Kelly M Photography

Moving day!

2009-08-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

Today marks the day that I have officially launched my NEW site and blog. If you have me bookmarked or in your RSS feed, please update your links.

My new blog can be found at the new KellyMPhotography.com.

So far I am loving having my website and blog in the same place. I feel so streamlined...and dare I say, PROFESSIONAL? Hehehe.

This will be my last post on this blog. But never fear, all of my past blog posts have moved with me.

So come join me at the new KellyMPhotography.com!

Caden & Alana - San Francisco Bay Area Family Photographer

2009-08-03T17:01:00.000-07:00

This weekend I got to photograph 2 year old Caden and his baby sister Alana (as well as mom and dad). I'd have thought that after a long week and long labor and delivery shoot that a family shoot would be a piece of cake. Lets just say, 2 year olds have a special way of keeping you on your toes! He was darned cute about it though.

Here is your sneak peak K, I hope you like them so far!

The Birth of Baby Isabella - Slideshow

2009-08-02T22:53:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful that Evangelina has agreed to let me share the full slide show!

There are a few things that should be explained. There are some large chunks of time missing. This was a very very long labor (50 hours). There was a point during the process that the midwife decided it would be best for us all to leave (midwife, doula, photographer) so that we could all get some rest. I was gone for about 6 hours at that point.

In the end, after 4 hours of pushing it was clear that this baby needed help coming out and so E was transferred to her hospital. Unfortunately, when we arrived I was informed that it was hospital policy to not allow photography during the actual birth. I did not know how soon after the birth I would be allowed to photograph. Because of this I was not in a great position, nor did I have my light metered properly. One blurry, over exposed photo was all that I got of E seeing her baby for the first time. Lets just agree to call that one artsy ok?

This was such an amazing experience for me. Though it was a long, I am so pleased that this was my first birth shoot. A wonderful couple, unfathomable support system, getting to work with my friend Teri (the doula!). It was more than I could have ever dreamed of. and I can't WAIT to do it again!

The Birth of Baby Isabella - San Francisco Bay Area Birth Photography

2009-08-01T15:06:00.000-07:00

This week, I had the honor of photographing the birth of Baby Isabella. E had planned for a home birth. She had a wonderful midwife and an amazing doula on hand to help her through this journey. What she did not plan on was a 50 hour labor (Yes, 50 hours!) and 5 hours of pushing. She did all of this unmedicated. I am completely in awe. She was so calm throughout the entire process.

I'm working on a slide show but am waiting on final approval from E and her husband before posting. Some images are very intense and involve nudity, so I want to make sure they are comfortable with sharing before I post them.

For now, here are a few of my favourite pictures from the day.

Cameron is ONE YEAR OLD! - San Francisco Bay Area Family Photographer

2009-07-19T00:46:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe that Cameron is a year old! You might remember that he was one of my very first little clients. As you can see, my style has changed/grown, as has my logo. But that is not all that has changed! Check out Cam!

For Cam's one year shoot Camilla and Ron wanted to take him to see some sights in San Francisco. I set aside a whole day and let them DRAAAAG me around the city. We had so much fun! I've lived 30 miles outside of SF my entire life, yet had somehow never been to Ghiradelli Square, Fort Mason or Crissy Field! This was quite an adventure for me.

Here are some of my favourite shots from our day together.

Evangelina - San Francisco Bay Area Maternity Photographer

2009-06-15T02:46:00.000-07:00

What do you get when combine 40 acres of almond trees, a neighboring vineyard, a tractor and a gorgeous couple? You get John and Evangelina!

I had such a blast spending the afternoon with E and J on their gorgeous property. This couple has SO much chemistry, I practically blushing the whole time I was shooting. E is so beautiful, she can go from cute to sexy with one tiny movement of a facial muscle. J is a perfect blend of goofy + ruggedly handsome rolled into one proud soon to be papa.

I can't wait to join them again when they welcome their daughter.

Fun fact: J built this chapel on his parents property when his sister got married.

To prove that they really are farmers, we had to pull out tractor!

K Family - San Francisco Bay Area Family Photographer

2009-06-15T02:37:00.000-07:00

The K family were such a joy to work with. The little man decided he wanted to start me off with a challenge. A little bit of Mr Serious Face. But he quickly softened and gave us some great smiles!

