Monticello photographer, Buffalo photographer

Camera Mom | a beginner’s photography workshop | buffalo, mn

January 26th, 2012

I had a tough time coming up with a catchy name for this workshop…my first couple of drafts didn’t make the cut:

*Mom’s who shoot their kids

*Make that camera your b*!&h

*Take a picture, it will last longer

*A is for ‘awesome’ not ‘auto’

Finally, I just thought I’d keep it simple…CameraMom….kind of like SoccerMom, but with camera’s and stuff….mini van optional.

So, it’s decided. You. Need. Help. CameraMom workshop DETAILS:

WHEN: Saturday, February 11th from 10am to 2pm

WHERE: My studio located in between buffalo and monticello, mn

Please Note: This class will not be covering any information on starting a photography business, advanced photography skills or photoshop techniques; but rather is focused on the every day photos you take, and the basic concepts of using your camera off of auto-mode. If you’re looking for education on taking your photography to the next level, this class is not for you.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

* A 60+ page full color workbook for you to take home, covering all the lessons taught, so that you can continue to practice and refine your skills at home.

* Lunch! What’s a girls day out without food and chocolate?

* Prizes and a swag bag of goodies

* A child model during the last hour of class to practice the new concepts you’ve learned.

* A private facebook group to stay connected and help each other learn after the class is over.

WHAT’S REQUIRED:

* a DSLR camera (this is a digital camera that allows you to switch lenses). Here’s a general list of popular DSLR camera’s:

nice~Canon Digital Rebel T3, Canon Digital Rebel T2i, Nikon D3000, Nikon D5100 ($500-$650 with kit lens)

nicer~Canon Digital Rebel T3i, Canon 60D , Nikon D90 ($780-$980 body only)

nicest~Canon Canon 7D, Canon 5D MarkII, Nikon D300, Nikon D7000, Nikon D700 ($1500-$2500 body only)

* Kit Lens that comes with your camera. If you really want to step up your game, consider purchasing a 50mm 1.8 lens via Amazon for CANON or NIKON. This is not required, but I think you will really love how your pictures look when using it! Cost is just over $100 for this type of lens.

* You must bring your manual!

* Bring a pen/notebook in case I say something earth shattering and you want to write it down

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The cost the workshop is $149+tax, due when you register (this is the only way to officially reserve your seat). I am limiting the class to 10 people, so that we have time for a little one-on-one instruction.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

* Learn how to get your camera off ‘auto mode’ by understand the exposure triangle (ISO, Shutter speed, Aperture).

* Learn how to utilize natural light and turn your flash off!

* Tips on getting natural and candid photograph’s of your children.

* Understanding composition and how it effects the feel of your picture.

* You will then put your new knowledge to use with a little photo shoot! If it’s above 25 degrees, we’ll take our camera’s outside for a bit too!

HOW DO I SIGN UP?

*Email me: kelly@photographybykellyklatt.com I will send links to the shopping cart in the order the emails come in. You are not officially registered until payment is made. After that, I’ll have a little online questionnaire for you to fill out!

I think this is going to be a lot of fun, I can’t wait! I would also like to apologize in advance for any tacky comments, crass jokes or potty language that may seep out during the workshop….I do this when I’m nervous, and having 10 people stare at me is bound to unleash my inner-demons.

fine print: The workshop fee of $149 (+ tax) is due at time of registration and is non refundable. However, you may sell your seat to someone else if you are unable to attend. All attendees will be required to fill out a non-compete form.

Posted in Uncategorized, childrens photography, photography workshop for beginners, promotions | 5 Comments »

Denise Yoder posted the following on January 26, 2012 at 8:00 pm.
I was so excited when Rachel Seifert told me about your Camera Mom Workshop, but I was totally bummed when I saw when it is. I won’t be able to join the fun, but I would love to take your workshop if you have one again in the future.

Thanks for doing this for all of us Moms that won’t to be “superstar” photographers!

