Spring Break Trip

Do you ever wonder why it's called "Spring Break" when it's not a break at all? I often do.  Anyway, that aside, I took a much needed mini vacay to Spokane with all three kids by myself (yes, be impressed) to visit my longtime friend, Erin, and her family.  They just moved from Portland and were getting settled in their new home.  The kids always love visiting new people and places so I knew they would enjoy the trip.  And for me, it was just a nice break to spend time with a friend and fellow mom who "gets" what it's like, that we can look over the heads of our kids with wide eyes that say, "You're driving me NUTS."  Those are the best kinds of friends.  Here's some shots from our trip...

Baby Tatem is just 1 year old, she only loved her mommy. :)

Jordan being helpful.

Wesley being a robot in his box.

Jordan not fitting so well in a toy stroller!

Wes was pretty impressed with Ethan and all his "knowledge". :)

Just having a ....moment!

Haha yep this says it all!  Mayhem! 

 Jordan was VERY attached to Erin's husband Andy.  She ran to him faster than his own kids did when he got home, demanding he pick her up for some cuddles.  He was a good sport about her obsessiveness but I felt bad, sheesh, he has his own kids to tend to. :)

Thanks for such a fun time, full of yummy eats, lots of laughs (dressing room:)) and wonderful company!

New Photography Goodies (for me anyway!)

I'm in my second year of my photography business Kaptured by Koren Photography, if you didn't already know.  Last year was such a blessing, so many supportive friends, family, amazing clients!  I have grown leaps and bounds in my technique and knowledge, both in photographing and in the industry.  I'm not usually the "go getter" type, so I'm really proud of myself for reaching outside my safety box and striving to achieve something I truly love and desire for my life.

So last year, I didn't have much equipment or props.  I still don't use a lot of props.  For me personally, they kind of get in my way.  Some photographers can totally ROCK the props, me...not so much. :) But at least I recognize that about myself.  I also paced myself with the use of equipment.  I didn't want to go into debt buying the best camera and lenses, I felt like I needed to earn the right to do that.  So I was able to upgrade my camera body to a Canon EOS 50D and I really love it.  I don't think I need to upgrade anytime soon.  The lenses I now use are: Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8, a great wide angle lens, great for families and interesting angles, Canon 50mm f/1.4, a great portrait lens, and recently I purchased a gently preowned 85mm f/1.8, great tones and colors.  I also purchased a reflector and a new prop chair as well, some fun accessories to learn to use on the job.

The photos below are me practicing with the 85mm lens.  It pulls in really close so I have to be back pretty far to get a full body shot, but it's great for those kids that might be a little gun shy and they wouldn't even know I'm snapping their photo.  Reagan is always my go-to ready and willing model.  She rocks!!!

I really try to focus on getting those crisp clear eyes, it's not as easy as you might think.  Even when I think I've nailed it, I'll zoom in during my edits and see that it's fuzzy, so annoying. :) Practice practice!

I'm not the best at action shots so I was working on that as well.

Here's what I get when I ask for "fierce." She so should be modeling, good grief! :)

A fun prop headband made by my friend a fellow photographer, Angela Pollard.

Here's I'm working with the reflector.  Some tips I got from some other photographer friends is getting the reflector in the right spot or the eyes can look a bit "possessed". :)

This is my new prop chair, we're using it during a shoot run and designed by another photographer friend, Heather Beam. She's doing Birthday Blessings shoots and needed some examples to post for people to see.  I just provided the models and the chair.

Heather working with a cranky Jordan.

Then last but not least, I felt it was time to update the ol' logo.  I am surrounded by so many giving, talented and wonderful photographers that don't hesitate to share their knowledge and expertise with other photographers.  There are so many out there that are very competitive and my community is awesome.  So Anna Hollister designed this logo with me based on some ideas I shot her way.  I think it totally fits and is so fun.  My other logos were lovingly designed by Angela (the one who ALSO made the headbands, again, so talented), but I didn't want to wear her out with all my graphic design projects. :)

So...that's what's going on in my "professional" life.  It sounds funny to say that, but I think I'm allowed to now! I've had several return clients already this year, 3 weddings on my calender (one already done), and so excited to work and be out doing what I love!

All things Elmo...Jordan turns 2!!!!

Our little baby girl ain't so little anymore.  Jordan turned 2 on February 12, and while I'm not the world's best party planner, we had a fun time.  She just LOVES Sesame Street (my other two weren't really into it) so I did a Sesame Street theme and tried to do a "photo booth" for everyone to get their picture taken.  It sorta/kinda worked, but all in all I think she had a great time.

A little bit about our feisty redhead at age 2: 

*can talk in mostly full sentences and definitely knows what she wants

*no more binky

*still sleeps in her crib but is trying to cut naps out (I won't let her, not yet)

*loves to sing to the radio in the car and dances up a storm, and for someone as young as her, she can sing pretty well.

*can almost count to 20 missing only about 2 numbers

*recognizes several letters from the alphabet out of sequence (thank you Sesame Street)

*LOVES her brother and sister, although tortures them, landing her in time outs

*is very attached to her "mankies" (blankie) and her "goggie" (doggy).

We love our little spunky Jordan, life wouldn't be quite as exciting if she weren't around!