can be more difficult than it sounds. Drisana knew exactly what she wanted but was also open to suggestion which was really refreshing. Most folks are uncomfortable in front of the lens but she was confident and had a killer outfit (that hat had a personality of it's own).
I also discovered a new location thanks to this shoot, Jessica and Drisana chose Hendrick's Park for the setting it was perfect! I hope to do more senior sessions AND sessions at Hendrick's Park in the future.
Here are some of my favorite shots of Drisana:
Then, one of my biggest fears came to life.
12 days before Daniel and Shikha's big day, I fell on Spencer Butte and broke my wrist so severely that surgery was required. I weighed my options:
-Back out, return their deposit and help them find another photographer.
-Attempt to find a second shooter to help me with the heavy lifting.
-Buy a monopod and film the wedding without holding the camera.
The third choice was what I wanted to do but I had to make sure I could actually still use the fingers of my right hand to steady the camera and push the button. I picked up a monopod and tested it out with great success. Now it was time to tell them.
I emailed Daniel and Shikha to let them know what had happened and what I proposed to do but also gave them the option of finding someone else. They responded saying if I felt I was able to still photograph the wedding that they'd prefer to have me do it instead of attempting to find someone else.
I was very nervous on the day of the wedding. I purchased a few bottles of water to stay hydrated in the July heat and had a good night's rest as well as a big breakfast. I was as ready as I could be.
The wedding was absolutely beautiful. Nestled in the woods of tiny Walton, Oregon at Daniel's childhood home, there were so many beautiful vignettes and details. Daniel and Shikha were relaxed and excited for their non-traditional wedding day. The monopod worked very well and after five hours, I was tired, sore and thrilled with the shots I'd captured.
Here are some of my favorite photos from Daniel and Shikha's wedding day:
I can honestly say I have never achieved a New Year's Resolution that I made for myself. Most of the time they were vague and wishful at best:
"I'm going to lose some weight this year."
"I'm going to travel overseas."
"I'm going to finish my book."
All of these reflected my true "wants" in life and yet none of them even came close to being completed. My inspiration was firmly in place but so was my procrastination and my motivation was nowhere to be found. Eventually, I stopped making resolutions altogether.
Then, towards the end of 2013, I went hiking with my cousin on a popular trail in Eugene, OR. It was a dry, cloudy December day but once we reached the top we were actually above the clouds that blocked out the sun below. Hiking was exhilarating. It allowed me to breathe fresh air without freezing, it allowed me to socialize with those closest to me, it allowed me to see the sun during dark winter months. I always felt accomplished at the bottom. After going a few times, my cousin was telling me how he would go several times during the long summer days before or after work. I said "I'm going to try to get up here 100 times in 2014," and my goal was born. I made sure to make it very public by asking others to hike with me, blogging about my experiences, and uploading a photo to Instagram for each and every one.
At first, like most resolutions, I felt I had forever. A current year was a lifetime, past years were seconds. Before I knew it, we were three months in and I hadn't broken 20 yet. I had to pick it up, and I did.
Some weeks, I hiked three times. Other weeks, I couldn't convince myself to get off the couch.
Travel, illness, vacation, lack of motivation, other priorities and injuries have systematically staunched my efforts.
Now, I'm sitting at work (on break), wondering how I am going to make myself hike tonight or finish these 100 hikes at all. I'm only at 62 and am quickly running low on opportunities.
What do you do when your motivation seems to have abandoned you?
As the six of us kids grew up and slowly moved out (I was the youngest and the last to leave), we didn't keep in touch as much as we used to. Some of us moved away, others had children, we went to college, we got grown-up jobs.
The good news is, this hasn't stopped us from being close. We don't see each other that often but when we do, it's just like old times, and I realize how much I treasure those old times.
In February, one of the Cox kids had a beautiful baby girl, Cecilia, and I had the immense honor of photographing her for her newborn photos. Then, for Tammy's birthday, they bought her a family photo session from me! I was so thrilled. Some of the photos from that hot July day are below and I couldn't be happier with them.
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Then I went camping in the Redwood Forest for the first time in over a decade. My fiance, dog and I met a few family members and friends at a campsite I frequented as a kid. It was just as amazing as I remembered it. We went on our first hike since breaking my wrist and I was able to swim in the Jedediah Smith River (with my right arm sticking out of the water). I came to terms with the fact that I'd probably be having more surgery and accepted my fate.
After returning, I walked into Slocum Orthopedic Center to once again meet with my surgeon, Dr. Campion. I had told my family, work and vendors that I'd probably be having surgery in the next few days and to be prepared for my absence. Dr. Campion came into the room and said, "Hey Kylie, your wrist looks great!" She showed me the x-rays and informed me that the bones were exactly where they should be, I was so relieved!
I wore the cast for another three weeks before going back in to see Dr. Campion. The cast was cut off (so scary) and after a quick exam, the Dr. said, "want those pins out?"
"Yes!" I said. Suddenly, she pulls a tray with pliers and gauze on it up to my bed in the cast room. I frantically looked around for some sort of numbing agent before realizing there wasn't any. The Dr. told me she's removed pins without any numbing from many patients and no one has said it hurts, they said it just feels weird but that I should tell her if it does hurt. I said okay despite the complete panic I was feeling inside.
