Thank you to Liz and Shawn for inviting me to photograph their simple and beautiful Chauatuaqua wedding. With just immediate family as witnesses, Liz and Shawn hiked a gorgeous trail to the ceremony site, shared vows, toasted champagne and then headed down to the Flagstaff House for dinner. I have never seen a couple so present and calm and it was a complete joy to be there to photograph.
Kids Were Here
I am what some call a "late adopter". I do not like trends. For better or worse, I passionately resist them. I prefer things I know to be tried and true, ideas that can stand the test of time, and time spent creating something tangible. My feelings towards the social media trend evolved something like this: I was wary of it. I was suspicious of it. I was scared of it. I was intimidated by it. I was overwhelmed by it. I was in perpetual self-doubt around it. And then finally, I was engaged in it. Not obsessively engaged. Just interested in the possibilities it provided. I could see how it could enrich my life, rather than just focusing on how it would drain me. This happened maybe a month ago.
So, all that to introduce my first photography project on a social media platform! I may be late to the party, but I am really excited to connect with you and many others through an Instagram Challenge. Recently I stumbled on a project called KIDS WERE HERE. It's a collection of beautifully curated images documenting simple details of childhood. The quiet, sometimes messy bits left behind after kids leave their play and flitter off. The collection took my breath away. (Click the badge below to take a look at the original site.) I am inspired to look for these images in my life and I hope you will join me.
Here's the challenge:
There are no time limits. No rules about how often you need to post. This is just a challenge to witness and document childrens' lives with more attention. I hope it will help all of us see life from a different perpective and perhaps encourage us to slow down and notice before we wipe the slate clean in a cleaning frenzy :) The idea is to post a regular (perhaps daily?) photo of your kids (or other people's kids!) without actually including the kids. What kind of story can you tell? You can find mine on Instagram at /julieafflerbaugh starting today. Please leave a comment here on the blog with your IG handle if you're interested in playing so we can all find each other! When you post a photo on IG, use the hashtag #kidswerehere.
www.kidswerehere.wordpress.com
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Kristen and Tom {Boulder Engagement Session}
Some engagement sweetness to share today. Kristen and Tom are getting married this weekend in STEAMBOAT! Yipee. I have loved that area ever since Kevin and I got caught by the ranger skinning dipping in Pearl Lake. We're midwesterners...we assumed it was acceptable to skinny dip in all bodies of water. Needless to say, I won't be doing any illegal swimming of any kind, but still it's going to be FUN! After our engagment session, we all feel much more acquainted with each other. We bonded over nearly being bowled down by a herd of hungry cattle. Nearly. I'm serious.
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The Greene Family {Location Portraits}
My whole being longs to be in a lush, rainy, humid climate, but alas, I landed here in sunny Colorado. That is why spring in Boulder is my absolute favorite time for location shooting. This sweet family waited for the snow to pass and then we scored a perfect moment of weather. New green grasses sprouting up and a new baby in the belly, on top of an incredibly adorable little toddler. Lucky me.
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Sara and Dave {Gold Hill Wedding}
Ahhh, wedding season is almost here! We are so excited to be a part of some incredible celebrations this summer with the sweetest couples in the front range. This one below was a favorite from last year at the Colorado Mountain Ranch in Gold Hill.
Vendors:
Venue: Colorado Mountian Ranch-
http://www.coloradomountainranch.com/
Coordinator: Seize the Day Event Planners, Honey Ahijevych-
http://www.seizethedayeventplanners.com/
Florist: Petals From Heaven-
http://www.petalsfromheaven.net/
Cake: The Denver Cupcake Truck
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Reed Family {Location Portraits}
Spring is coming soon...right? I am so looking forward to my spring portrait shoots and weddings. If you are thinking this is your year for family portraits, I would so hightly recommned booking in the month of June in Boulder. It is so green and lovely. Hands down, my favorite time of year.
