Christmas Minis 2015

I CANNOT believe it's time to do this again! However, I was going through my list tonight of clients who did Mini Sessions last year and I am so excited to see how some of these kiddos have grown and changed this year!

So here are the details on this years mini sessions! It was absolutely unanimous that Mini Sessions be outdoors again this year. Last year, our friends at Ahrend Tree Farms (Brooklyn location) opened their arms wide to us. They gave us free reign to do whatever, wherever and they were SO kind to us. So, we are going back!  I have some really fun new set ideas in mind and I assure you these will be fresh ideas. I'm sure you know by now I get pretty excited about these mini sets and like to step up my game a bit each year to make it new and fun for the kids!

The back up plan for rain is that we will move everything to the following day (which would be Sunday). Last year it was chilly... but not unbearable! I spent all day outside, so I am confident you won't mind the quick 20 minute session either! I am once again clinging to the power of positive thinking and trusting the weather will take good care of us!

A few things you should know...

• book your session ASAP (last year I shot 38 sessions and I have already booked 12 without advertisement
• dress warm! Those little dresses are adorable, but not a good fit for this set! Hats, scarfs, cute coats, boots, mittens... they have ADORABLE things available you have a month to get creative with your outfits! 
• arrive on time and check in with my assistant for the day.
• Because these sessions book quickly and are very limited, your session fee is due upon booking
• if your kiddos take some extra time to warm up to the idea of having their photo taken... be sure to arrive about 20 mins early just to give them some time to get a sense of where they are! 
• full bellies, naps, and not creating stress around the session make for the best photos. Stay relaxed and let them just plan on going to "play at the tree farm with Kari"! I will have bribery, please trust me to use it instinctively ;) 

These sessions will include up to 15 digital images for download. You will own copyright and you can use these images for ANYTHING you choose to. I will have the images edited and ready for you to view within the week they are photographed. Turn around times will be quick because I want you to be able to use these for gifts, cards, and whatever else you have in mind! I will offer prints at a discounted rate if you choose to purchase prints from the website as well. 

I am very excited to be able to offer these Mini Sessions again this year! I am honored and look forward to watching you all create new memories! 

Please contact me at: karicarpenter2002@yahoo.com or my cell is: 239-691-7010 to schedule your session! 

Fall Sessions are underway!

It's been a BEAUTIFUL Fall Season so I wanted to pop in and share! Kenley and her little Brother Braxton are way too adorable!

2015 Celebrate Mom Event - Lenawee County Michigan Photographer

From the moment you hold your first child in your arms, you know you will never be the same.

You may long for the person you were before. Worries get bigger, nights get longer, days become more full. But LOVE GROWS STRONG.

Don't forget, there is a last time for everything. There will come a time when you will feed your baby for the very last time. They will fall asleep on you after a long day and it will be the last time you hold your sleeping child. These moments are fleeting.

So often us moms spend our time nurturing our families and are busy taking photos of our kids' big moments. How will we have have the opportunity to capture our place within these beautiful fleeting moments?

Too much of a Mother's life goes undocumented. We don't get to see the way their smile turns in such a way, as pride for her children glows. They don't know how she spends time searching for just the perfect treat in the grocery aisles to thrill her children, or the way she arranges her day to be there for those special moments.

I know its tough to step outside of our comfort zone and step in front of the camera. Too often we won't because we only see our imperfections. However, I know when I see photos of my mother during the time I was growing up... the last thing I see is imperfections. What I do see is... the way I remember her hands. I feel the way she would squeeze me for a good hug, or kiss my temple and call me Care-Bear.

So let your children see the way you looked at them. Let them see how much you loved them. Because nothing will ever compare to the value of the memories you create. Nobody is perfect. But your are perfectly their Mother. So please... don't be afraid of that.

I am very excited to be able to offer this event this year. I am only offering 7 session times, so if this is for you, please book immediately. Spaces have already been spoken for just as I introduced the ideas to many of my clients.