Slowly, she wiggled the pins loose and slid them out one after another, it really didn't hurt! Once they were out, she grabbed my hand and began bending my wrist, it felt awesome and painful at the same time.
Now I simply have to wear a brace for the next few weeks, I'm not supposed to wear the brace at all at home or work so I can begin building the muscle up again. In a month or so, I will be completely healed!
This kind of situation always feels like such a long process when you are in it but now that it's almost over, I feel it went so fast (although the people who listened to me complain would probably disagree). I'm still incredibly thankful for everyone who visited, texted, called, and helped me as I went through this. I learned a lot about the people around me as well as myself.
Now I've got 40 more hikes to get through...
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Just after leaving the summit of Spencer Butte with my fiance and pup, I slipped down the rocky face and attempted to catch myself with my right hand. My hand was pushed back unnaturally and a loud *pop!* was heard before extreme pain began radiating through my wrist. Something was horribly wrong.
My fiance, Jason, immediately jumped down by my side and had me sit as he examined my wrist. We both knew we had to get to a hospital immediately. Jason removed his shirt and tied it around my wrist and shoulder to stabilize and hide the unnatural bumps on my swollen wrist and we made our way down the mountain at an excruciating pace. At the bottom, Jason called our good friend Brittany to ask for a ride to the hospital. Ten minutes later, we were on our way to Sacred Heart Medical Center.
After a few initial questions, we were heading to the x-ray room. The technician unwrapped my arm and I saw it for the first time since the initial fall...and instantly began sobbing. It was clear that this was not a simple sprain or break.
Back in our exam room, I was finally given strong medication to ease the intense pain in my wrist and arm. The gravity of my situation was starting to come into focus despite the relief and fogginess: I was in for a possible surgery and a long recovery. No summer swimming, no long drives...
The ER doctor came in and showed me my x-rays: I had a badly fractured ulna and a bone chip on my radius. I would be called by Slocum, an orthopedic center in Eugene, later in the week to determine if surgery was necessary.
While waiting for a cab to take us home, I called my mother who I knew would be sleeping and attempted to leave her a calm message explaining what happened. I am not very good at reeling in my emotions in difficult situations like this but was helped along by the heavy painkillers. I thought I had done a good job so I was surprised to get a text the next day saying her and Dad were making the three hour drive to my house. I called her to attempt to talk her out of it and she said, "we had to come up anyway to meet a client so get over it, we'll see you in a few hours." I was anxious and excited to see them. On the way up, they called several home goods stores until they found me a portable air conditioner so I wouldn't be miserable while healing. I was thrilled as I'd been living without one for nearly eight years. Before leaving the house, my mother braided my unwashed hair for me and I was instantly reminded of August 2005 when I was recovering from a car-accident that shattered my kneecap. My patient and kind mother made me food, helped me in and out of bed, and washed my hair in the sink for three weeks. And I was still grateful.
The next day, I met Dr. Heather Campion, a young, friendly orthopedic surgeon at Slocum. She showed me my new x-rays and informed me that I couldn't heal with my ulna in the position it was in and recommended surgery...the next day. I agreed in a daze and attempted to choke back tears as so many worries clouded my head - Would my wrist hurt and ache for the rest of my life as my knees had? How much would it cost? What if it didn't work? I texted Jason who instantly left work to be home and tell me everything would be ok. I wasn't allowed to eat after midnight so Jason told me to order anything I wanted for dinner and he'd get it or make it.
I was in much better spirits for the day of the surgery. What's done was done and I was going to buck up and go in with a smile on, no matter what. My parents and Jason took me in and waited patiently in the waiting room. Before I knew it, I was waking up to their smiling faces in recovery. The surgeon had inserted two pins into my wrist that were partially sticking out of my arm so they could be removed later. In ten days, the splint would be removed and I'd have a cast put on until the pins could be removed, then I'd wear a brace for a few more weeks. Again I thought about the adventures I wouldn't be having during these precious summer months and there was absolutely nothing I could do about it. The days ticked by like an obnoxiously loud clock.
Jason has been so helpful during this time. He has taken over most of the housework since I can't lift anything and has never lost his patience with me as I stumble through this emotional recovery. I'm very lucky to have him.
Unfortunately, I received very disheartening news on Tuesday during my follow-up appointment: the tip of the ulna that was secured by pins is inverting back to the position it was in when I broke it. If it gets worse, they'll have to put a plate and screws into my wrist which will be permanent. The thought of beginning my recovery all over again is extremely upsetting and I'm not really sure how I'll get through. Another surgery on my tab and permanent hardware feels...unfair. I know I'm not supposed to have regrets over a freak accident but they're there, many of them.
I think the hardest part of this process is my inability to tap into my outlets. Typically, I'd journal, hike, walk my dog, or take photos to ease my worries but all these things feel impossible or risky as I'm supposed to rest even more now than I have been. I had no idea one short hike would flip my world around and my only solace is knowing that one day this will simply be another story to tell around the fire.
