Peace and Pandemonium

Sophie

2009-11-14T22:15:00.004-07:00

Sophie went to a friends birthday party this morning where they had their faces painted and took at dance class. At the end of the party, they performed their dance for the parents. Well I didnt know this and I scheduled a haircut during the party so I didnt get to see the recital at the end. So imagine my joy when my friend Elisha emailed me this darling picture of Sophie from the party. It's been a while since I made the time to photograph my own kids. Shame on me! This picture has inspired me to get some pics of my own again.

Thanks Elisha. This is a FABULOUS photo!!

The Bingham Family

2009-11-13T11:34:00.006-07:00

Yes, it's true, I could spend the time typing a really cute and cleaver anecdote about the Bingham family.

Maybe I could write about how each child cried for their dad to hold them and when they realized that he couldn't (and more importantly wouldn't) hold all of them at once, they each took their turn crying tears of sadness and protest. For example...

Or I could talk about the deer guts that we stumbled upon while exploring in the wild and how it was totally disgusting.

Or I could tell you the funny story about how baby Ben's feet litterally swung up behind him for no appartent reason and he went from standing happily to laying flat on his face in under .5 seconds. (Actually I'll just SHOW you those pictures)

Yeah I could write in detail about all of this but that would just postpone me from finally posting this blog after 2 full weeks. I don't think Alyson is going to care what I write at this point. I think she is just dying to see some pictures from the family session I had with her family on Halloween. Yes, thats right, October 31st! That tells you how far behind I am on editing. : ) So instead of doing all that, I'll just press post and get it over with already and I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

One second...

The very next second.

Claire

2009-11-10T19:30:00.003-07:00

Happy Birthday Claire.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-08T22:03:00.004-07:00

Another Halloween.
Another All Hallow's Eve spent scrambling to come up with suitable costumes for my kiddies.
I wish I were one of those moms who had their kids costumes planned out a month ahead of time but alas, I'm not.
This year Sophie chose to be a witch.
Matias wanted to be a vampire.
Isaiah was the trickiest of all by dressing up as a sorcerer.

And, in a crazy turn of events, I even dressed up this year. As Medusa in case you couldn't tell what that crazy stuff on my head is. Good times.

The Wright Family

2009-11-08T14:35:00.005-07:00

First of all I have to announce that I finally got internet in my new house after nearly 3 months!!! I succumbed to the beast and to be honest, I'm feeling pretty good about it. I intend on keeping a reasonable amount of distance from life on the internet so as not to get sucked in, but at least now I can post blogs without driving to my moms house. That will be nice. It'll also be nice to respond to email in a more timely manner. I promise that from now on, I will be a better blogger, a better email corresponder, and a better friend on facebook. Oh who are we kidding, I'm not going to do that last one but the other two you can count on.

In more good news, I had the opportunity to photograph my dear friend Leah, and her gorgeous family a couple weeks ago. Despite some bumps in the road (a swine flu scare and a couple of super short , but handsome, haircuts) we managed to get the family out to a very special location. The Wrights are building a house and we decided that we needed to take pictures on the mound of dirt that will soon become their beautiful new home. It was an absolutely gorgeous fall afternoon and even though there were some tribulations and harships along the way (you like that Leah?), the pictures turned out beautifully. Well at least I think they did. :)

Enjoy...

Miles

2009-10-30T13:39:00.002-06:00

Depending on how long you have been with me you may recognize this adorable face. If you dont, no worries, I hardly did either. This kid is growing so fast! Miles is three now but honestly, he looks older. He is so tall and getting more and more handsome as he grows. He is filled with energy and has such a sweet personality. It was a pleasure to spend the afternoon with him and his mom.

Isn't three just the perfect age???

Be sure to check out the rest by clicking HERE! Hurry, you dont want to miss these! (But you will unless you have the password. Sorry. )

The Barrio Family

2009-10-30T12:45:00.004-06:00

I was so happy to finally get the chance to photograph the Barrio Family. Thanks to the Recession Sessions, we were finally able to set up a time for some photo snapping action. While photographing this family I was struck by the closeness that they share. Mom and Dad are understandably smitten with their beautiful baby boy and the three of them together, focusing on each other made for a very lovely morning.

For all of us.

Not quite enough? That figures. Click HERE for more more more. :) (However, without the password you will be sad sad sad.)