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Kauai in 35mm
Since much of my portrait work at the moment is focusing on the process and not so much the image itself, I decided to see what would happen to my process if I tried to document my family's adventure to Kauai in 35mm film. I haven't shot a roll of film in years, but it was like reconnecting with an old friend. A little bit awkward at first, but then so comfortable. I loved the way it made me feel more present with what was in front of the camera instead of what I was seeing on the screen behind the camera. I loved the sound the shutter made. I love that the result are photographs that somehow feel less composed and more true. I think this film experiment is one I will continue.
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Registration Open For Spring Photo Camp 2013
Join other Moms who share a love of photography for a weekend filled with connection, creativity and learning. In the comfort of Julie’s Boulder studio, you will boost your confidence with handling your SLR digital camera, develop an eye for creative composition, and master a few simple “professional” tricks. The goal: Take photos you LOVE.
Itinerary
Friday, May 31 - 6 to 9 p.m.
Moms’ night out: This is your time to learn the basics and gather tips from a pro. Enjoy wine and cheese with other Boulder area moms while you get camera savvy.
Saturday, June 1 - 9 - 11 a.m.
Mamas bring the kiddos (6 months and older) for a fully interactive learning experience. While the little ones are playing, you get to practice your new skills on the subjects you love most! Julie will demonstrate how to use available light, offer tools for engaging your subject, and provide one on one support.
Details:
Cost: $160 per person
{Includes Friday and Saturday sessions, kids’ activities on Saturday and refreshments.}
Participants must bring a digital SLR camera or point and shoot with full manual capabilities.
Both sessions are held at the Julie’s Studio: 1012 Hawthorn Ave., Boulder CO 80304
Happy Camper:
"Photo Camp is exactly what I needed to feel more comfortable with my camera. As a mom I have little time to read manuals or books (other than parenting ones!). I left Photo Camp feeling like I had gained the skills to take my photography to the next level and to actually capture those moments of my kids that I'd been trying so hard to capture before."
For Registration call 303-704-9999. Pre-payment is required to hold your spot at camp. Sign up with a friend and you BOTH receive $25 off your registration.
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Julie and Erik {Location Engagement Portraits}
This was one of those wonderful, inspired shoots that you just can't plan. It's a bit of a story, but Julie and Erik had intended to use their engagment session to create a specific image to be used on their invitations (Julie is a graphic designer and Erik redesigns houses, so they think creatively!) But, then we just decided spontaneously to head downtown Pearl St for a few location shots. I think there was something about how relaxed we all felt...or maybe it was the fact that Julie and I literally traded boots :)...but I absolutely adore these images and these two people.
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Alissa and Brad
Just a few fun shots from a recent, adorable winter wedding in Breckenridge. I want to express a special thanks to Dena at Petal and Bean for doing an amazing job with the flowers and the coordination. She is truly gifted and so warm and personable. I LOVED the chance to photograph a snowy mountain wedding. More of those, please!
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Wool {Be Inspired}
Wool. I love wool. For years I was a knitter and by far my favorite part of knitting was buying wool. The richness of texture and color, the way it makes you want to snuggle up and drink tea, it's earthiness...you get the idea. Alas, I have given up knitting for the more time efficient craft of sewing. So, when I saw a blanket sewn from recycled wool sweaters, I was smitten. I started collecting my sweaters back in October at thrift stores. Gradually, my color palatte came together based on what I could find in 100% wool. Each time I came home with a bag of old sweaters, I would immediately felt them (in the washing machine with soap and hot water) to see how they would turn out. Some of the sweaters became so teeny tiny after felting, I wasn't sure if I would ever have enough squares to make a quilt. In the end, it took 10 sweaters. Not bad. I cut them all up into equal squares, laid out a patten on my dining room floor and then started sewing. I'm not exact about these things. The backing is a piece of Shetland wool that I bought for $45, almost more than all the sweaters combined!! Ah, well, it was worth it. My couch has never been so cozy.
