Even Professionals Take Bad Photos

Bad Funny photos happen. Just like bad hair days and bad sweaters.

Usually during a session there are a handful of images where the subjects are caught off guard at just the wrong moment. They are not nice candids, just unflattering spoofs. They make me chuckle and then get removed from the mix because who really wants to see them?

Actually....Who doesn't want to see them? Spoofs happen to everyone!

Even to professionals.

A few months back when the trees were still golden, I rolled Devin out of bed at sunrise for our family photo. We had the assistance of a good friend working the camera, but we were the subjects. And we got some bad funny photos in the mix. :) We also have a cat (Leisl) and we had to include him in the family photo (duh.) and as anyone who has tried to do a photo with pets can confirm, the pets are sometimes very similar to unruly children. :) Enjoy our spoofs! Be well, Kaht

"Don't let Leisl run away! I'm getting the settings right."

"I know you have treats!! Give. Me. Now. Purrrrrrlease?"

Up. Down. Up. Down. BUTT!

'I so do not belong to this family.'

"Here kitty kitty. Come to...Oh. Of course you come for your mama...."

"Awww, snuggle me too guys!! Snuggle snuggle snuggle MEEEE!" *snuggles*

"Mraaaaaaaa!!! Put me down! Put me down! PUT ME DOWN!!!"

Fine. We can look good without the cat. :)

Happy holiday photo season! Do you have any funny holiday photos??

Client Gifties!

Client gifties are wrapped and ready to go!

Now to focus on my family. I have a few great ideas! I just hope I can implement them in time for Christmas day. If we celebrated Hannukah, I would be so behind! Maybe I can convince everyone to celebrate on Little Christmas this year (or actually next year). Really though, where is the fun if you are not rushing about frantically? Be well, Kaht

Ooooh, what could they be?? :)

Snow-No! Snow-fun.

Kitty McGrumpy is having a real fit today because we woke up to a winter wonderland!

I am all, 'Snow dance hurray!'

And he is all, 'Crabby. Crabby. Snow-No! Grump. Blah.'

He has asked to go out several times and each times he pokes his head out, gets a few flakes on his nose and about faces right back inside. This time he actually got his feet wet, but promptly returned to the snow free indoors.

See the hearts in the upper right corner? Maybe the neighbors did those :) Or magic elves.

This has to be the most depressing time of the year for a cat. I wonder if he understands time and how long winter actually lasts? That would really be depressing then...poor kittay.

But we are all excited! This coming weekend we are going to pick out our Christmas tree, so the snow is a welcome and festive sight! Be well, Kaht

Ridiculous Me

Yesterday the Apocalypse almost occurred.

Almost because the seas did not turn to blood, the sky did not burn and the only dead man walking was Devin first thing in the morning. But the wind!!! It started in the morning and progressively became stronger throughout the day. Before too long twigs started to fall, tree branches started to snap and finally whole trees and power poles toppled over! A good friend actually had a tree fall ON her car while she was driving! We are all so thankful she and her dog are okay, but talk about scary!

Eventually the power went out and I was forced to shut things down for the day. I did what I could in the way of paperwork using my headlamp to see things by, but it always amazes me (and makes me cringe) just how much I rely on electricity, the internet, and my computer to get things done. Even though I try to limit my access and "desk chair time" it really takes up a lot of my life! Must work on that. "Desk chair butt" is so not sexy.

This morning driving out to yoga I got to see the tree carnage. It was insane! Big trees snapped off in the middle or pulled right out of the ground with their roots swinging in the breeze! We are so lucky to have only lost power because I have heard of many folks who had trees fall on their homes and cars. ::Thanks lucky stars::

Now things are mostly back to normal here. Other homes are still without power, so most of the local schools were cancelled today. The kids love it because it is actually a really nice day out! Freeeebie :) I have finally caught up on most of what I meant to get done yesterday and figured I would drop a line here to say "Hey!"

Does anyone else have any crazy wind storm stories??

They say the winds reached 90mph here yesterday!!! Insane.

Despite being a sunny-ish day, it is still kind chilly and here in Vermont we are the epitome of fashionistas! Well, at least I am. Can't speak for my other Vermont-comrades ;) But I am totally rocking out the wool socks+capris today. Even the UPS man commented on them! HA!

Ridiculous me.

Cleaning Out My Thoughts to Make Room for Family

While trying to organize my thoughts, I came up with a few things to share:

*I made spaghetti and meatballs tonight and it turned out fabulous! Photos to come.