Jamie and Mike - San Francisco Bay Area Maternity Photographer

2009-04-09T18:09:00.000-07:00

One of the things that is still really hard for me is meeting new people. I still get SO nervous before a shoot with people I haven't met before. Through our correspondence I could tell that Jamie was a sweetheart. She and Mike were great to work with and I can't WAIT to see them again to do their newborn shoot in a few weeks.

Here are a few of my favourite shots from their shoot. They are big, big sports fans and have a sports themed nursery. I grew up with a baseball fanatic dad, so when they said they wanted to tie their nursery theme into their shoot I was really excited!

Alison, Brandyn and Andrew - Bay Area Family Photographer

2009-04-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

I was kindly reminded by a friend today that I haven't updated this blog for a while. I've been so busy lately, please forgive me!

A few weeks ago I got together with Alison and Brandyn to take some maternity shots. Here are a couple of my favourites.

Baby's nursery theme is children's books, so we thought it would be fun to use that these for a couple of maternity pictures. This one is my favourite.

This past Thursday I had the extreme pleasure of shooting Baby Andrew's newborn session. He is a doll! What a handsome family in deed!

I promise I will not go so long between blog posts next time around. In fact, I have some pictures from a few of my other recent shoots all resized and ready to go. So expect a new blog post TOMORROW!

Mother's Day Special - San Francisco Bay Area Family Photographer

2009-02-26T18:27:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to announce my 2009 Mother's Day Special. I've been working with Heather from Angel Face Designs to provide a special that is...well, special!

Check it out!

This is my favourite part! When you purchase a CD of your full session, HALF of what you pay will be donated to Brighter Beginnings, which is a wonderful program that helps young families and single parents in a multitude of ways. From providing diapers and other necessities to mentoring and encouragement to stay in school. Brighter Beginnings helps these families to better their lives. I couldn't think of anything I would love to do more for Mother's Day than to help out some mothers who could realllllly need it!

I know that not a lot of men read my blog, so I've done something fun for you ladies. I've created a PDF of my Mother's Day Special Flier that you can download and print! Leave it taped to a mirror or slip it in your husbands brief case. Let him know this is what you want for Mother's Day!

Click Here to download your flier now.

Zoe + Kailen - San Francisco Bay Area Maternity Photographer

2009-02-10T18:33:00.001-08:00

On Sunday I met up with Zoe and her husband Kailen. We didn't know where we were going to be shooting until literally the last minute. We knew we wanted to do something outdoors but were afraid of being rained out. We got lucky and only had a few light sprinkles. It was cold but Zoe was a trooper (Kailen was a trooper too, but he didn't have his midsection exposed ;) ). We weren't sure about the red top at first, but i ended up looooving it.

Baby Maddie - San Francisco Bay Area Baby Photographer

2009-01-26T09:35:00.000-08:00

Last week, Renee and J welcomed Baby Maddie to the world! What a little angel. At just a week old she already has daddy wrapped around her little finger. You can tell the minute you walk into the house how much he adores her.

Baby Aaron - San Francisco Bay Area Baby Photographer

2009-01-16T12:56:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday I had the pleasure of meeting Baby Aaron. He was literally the most calm baby I had ever met. The entire 2 hours that we were shooting, he only fussed once! And, he never slept. I'm used to newborns being sleepy. He was wide awake and taking everything in. This kiddo is ready to conquer the world!

Anthony, Rosinel and the kiddos - San Francisco Bay Area Family Photographer

2009-01-14T07:41:00.000-08:00

We have been having unseasonably gorgeous weather here in the bay area. It's been nice, though I'm sure is not going to help our drought situation at all.

We took advantage of this great weather on Saturday to shoot Anthony, Rosinel and their two daughters. Seriously, how adorable is this family!?

Pictures of men with their children are instantly "awwwe" inducing, but men with their daughters *swoooon*! Just look at how she is looking at him!

Shooting toddlers is not always easy. Sometimes, you need bubbles!

How gorgeous is this location?!

Renee and J - San Francisco Bay Area Maternity Photography

2008-12-31T01:50:00.001-08:00

I've had a long month of shoots behind me and not much time for blog updates. I don't even know where to begin except for where I left off. This shoot seems like it was so long ago!