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Lindsay and Tom {Engagement Session}
Lindsay and Tom's wedding is quickly approaching this June at the Redstone Inn. When we took these shots, the landscape in Boulder was looking pretty bleak and I was waiting for an inspiration to strike me about the location. When Tom suggested Red Rocks (a lifelong dream of his to create visual art during a rock show came true at this venue!), I was excited. I hadn't shot there since I first moved to Colorado 7 years ago and I was eager to see it with fresh eyes. We had a super fun time driving around and taking in the incredible landscape. It felt like, for an afternoon, we had escaped the confines of winter.
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Being an artist and a Mom
I love this post from the blog Little Brown Mushroom about a year ago. Every once and awhile when I feel the delicate balance of my family life and business is starting to crack, I read it for reinforcement. When I am overwhelmed, It helps to hear other's stories of struggles with a sense of purpose and creative focus. It helps to know I'm not alone. In some ways, having Liam has made me more creative. So much more creative. We play more music, we dance, we imagine stories in far away lands, we explore nature and find inspiration for art projects. But, in terms of pursuing my own photographic projects, well, it just hasn't happened. I often fall prey to the green monster and spend way too much energy beating myself up about how I should be spending more time growing my business, designing a new website, networking and creating work like "so and so". Comparison is my gremlin. So, in the last year, I am slowly making progress taming this gremlin. I've chosen not to look around my industry to see what everyone else is doing. I am practicing, as a very wise woman once recommended, "working in my own garden." And now that Liam is 3, I have a bit more energy to generate new ideas and a bit more time to actually make the ideas a reality. Here are a couple images of Liam from a recent project I'm exploring. I'm not ready to even articulate what it is I'm exploring...I just know it has something to do with childhood and vulnerability and connection. We'll see where it goes.
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Baby Scarlett {Studio Portraits}
Welcome Baby Scarlett! You are a lucky girl...what a sweet, adventurous, loving family you have. I can't wait to watch you grow.
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The Melby Family {Boulder Location Portraits}
I love snowy portrait shoots! It can be challenging for the kiddos, so we don't stay out too long without taking breaks for hot chocolate or finding a warm corner for a few close ups. There girlies were so fun.
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The Doyle Family {Boulder Location Portraits}
The barn. It's just such a great location. The light is consistently beautiful and the big trees give me the filtered backlight that I love so much. It works for all ages of kids, pregnant bellies and wedding parties! You would think that I would get tired of shooting there, but I don't. Every session is different in some part because I find a different feature of the landscape to include in every shoot, but also because I let each family bring their unique personalities. The Doyle Family brought their gigantic smiles, playful spirits and presence in the moment and this is how it all turned out. Why wouldn't I go back for more?
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Hazel, Burl, and Harrison {Apple Orchard Location Portraits}
Oh this shoot was so much fun...until Harrison jumped from a low branch on apple tree and broke his arm. Poor guy! This is the second shoot in a series that capture these three growing up fast. I look forward to making a book at the end that shows the evolution of their play and the changes in their sweet faces.
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Maternity Studio Portraits
During these cold months in Colorado, I have been working with the beautiful natural light in my studio. Here's one of my recent favorites of an expecting mama. The lace is a prop I keep on hand, but this is the first time I have used it like this. So lovely. Baby Girl arrived and is coming in next week for her first portraits. Can't wait to meet her!
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Moore Family {Boulder Location Portraits}
Here's a few sweet ones from shoot this past fall. I adore the expressions on the faces of these parents. There is something about those first photo shoots with a new baby that just bring out the tenderness.
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Baby Esme {Newborn Portraits}
Sweet little Esme just celebrated her One Year Birthday! These first few shots were taken when she was just a tiny babe. And look how she's grown. Gorgeous ins't she?
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Handmade Advent Calendar {Holiday Crafts}
This is one of those things I made under the disguise of a present for Liam, but really it's for me. I knew it as soon as I finished sewing the last little bag and hung it on the line with delight. Liam asked just one time what the treasure bags were for and after that he forgot all about them. I decided this year, I will only fill some of the bags with simple treasures (honey sticks, christmas socks, jingle bells, chocolate santas, stickers). When he gets antsy about christmas, we'll open a little trinket and count down the days till Santa comes. Merry Merry!