Canning and Crocs

2009-10-23T13:21:00.003-06:00

When Zina contacted me about doing generational pictures of her parents, daughters and grand daughters, I was only too thrilled! We incorporated some important family heirlooms into the photos such as the quilt backdrop and the canned produce. Zina's parents have always helped her and her family can their fruit every year. This is a tradition that we wanted to document in these photos so as to emphasize the importance of this practice in their family.

And don't forget to check out how awesome we all are in our crocs. :)

The T Family

2009-10-20T20:47:00.007-06:00

Imagine how thrilled I was to have arrived at our location and this gorgeous family stepped out of their car dressed to the nines! They looked amazing, perfectly matching the gorgeous scenery and perfectly complimenting one another. I was a little obsessive when it came to taking their photos. I just couldn't stop!

Wanna see why? I thought so.

If you happen to be lucky enough to know this family personally then maybe you can ask them for the password to view all of their lovely images. :) Click HERE to check 'em out.

Recession Session Update

2009-10-20T19:40:00.003-06:00

It's the middle of October and the Recession Sessions are in full swing. They filled up so quickly and I am officially announcing that I am fully booked for the rest of this month. However, if you are still interested in having your family pictures taken this fall and would still like to get a great deal, contact me.

If you book your November photo session during the month of October, the session fee is $200 for your immediate family. This will include an 1-2 hour photo session at the location of your choice. In addition, you will still receive your choice of your two favorite high images on a disc with a signed release form so you can print all of your Christmas card inserts without any hassle. Also included is a low res disk (not suitable for printing) with all of the selected images from our session together. Prints and enlargements are always available for purchase of course.

Drop me an email to get something scheduled.
kehaddock@msn.com

As a side note, we spent last weekend in sunny St. George and I just loved this image of Isaiah on the golf course...

The Stamper Family

2009-10-18T18:55:00.006-06:00

I really enjoy taking family portraits.

Wait, let me sit with that for a moment.

Ok, it's true. I really really do!

It is so fun to see the dynamic that each family has with one another.
Every family has so much love for each other but the ways of expression are different in every case.
That is what I love the most.
Discovering the special ways that each family shows love for one another and then aiming to capture it on film.
Well, on sensor. :)

Alisha is my dear friend who is also a photographer. She specializes in large format film photography which is so dang cool if you ask me. This photo shoot provided me my first opportunity to have her whole family together and to meet her very loving husband. It was a joy to watch how he was able to light up both is wife and his son. They all laughed for much of our time together.

The whole family (including the bun in the oven) came together for some of the most beautiful light of the day (which I was obsessed with), on this gorgeous, October morning. I was so glad to have been there to document the love.

Enjoy...

The Thalman Family

2009-10-12T13:58:00.003-06:00

Words cant possibly describe the amount of fun I had while photographing one of my most favorite families, the Thalmans. The mix of the fall colors and the first snow of the season truly made for one of the most beautiful days to take pictures. Our day together was filled with unexpected moments that can only be described as The Thalmans Gone Wild!

I still laugh when I think about the craziness that occurred that day. *Sigh*

The whole experience was a pleasure and a joy and my hope is that the fun we had together and the love these three have for one another shines through in these photos.

Enjoy...

If you love the Thalmans as much as I do and you want to have a print from this session for your very own click HERE.

In addition, Ashley put together a slide show for all of you curious types to watch and enjoy. To view it please click HERE, and let me just add, you wont want to miss this!

2009-10-10T17:02:00.006-06:00

I love being a photographer.
I love the artistry of lens and light.
I love that even when I don't feel much like taking a photo, as soon as I get my camera in my hands all of those feelings melt away.
I love that as soon as the light hits my lens I completely lose myself and find myself all at once.
I love that time is no longer chronological when I'm taking photos.
In fact, it hardly exists at all.
I love that space.
I want to be there always because it feels good.

That being said, there are a lot of fears you have to face as a photographer.
Fear of creation.
What if I don't get any good shots? What if all of my pictures come out blurry?
Fear of not measuring up.
What if my client is disappointed? How come my pictures aren't as good as so and so's pictures?
Fear of success.
Fear of failure.
Fear of putting yourself out there.
Fear of rejection.
Ashley and I have been discussing this in some depth lately and she (in all of her eloquence) posted a blog about it. If you are a photographer, please read it and weigh in. And speaking of Ashley...

Thalman family photo's up next...

JD and Michelle

2009-10-05T22:00:00.001-06:00

When I agreed to hike for "20 minutes" to the location where this very secluded wedding was to take place, I had NO IDEA what I was getting myself into. That being said, I had the most fun getting to, witnessing, and photographing this beautiful wedding. It was truly a pleasure and an honor to be there.