Denise Yoder
deeyoder@comcast.net
Kelly posted the following on January 26, 2012 at 8:40 pm.
Denise,

I am hoping to get enough interest to host another one shortly after this one…so don’t lose hope~LOL! Just keep watching facebook (fan me if you haven’t already), that way you’ll know first!
robin fiedler posted the following on January 26, 2012 at 9:08 pm.
Hi Kelly,
My lens says 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6. Is this different than the one you recommend purchasing? Thanks!
Kelly posted the following on January 26, 2012 at 10:00 pm.
Hey Robin,

You are totally fine bringing your kit lens (I’m assuming this lens came together with the camera?). You won’t get as dramatic of results as you would with the lens I recommended…but you can always try somone else’s lens during the class and see if it is something you think you’d like to buy later!
Stacy Shrum posted the following on January 27, 2012 at 1:31 pm.
Kelly,

Just finished emailing you about a group of 3 of us from New Ulm who’d like to register for the workshop!! Hope there’s still room, we are so looking forward to it!

Thanks a bunch,
Stacy

Men using Pinterest?? | Farmington, MN children’s photography

January 24th, 2012

Call me crazy, but I think I’ve got my husband hooked on Pinterest…I was surfing the site last night, and he kept peeking over my shoulder, “hey, that meatball recipe looks good”…”oooh, white chili”…”I like the landscaping and that deck”. I think I might need to get him his own account. Do men pin things? I don’t know. But it would be interesting to see what dude boards would look like…

“MY DREAM BOAT” (pimped out fishing boat pics featuring built in beer coolers and TV’s with ESPN playing)

“HAIRSTYLES I LIKE” (pictures of Will Ferrell in Anchorman perfectly coiffed)

“SIX PACK” (toss up here…could be favorite beers, or a washboard stomach)

“MANLY FOODS” (recipes of burgers and all things beefy)

“I LIKE TREE’S” (tips on how to plant as many tree’s on your property as humanly possible)

“MAN CAVE” (articles on how to convince your wife that if you build a bar in the basement, you will use it ALL the time)

“SHOES I GOTTA HAVE” (a pair of Napoleon Dynamite in his moon boots)

“VACATION DESTINATIONS” (images of KOA’s and log cabins in the woods, preferably within a 2 hour drive of your home.)

“WORDS TO LIVE BY” (featuring canvas prints with hand painted quotes such as: ‘I don’t see why you’re making such a big deal out of this’ ’six to one, 1/2 a dozen to the other’ ’so, does this mean you’re mad?’ ‘it’s twelve o’clock somewhere’ ’shhh, the games on’)

Wow, that turned into a weird tangent….

One of my favorite little boys is growing too fast…I think I need to extend my baby plan into a 5 yr deal…one year is too short! Here was his six month session, isn’t he a love?

Posted in Uncategorized, baby bump, baby photography, childrens photography, cute baby pictures, family photography, family portraits, first birthday, kids photography, modern portrait photographer in minnesota, toddler photography | 2 Comments »

Amanda Sheehan posted the following on January 24, 2012 at 7:18 pm.
First..love the bowling pins.. and all your work is stunning. Second.. my husband JUST got on pinterest for this reason. I got tired of him looking over my shoulder so I sent him an invite!!
Jenni B. posted the following on January 24, 2012 at 8:11 pm.
He is an absolute doll!! I love the party hat and balloons, and the bowling pins!! Your pics make me want to move back to Minnesota so you can photograph my kids!

You know what intimidates me? Buffalo, MN family photographer

January 19th, 2012

Curtains. Consequently, my entire house (with the exception of the bedrooms, and those are strictly for room darkening), is completely lacking in curtains. Mini blinds, yes. It’s not like I have bedsheets and towels over the windows (and if you do use a towel as a curtain, I will assume you are living in a frat house with 49 other teenage boys?). I’ve gone into JC Penney’s curtain section, have you ever tried to get anyone to help you during a white sale? It’s madness. And everything is ugly. Thank goodness for Pinterest, I’m sure I’ll be able to find something stylish there…although it will probably be DIY…which is another thing that intimidates me. (mom, diy means do. it. yourself. Actually, you might know that one, nevermind)

These two little cuties did so good…waaay better than their dog~LOL! You’ll see.