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Wedding accessories {Felted Headbands}
Well, I am in love with anything felted...working on some felted ornaments for xmas right now made out of recycled wool sweaters. I saw these on Etsy and I thought, someone needs to wear one of these in their wedding. Don't you think? So beautiful and original. Go check out the shop.
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Tis the Season (Holiday photo gift guide}
Of course, I love to give photographs as gifts. Photo books are one of my favorites, photographs on canvas are a close second. (Check out my favorite sites for purchasing below.) But, there are so many other creative ways to display and gift your photographs. Here is a little collection to inspire you.
For the kids: Photo memory game from www.pinholepress.com
For the Grandparents: a simple, yet beautiful photo book of your family from artifact uprising
For the friend or sibling: a favorite photograph framed in a custom letterpressed mat from Birddog Press or Sweet Letterpress. I don't have a photo cause I just made this up...but I am imagining words or designs pressed on a mat and then framed.
For the spouse: a collection of photographs or a single portrait printed on canvas (some photoshop skills are necessary to create the collage, but uploading a single image is a snap at pictureitoncanvas.com.
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Happy Thanksgiving
We've been sharing what we're grateful for at dinner for a few months now. Liam has gotten quite that hang of it and he's usually the first to ask, "Mama, what are you thankful for today?' My responses are usually bland in comparison to Liam's. This month, in honor of Thanksgiving, I thought it would be fun to write them down. So here they are, hope they give you a good giggle and maybe help you start a new tradition at your family table.
1) Big piles of leaves. 2) Blue Sky (his school). 3) Being home with my family. 4) The crust on my pot pie (this is one of my favorites) 5) Halloween is over. 6) Trick or treating on halloween. 7) That we went to the zoo last week. 8) Dinner. 9) The candlelight. 10) Honeybadgers (not even sure where this one came from). 11) The soup we made. 12) We bought a dustbuster and Santa Clause came back from the north pole (it was a big day!). 13) The candlelight. 14) Ada (his sweet pal). 15) The digger park. 16) Squirrel Nutkin (a stuffed animal friend). 17) My new ski boots. 18) The pictures on the wall. 19) That the snow is almost coming. 20)
Pretty much every minute I'm thankful this little guy stepped into my world.
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Boulder Journey School {yearbook portraits}
I had SO MUCH FUN photographing these little sweeties at the Boulder Journey School. It was my FIRST experience with school photos of any kind and I was a bit nervous that it would be hard to do what I normally do with kiddos on a location shoot. But, it was much the same, just with a shorter amount of time to connect. My whole mission was to get a genuine smile from every kid...I think we did pretty well!
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Kimmel Family {A personal note}
These folks are dear dear dear friends. The kind we share Thanksgiving and birthdays and summer vacations with. They are more than friends, really. They are our family. { I have asked permission to write about them here on my blog}. Joel successfully battled cancer last month, although his eye was a casualty. When they asked me to take these photographs after the surgery, I was so proud of them for being brave enough to stand in front of a camera after all they had gone through. I was determined to let the photographs show their strength and unconditional love as a family. This may seem strange, but I really didn't realize until this shoot just how much impact a family photograph can have. Thanks to the Kimmels, I can see it's potential to heal.
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Lindsay and Brian {Beaver Creek Wedding Portraits}
Oh what a lovely Beaver Creek Wedding! Lindsay and Brian were so head over heals, it was a photographer's dream. I mean what's better than a bride and groom who aren't afraid of a little PDA for the camera!