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It's a story about struggle, adoption, acceptance, and love.
Stu and Lauren of Atlanta came all the way to Oregon to adopt baby Corban. Immediately after Corban was due, he had some complications and instantly had to be swept off to the NICU. Luckily, I was able to visit them again a few days later and he was feeling much better. It was the first birth I had ever witnessed in person and it was the first time filming an adoptive situation. It was really moving and I hope I have conveyed a tiny piece of the magic.
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A disturbing trend has caught my attention recently.
In the last year or so, I've seen several blog and social media posts about the over-saturated world of professional photography. In this post, I use the term "professional" to describe anyone making money through photography from people shooting for Sports Illustrated all the way down to local portrait/family photographers. These posts tend to focus on how difficult it has become for established photographers to compete with the cheaper/"just building up my portfolio" photographers.
There are a few reasons this is so frustrating for me to listen to:
1). Photography belongs to everyone. Everyone is allowed to take photos and attempt to sell them or sell sessions. By adding more people, the market is becoming more competitive, I understand that, but that doesn't mean it's acceptable or professional to guilt newbies, mom-tographers or clients.
2). We all started somewhere. All of us were brand new at some point, all of us have taken crappy photos at some point. Try to remember some of the feelings you had when beginning: "Am I good enough?" "Will I get better?" Now imagine someone telling you that you are bringing down the industry, that you are responsible for their lack of adaptability.
3). Every industry has suffered great losses in the last 10 years. Unfortunately, photo sessions are probably going to top the list of "stuff I can skip while we try to make ends meet." Many folks in different industries have had to adapt to survive a more difficult situation, I have no doubt that photographers can as well.
4). Marketing. Some of you may know I have a day job as a marketer. In school, I studied social media, public relations, and a number of other related topics that brought me to this particular profession. To be honest, marketing is difficult and time-consuming, I know this. But it's also something that can be a relatively cheap way to gain valuable feedback and potential clients. As much as it may pain people, adapting to trends such as hashtags and social media platforms can be extremely beneficial in reaching new customers.
5). Clients will pay for what they want. I honestly believe that if a photographer is connecting with people AND taking beautiful photos, that folks will find a way to afford their services. For example, I found the most amazing wedding photographer to film my wedding next summer and even though I am working extra jobs to afford her fee, I know it will be worth it.
I can understand how these times are extremely stressful and difficult for photographers, especially when it is the only source of income. All I'm saying is, instead of writing a harsh blog post it may be more productive to ask former clients why their business went elsewhere, or attempt to reach new customers. The opportunities are still there, they simply got better at hiding.
I truly love the outdoors. As a kid, I would bike, raft, camp and swim outside frequently on warm, summer days and preferred it to being indoors.
I'm not really sure what happened, maybe it was my schedule or allergies or paranoia (West Nile anyone?) or a perceived lack of options, but I began enjoying the elements less and less. To make matters worse, between Hamburger Helper and immense school and work stress, I had packed on 50ish pounds during my college career. It felt odd to be insanely proud of completing my undergrad studies and working full-time while simultaneously avoiding mirrors and buying baggy clothing.
A Goal Was Born
I attempted to lose weight several times. I tried running, joining a gym, YouTube videos, and silly fads like the Jumping Jack Challenge (that was a fun one to explain to my doctor). Nothing stuck.
Then I got engaged...to be married...in front of 150 people...in a white dress...
Since eloping wasn't an option, it was time to get moving. I decided a good way to get some additional exercise in was to hike with my cousin, he frequently went up a popular Eugene hill called Spencer Butte.
After a few hikes to the peak of Spencer, I was in love. The hike is short but rough for us out-of-shapers, it provides beautiful views of the South Willamette Valley including the Three Sisters up to Mt. Hood. At some point I decided to attempt the hike 100 times in 2014. That equals out to about two hikes per week and that was doable, right?
Well...it's June 1, and I'm at number 28. I'm hoping summer will be a good opportunity to catch up but I've also officially changed the goal to 100 Hikes in 2014 so I can attempt other beautiful trails around the Pacific Northwest. The good news is, I'm down 17 pounds, my dog is getting lots of exercise, and I get more time with the people around me (my fiance and cousin are frequent guest hikers). Each hike is represented by a photo and comment on Instagram but the first 25 are in a collage below. I have some super exciting hikes planned and I can't wait to share the photos!
If you have hike recommendations, equipment suggestions, or words of encouragement, please leave me a comment!
Instagram: @KylieMariePhotography
Twitter: @KylieKeppler
#100Hikesin2014
Maternity sessions are different from almost every other type of photo session because the objective is to capture a moment before a milestone occurs. Every maternity session I have filmed possesses a layer of anticipation in the air, an excitement, a nervousness that is unmatched in any other setting.
TulipOne of my shots during a macro photography workshop at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm!
Want to win this beautiful tulip print from Kylie Marie Photography? Simply share this photo on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest then let me know by commenting on this blog! Easy as that!
The winner will be drawn on Sunday, May 11, 2014 so don't wait!