From the moment I decided to start my business and do maternity shoots, I had been wanting to do a shoot like this. My only wish is that we had had more sunlight. An early December shoot in San Francisco is not exactly the place for a sunny day. Luckily, as most pregnant women, Renee was running warm and so the cold did not bother her. Despite the lack of sun, I was very pleased with the outcome from the shoot. And she was as well!

(you might also notice I have a new watermark)

The Willis Family - Bay Area Family Photography

2008-11-30T18:34:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I got to meet the Willis family. Little Bryce has the most amazing eyes! He is just learning to sit up and is very curious about the world. He was having a blast checking out the fall leaves!

Lisa and family - Bay Area Family Photography

2008-11-30T18:30:00.000-08:00

Lisa, Steve and Emily are the cutest little family! Just look at Emily in her adorable little dress...Irresistible!

Quick wardrobe change, looking very hip and 70's :)

Can you just imagine daddy telling her all about the big wide world out there?

Teri and Family - Bay Area Family Photography

2008-11-30T18:22:00.000-08:00

Both my professional life and personal life have been busy busy busy the last couple of weeks. I'm finally getting a change to sit down and post some of my latest shoots!

Teri, Bob and their boys were just too cute. It took Ryan a little bit to warm up to me, but once he did, he was cheesin' it up! Just look at that grin!

Just another weekend in November

2008-11-16T23:25:00.000-08:00

I spent my weekend photographing gorgeous women. Not that their husbands, children and families weren't gorgeous as well, but all these women...wooooooo!!!! Beautiful, full of life, so much fun!

The weekend started with Camilla and her family. As with most shoots. My favourite pictures end up being the candid ones I snap when we're waiting around. Like this one of Cameron and his grandpa.

Daddy, Cameron and Uncle Nelson showing off the Chuck Taylors!

The whole fam damily.

After an awesome shoot with Camilla and her clan, I headed out to meet up with Ariel. She is just a few weeks away from having her first little bundle! CUTE and synonyms thereof are the only way to describe this shoot! She's so adorable!

Don't mess with a pregnant lady and her ice cream!

This morning I met up with Melissa and her two guys. Objective? Christmas card portrait...Evan had a different mission in mind, EXPLORE! Still, I think we got some great shots.

My favourite. Again, candid and real :)

Phew! I've got a lot of post processing work to do this week ;)

I still have a couple of spots open for mini sessions, so please contact me if you need an image for your holiday cards!

Until next time...

Mini Sessions Reminder

2008-11-09T00:08:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to post a reminder about mini-sessions for November. I'm booking up quick so if you want a Kelly M mini-session, contact me today! Annnnd, I have card samples! Check em out at the bottom of the post!

Mini sessions include:

- An hour of shooting at a location of your choice
- 1 Hi-Rez digital image to be used on your personalized Holiday Card Design by Swish Designs!

A disc of all images from your session or individual prints can be purchased for a small fee from your online gallery.

Session fee is $150.

This offer is good on bookings through November 30th 2008. Space is limited so book now!

Please note that photo and card choices must be made within 7 days of your online gallery being posted, to ensure that your card design will be finished and ready for you to print in time to send to friends and family.

To book a session, please email: Kelly@KellyMPhotography.com.
Or call me at 925-300-6912.

Here are just a few of the sample cards from Donna at Swish Designs. All cards are customizable and we will work with you to make sure you get the perfect holiday card for your family. And she has more designs coming!

Katie's Headshots

2008-11-08T20:00:00.000-08:00

Did you all know that I do headshots too! Really? You did? Because, until today, I had no idea!

Miss Katie asked if I would take her headshots for her. In a couple weeks she will be auditioning for a roll in Evita with her local community theater. The last time she was on stage was 10+ years ago in High School! (erm, sorry to give away your age there deary) We all know how hard it can be as a woman to wrap yourself up in being wife, mom and caretaker to everyone but yourself. I love seeing women taking the time to fulfill their own needs...So how could I say NO to that!

Maile Joy

2008-11-08T14:17:00.000-08:00

Today I had the immense pleasure of meeting Maria and Emilio's newborn, Maile Joy! At just 8 days old she is participating in her first professional shoot. :)

She has her mommy's lips, her daddy's nose and is just cute as a button! I'm so lucky to have a friend like Maria and am so happy to be documenting Maile's first 12 months.