Vendors:
Venue: Saddle Ridge - http://www.beavercreek.com/groups/group-venues/saddleridge.aspx
Coordinator: Katherine Pollock, with Saddle Ridge
Florist: http://www.petalsofprovence.com/
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Johnna and Ian {Beaver Creek Wedding}
Oh goodness. What a wedding. Johnna is such a beauty, full of grace and kindness. And Ian is affectionate and handsome...two fine qualities in a groom at least from my point of view! The Beaver Creek Chapel was lovely for a fall wedding and the location portraits could not have been more fun. Since this was our last wedding of the year, I just want to take a moment to sincerely thank my wonderful assistant Beth for all her artistic ability and hard work this season. Many of the photos below are hers, including the one of the shadow through the umbrella. Beth, I am so lucky you crossed my path 3 years ago. I adore you.
Vendors:
Venue: Park Hyatt Resort and Spa, Beaver Creek - http://beavercreek.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels-beavercreek/index.jsp?null
Florist: Petals of Provence - http://www.petalsofprovence.com/
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Reed Family {Boulder Location Portraits}
What a joy it is to see the little ones I have photographed since they were inside Mama's belly growing big and strong. Thank you Reed Family for inviting me to document your family for so many years. I look forward to many more.
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Hulse Family {Boulder Barn Portraits}
This session was SO MUCH FUN! These two little guys are nearly 5.5 and 3.5..not always the easiest ages for pictures. But we turned the whole session into a giggle fest. We told silly Pete The Cate stories, we made up silly words, and we played games. The boys laughed the whole time! Remember, when it's your turn for family pictures, don't set your kids up to behave themselves and fake smile on command. Just tell them we are going for a hike (because typically we'll hike somewhere!) and that Julie is super silly. Thank you Hulse Family for coming ready to play. And for wearing the cute assortment of plaid shirts. What a great idea.
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Sara and Dave {Gold Hill Wedding Portraits}
I adore Gold Hill weddings! The town is just so photogenic. The sweet part of this story is that the lovely bride, Sara used to be my assistant years ago! I was so so touched when she called me to photograph her wedding. The wedding was a dream. Laid back, super thoughtful bride and groom, funky, inspiring location, and kids galore. And and an old truck. Perfect. We are so delighted that Sara and Dave's wedding will be published on Style Me Pretty on October 25.
Thank you so much to the following vendors for creating a lovely wedding:
Venue: Colorado Mountain Ranch - http://www.coloradomountainranch.com/
Coordinator: Honey Ajijevych - www.seizethedayeventplanners.com/
Florist: Petals from Heaven - http://www.petalsfromheaven.net/
Cake: Denver Cupcale Truck
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Three Generations {Boulder Location Portraits}
Oh, the apple orchard! Remember how I felt when I found that perfect location with the creek and horses back in the spring? Well this spot is EVEN better. A sweet little private orchard where I can create the lovliest fall portraits...it's a dream come true. I am so grateful to Rick and Colleen for welcoming me onto their beautiful land. And these shots of grandmother, mother and daughter are so so special. Liz was a gorgeous bride just a few years ago and now she is a stunning mama. This was our third shoot of the Inch by Inch package and I already can't wait to see this sweet family again.
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Felted Acorns {Be Creative}
I have a thing for acorns. Maybe it's just another one of those things I love because it reminds me of my childhood in Michigan, but when I saw felted acorns pop up on Etsy, I knew I must make some of my own. I learned to felt with soap and water at Liam's pre-school and this project was perfect for doing together, because it just involves felting balls and then glueing on real acorn tops. So simple. I am thinking I will string them together to make a garland for our shelf, but they are just so pretty I might just leave them in the bowl. Happy Fall.
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Interview with Kirsten Warner {Be Inspired}
I am so grateful to share the words of my beloved yoga teacher on the blog today. Kirsten, thank you for taking such care crafting your responses to my questions. As always, you inspire me. To connect with Kirsten and find out where she is teaching in Boulder, go here.
1) What is your favorite part of your job?
One thing that I love about teaching yoga is the deep sense of surrender I feel when I let something other than my small ego self and personality take control of the class. Sometimes I literally have no idea what I am going to say and then I am surprised by what comes through. It always seems to turn out best when I get out of my own way.