Hey, you on the left…could you scoot in just a teeeensy bit closer? No? Could you just move your head in from behind that branch? No? Fine.

We’ll just crop you out.

Oh NOW you want to be in the picture…you’re left eye looks amazing…check out those beautiful catch-lights

Posted in Minnesota Photographer, Pet photographer in Minnesota, childrens photography, family photography, family portraits, kids photography, modern portrait photographer in minnesota | 5 Comments »

Tracy posted the following on January 19, 2012 at 8:06 pm.
You give me the giggles! Curtains are very intimidating here as well! We just finally put some up in our room after living in our house for 9 years! And I am sad to say that we were the neighbors on the block with sheets in our windows!! I was just a bit embarrassed Especially when I would forget to yank them down before company came!

Cute photos again!!
lexie posted the following on January 19, 2012 at 8:36 pm.
Ha! The dog and your comments crack me up!
Kellie posted the following on January 19, 2012 at 9:02 pm.
Always a day brightener Kel! Nice pictures.

PS – Target has a ton of curtains marked down on their online clearance. Not that I purchased 12 panels or anything.
Brenna posted the following on January 20, 2012 at 2:43 am.
Took me a while to find him in the last pic! Curtains are my nemesis-such an investment to get something that might not look good. And I actually have a sheet up in one of my windows right now. I’m THAT person! But I may have to check out the clearance curtains at Target, if Kellie left any behind! : )
Kelly posted the following on January 20, 2012 at 4:45 am.
Oh, no…you’re THAT person? With a sheet in the window?!! I’m kidding…I hope no one was offended by that little joke of mine…I’m sure your sheet really ‘makes the room’!!!

Random thoughts for the day | Delano, MN Family Photography

January 17th, 2012

Lot’s of random thoughts running through my head today… People who go to the gym on a regular basis harbor a LOT of hostility for the newbies with new years resolutions. ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’ made me cry last night. I hate having to pluck my face. I purchased airline tickets to Vegas using a scam of a company…I sure hope we get there okay. I’m seriously debating a new diet involving a lot of shakes. I’ve made Lucy cry three times this week…it’s only Tuesday. Facebook timeline, does anyone know how to navigate that puppy? The other night I dreamed about Katniss, Peeta and squirrels. Brady said the word ‘octogon’ today, I’ve never been prouder.

This family met me on a warm evening back in August. It was sunny, then raining, then sunny again. But the light stayed pretty the whole time, and this little field was just perfect, I can’t wait to go back there this summer! We’ve been trying to shoot this session for 2 years now, so I’m glad we finally got the chance to do it!

These step-brothers were so stinkin cute together

Posted in Minnesota Photographer, childrens photography, family photography, family portraits, kids photography, minneapolis, modern portrait photographer in minnesota | No Comments »

a tough pill to swallow | Minnesota kids photographer

January 15th, 2012

Does anyone else have traumatic memories of their parents forcing them to do something? Have you been in therapy because of it? When my 9 yr old daughter is scared of something, or afraid something will hurt…no amount of convincing, begging or sugar coating will convince her to try it. I’m afraid we may have pushed Lucy too hard the other night…she said she had a headache, and I told her that she needed to swallow a pill (back-story: she get’s leg pains and headaches quite a bit ((I think it’s hereditary, I used to get them at her age too))…and we give her children’s chewable Tylenol for the pain. For the past month, I have been telling her that when the stash runs out, she is going to be taking adult pills instead. The cost of those chewables in crazy expensive compared to the kind you swallow). Well, the time came during supper. After several complaints of a headache, I gave her one regular tylenol. She freaked. So I cut it in 1/2. She still freaked. She cried and cried at the supper table for h-o-u-r-s. Korey and I both thought this was ridiculous, and went back and forth between coaching, encouraging, and ridiculing.

Coversation at the dinner table:

Korey~ Lucy, I’ve swallowed boogers bigger than that pill.

Kelly~ Lucy, you’re NINE. The children’s tylenol is for toddlers, should I warm a bottle for you?