November Mini Sessions

2008-11-05T21:42:00.000-08:00

I meant to make this post on the 1st of November, but between Halloween, my dad’s birthday and the election, I just have not found the time!

Introducing, November mini-sessions!

Mini sessions include:

- An hour of shooting at a location of your choice
- 1 Hi-Rez digital image to be used on your personalized Holiday Card Design by Swish Designs!

A disc of all images from your session or individual prints can be purchased for a small fee from your online gallery.

Session fee is $150. Card samples to come in a few days.

This offer is good on bookings through November 30th 2008. Space is limited so book now!

Please note that photo and card choices must be made within 7 days of your online gallery being posted, to ensure that your card design will be finished and ready for you to print in time to send to friends and family.

To book a session, please email: Kelly@KellyMPhotography.com.
Or call me at 925-300-6912.

Site News

2008-11-05T20:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Readers,

I made some changes to the site today. Namely, the session pricing page. Don't worry, prices have not changed! Just the look of the page. I've simplified. One page, no sub-pages. It is all there in one easy to read package.

Speaking of packages, I've added a new package!

I am happy to announce the "Bumps and Babes" Package!

Bumps and Babes Package - $300

Our “Bumps and Babes” package is a 2 session package that starts with a Maternity Shoot at around 34 to 36 weeks and ends with a newborn shoot 2 to 3 weeks after baby is born.

After each session, proofs will be available online for viewing, sharing and print ordering. A disc of high resolution images will be available for purchase.

Thanks for reading! And be sure to look out on the weekend, I have some very special sessions happening on Saturday!

Cameron - 4 Months

2008-10-25T21:40:00.001-07:00

I had so much fun shooting Cameron today. He's gotten so big since his 2 month shoot back in August! I'm so looking forward to the rest of his shoots this year and seeing how much he grows and changes every couple of months.

Toward the end of his shoot today, mommy hesitantly asked if we could get a couple pictures of him in his Halloween costume. "Of course!" was my reaction. They ended up being some of my favourite shots of the day! Little stinker ;)

Griffin

2008-10-19T20:50:00.000-07:00

After months of reading their blog and following their pregnancy journey, I finally got to me S & A yesterday. The purpose of our meeting? Newborn shoot! Despite some colicky bouts in his early weeks, G was a little angel (well, most of the time ;) ) and a joy to shoot. I look forward to seeing this little man grow!

Darian's 1 year shoot.

2008-10-19T20:48:00.001-07:00

Cutest kid ever? Um, yeah, pretty darned close! I had a blast working with Baby D yesterday for his 1 year shoot. When I first met this little guy, he was only a couple of weeks old. I can not believe how big he has gotten!

Maria and Emilio

2008-10-13T11:42:00.001-07:00

My weekend started of fantastic with this maternity shoot for Maria and Emilio. We had a great time with lots of laughs. Their fur baby, Paws, even got in on the action! I can't wait to meet their baby (boy? girl? we don't know yet!) and see them as parents. Thank you guys for being such great subjects!

Dax

2008-10-03T20:25:00.000-07:00

I got to meet 6 week old Dax (love that name!) and his gorgeous parents a few days ago. Dax was not exactly happy to be having his pictures taken but we still got a few good shots in. The photo of his father's tattooed wrist is my favourite.

Heather

2008-10-03T19:28:00.000-07:00

I don't normally do graduation shoots, but my good friend Heather graduated from college earlier this year and asked if I would shoot for her. She is the first in her family to graduate from college, so it is kind of a big deal! She wanted just one good shot to give to her parents. These two are my favourite :) I know, I know, the second isn't exactly "frame it and give it to my parents" material but she really loves her tattoo and I thought this picture came out gorgeous!

Monica and Steven

2008-09-17T01:29:00.000-07:00

Monica and Steven are expecting their first little one in October. A girl named Payten. They have recently moved and are finishing up the remodel of their gorgeous home. Or rather I should say Steven is finishing it up ;) What a handy guy!

Congrats M & S!