INCLUDES:

Local Outdoor Location

1-hour Photo Session with Mom and up to 3 children

(due to the nature of the event, no Dads please, meant for mom and her child/ren only) 

Custom Video & 15 Retouched Digital Files with copyright release. As well as a 40% coupon for prints through Touch of Love Photography online proofing site.

(a link to a private, on-line web gallery, which will include a link to video, will be provided for online sharing)

High-Resolution Digital Files & Video Delivered on USB Drive in Keepsake Box

(can include a letter/s to your child/ren) I REALLY encourage this piece!!! 

INVESTMENT: $200

PLEASE NOTE:

1)This is NOT happening on Mother’s Day. It is the weekend before (May 2, 2015).

2)Multi-generational sessions are encouraged but due to time constraints, 

I encourage booking back to back sessions to allow for enough time for hair & makeup for all subjects.

3)Due to the limited availability for this event, session fees are due at time (within 24 hours) of booking and are non-refundable. 

4)No Dads please. This event is reserved for moms, grandmas, aunts, and their child/ren. 

This is not a full family photo session. It is a special photo event to “celebrate moms”.

Maternity Session - Southeast Michigan Photographer

Happy Thursday everyone! I mentioned in my last post that I am going to be making a conscious effort to get back to blogging. I took some time to think through what I might blog about over the last few days. I obviously will consistently share new photos and sessions from past and present. However, its a change of seasons around here in my family, and blogging has always been a great outlet for me, so stay tuned and I will be sharing some of whats going on in our family! I promise... all exciting things, but definitely moving through phases of life right along with all of you!

The weather here in Michigan is beginning to work with us photographers who enjoy shooting outside. The studio serves me well in the dreary Michigan months, but by Spring I am SO ready to get out of those walls and inhale Michigan's fresh air and feel the warm sun on my (pasty white) skin! ;)

Last week I had the honor of getting outside on a beautiful Spring day to capture a milestone for this adorable family! They shared that this is the final pregnancy and this time they are expecting a girl! With two DARLING, well behaved, sweet boys. This is sure to be such a fun exciting time for everyone, albeit busy! The boys were super fun to photograph, it was great to just watch them being "them" in their last few weeks as a family of 4! Little sister is sure to round this crew out perfectly and I am really looking forward to some fun Basketball inspired newborn shots to honor her Daddy's love of the game. Not to worry though.... we won't skimp on any girly details... I am willing to bet after 2 boys Erica is excited to add some of the delicate girly touches too!

Congraultations to the Gilbert Family! Looking forward to your next session as a family of FIVE!!!

Spring Sessions - Tecumseh, MI photographer

Hope everyone is doing well and had a wonderful Easter! We had a great day spent with family and a wonderful dinner made by my Mother in Law!

I am committing to myself to start doing a better job of getting back to blogging. Once upon a time, I was a very committed blogger, but then Facebook got great with businesses and that was the end. Well, as always, things change AGAIN! Facebook isn't so great for business, and I know many people do not see my posts or sneak peeks there... so its back to what I do know! So be sure to stop in and see whats new from time to time!

2015 Easter Mini Sessions - Tecumseh, MI

Hello there!

It's been a bit since I have taken the time to stop in and blog a bit! This post is a great reminder that I REALLY need to get back to doing more of that!

I wanted to take a minute to post about this years upcoming Easter Mini Sessions! Mini Sessions are always something that I want to offer, but with a busy schedule, it doesn't happen too often. However, I am so smitten by all the adorable Easter outfits and accessories I keep seeing in the stores, that I just felt like I couldn't pass up the opportunity to capture some adorable kiddos again this year!

Easter Minis will work hard to keep the kids involved and excited about having their photos taken. I will be offering them the chance to experience the baby chicks again this year. The chicks we used a few years back were such a hit and didn't scare the kids, so it should be fun!

