Childrens Photography | Monticello photographer, Buffalo photographer

Archive: ‘childrens photography’

hanging babies, chicken nuggets & a woman’s butt | buffalo, mn family photography

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

Well, since my coffee hasn’t kicked in and I can’t seem to make one cohesive thought…let’s do a round of random thoughts, shall we?

I don’t remember cake walks being so difficult to win…1/2 hour of walking in a clock-wise circle in the elementary school gym with nothing to show for it. I touched a woman’s bare bottom today. I got a bit hostile with the Schwan’s man yesterday, I was convinced that he decided to come every week, instead of every other…I made him prove it…he was right…clearly my life is whizzing by so quickly I feel as though I order chicken nuggets on a weekly basis, instead of bi-weekly. Allright, elephant in the room…the naked butt…I photographed a boudoir shoot today (sorry, no sneak peeks for that jazz), and I had to help buckle the gal into some sort of contraption…it took me a while to help (obviously, I can barely put on my own bra). Korey got his credit card stolen out of his pants pocket on Monday. Thankfully, no one touched his butt, they took it from his gym locker…lesson learned: bring a lock. On that note, living without credit cards for 4 days has been more challenging than I thought….I miss my Discover card real bad. Lately in the world of drama (aka: women in the photography business), the girls have been in an uproar over photographers who ‘hang babies’, apparently, some women are ‘qualified’, while others, clearly, are not. I would like to know if there is a place to become certified to ‘hang a baby’? Do any colleges offer courses on such a thing? I doubt it. So unless you have a degree in newborn safety techniques, I suggest you keep your self-righteous facebook rants to yourself. I, in return, promise to stop reading the drama (TIME SUCK) that has been going down, as it is doing nothing to help grow my own business…Anyhoo…Has anyone else tried those ‘body by vi’ nutrition shake things? Those taste like heaven in a glass…certainly, they can’t be good for me? yum.

This family is about as cute as they come! Loved these little girls, they were so sweet and giggly! Definitely didn’t have to work for any smiles on this day….I can’t remember what was so funny…was there something on my face? I was able to do this session in my front yard in the morning…sometimes the light is too harsh to shoot there, but this day was overcast and worked perfectly!

Posted in Minnesota Photographer, buffalo, childrens photography, family photography, family portraits, kids photography, modern portrait photographer in minnesota | 2 Comments »

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

Thursday, 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 | 7 Comments »

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

Tuesday, 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 »

You know what intimidates me? Buffalo, MN family photographer

Thursday, 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 »

Random thoughts for the day | Delano, MN Family Photography

Tuesday, 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

Sunday, 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 »

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

Saturday, 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 »

hypnosis from one so young? | monticello, mn family photographer

Monday, December 19th, 2011

My son Riley has a new skill set…hypnotist.

(please note, this is my digital rendition…his original copy was thrown in the trash ((thanks daddy)) and covered in coffee grounds).

Yesterday, he drew me a picture (identical to the one above), and slowly waved it in front of my face saying, “you want me to play wiiiiiiiiii” (spoken in a low, hypnotic tone). Who is teaching my 6 year old these tricks? And since it worked, and he did indeed get to play the wii, I can only assume that he has a real talent. Does his gift extend into other genres? Like weight loss? Because if he can hypnotize me into thinking I don’t need to eat Christmas cookies 24-7, that would be most appreciated.

I met this family back in August, and while discussing locations, found out that grandma and grandpa (who look too young to be grandma and grandpa), live less than 2 miles away, on a nice little lake. I am so jealous of their property…I warned them that if they saw some random kids swimming on their beach, that it was just me and my family, and not to worry! I still haven’t gone through with my trespassing plan…next June, fo-sho.

Stay tuned to the blog tomorrow…I promised some folks I would be putting my Christmas Card on here…it’s not for the faint of heart.

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