"If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change." -Buddha
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I've always had a strange fascination with WWII and the Holocaust. It feels so foreign, so long ago and I have a difficult time comprehending the horrors filmed for those grainy, black and white documentaries I had to watch in college. When I saw the movie trailer for The Book Thief, I knew I wanted to read the book before watching it. I found the book on audible.com and instantly began listening to it.
I knew this was supposed to be an epic story so I was surprised at how easy-going the book was...until about the last quarter. I won't give anything away though, no spoilers here, but there are a few details I want to point out:
~The narrator of the story is Death and he's actually quite amusing. Death's character offers a unique view of the main characters and the human species in general especially when it comes to war. However, this character also provides a great deal of foreshadowing.
~It's worth listening to the book because you will know how to swear in German.
~It will make you cry. If you don't cry then you are one tough cookie.
Summary: Liesel Meminger is a young girl when her mother is forced to give her and her brother up for adoption. The Hubermanns take her in at the beginning of WWII and she develops a close relationship with her new Papa, Hans Hubermann. Her new Mama, Rosa Hubermann, is rough around the edges but proves to be an asset during a dark period for everyone. The story, guided by Death himself, takes the reader through Liesel's book stealing adventures in a small German town during a horrific war. It offers a unique perspective compared to other WWII stories as it follows normal German people instead of soldiers or victims of the Nazis. A Jewish man, Max Vandenburg, comes into their lives and the Hubermanns hide him in their basement so he will not face persecution. The tale presents a broad view of what an average German family during this time period had to endure if their opinions differed from their country's.
Title: The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
Genre: Historical Fiction
Year: 2006
Movie: 2013 (I haven't seen it so I can't recommend it).
Rating: 4.25 out of 5
Similar Reads: The Little Princess, Girl With a Pearl Earring
Favorite quotes:
“A small but noteworthy note. I've seen so many young men over the years who think they're running at other young men. They are not. They are running at me.”
“I wanted to tell the book thief many things, about beauty and brutality. But what could I tell her about those things that she didn't already know? I wanted to explain that I am constantly overestimating and underestimating the human race-that rarely do I ever simply estimate it. I wanted to ask her how the same thing could be so ugly and so glorious, and its words and stories so damning and brilliant.”
“Humans, if nothing else, have the good sense to die.”
You can buy a copy of The Book Thief here.
The portrait photography world is extremely oversaturated (no pun intended). There are so many people out there attempting to do the exact same thing I am and it's hard not to compare and analyze. With all of these photographers and bloggers comes a plethora of tips, tutorials, dos and don'ts. This seems beneficial but it can also be stifling, I was listening to outside voices more than my own instincts. The internet also serves up a huge amount of complaining and colleague-bashing that made me wonder why I chose to be a part of such a cruel industry.
After several months in the dark, I looked through some old photos of mine, and I both loved and cringed at what I saw.
I love photography, that's why I started snapping photos in the first place. I definitely wasn't that great in the beginning and my insides hurt at some of the first things I produced, but they're mine. I fell for the cheesy effects to make up for my lack in skills elsewhere and I tried very hard to please everyone. My passion burned bright.
All of this exploded and caused me to take a break, breathe, reevaluate my goals and peel the layers back until I was left with the basics. That's when I discovered my style, my preferences, and my voice. Hence, my new initiative: Simple. Honest.
I love the simple moments, I love honesty. I prefer photographing babies being fed in their mother's arms while she hums to them. I would rather photograph a bride and groom sneaking a kiss when they think no one is watching. I want people to look back on their photos and be reminded of that moment, what they smelled, how they felt.
So, from now on, I will not fit into anyone's mold, I won't be reading forums or applying other photographer's styles. I will be listening to myself and evolving based on my own experiences. If there's one thing I've learned from the photography industry over the last five years, it's that there is no photographer that is perfect for everyone. I'm going to stop attempting to be perfect and simply be me.
Simple, honest photography.
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Welcome to the World Baby Cecilia!
Here are some of my favorite shots:
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I love reading.
I still remember the very first book I read. It was part of series in my kindergarten class that helped small children learn to read and it was titled, "Monsters Under The Bed." I read it over and over.
In fifth grade, I read my most favorite book in the world, "To Kill A Mockingbird." At the time, my family was dealing with some heavy problems and the adventure of little Scout Finch and her older brother reminded me of the simpler, summer days of my childhood.
Reading has a way of transporting the reader into another world guided by the thoughtful and, sometimes shocking, hand of another. Reading can distract, entertain, improve, and provoke change in the lives of the audience. It provides perspective and a calming effect on my mind, and I think it's one of the loveliest inventions our species has ever created.
Unfortunately, I haven't been as diligent about reading as I could be. While attending college for my bachelor's degree, I swore off reading for pleasure altogether as I just couldn't find the time and hated putting a book down for extended periods. After graduating in 2011, I wholeheartedly assumed I'd start blasting through books as quickly as my pre-college days but the weeks slipped by faster than I could count them. I no longer had the "urge" to devour a good book and instead opted for cell phone games and Netflix shows after a long day.