This years Easter Minis will offer 5 digital images with your package. The date of minis is relatively close to Easter this year. I am 100% confident i will have images to you within 4 days of your session. The images will be available for download immediately, and then you are free to do what you chose with them! If you are interested in purchasing prints through me, you will want to do that right away to receive them in time for Easter.

I am really looking forward to working with your families! Please let me know if I can answer any questions! Have a great week!

If you are interested in scheduling, please email me at: karicarpenter2002@yahoo.com or call my cell at: 239-691-7010

2014 Holiday Mini Sessions - Brooklyn, MI

Well, the time has come again to schedule Holiday Photo Sessions! It has been a crazy busy Fall Season around here! Where does time go?!

So here are the details! I have decided to not do Santa Days this year. My hope is to keep things new, different, and fun. I may offer Santa Days again someday, but this year, we are changing things up and taking it outside to the Christmas Tree Farm!

Sessions will be held at Arend Tree Farms (in Brooklyn, MI). It is a beautiful tree farm and they have opened their arms wide to us using their land! The address to the farm is: 12101 Monroe Pike Brooklyn, MI (very close to MIS Speedway).

It's pretty likely that it will be very cold outside. We will try to position our location within the tree farm to block as much wind as possible. Many Families have asked if this setting will be appropriate for all ages/families. The answer is ABSOLUTELY! I will have  few props geared towards the littles, but that is more to just keep them involved and interested in the session. This setting is simple, outdoors, and just beautiful all by itself. I am planning to have a few props available to use, but will hold that as a surprise! Color ideas for wardrobe... Navys, reds, creams, burgundys, denim... anything that fits well with a tree farm setting! Do not hesitate to bundle up in cute coats, winter accessories, scarves, boots, etc! Think texture, patterns, and maybe a solid color here or there.

If it rains or the weather is just unbelievably uncomfortable, we will reschedule as we can with the Tree Farm. However, I am using the power of positive thinking and hoping we can just make it work perfectly! Its always a risk to do anything outside this time of year, but I truly think this will be worth it!

These Mini Sessions include 5-8 digital images for download and copyright release as soon as they are available for you to view online. You will have the option to purchase prints for a discounted price from the website as well. But you will own the copyright to do what you like with the final images. Payment is due upon scheduling to secure your date and time. All sessions are $85 (includes the sessions and the 5-8 digital images with copyright release).

As always, if you have any questions regarding the session, I am always here to help!

I look forward to another successful Holiday Season with you all! Cannot wait to see you soon!

Hugs, Kari

Sullivan Michael Clark - Jackson, MI Birth Photographer

So I truly had no idea that some of my clients actually stop by this blog... I used to be SO good at blogging. Then, I started to feel like it took so much time, I am a terrible writer (AND proof reader)... and I just figured I should be prioritizing getting editing done!

Well low and behold, a couple people have recently mentioned they DO in fact check my blog now and then... maybe blogging should come back? I have some thoughts on all of that, but Ill check back and blog again another day (Hopefully soon).

In the meantime, I wanted to share the birth of Sullivan! This was a QUICK birth which I seriously almost missed completely. Ryan & Jade (Sully's Daddy and Momma) were wedding clients of mine and I have gotten to know them quite well over the past few years. They are a WONDERFUL couple. Jade loves photography and even dabbles in it a bit! She's a talented gal!

Jade knew even before she was pregnant for Sullivan that she definitely wanted birth story images. I am SO glad it worked out! IT was almost too perfect ;)

I was in touch with Jade all morning via text, while I waited from home to hear when I should head up to the hospital. I don't mind waiting for births at the hospital, but I also hate to be in the way or take away from the experience as it should unfold. Being a fly on the wall is more my style most of the time!