*I am officially wiped out. I got up early yesterday morning and have been working madly through my to-do list so that I can enjoy some family time at the end of the week. Good news: I got a lot done! Bad news: I think I might be borderline insane from having been at the computer all day. Isn't it like 72 hours without sleep and you are considered insane? I wonder if there is an equivalent for computer usage?

*When it becomes hard to find a sitter for the cat, it makes me wonder what we will do when we have kids! Big screen TV? For the weekend? KIDDING!! ::shifty eyes::

*I am really excited about a new pie I am going to make for our dinner on Thursday!! If it works, I'll share the recipe :)

*I have a newsletter! If you would like to join the list, you can subscribe here. Thank you! I promise to make the monthly news colorful, if not a little interesting. :)

*If you are not on the newsletter list, then you did not receive the below note. I mean every word of it. Seriously! Without you, what would I be? Another person who is caught talking to themselves in cyberspace. You give my life meaning! And for that I am thankful.

*I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving! Do you have any food traditions? What? We always have kale cooked with bacon and oatmeal. It stinks up the house like nothing else for the 4 days beforehand as it simmers in the crockpot, but tastes OH! so yummy. Be well, Kaht

November is a peaceful, pretty time of year. The lush greenery of summer has faded to muted shades of nature, and clouds hover above us and speak of the coming winter—not a warning so much as a word of advice from a trusted friend. The seasons are changing, and the pace of life moves to a different rhythm.

We’re entering into the holiday season and are preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving. This time of year summons up many warm memories of gathering around the adult table (or being sequestered to the kids’ table) and enjoying a special meal surrounded by family and friends.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday! It’s marvelous to have a day set apart to be grateful for all we enjoy. My good fortune overwhelms me with gratitude, and I want you to know that you are included in my list of blessings. Your friendship and patronage has warmed my heart. I love to see my clients’ smiles and hear the laughter of a family posing for a portrait that will be cherished for decades. Touching the lives of friends and neighbors with my portraiture is a dream come true! Thank you.

I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with love, gratitude, laughter, and sweet moments shared with someone special. Beautiful memories to cherish forever!

Have a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving and a holiday season filled with goodness and joy. Thank you for letting me be a part of your life. I look forward to serving you in the coming year.

Warmest Regards,

Kathleen

A stray after thought:

**Chickens provide endless entertainment.

What are you looking at? Go find a turkey!

His True Personality

Sometimes it comes easy, sometimes you have to work really hard. Usually we get it, sometimes we don't. But everyone deserves a second chance to show their true personality! Thank you to this little guys mom for trusting me :)

Enjoy his complete happiness and joy: It is a bit contagious! :) xo Kaht

Vermont Family Portraits: A Chilly Session

Just a quick sneak peek from a recent session!

Although a bit chilly, I have been able to fit in a few more sessions with the lovely afternoon light. Dressing warm is important though. And it looks like the weather is turning more wintry next week, so this may have been the last autumn themed session! :) These two families travelled quite a distance to meet up and have a sibling/cousin photo session and I am so happy to have met them! We'll just add them right on to the list of lovely people I know because they were just that. :) Despite the chill, we had some fun exploring the space around the Monitor Barn. Enjoy! xo Kaht

This little guy was so enthralled with the chicken.

And no wonder! She had a little baby chick with her :)







Sisters :)



The parting shot before we called it a wrap and wrapped ourselves in scarves and hats! Thank you for keeping the smiles going and for hanging in there :)

Engaged: Liz & Kevin: Vermont

A friend recently told me that I am so happy and upbeat. And although that is not true 100% of the time because we all have our moments, it is true most of the time. The reason for my generally sunny mood is people. I have a keen sense for positive attitudes and gravitate towards them.

My life is filled with lovely people that just make my days perfect! From my husband, to the cat (bc he's a real boy!), to my industry colleagues, to the women I practice yoga with, I am constantly exposed to their smiles and love. And in turn I cannot help but smile and find so much that is good in my life!

Which is why I am pleased to introduce you to Liz & Kevin. They are happy. And wonderful. And sweet. And just perfect for my life. I want to set them right on my mantle next to all the other lovely people I know. :)

We just barely squeaked in their fall engagement session. It was a freezing cold day WITH SNOW! But they were all about getting great images and happily "chilled" through the session. Even their pup Charlie was on board the polar express! We just focused on how warm their wedding will be next summer. :) Enjoy some of my favorites and have a wonderful weekend! xo Kaht

Charlie stole my heart with his perky ears and sweet eyes. :)

*love* So happy! :)

Charlie is not a fan of public kissing.... ;)







Ooooh Liz, I cannot wait to see you as a beautiful bride!