Recently, I resolved to change this for a few reasons:
1). I didn't feel like I was accomplishing anything or using my time wisely. I wasn't being "fed."
2). I've always wanted to become a novelist. One of the largest pieces of advice I discovered is to read, read, read.
I don't focus on particular genres. I've read everything from "chick lit" novels to The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People to science fiction. I enjoy adventure, memoirs, biographies, mystery, crime, and humor. I'll pretty much pick up anything but whether it keeps me entertained is a whole other mountain. I have a difficult time sitting through entire movies, and if a book does not grasp me, I will not finish it (ahem, sorry Grapes of Wrath).
Upon receiving a job 25 miles from my home, I downloaded Audible.com so I could listen to books during my commute. Listening to books offers an entirely different experience from reading a book. Sometimes, it's easier to space off and not register what I've just heard but I also have the benefit of hearing the proper pronunciation of names and foreign words.
So, to keep me on the path to my reading goals, I will be blogging about all the books I finish, and let you know what I will be reading next. I hope, more than anything, to connect with others who have similar hurdles to a creative life and that we can discover good reads together.
So, until my first review of "The Book Thief," take care!
-Kylie
Goodreads username: KylieMarie
Instagram: @KylieMariePhotography
Twitter: @KylieKeppler
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Baby Corban was born and then swiftly taken to the NICU due to some fluid in his lungs, he's expected to make a full recovery.
More photos to follow.
<3
New ParentsBaby Corben's parents watch in awe as the nurses care for their son.
GraspBaby Corben grabs his mother's finger moments after he is born.
Tiny DetailsBaby Corben's adorable little ear.
Baby Boy Baby Corben receives some help breathing.
While watching the video, I completely teared up! It's so sweet, simple and real so I thought I'd share.
First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes
This is the first day of my life
I swear I was born right in the doorway
I went out in the rain suddenly everything changed
They're spreading blankets on the beach
Yours is the first face that I saw
I think I was blind before I met you
Now I don’t know where I am
I don’t know where I’ve been
But I know where I want to go
And so I thought I’d let you know
That these things take forever
I especially am slow
But I realize that I need you
And I wondered if I could come home
Remember the time you drove all night
Just to meet me in the morning
And I thought it was strange you said everything changed
You felt as if you'd just woke up
And you said “this is the first day of my life
I’m glad I didn’t die before I met you
But now I don’t care I could go anywhere with you
And I’d probably be happy”
So if you want to be with me
With these things there’s no telling
We just have to wait and see
But I’d rather be working for a paycheck
Than waiting to win the lottery
Besides maybe this time is different
On July 3, 2006, my life changed forever, and I had no idea.
I met the person I'm suppose to spend the rest of my life with on that warm, summer evening. My good friend and I were sipping sweet Starbucks drinks after a long day when a co-worker she had trained with came over to say hi. He was funny and I couldn't stop laughing long enough to contribute to the conversation. I instantly wanted to spend more time with him.
It wasn't until after summer that we started dating. He was sweet, adorable, sarcastic, and hilarious. We connected faster than I ever thought possible. I learned what having chemistry felt like. I learned about love.
After seven years, our instant connection has grown into a partnership. He's seen me sob over a squirrel's death, laugh until I snort, sick as can be, sans makeup, and mad as hell. He's tolerated episodes of Sex and the City, failed cooking attempts, and numerous house guests needing to get back on their feet. My home is him.
On January 18, 2014, my life changed again when this person asked me to marry him. I accepted and we celebrated with our close friends and family (also it was my birthday so we had some amazing cake).
It's been a little over a week and my heart is still fluttering. I was thinking on the way home from my parent's house yesterday about how much I have changed since I first became an adult. Some of these changes are due to age and experience but many are because of him. I met him when I was 19 and I was so happy to be with him, so incredibly content that I tried to become a better person just so he'd want to stick around.
I am glad it worked.
A bit of background. I built my former website with the intention of showing off my best photos, blogging and providing easy-to-find contact information. For these purposes, my former website was great and was at a great price.
But, things change.
I've been wanting to provide an upgraded experience to my clients which would require an upgraded website.
Here's what's better:
-The mobile interface is simple and flash-free which means you can access it with smartphones or tablets.
-Unlimited storage means your sessions will be easy to revisit no matter how much time has passed.
-Possibly the BEST upgrade is Client Proofing. The client will be able to access a password-protected gallery and order prints or products directly from my site! Digital download is also available although I will still send a DVD. Coupons and discounts will be available for referrals and multiple bookings!
-I will be able to upload some of the new PDFs I've been working on such as questionnaires for before your sessions or contracts.
-A new look: clean, simple, classic.
Now that you're on my new website, take a look around and let me know what you think!
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As Jacob's first birthday approached, his mother asked if I could film Jacob's birthday party and complete a family photo session, in the same weekend, for the final two shoots. I happily agreed to spend a few hours with several one-year-olds and had the best time! Jacob's birthday party was at a gymnasium with toys spread out all over the floor for the little ones to crawl around and play with.