Michelle and JD backpacked their formal wear deep into a canyon where we literally hiked up a river to get to the ceremony location.

After hiking for more like 45 minutes (mainly because I'm slow and was terrified of slipping and falling on my bag of lenses) up stream, in the river for much of the time, we finally reached a beautiful waterfall.

I mistakingly thought that this was where the deed was to be done but NOOOOOO, instead we then scaled a wall, pulling ourselves up by the roots of trees to even higher ground. Once we arrived though, it was all worth it. The final destination was a beautiful platform made of stone, looking out over the canyon filled with trees and fall colors.

It was truly one of the most beautfiul places I've ever been. Perfect for a wedding if your brave enough. Thankfully, JD and Michelle are.

I'll let the rest of this story unfold through pictures...

And then they went to Aruba to scuba dive among other things. ; )

If you're dying to see more images and you want to buy a few for your very own click here.

The Wilson Family

2009-10-04T18:07:00.002-06:00

I went out with the Wilsons last week. I love this family. They are great friends of ours and I loved spending the evening with them.
It was also pretty cool that while at our location, we saw an awkward family photo in the making. A family of six or so, all wearing the same color of grey, straddling each other in a row.
No kidding.
It was neato. :)

Wading in the Stream Recession Sessions

2009-09-30T19:50:00.001-06:00

Fall is my favorite time of year. Every autumn I come alive. I cant help but feel renewed and invigorated. This is the season of my own personal rebirth. Maybe it's because I am an October baby and it always feels like a festive time of year. I love the warm clothes, the jeans, boots, hoodies, scarves. Layer upon layer of warmth. I adore the change that our environment goes through. The colors that cover the mountains, the leaves that fall to the ground where they dry out and crunch under your feet when you step on them. The fresh coolness in the air instantly enhances my mood and I feel whole again. You hear that? I feel whole again!

Lately I have found myself thinking a lot. Thinking about

Family.
Friends.
Creative Expression.
Changes.
Growth.
Setbacks.
Struggles.
Triumphs.
Authenticity.
Simplicity.

I have personally been going through lots of changes lately. I have felt a yearning to be closer to the things that matter. I find myself tossing away experiences that bring me anxiety, stress, and frustration and instead have been turning my focus to my blessings, my abundance and my joy. Taking on this perspective has allowed the joy of creating to enter into my realm again after what has felt like such a long time. This is a joy I want to share with all of you.

So I have this idea. Everyone wants to have their family photographed in the fall. Right? I mean, it's a gorgeous time of year! We all like giving an updated family photo with our christmas cards and its probably time to refresh the pictures displayed in frames around our homes.

Because I have kept myself out of the loop lately my poor blog has suffered. It's so sad!! I'm not, but my blog is, and I don't want to put that out there anymore!!! Instead I'd like to feature YOU!

I want to get out and work.
I want to post pictures of new faces and loving families.
I want to do work that will matter to people. Work that will matter to you.

Therefore, I am offering "Recession Sessions" during my favorite month. October!!

Here is the deal. For $100 you will get a one hour mini photoshoot, on the location of your choice. This can be any kind of session you would like. Your family, individual, couples, kids, engagements, bridals, anything you'd like. After our session I will edit your images and post them on an online gallery where you can view and purchase prints. At this point I will print all of your low resolution images (not suitable for printing) on a disk for posting on the web and for sending through emails. You will also have your choice of 2 high resolution images to have and keep for your very own. (This disc will include a signed print release.) Of course you will have an option to buy your high res images at a discount price as well. If that interests you be sure to ask about the details. I want to save you money but I also want to offer you quality pictures that you will appreciate for years to come. I hope you'll take me up on this.

So once again:
$100.
1 hour shooting time
online gallery
all low res images on a disk for emails and web purposes.
2 high res images of your choice along with a signed print release form.
Only available during the month of October.

DONT MISS OUT!! Book your photo shoot today because I only have so many available dates to shoot and I would hate to fill up before I hear from you.

Email me at kehaddock@msn.com.

Sneak Peek: JD and Michelle

2009-09-30T19:40:00.001-06:00

I CANNOT wait to share these photos with you. I felt privileged to shoot the most unique and intimate wedding last weekend. It was breathtakingly beautiful. Here's a super small slice. So much more to come.

Welcome To My Thought Stream

2009-09-10T13:38:00.003-06:00

Once again, Holly Girl to the rescue. Thanks for the inspiration....again.

