Nearly 2 Months of Photos

Oh goodness! I had not realized the last time I posted was Sept. 24th! Each time I thought I would get the chance to blog, something would always seem to come up. The last two months have been fun and eventful with a few hiccups. I have both my boys in Cub Scouts plus helping out a close family friend with his son who is in Cub Scouts as well. At the beginning of October, we had a camping trip that was just for the females and kids. Due to the rain, we just decided to spend the day instead of staying over night. The boys had a blast! I believe their favorite activities were shooting BB guns, archery, finding a lizard, and climbing a rope ladder.

My Fall Mini Shoots went great at Calie's Acre Pumpkin Patch! I am so bummed the patch is closed, but I am looking forward to next year in hopes of doing them again at the same location. The clients I had were both returning clients with awesome kids. Lots of smiles and giggles!

The little boy I did a cake smash shoot in September, I got to photography him and his family. They are such a fun and sweet family! His sister, who was the fairy in the last shoot, even warmed up to me a little bit more.

And now I will finish with photos from my son's birthday party, a trip to the patch with the scouts, and Halloween. I have a photo session this evening with another great family. I'll try and not to wait another two months to post again!

Cake Smash & Fairies

When I was asked to do a cake smash, it took everything in me to not shriek with delight! This was second one, and I just loved the first one so much I was anxious to do another one. My excitement grew when I saw this sweet little guy with that charming smile wearing the overalls and his adorable chocolate lab puppy. The puppy was too busy wanting to explore, but I did manage to get a couple shots of him. The only thing I wish I had--before the cake smash--was a fishing pole and a tin bucket because I feel like some of these photos say "little country fishing dude".

After I was finished with the future birthday boy, I moved onto his sister who just did not want her picture taken at all. So I just went with it, imagining she was a fairy who just wanted to fly around and play. I did manage to get a smile or two out of her. The best part was when she and her cousin sat on a little bridge. They got to giggling when I made myself slide down into the deep ditch and saying I was falling. I nearly landed on a stick coming up from the ground which got them laughing even harder. The pink winged fairy kept asking me to do it again and again! I'm happy to report after the photo shoot I was covered in dirt and sweaty, and it was all so very worth it!

Fall Mini Sessions

I seriously had not realized it has been two weeks since I posted! We have been busy with getting into a routine since school started, and it seems like we have fallen into a decent pattern. I soon realized I need to get something together for mini photo sessions. Last year, I went with my son on a school field trip to Calie's Acre I fell in love with it, and for the past year I dreamed of doing photo sessions at this location. The time has finally arrived and I spoke with the owner who is graciously allowing me to use their beautiful farm.

Calie's Acre is located on Hwy 300 between Longview and Gilmer. They have beautiful, nice sized pumpkins, a pond with ducks, a maze, barrel train ride, hay ride, a gift shop, and a very cool hay mountain that the kids can climb. I highly encourage for anyone who books a session with me to spend some exploring after your session.

Now for the details on the Fall minis. Each mini is 30 minutes and I do require that 1/2 of the amount be paid at time of booking to retain your time slot and it will also cover admission into the pumpkin patch. Mini photo session plus fun exploring the pumpkins? What can be better than that? The remaining amount of the session rate can be paid at the time of your appointment. You will get a disc of 10 edited images with your print relase, your choice of an 8x10 printed photo, and a private online gallery from which you will select the photo you want for your 8x10. Please limit up to 5 people per session and babies that can sit or stand unassisted. As much as I would love the chance to photograph babies younger than 6 months, I don't have anything that can help them to sit up Halloween costumes are welcomed as well!

To book your session, please email me at katbakerphotography@gmail.com Please be sure I have the correct email address for you so I can send a PayPal invoice. Look forward to all the Fall fun and capturing those memories for you and your families at the remarkable Calie's Acre!

Time at the Fire Department

From time to time, I love to go to the fire station and take photos, even if it is repeats. The reason for repeats is because I am forever trying another angle or just even inch closer or further away. This is something I just love to do for them because this station has already done so much for the community. I went twice last week to first take photos of my closest friend and his two kids--his son managed one or two photos then hid from me :) The second time, he helped me make something I dreamed up in my head come true.

Lately I have been more drawn to composite photography. After searching for numerous tutorials, I finally decided to do it on a whim. A few years ago I gave it a try, but stopped for a good bit before doing it again. Every now and then I just like to challenge myself; seeing what else I can learn. It is a work in progress, but always so much fun learning as I go.

So Long Summer Break

What happened to summer break? It seems just like yesterday Kaden and Kody were excited about their last day of school. Now, here we are at the final week of break. While our summer did not go exactly as I had hoped, I'm very relieved that my boys say that had a great summer.

I had hoped for a mini trip to anywhere here in Texas. Our house had other plans for us with back to back repairs. I have learned that some things actually do happen for a reason so just made the best of it. We had our fun going to parks, swimming at my sister's house, 4th of July with my side of the family, fireworks, and the usual outside time. What amazes me most is when it was 105 degrees they were so anxious to go outside and play. When the temps cooled off to a pleasant upper 80s to lower 90s they wanted to stay in the house. I eventually did convince them to spend more time outdoors---every single day they took great joy in playing in the hose. My boys are pretty easy to please. Just give them the outdoors, bikes, a hose, and they are quite content.

Other than the chaos of repairs, our summer has been quite content. We may not have been able to have our little trips elsewhere or squeeze in any camping, but we still made memories as a family.

Dr. Seuss Baby Shower

On Sunday, I attended a baby shower for someone very special to me. I've known her for 30 years (since I was 6 years old) and always loved her like a big sister. Our families have seen each other through good times, bad times, silly times, and stressful times. Now, we are seeing her through the most amazing time....her pregnancy. This one is extra special considering her oldest son just graduated from high school and her other son will be a junior in high school. The baby has been a pleasant surprise and a blessing!

The Dr. Seuss theme was her oldest son's idea, and it was made possible with not only his help but with the help of my sister and his good friend's mom. They did a fantastic job! Signs were put saying "Welcome to Whoville" with clever little rhymes. I felt like I was attending a shower at Whoville! It was so magical and whimsical. Even the food was colored to match the theme, and of course there were green deviled eggs. Never did see any ham though... We were all asked to bring a book with a special note written inside. A couple books the mama got teary eyed, making us all get the same way; although, it was a happy teary eyed. Her heart truly shines through, and she gives a whole new meaning to that pregnant glow.

Best Friends Photo Shoot

These girls are amazing and definitely will keep you on your toes! T is actually the daughter of a close friend of mine who I have dubbed my official model whenever I need a photo taking fix (which is usually just about every single day). I have known her almost her entire life, watching her grow into a strong, determined, and beautiful young lady. She is one of many that I consider to be my niece by heart. I adored her best friend J who is addicted to Harry Potter and an intelligent and beautiful young lady as well. They never complained about the heat or the fact that I lost my keys......yes, I lost my keys and my dear husband had to come to my rescue 30 minutes away. T and J suggested to just take more photos while we waited, and it did make the waiting go by much faster. Just goes to show no matter how difficult a situation, they are troopers who make the best of anything.