The next day, we went to Sauvie Island Farms and had the place to ourselves thanks to another client who asked if we could use the farm even though it was closed! It was a perfect setting and day. It's been such an amazing experience photographing this new family and watching them learn together. Can't wait to see them for the next one!
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Since Adah was born in the late fall, we photographed her newborn photos in their home but the weather was beautiful for her one-year shoot and we would be filming outside. In another lucky turn of events, the farm was closed the day I was able to shoot so, with special permission from Sauvie Island Farms, we were able to shoot with an entirely people-free background!
The entire day performed beautifully for us: the sun was shining, the colors were brilliant and Baby Adah-Leigh and her wonderful parents were so incredibly easy to work with. Towards the end of our shoot, we walked through the orchard to their house so we could take photos of Adah on the steps of her first home. On the way, we stopped and said hi to the animals where adventurous little Adah stuck her finger in the chicken coop. Before long, a chicken came up and pecked her finger. Naturally, little Adah-Leigh cried but after a few sweet words from her mom, she was back to running around in the sunshine.
"That's what I love about her, she can get pecked by a chicken and she's perfectly fine in 30 seconds," Lucas, Adah-Leigh's father, said.
I realized then how right he was. Lucas and his wife, Krissy, are the epitome of down-to-earth people: they are happy to have what they have, they are so grateful for the smallest act of kindness and they don't stress or show their discomfort during our photo shoots (it can be unnerving being in front of a camera). They treat Adah-Leigh like the smart child she is and she reacts accordingly. They have provided me with an example and a level of parenting I will strive for with my future family. They always gush about their photos and how much they love them but they have also given me lessons that I won't soon forget and I'm so thankful to have them as clients.
Here are some of my favorite photos from Adah-Leigh's one year photo session: ]]>
A few weeks later, they contacted me about designing their wedding invitations and filming the wedding! I was ecstatic as she described their rustic, pastel, country wedding day. It sounded lovely. Upon talking to Liz, I found they were a little nervous about the posing. They liked their first shoot but felt they needed more direction than they were given when posing. For this reason, we set up a "pre-wedding" shoot to practice. They chose Cathedral Park, one of my favorite places to film in Portland, OR. The shoot was a success and I gave them a few previews so they would be confident the next day at their wedding.
The wedding was nothing short of amazing! I loved everything from the succulents in the bouquets to the mason jars wrapped in burlap. The whole day reflected so much about them. I had so much fun getting to know their families and the bridal party. It was a beautiful day at Lee Farms and the smaller wedding guest list made it easy to get photos of everyone. They ended the evening by walking through a tunnel of sparklers held by all the guests. So lovely.
After I completed the photos, Liz sent me a message and told me how much she loved them and that she will be finding a way to fly me to Virginia (they moved there after the engagement session) to take photos of their kids! I was so thankful they loved their photos and I do hope I get to take photos of their kids some day.
Best of luck Phil and Liz! I'm excited to watch you two embark on this journey together and I truly feel as though I've made two new friends:)
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I miss you so much.
The strange part is I miss you more now than I did when you left us, eight years ago today. I was going through a difficult time when you left. Eighteen and having trouble finding the right path, I was also recovering from my car accident and attempting to figure out the college thing. I was actually back at Mom and Dad's for doctor's appointments when the phone rang around midnight. I instantly knew. A few minutes later, Mom opened the door and laid down next to me. I remember her saying, "I don't have any grandmas anymore" We cried together.
Throughout my college years I always thought of you as watching me constantly. Every conversation, every late night, I just always imagined you being able to see and hear all that was going on in my life. After poor choices, I would apologize to you. After accomplishments, I would hope you were proud. Unintentionally, my conscience spoke to me in your voice, which, luckily, I still remember very well.
When I met the person I am supposed to be with or when I graduated college, my sadness at your passing pooled. In these happy moments, I always struggled with the fact that you couldn't be present. I was a better person for having you in my life and it was incredibly sad to me that my other half, my professors, my friends would never truly know why. It stews in me that I let you see me like that in your last days of life. I should've told you that I would be okay one day, that everything would work out. I hope I didn't made you worry.
A little while ago, I started a writing project about you. It's based on all the stories you used to tell me and the kind of person you were. Mom and Dad took me to your old schoolhouse and the home you and Grandpa lived in at Modoc Orchard. It felt strange being at your home 60-70 years after you lived there. I tried to imagine you bustling around, hanging clothes on the line or making dinner. I desperately wanted to see you in daily life, doing mundane tasks.
I still have your jewelry box although Dad had to fix it up for me. Mom gave me your china. It's really beautiful. Sharna has your old autograph book. Every time we are laughing and reminiscing at her place over a glass of wine she brings it out. My favorite is the one from your parents on the day your sister got married in 1933:
"Dear Little Daughter
Some day twill all be over
The toils and cares of life
Some day this world vanquished
With all this mortal strife
Some day the journey ended
You will lay your burdens down
Some day in realms supernal
Receive at last your crown!
Central Point, Ore
Oct 29, 1933
Love
Mother and Daddy"
I promise to visit you and Grandpa at Mill Creek Falls soon.
Love you always Grandma, til next time.