Riley~ Lucy, I’ll do it, you want me to show you how?

Brady~ Lucy’s a baby, Lucy’s a baby, Lucy’s a baby.

Korey~ Lucy, stop crying, I’m going to make you eat outside.

Kelly~ Lucy, if that pill was an M&M you would have swallowed in .04 seconds

Riley~ Mommy, can I eat Lucy’s dessert?

Brady~ Lucy’s a baby, Lucy’s a baby, Lucy’s a baby.

Kelly~ Lucy, just watch, you just set it on the back of your tongue (insert crazy woman screaming here), okay, I give up.

After 2 hours of crying and semi-hysterics (much to the annoyance of her parents and the amusement of her brothers), I ground up the 1/2 of a pill, stirred it in her milk, and forced her to drink it. Something tells me that she will be silently suffering through many headaches and leg aches in the future. I laid in bed that night wondering where a parent should draw the line; between sticking to their guns, or caving for the child’s sanity. I guess we’ll find out when she’s 26 yrs old and either A) lying on a therapist’s couch reliving every agonizing detail of her childhood, or B) Calling us up to say “thanks for helping me conquer my fears” (option B is unlikely, but let a mom have her dreams). Either way, I am confident she won’t be a pill-popper!

Oh my, this session was ages ago…look how bright and sunny it was that day! I got to see this handsome little boy for his newborn, 6 month and 1 yr sessions…it’s been awesome watching him grow!

He was not feeling the smiles this day~luckily, his serious looks are just as cute!

Posted in Uncategorized, baby photography, childrens photography, cute baby pictures, family photography, family portraits, kids photography, modern portrait photographer in minnesota | No Comments »

studio prop & background sale for local Minnesota Photographers

January 9th, 2012

Heads up~ photographers…I’ve got a little slideshow of things for sale. I was going to do facebook, but I thought this would be the easiest route (although I’ve come to the conclusion that there isn’t an ‘easy’ button on any of this!). Here are the instructions!

*CLICK HERE to view the slideshow. Access Code: prop

If you do not want to sit through the whole slideshow, click the ‘grid’ tab(looks like a grid) at the top right of the slideshow. Then you can easily choose which image you would like to see.

To see the price, simply click on the item you are interested in, and look at the ‘name‘ of the image #. For instance: pbkk_15 studio sale 037. The number directly after the pbkk is the total cost(total is $15). Confusing much? When I numbered the images, I did use a $$ symbol, but apparently that does not show up in my slideshow!!

*To purchase an item, email me with the item you’d like: kelly@photographybykellyklatt.com I will respond with paypal instructions if it the item is still available. I will try to keep the slideshow updated, and remove things once a transaction is complete.

*I’ve priced things fairly, so please don’t haggle me~LOL! If something is still available after a few days, I’ll consider it!

*I would prefer local pickup, NOT shipping. I will consider shipping the small hats/backgrounds/fabrics, etc. But I’d like to keep this as simple as possible (for myself).

*I will have designated pick up times here at the studio (located 7 miles out of Monticello), or at my husbands store in Buffalo (@ Klatt True Value, near the Walmart) during the next few days…in your email, please let me know where you’d like to pick up.

And because the blog looks naked without a picture…

Posted in my own schtuff | 6 Comments »

Traci Todd posted the following on January 9, 2012 at 7:52 pm.
if i was local i would be all over those chairs!!!
jenny posted the following on January 9, 2012 at 7:59 pm.
How I wish I lived within driving distance you’ve got some great stuff there. good luck with your sale
Krystle posted the following on January 10, 2012 at 4:46 pm.
YEEE! I will take the Scale! I’m in Monticello.
Krystle posted the following on January 10, 2012 at 4:47 pm.
And, I’ll take the chair too!
Graciela posted the following on January 11, 2012 at 12:38 am.
i would love the little stool if it is still available:D
Liza posted the following on January 11, 2012 at 6:37 pm.
Sorry, I didn’t read the whole thing. I see the background is $100. Sorry! I really like it. I’ll let you know shortly