2) What's the most challenging?
The most challenging thing for me has been promoting my teaching and tending to all the aspects of running a business. I am trying to let go of an old belief that self-promotion and making money is somehow non-yoga-like. Even though it is very counter intuitive for me to put myself out there, I am doing my best to see it as another opportunity to practice.
3) How do you keep coming up with fresh ideas for your classes?
I am constantly paying attention to events, people and circumstances and how they might connect to a theme relevant to yoga. Every moment is filled with countless opportunities. Often when something unusual happens or I am particularly touched by something I hear or read, I will write it down or at least make a mental note so I can remember it later. I actually love the process of drawing connections, recognizing metaphors and tying it all back to something that might be meaningful to the students who come to my class.
4) Outside of work, what do you do to keep the creative fire burning?
I have noticed times in my life when inspiration dries up and everything seems to slow down and even stand still. Then out of nowhere things start to shift and suddenly there is a powerful momentum in a certain direction, it is all I can do to hold onto my hat and pray that I don’t get thrown from ride. I think it’s really important to allow the quiet times where there is no creative spark. Remembering that everything has it’s right timing and often those wintery dormant times are as important as the flowering spring and summer. Making time for my own practice is absolutely essential. I try to meditate every morning and do some form of movement (yoga, dance or hike). Spending time in nature and with my kids also lifts me up. One of the most nourishing things I do is spend a lot of time in connection with others. I am part of several women’s groups and conscious communities where I find a lot of support and inspiration.
5) What do you look at or read to inspire you?
I love to study yoga philosophy. I also enjoy books that are written by current spiritual teachers. My longtime passion for psychology and human development keep me turning to anything related to those subjects.
6) What keeps you coming back for more? In other words, why do you do what you do?
Honestly I don’t really feel like I have a choice. From the moment I took my first class many years ago, I knew it was what I wanted to do with my life. I can’t really explain how, but I just know it is my dharma, it is a big part of what I am here to do. Yoga teachers guide their students towards more vitality, peace and openness. They inspire, uplift and support people in so many ways. They are life affirming and positive, reminding us to live authentically, and expand our consciousness. I absolutely love that my work holds the potential to help people feel good and be happy. I feel like I am making a positive difference in the world, even if it is in a sometimes-small way.
7) Tell us what you love about your clients.
So many things! For whatever reason, the students that I tend to attract are drawn to yoga as more than just a form of exercise. I deeply appreciate the depth of feeling and presence that they are able to drop into. I love their commitment to improving the quality of their lives and to making the world a better place. I love the amount of sincerity and authenticity that they embody as well as their amazingly genuine hearts. I am thankful everyday for my student’s dedication and their willingness to show up over and over again, just as they are.
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Egg Carton Owls {Be Creative}
Liam and I have been making lots of egg carton owls lately. We've had fun wrapping them up and sending them off to friends far away. This shoot was inspired by our crafting and tailored to feature the adorable reusable bags made by Two+Two.
How to make your own Egg Carton Owl:
1) Cut one row of the bottom of the carton for the eyes. Cut a section of the top of the carton to make the body. Cut two little rectangles of carton for the feet.
2) Glue the eyes and feet to the body and let dry.
3) Paint or decorate the owl with markers.
4) Embellish: we used acorns caps for the eyes and feathers on the body.
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Love This Day {Interview with Kara Delay}
We are trying something new on the blog. Every other wednesday, we'll be posting an interview with someone we know doing creative things in the world and ask them how they keep the creative fire burning. Today, we've got inspiration galore from Kara Delay, wedding planner extraordinaire. To check out more about what Kara does, click here.1) What's your favorite part of your job?The people I meet - I get to be with really good people on really good days. And I am the lucky one entrusted to make these days really pretty. I recently did a wedding where the Father of The Bride introduced me as the newest member of his family during his welcome toast. Moments like that make it all worthwhile.