-Kylie
Enter ME!
I was so excited to be working with my former supervisor again, especially doing something I love! He is such a joy to work with and we had a wonderful afternoon of laughter, food and photos. We ate much of the food Michael and our friend, Ben, had made for the shoot and it was amazing! I especially loved the fresh-squeezed orange juice and the black beans.
Here are some of my favorite photos and, if you live or visit the Eugene area, check out Dominican Delights at your local natural food store or online at http://dominicandelights.jimdo.com/.
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-L.M. Montgomery
This weekend (October 5th and 6th) are supposed to be sunny and beautiful. So, I'm offering family photo sessions for $10 off or $165 for the session! This includes a 60-90 minute session, a DVD of low-res, edited images to share digitally and three professional prints. Please email or call me to check availability as soon as possible! This is a great opportunity to get your Christmas card photos while the weather and leaves are still gorgeous for us! Don't wait for the rain!
Hope to see you all this weekend :)
Also, if you are as annoyingly in love with the season as I am, check out my Fall into Fall board on Pinterest!
Here are a few photos from Jacob's nine month photo session at Cathedral Park.
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Now the tips of leaves are starting to deepen in color, the rain is visiting more often and fall photo sessions are right around the corner! These are truly some of my favorites of the year. Photo subjects are typically more comfortable in the cooler temperatures and have more fun in the falling leaves. The backgrounds are gorgeous and the sun sets a bit early so the golden hour won't be as late as in the summertime. Finally, Autumn photo sessions provide a great opportunity to capture Christmas card material and yearly photos of the kids while the weather is still somewhat kind to us!
In honor of my favorite season, I'm providing a special for Family Photo Sessions. These sessions are normally $175 but for the months of September, October and November, you can have a Fall Family Photo Session for $155! Just book by September 15th to lock in the discount! Please contact me with any questions or booking requests. To kick off the season, here are some of my favorites from past Fall Family Photo Sessions:
As many of you know, I have a full-time job as a marketer for a blueberry plant farm. Summer is the blueberry harvest season and it's been extremely busy: 12-hour days, photo shoots at 5am or until 8pm, hours of writing and research. This has left me exhausted at the end of the day and simply wanting to enjoy the sunshine with my pup and guy.
Also, in a precious blog post, I detailed the sad story about how my best friend had to move away and it has left me needing to rearrange a few things in my life. I've been spending more time reading books, hanging out with my other half (we just celebrated our 7th anniversary), and working on a certain writing project instead of throwing parties.
Finally, I wanted to put my photography business through a bit of a makeover. At the farm, I work for an amazing woman with a ton of experience in brand management. She has taught me so much about branding in general and I decided to renovate my brand for Kylie Marie Photography. I didn't really know how to go about re-branding though. After created a Brand Inspiration board on Pinterest, I opened my copy of Adobe Illustrator and just started messing around in an attempt to create a logo. It's an amazing program but it's so very complicated. Finally, I enlisted the help of a graphic design friend, Adam Tamarkin, to assist with the logo.
I gave him a few options of ideas I had been kicking around for my logo. The one I had been using, a design I purchased a few years ago, was a simple tree with leaves that looked like a heart. I liked the tree idea but I gave him some other options as well.
Here is what we ended up with:
But the heart itself is significant and has a special story. Rewind almost seven years and you'll find me at dinner with my boyfriend, Jason. He took me to the Oregon Electric Station for my 20th birthday which made up for the rough day I just had working at an animal shelter. After dinner, we decided to drive to the top of Skinner's Butte and take in the city lights as well as the stars. My birthday is in January so it was quite cold, Jason slipped his jacket around my shoulders and squeezed me. It was pure bliss. Then he said "look in the pocket." I looked in the breast pocket of Jason's jacket and there was a beautiful heart ring inside. I had been looking at the ring at a jewelry shop for several weeks and Jason had bought it for me. At the time, I had no idea how significant that ring would come to be. I wore it for several years and when it started to get tarnished, Jason purchased me another one from Harry Richie's. Last year he bought me a Picasso Heart Ring from Tiffany's and included the note, "I love you with all my little hearts."
To this day, I have all three heart rings.
I decided to send Adam a photo of that first, simple sterling silver ring and it ended up being the inspiration for my favorite logo design.
Here is a photo of the ring itself:
Jason and I haven't done as much traveling as we'd both like. We were born and raised in Oregon, and have visited much of the west coast including Las Vegas, San Diego and San Francisco but that's pretty much it. We had both been to Washington D.C. prior to meeting one another and had seen most of the monuments as well as a handful of other tourist attractions so we decided to pick another city on the east coast that we've both NEVER been to and explore. It was difficult to choose between New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Boston but we settled on Boston since we knew someone there and it has a ton of history (Jason and I love history).
Then, a little over a month before we leave, the Boston Marathon Bombing happened. I was glued to my computer for hours looking at photo after photo after photo. I read countless news stories and watched several interviews. Of course, most events such as this strike me but for some reason I was so captivated by this one. Not just the suffering and the photos featuring bright red streaks of blood but the heroic actions that immediately and instantly followed. This was definitely a special city and I couldn't wait to see it myself.