So things changed quickly for Jade after a slow morning of progress. She asked me at one point to wait an hour and then head in... I then got a text from someone (probably her mom or Ryan) asking me how far out I was because she was going to start pushing. I was at that point about 5 miles out from the hospital... UGH. I was so anxious and tried to drive as quickly as I could to get there, fly into the parking garage... remember to grab by camera and make a mad dash up to the 4th floor! Well... as I arrived at her door, I knocked (ugh oh, completely shut door) and a nurse peeked her head out and swished me in... within just about 3 minutes... maybe 3 pushes, this BEAUTIFUL baby BOY made his appearance! Jade was one of those moms we can all envy because she made that tough job look like it was so freaking easy!!! Kinda like those olympic runners... how do they make that look so  easy?!!! Ryan was exactly how I would have anticipated... stoic, calm, and just wonderful! :)

Sullivan was perfect, impressed all of the nurses with his content nature as everyone commented on how similar he looks to his big sister Lily!

It was a beautiful birth... please enjoy! Thank you Jade & Ryan for allowing me to share in such a special time with you all. Always an honor to be with your adorable family!

Mr. & Mrs. Brian Cooper! - Clark Lake, MI Wedding Photographer

Wow. What a wedding! Brian & Katie... I can barely put into words a summary of such a special, fun, exciting, and memorable day this was.

I have to start with a little back story of how all of this came together. It just wouldn't be the same without the fun perspectives on this wonderful couple! I met Brian when his son, Cash, was just about 4 months old. I have had the honor every year since then of photographing and getting to know and watch Cash grow. If you know anything about me, you know the kids I get to photograph as they grow... they have a VERY special place in my heart. You cannot know Cash without knowing what a great kid he really is. The part that's really special, is the relationship he and his dad (Brian) share. The best analogy I can give you is... they are each others wing man! On this wedding day, Cash got to stand beside his Dad and be the Best Man! Such a wonderful sight to see.

I will never forget when Brian called me the day after his first date with Katie (I think the call was a question about a recent photo session of him and Cash) and during that call, he mentioned that previous night he had met a really amazing girl. :) After having the opportunity to watch Brian date (and maybe even try to play matchmaker for him and someone I knew ;) for a few years, he just had very different things to say about this date! He was SO excited... he may have even said... "she is definitely someone I can see myself with forever"! I never once second guessed what Brian was saying because I knew enough about him to know that he wouldn't say something like that if he didn't mean it!

Well... fast forward many months of watching Brian and Katie develop a GREAT relationship. Watching her push him in entirely unique ways to be a better man and also watching him learn to love her like she is his #1... it just couldn't be a better fit!

Brian and Katie's wedding day was filled with SO many surprises! They both had some fun things in store for the other:

Brian wrote on Katie's shoes, and Katie had Brian's grandfathers wedding ring attached to his boutonniere :)

 Those pieces of material are all pieces of Katie's 3 sisters wedding dresses with their wedding dates on them.

The wedding took place at Hill Top Manor Inn, in Clark Lake, MI. The barn, beautiful grounds, and farm house for the girls to get ready in, was a perfect reflection of their closeness of their friends and family.

They were married by their good friend and pastor J-Vo from Westwinds Community Church. Their vows their wrote to each other, left it tough to hold back the emotions for everyone there. :)

 And this wedding crew... definitely one of a kind! So fun!

 The BIGGEST secret and surprise of the day (which Katie was COMPLETELY CLUELESS about) was, Brian booked Coffey Anderson (Singer and Songwriter) the artist who wrote their first song. The song "Better Today" he performed for Brian and Katie. The feeling in the room watching this all come together... indescribable! Be sure to heck out Coffey Anderson HERE!

THE Best Man! Cash you are THE best!

 Lastly, and unforgettable reception full of fun, family, dancing, singing, and a bit of Ole Smokey Moonshine (my favorite distillery in Gatlinburg, TN = GOOD TIMES!

Brian & Katie, thank you so much for allowing me to share in this special time in your lives. I am confident you two will work hard to remember all the love you have for each other for the rest of your lives! I wish you the best and look forward to capturing many memories for you in the years to come! XOXO, Kari :)

Please enjoy this video as well, there are a couple of quick clips of Coffey singing their wedding song :)