2) What's the most challenging part of your job?Making every wedding day different working at the same venues (which is a wonderful problem to have!) With wedding blogs and Pinterest it is so easy for brides to stop believing their own vision of their wedding day and simply try to copy what everyone else is doing. I want every day to be different because every couple is. The wedding decor should be a visual reflection of what the couple loves and who they are, and that should never be the same from one couple to the next.
3) How do you keep coming up with fresh ideas for your couples?I ask them to stop looking at Pinterest and send me photos about what THEY LOVE. I ask them to show me their favorite clothes, their favorite pieces of furniture in their house, and the story of how it came to be. Those are the clues to uncover how a couple is different. I definitely encourage everyone to take design chances - don't be afraid to be different. I ask for their favorite vacation photos and we try to figure out how to bring that joy into their design.My favorite color combinations come from hiking and seeing what is around me (when landscaping isn't involved). I love how colors in the high country change nearly weekly - same thing in the dessert. I love pulling into Telluride in early summer and being overwhelmed by all of the green, and I love driving through Tabernash in the winter and the snow is so white it makes the mountains blue. The color palettes are all around us if we take time to really see them (can you tell my Mom is an artist?)4) What kinds of things do you do to stay inspired?Creative inspiration comes when you allow your mind to quiet. I LOVE road trips - good music, long drive and allowing myself to dream is how I really come up with my favorite designs (and yes, I now pull over to write it all down instead of trying to take notes while driving on I-70). My yoga teacher laughs at me because I will spend the first 10 minutes of class sneaking to my notebook, writing notes as my mind floods with ideas instead of doing all of the sun salutations.When the challenge arises about finding inspiration, I realize it is time to step back for a minute or an hour or a day or two. Sometimes you have to stop trying to make the bouquet. I put everything down, take my dogs for a walk in the woods and let the inspiration come in it's own time (and yes, this can make deadlines kind nerve-racking). But taking the extra time to make sure I am proud of every detail that goes into a wedding is what my clients trust me with. And I take that very seriously.5) Outside of work, what do you do to keep the creative fire burning?
SKI (I do live in a ski town after all - it would be silly if I didn't ski nearly every day) hike, road trips, old movies, lots of theater and bluegrass shows (I am a sucker for good lighting - it changes everything)
6) What do you look at or read (aside from wedding blogs) to inspire you?designsponge and the pioneer woman for blog inspiration (and a good laugh), food and wine magazines, travel ANYTHING and biographies. I am going through a David McCullough phase right now.
7) What keeps you coming back for more? In other words, why do you do what you do?Are you kidding me? I couldn't imagine doing anything else - event planning and design is the perfect combination of my theater background and OCD. What other job combines artist creativity and spreadsheets (and I LOVE being my own boss). Honestly, I just want to make people happy. I can't think of a simpler way to do it. I enable people to have a good time on their wedding day. And that makes people happy!8) Tell us what you love about your clients.My favorite moments with my clients are when they let their guard down and realize that I am on their side (not trying to squeeze them for another nickel or trying to upsell them on something). One of my favorite moments was from Rachel and Andrew's wedding this summer - I was holding the door waiting for Rachel and Andrew to get announced into their reception and Andrew said to me "Kara (imagine this with a perfect Boston accent too) - I have to tell you, when we started all of this I didn't think we needed to hire a planner. And now I can't imagine how any of this would have happened without you. Thank you for making it happen". For ANYONE to take time out of the biggest day of their life so far and say something like that - it blows me away. Remembering the thank you emails, even weeks and months later, make me remember why I do this. I love getting the baby announcements from former clients and honestly every time I go to a show at Red Rocks I run into at least three former clients who find me from out of the blue to say hello and give me a hug.
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The Creamer Family {Boulder Portrait Photography}
What's not to love? A rustic location, soft evening light, real smiles, playful moments, cute little sweet peas...a perfect shoot. Thanks Creamer Family! I adore you guys.