Question answered and booking

2008-09-07T23:11:00.000-07:00

A question I have been asked a lot recently is, "When is the best time to do a Maternity shoot?"

I personally think between 32 and 36 weeks is best depending how much you are showing. I think that past 36 weeks is usually pushing it, as far as being comfortable. 32 weeks can be early for some women and just right for others. You are really the best judge of where your belly will be size wise and also of how big you want your bump to be at your shoot.

I'm happy to say that my schedule is looking fuller and fuller. Thank you SO much to everyone who has recommended me to friends or family. And to everyone who have left comments and been so encouraging.

The holidays are just a few short months away! If you had planned on doing a shoot with your child or family for holiday cards or presents, you might want to get that booked soon! Just drop me an email or give me a call (925.300.6912).

Cameron and Family

2008-08-31T23:04:00.000-07:00

I met Camilla a few weeks ago at a "girls night out" dinner. She was a spunky little spitfire of a woman and I liked her instantly. I was thrilled when I received an email from her asking to do a 2 month shoot for her son. Her husband Ron is a friendly and mellow man. You can tell right away that these two balance each other out. They were such a cute little family and I loved being able to capture the sweetness between them.

Babies are so great to shoot, and of course the whole point of doing baby shoots is to capture their innocence, how tiny they are. But I think that even more than shooting babies, my favourite thing is capturing the new mom glow. The adoration, the tenderness. The love that is mirrored between baby and mommy creates a light that is so pure. It's amazing and I feel so lucky to be able to capture these moments that moms will cherish years from now.

Jessica

2008-08-30T17:07:00.000-07:00

Today I got to shoot Jessica and her cute little (soon to be bigger!) family. I still get a little nervous before each shoot. Not about the picture taking but about meeting new people (and even about working professionally with people I already know!). Luckily J and family made it so easy and my nerves were calmed with in a few minutes of entering their home.

Here are just a few of my favourite shots from today!

April, Dustin and Ty

2008-08-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

When April contacted me about doing a shoot with her brother and her son, I must admit, I got a little choked up! Dustin will be leaving in December for a year long tour in Iraq. He'll be missing Christmas with the family. These photos will be a present for Dustin and April's mom. I can't imagine having my baby boy in the armed forces or being in a war. I know how special these photographs are going to be to her and I'm so honored that April asked me to take them. According to her, the last portraits they had done as brother and sister were "cheesy mall portraits with a starry night backdrop". As cheesy as that might be, I'm sure their mom still cherishes the images! Hopefully these will be nice additions to the collection.

Katie and Jason

2008-08-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

What is more fun than shooting a couple in love? Shooting a couple who are in love, who ooze chemistry and know how to make each other laugh! Lets face it, you can be a hot and heavy couple, but if you don't have humor, you ain't got nuthin!

Jen and DJ

2008-08-19T21:04:00.000-07:00

Today I had the pleasure of shooting with Jen and DJ. First time expectant parents. We had a lot of fun and I think we got some really great shots. Using the blocks to spell out "baby" was Jen's idea and I think it turned out really great. Another fun "fact" is that the rest of the family did not yet know the name they had picked for their son until they saw the picture spelling "David". Awwwe, what a cute way to reveal the name!

Joaquin

2008-08-04T18:07:00.000-07:00

Joaquin has become one of my favourite little friends. He is so funny and loving and adorable. So when his mommy asked me to shoot him, I just jumped at the chance! Don't ever let anyone tell you that shooting toddlers is easy. This kid was all over the place! I definitely got a work out chasing this kid around. But sooooo worth it once I saw some of the gorgeous shots we captured.

Erin Elizabeth

2008-07-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

How gorgeous is Erin? and how cute is this brown dress?!

Alec Dario

2008-07-24T18:04:00.000-07:00

Today I had the pleasure of shooting Baby Alec and his family. After last weeks shoot I was feeling much more confident. I think it helped that I have known Carolina since she was a youngin' ;)

Here are a few shots from our session today.

Baby Norah

2008-07-22T15:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my first newborn shoot. I had been really nervous, but once I met J, her hubby (and grandma!) and Baby Norah I felt very at easy. They were really great to work with. After a bit of hunger fussies Norah turned into a great little model. It helped that she was attracted to the clicking sound of the camera.

A few samples from yesterdays shoot.