The weather was wacky! It would snow...

And then be sunny! All in a one minutes time.

But we had fun!

Even Charlie enjoyed himself :)





A little sass works for these two.

So does some sweet :)

We'll sign off with this favorite of mine! Thank you Liz, Kevin & Charlie for a lovely, brisk morning!

Married: Robin & Goose: Montpelier, VT

Robin & Goose were my last wedding for 2010 and I truly could not have asked for a more wonderful couple. Their love and joy is contagious and throughout the day I could not help but smile and shed tears of joy right along with them and everyone else!

Their wedding day dawned bright and chilly with temperatures barely cresting 40 degrees, but the mood surrounding the hustle and bustle of getting ready was warm and cozy. They were both encircled by the people who love them most and laughter rang throughout the Parish House of The Old Meeting House as they prepared to become bride and groom. Before too long it was time for the first look. And as I stood with Goose waiting for Robin, he asked me, "How is it possible that I am about to marry a wonderful, beautiful woman? She is just perfect!" As his question hung between us in the crisp air, Robin turned the corner looking radiant and started to walk towards her husband-to-be.

Robin & Goose, thank you a million times for choosing me! It is an honor to be your photographer and a joy to be your friend. I hope you are having a wonderful honeymoon in the jungle! Wave "Hello!" to a sloth for me. I always thought they were so cute :) And in answer to your question Goose, anything is possible in love. May it always surround your marriage and life. xo Kaht

Sorry politicians. You can't hold a candle to the popularity votes these two get!

As I hung out with the girls, Devin scouted the property surrounding The Old Meeting House. It was such a neat location!



Robin & Goose left gift bags in their guests rooms that contained homemade jam and home brewed beer! Devin and I counted ourselves pretty luck to go home with such a goodie bag!













Robin & Goose opted for a First Look prior to their ceremony, which I am always in support of!

I love that the bridesmaids are sneaking a peek around the corner!!

It is such a tender moment when a couple sees one another for the first time on their wedding day.

Devin's view :)

Handsome groom, beautiful bride, wonderful day!

Cool guys...

Cool car!

After the First Look, everyone warmed up in The Parish House and watched as guests arrived.

Robin & Goose have some awesomely talented friends! The welcome sign was so neat. :)

Time to get married!

My view of the rings...

And Devin's view! A very cool angle. :)

Now, I mentioned all the tears of joy, yes? Well Robin & Goose's ceremony was simply full of happy tear moments! Here Robin's dad sings a song that he wrote for the couple. There was not a dry eye in the house!

Mr. & Mrs.! I love this moment :)

After the ceremony the sun had dropped below the horizon and the temperature was about 35 degrees! Bless their hearts, the wedding party did not murmur one. single. complaint. I wanted to hug them all and pass out cups of hot cocoa with heart shaped marshmallows, because they were all that awesome! Thank you :)



The red dresses were a perfect pop of color!

I do not know the whole story, but A LOT of work went into getting this car ready for the big day. And it was totally appreciated because it is such an awesome getaway car!



Snuggle close to keep warm!!



*love*!

More *love*!

After the ceremony, the celebration moved to The Capital Plaza Hotel in downtown Montpelier, VT. The toasts were given by Goose's brother and Robin's sister and were full of humor and sweet stories. :)

Throughout the wedding planning process Robin would tip me off to the details she was working on. I was so excited to see them all! And was not disappointed. LOVED the bird theme. :) The adorable cake was done by Snaffle Sweets in Richmond, VT. It was spice cake and sooo delicious! Yes. I did have a piece. :)

Robin's mom made all of the mini jams for the guests. Someone please send a badge of honor to her, because I know how much work goes into making mini jams!

Robin & Goose chose to do a guest book with their engagement photos, which I just love! Their book cover was an antique leather that was so perfect for their autumn wedding. Warm & cozy.

After Robin & Goose opened the dance floor with their first dance as husband and wife,

The Grift then rocked the house for the rest of the night!



And everyone had a blast :)

Congratulations again to a beautiful couple! To see more of their wonderful day, you can check out their slideshow :) Be sure to have your sound on to be able to enjoy their first dance song!