Finally, we zoomed off. For most of the Thursday before the wedding, we were in the air or in an airport. We made the most of it though. Jason and I had never taken such a large trip with just the two of us before and it was a blast. Our flight touched down in D.C. at 10:15pm and by 11, we were in our hotel room in Arlington. After 14 hours of travel and airport food, we wanted nothing more than to get dinner and go to bed. The air in D.C. was warm and extremely humid. After throwing our suitcases in our room and changing clothes, we stepped outside to a MASSIVE downpour! I'm used to rain, but this was unlike any rain I've ever experienced. We only went across the street to a Ruby Tuesday's and we were soaked by the time we got there. Now I know where the saying "When it rains, it pours" comes from:)
The next day, my uncle and cousin met us for lunch at the hotel. I had never met my little cousin, Rebecca, and boy is she cute! We had so much fun taking photos on my phone:) After they left, Jason and I explored the immediate area. Unfortunately, there wasn't much to do since we were in the business district so we mainly ventured through some parks and buildings as well as sampled the local beer before heading to another hotel for the rehearsal dinner.
The Embassy Suites in Potomoc, MD was where the wedding would take place. It's a beautiful hotel with a giant, glass ceiling several floors up. The rehearsal and dinner was a fun experience between seeing Holly and her family again for the first time in years, and meeting the other ladies and gents I'd be walking the aisle with. Afterwards, all the bridesmaids took Holly and her little sister, Amy, to another bridesmaid's house for a drink. Jason and I ended the evening at Chadwick's, talking to locals and enjoying the time away from work.
The next day was the day of the wedding. I have to admit, I've only been in one other wedding in my life and the ceremony is always a bit nerve-racking, especially for a clumsy gal such as myself. I was so incredibly nervous but everything went perfectly, it was a beautiful ceremony:) The reception was at an Italian restaurant called Maggiano's and it was one of the most gorgeous receptions I have ever seen! Beautiful purple light illuminated the room while small tree branches wrapped in flower vines and decorated with tea lights graced the tables. They had a live band which made things incredibly fun and interactive. Towards the end of the evening, I played Superbowl MVP receiver and caught the bouquet! Since I couldn't bring it with me (we weren't going to be back in Oregon for several days), I gave it to the adorable flower girl, Samantha. She was so excited:) We ended the night by dancing with our new friends and laughing til our sides hurt.
Sunday was a bittersweet day. We got up, had breakfast at the hotel, and said goodbye to Holly, her new husband and her family. I hadn't realized how much I missed them. By 1:30pm, we were on our way to Boston.
Boston, MA
We went to No Name Restaurant for dinner which boasted views of the water and delicious seafood. Jason, Danny and I also got the Sam Adams Brick Red, their specialty brew only brewed in Boston, with dinner. Everything was amazing and by the end we were all stuffed.
On Memorial Day, Danny and Julia had papers to write for school so they dropped us off at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) and told us to call when we were done. Jason and I spent a good three hours wandering through the rooms of the MFA and didn't even see half of it! My favorite part was the gigantic paintings by famous U.S. painters while Jason loved the ancient Egyptian mummies. We could've spent the entire day in there but opted to venture into the city a bit more.
A little bit later, Julia and Danny picked us up and took us to an Italian restaurant called Panza. Panza was in the north end of town which is also referred to as Little Italy. This was definitely one of our favorite parts of the city, and, of course, one of the more expensive places to live. The freedom trail goes through Little Italy and the streets narrow into little cobblestone roads the size of alley ways. All the restaurants and stores glowed in the evening light. Panza, was a beautiful, little restaurant who's smells had our stomachs grumbling from the moment we walked in. After sipping on homemade sangria, we tucked in to amazing dishes of pasta and sauce and chatted about our lives. Afterwards, we were all so uncomfortably stuffed that we decided to walk through Little Italy a bit. Julia showed us Paul Revere's house and we stopped at a little store for homemade cannolis. All-in-all it was my favorite night in Boston:)
The subway was fairly easy to navigate, although I could NOT believe how LOUD it was! I've never been on a subway and those things are NOISY! No one else seemed to notice:) Still, it was very efficient and got us everywhere we needed to go. We came out on Park Street which is right by the new State House and the Boston Public Gardens. We walked all over trying to find the Granary to no avail. When we ended up back at the park, I asked a street vendor where I could find the Granary, he told us how (we were so close) and then said, "I can see why you missed it, it's dead up there!" We had a good chuckle:)
On our way into the Granary, a man handed us a guide and simply asked that it be returned when we were finished. The grounds were beautiful. Smack dab in the middle of the city and yet, they were well kept, quiet and there was an aura of peace on the whole area. We saw the graves for the Boston Massacre victims, James Otis, John Hancock, Mary (Mother) Goose, Paul Revere, Sam Adams and Ben Franklin. The thing I was most curious about was how they fit all those bodies into such a small area, the guide said 5,000 people were buried there but the whole space isn't all that big. Turns out there are about 20 people in some graves according to my research.