If you have been curious to know where I have been for the last 3 months, watch this video.
If you've ever wondered what I think in my head regarding photography and my place within it, pay attention because this is EXACTLY how I feel about it.

I cant begin to tell you how deeply I identified with this guy. It was as if he was taking the words right out of my mouth, clearly stating my troubled mind and heart. I told you all that I have been taking a hiatus from photography. Well this is the reason why. Plain and simple. Thankfully, I'm coming around but all of this is still VERY fresh on my mind. In a strange way, I'm thankful for it.

Yellow Balloons

2009-09-08T10:42:00.004-06:00

Yesterday was a special day. Besides being Labor Day which was wonderful, it was also the birthday of my nephew Evan who passed away last year. He would have been three. To celebrate his special day his mom organized a balloon launch for all of his family and friends to participate in. We were asked to take pictures since we couldn't be a part of the celebration in Florida.

Evans' favorite color was yellow and his favorite song was You Are My Sunshine. After singing the song together as a family we launched our balloons and remembered what a sweet little boy Evan is. We love him and miss him so much. My kids talk about him often and talk about the day they will be able to see him again. We are thankful to know that we will have the opportunity to be reunited with him again. We all really want the chance to get to know him better.

Ready. Set.

Launch!

I said Launch!

I kept yelling out to Isaiah telling him to let go of his balloon.
He wouldnt.
I could understand his reluctancy.
Some things are really hard to let go of.

He finally let it go and we all watched as it floated into the sky alone. But...

It was a beautiful sight.

Happy Birthday Evan!!

The Trask Family

2009-09-07T12:12:00.003-06:00

After a summer hiatus from picture taking I have finally found a reason to immerse again.

Thanks to The Trask Family for providing the motivation...enjoy.

Princess Sophie

2009-08-26T07:00:00.000-06:00

My baby girl is turning four today!! She is pure delight and joy. I could go on an on about how much I adore her and love her with all of my heart.

and I will...soon.

The Drag King and Queen

2009-08-25T20:24:00.003-06:00

Isaiah came into my room the other day and said,
"Mom, Come and look! Matias and Sophia are being funny in a really weird way."

I immediately grabbed my camera.
Just look at what I saw...

They had completely swapped outfits. Down to the undies. It was hilarious!!!!

Just Checking In

2009-08-23T17:46:00.010-06:00

We moved at the beginning of August and ever since then I have not had access to the internet. (I'm posting this from Steven's office computer at his work.) I have missed being online and posting blogs and checking in on all of you but at the same time I have throughly enjoyed my hiatus. I have enjoyed it so much that I am not quite ready to plug back in. I'm not yet ready to fall victim to the constant need to check my email, then my facebook, then blog updates from all of you lovelies, then my email again just in case I recieved a message in the time it took me to check my facebook, and on and on. It's an addicting cycle that I get caught up in every time! I am a girl who can easily become a slave to the computer and I am just enjoying my freedom too much to start paying to lose that freedom. That being said, I will be posting some new pictures in a few days when I go to my moms house and hijack her internet. Sophia turns four on August 26 and I am excited to share pictures from the past month. We have been very very busy!! Until then, I have missed you all. I will be back eventually. I promise. :)

Oh yeah, If you want to get a hold of me, call me, because once again I'm not constantly checking and rechecking my email and facebook right now. :)

House For Sale

2009-08-03T10:21:00.003-06:00

We are selling our house! I wanted to post pictures here on my blog so that if you, or anyone you know, is looking to move into a charming home in downtown Provo, you can tell them about our house. Please spread the word because we really need to sell it. All the deets are on the MLS. Our number is 889281. Quick run down...
The house has 4 bedrooms 1 3/4 bathrooms. Original moldings and hardwood floors. Updated kitchen and complete remodel of the basement 2 summers ago. We are selling for $179,000 but are anxious to wheel and deal. :) Make an offer!!!!!

Matias

2009-07-31T14:49:00.002-06:00

Our family along with Steven's brother Greg, his girlfriend Jen, Ed and Marsha (Steven's parents) went up to Sundance last night to eat a fabulous dinner together and enjoy the beautiful scenery. We were supposed to ride the lift as a group, but Matias completely freaked out at the idea of getting on it. He did NOT want to go again!! The rest of our party went on without us and while it was frustrating at first, taking pictures of this kid is a pure joy and I very quickly decided that I had more fun on the ground than I would have had in the air.