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Keri and Matt' Wedding Party {Brown and Coral}
I don't often get the chance to photograph such big wedding parties, but it's such a blast. Keri and Matt didn't see each other before their ceremony at Sunrise Amphitheater, so we did everything except the large group shots before the wedding. I love the little doorway we scouted right around the corner from the hotel! The brown dresses and coral flowers by Fiori Flowers in Boulder look amazing. And all the girls wore different coral colored shoes. So fun!
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Redstone Inn Wedding {Vintage Wedding Details}
What a sweet vintage inspired wedding. I Love the umbrellas hanging from the tent that the bride collected on ebay. The books are all from the family library. Thanks so much to the following talented people for helping to create such a lovely wedding.
Sara Lewis at The Redstone Inn, Laura's Sunfresh Flowers, Andrea Marsh (cake designer and friend of the bride).
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Lake Huron Light
This is Kevin and Liam playing in the morning light on Lake Huron. Admittedly, when I picked up my camera to shoot, I had no idea I was going to get a full silouette. Sometimes you just get lucky.
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Registration Open For Fall Photo Camp 2012
Join others who share a love of photography for a weekend filled with connection, creativity and learning. In the comfort of Julie’s Boulder studio, you will boost your confidence with handling your SLR digital camera, develop an eye for creative composition, and master a few simple “professional” tricks. With an emphasis on taking better photographs of kids and people in general, we will help you learn to take photos you LOVE. Special note: In the past, Photo Camp has been geared towards Moms...this camp is open to anyone and everyone. So come on Dad's and grandparents, this is your chance!
Itinerary
Friday, October 12 - 6 to 9 p.m.
Tech Talk: This is your time to learn the basics and gather tips from a pro. Enjoy wine and cheese with other photography lovers while you get camera savvy.
Saturday, October 13 - 10 a.m. to noon
I encourage everyone to bring the kiddos (6 months and older) for a fully interactive learning experience. While the little ones are focused on play stations, you get to practice your new skills on the subjects you love most! Julie will demonstrate how to use available light, offer tools for engaging your subject, and provide one on one support.
Details:
Cost: $160 per person
{Includes Friday and Saturday sessions, a comprehensive Photo Camp workbook and refreshments.}
Participants must bring a digital SLR camera.
Both sessions are held at the Julie’s Studio: 1012 Hawthorn Ave., Boulder CO 80304
Happy Camper:
"Photo Camp is exactly what I needed to feel more comfortable with my camera. As a mom I have little time to read manuals or books (other than parenting ones!). I left Photo Camp feeling like I had gained the skills to take my photography to the next level and to actually capture those moments of my kids that I'd been trying so hard to capture before."
For Registration call 303-704-9999. Pre-payment is required to hold your spot at camp. Sign up with a friend and you BOTH receive $25 off your registration.
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Super Liam {Be Creative}
Liam's got a thing for superheros. We tell stories before bedtime about 3 little superhero mice who use their unique powers to help those in need. This often involves animals stuck in deep holes where magic ladders are needed for rescue or finding friends lost in a storm! Serious stuff. So a special cape seemed the perfect sewing project for mama. Here is where I found this great pattern. Liam requested the cape be blue and I couldn't resist a little orange polka-dot flair. This is a great beginner pattern and only took a few hours to complete. Obviously, it went over better than my handmade play tent which for some reason never gets used!
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Keri and Matt {Flagstaff Amphitheater Wedding}
Just two of my favorites from a recent wedding on Flagstaff Mountain.
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Colleen and Soren {Redstone Inn Colorado Wedding}
Here are few of my favorite moments from Colleen and Soren's Redstone Inn wedding. Although I LOVE shooting location portraits at weddings, the candid moments are so fun. Colleen and Soren are really amazing people and I'm not exaggerating when I say...the toasts at this wedding were the best I've ever seen. I guess it doesn't hurt that Soren and all his friends write comedy for a living! I'll post another few detail shots later.
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