Ringing in the new year with Dick | Minnetrista, MN

January 5th, 2012

Okay, this is probably really bad to admit…but the highlight of New Years Eve for the past few years, has been watching Dick Clark come back from the dead. I know it’s immature to laugh at an old man wearing gross amounts of makeup….and I do applaud his comeback after a stroke….but maybe he should have just left TV land gracefully? Ack, who am I too judge…Lord knows I’m not getting any younger or prettier, and even with a stroke he’s a more eloquent speaker than I am…

Well, I am off to clean out the studio today…going to be selling some backgrounds and props. I’m usually really good at purging. Once I decide to clean, into the trash it goes…but props are different…I mean, who KNOWS what kind of shoots will come up in the future?

I thought it best to start out the New Year with a fresh new baby (even though his 6 month session is right around the corner!!)…This whole family is so adorable….I can not WAIT to see them again!

Sweet little boys…not all siblings are this kind to their new baby brother’s!

Posted in family photography, family portraits, modern portrait photographer in minnesota, newborn, newborn photography, pictures of newborns, toddler photography | 2 Comments »

Anne Adolphson posted the following on January 6, 2012 at 1:54 pm.
Kelly! Beautiful work as always….are you going to be publically selling backgrounds and props?? if so, I may be interested
Kelly posted the following on January 9, 2012 at 5:25 pm.
Anne~are you local? Check my latest blog post!

My favs of 2011~Minneapolis, MN baby, family and senior photographer

December 31st, 2011

This year has been pretty darn excellent. I am slowly but surely working on refining my business into what I want it to be…when I first started a few years ago my goals were wishy-washy at best. I knew that I had to make a certain amount of money a month so that I didn’t have to work at the Target Deli e.v.e.r. again. Now that I feel confident that I never have to slice roast beef again, I can move on to different goals!

Some plans for 2012:

*Specialize more. My focus will be solely on newborns/kids/families/high school seniors.

*No more weddings. I LOVE photographing weddings, I just don’t LOVE everything that goes along with it…the planning, the stress, the huge amount of editing, the loss of valuable weekends with family! Not to mention, there are SO many amazing wedding photographers in Minnesota already, why not leave all the bridezilla drama to them? (I’ve never actually dealt w/ a bridezilla…but surely my luck would have run out sooner or later).

*No more extended family sessions. Basically, my reasoning for this are the same reasons I don’t do weddings any more (see excuses listed above!).

*Decide if hiring a very PT employee is beneficial, or if it will be a big headache (this is what Korey thinks…but he lovingly fights me on every big decision I make!).

*Become more known in my community…especially for high school seniors portraits.

*Begin entering image competitions…Also begin working on becoming certified or accredited…but first figure out which word it is; certified or accredited. Is accredited even a word?

*Fit into the jeans I wore in 10th grade. Okay, lady…now you go too far.

Here are some of my very favorite pictures from the past year. I really tried to keep it to 10, since I love a good top 10 list. But the numbers kept growing, and I had to stop looking at every-one’s files. So here are the top 20 (in my humble opinion).

Have a wonderful New Years Eve~I’ll see ya on the flip side

Posted in Minnesota Photographer, Uncategorized, baby bump, baby photography, childrens photography, cute baby pictures, family photography, family portraits, high school senior pictures, kids photography, maternity portraits, mn high school seniors, mn senior pictures, modern portrait photographer in minnesota, modern senior pictures in minnesota, newborn, newborn photography, newborn twins photography, pictures of newborns, pregnancy pictures, senior pictures, toddler photography | 2 Comments »

Diana C. posted the following on January 1, 2012 at 1:30 am.
I don’t know if I’ve ever commented on your blog before though I’ve been following you for a while. But I have to comment on this post. Your photographs are gorgeous. Do you ever offer workshops or mentorships? I would love to learn how to take photos like you do.
Jackie Dvorak posted the following on January 2, 2012 at 3:18 pm.
kelly!! your work is amazing!!! just wanted to wish you best of luck in 2012! may all those goal/dreams/plans come true