New Song Photography

Quintessential Grand Rapids Engagement | Michigan Wedding Photographer

2012-02-05T18:30:00.000-08:00

Usually I travel to my wedding client's area to take their engagement pictures...

So what would cause a couple to drive 2 hours away?

And I can't blame Bethany & Devin. I'm from the southwest Detroit area. I love it. I'm still a city girl at heart (okay, technically suburbs). But I fell in love with West Michigan, and even if you come for just one weekend trip, its easy to see why I did! (and why friends and family love to visit it) These two have been dating for 6 years! They met at 19. So sweet. :-) Bethany grew up at the same church I grew up in and I'm looking forward to shooting their wedding inside the very same church my husband and I were married, for the first time!

Bethany & Devin wanted their engagement session in beautiful downtown GR. When I asked where exactly they wanted to go, they said "You pick!" Ha! Me? Pick? Now that is hard, because there are so many fun and interesting places to take pictures in downtown GR! This sent my head a-spinnin'.

click on any image to view it larger.

Images are copyright of New Song Photography. DO NOT copy, print, or take without permission.

So we started off with some quintessential GR spots in downtown. My favorite picture is from the blue walking bridge that goes over the Grand River, which runs along downtown.

Another great GR "spot" is the Grand Rapids Children's Museum... the sparkly background is courtesy of the new facade to the front of GRCM by an ArtPrize entry from 2010. I used to work at the GRCM, if you haven't been there with your children (ages 0-9), it is a BIG must-do!

This is at the Veteran's Park, just across the street. I just love this shot, because Devin makes Bethany laugh... a lot. I could tell this even from our brief time together. And Devin looks totally captivated by her, doesn't he?

There are literally hundreds of fun painted old buildings downtown. Many decorated as ArtPrize entries. I loved Devin and Bethany's light blue eyes and I just couldn't wait to use this bright blue wall to highlight them!

THEN, we got silly.... They totally went for all my wild and crazy ideas.

This was my FAVORITE. You'll definitely want to click on the pic and see it larger!

One more with the blue wall:

And finally, one of my crazy ideas in a stairwell, that I actually end up really liking! Sometimes in the photography world, its hard to come up with somewhat original ideas. I saw the stairwell in a parking garage I use often, with all its glass windows and natural light, and couldn't resist at least trying an idea...

Thank you guys, for a fun day & the time to get to know you better!

And for coming all the way to GR!

~Kelly

Where Has the Time Gone? | Personal Post

2012-02-05T16:40:00.000-08:00

Its time to come out of blog-hiding, wouldn't you say? I gasped when I noticed that the last time posted was OCTOBER! Good gravy.

I normally take December and January off for some down time and recuperation from the busy summer & fall seasons, but I have been anything but bored!

November

We spent Thanksgiving with my in-laws up north, and for the first time was dragged (willingly) to the yearly deer drive with my husband, 6 yr old and about 12 other people. It is fun to enjoy God's creation, but I'm more likely to get excited over a great shot on the camera than on a buck! LOL The highlight of the weekend was getting this little gift from my soon-to-be sister-in-law...

She hand made this and gave it to each of us! Am I sad to not photograph the wedding?

Yes. Am I waaay more excited to help her on their Big Day? Heck Yea!!

December

Obviously, December was busy with the joy of Christmas and prepping my 6 & 4 year olds for celebration of Christ's birth and driving all over Michigan to visit family and friends. So here's a little blooper role of our end of 2011:

This is the hilarious jar of nutts I gave to my brothers for Christmas. This pic shows the

side with my bro's wife & baby, complete with mustaches. I have no idea what spurred this

idea. I am just that strange.

This is my 4 yr old, with the remains of my poorly cooked banana chocolate chip bread. Saddest

part of my Christmas because I was soooo looking forward to it! :-(

This is what happens when you let your 4 yr old take a family picture. But I LOVE it!

(we were at my mom & dad's house) To be fair, he did technically get all 3 of us in the pic.

My 6 yr old enjoying his first Christmas with his new baby cousin... She is going to be spoiled

by her older boy cousins!

I sadly forgot my camera at our bigger family events, but the memories are precious nonetheless. I love that I still get to catch up with all my cousins and sit and chat with all my grandparents... all who are so special to my little guys. Still having Christmas with my brothers, sister-in-laws and parents is priceless!

I hope you all had a wonderful end to 2011! It was definitely a rough year, but it was one that God showed us His faithfulness and sovereignty over all life's situations. I am so blessed to have a great husband, 2 healthy boys & 1 baby waiting in heaven. I am blessed to have a job that I LOVE, that allows me to be creative, and still gives me time to be a mom; good family & friends in my life that love and encourage me; and friends of Gold and friends of Silver (yes, re: the childhood song).

God Bless you and your families in 2012!

~ Kelly

Something Borrowed, Something Maize & Blue! | Michigan Wedding Photographer

2011-10-31T19:16:00.000-07:00

Jennifer & Greg

It was so special to photograph Jennifer & Greg Kwiatkowski's Ann Arbor wedding back in August. Jenny was a student in the youth group I worked with when she was in high school, so it was so fun to be part of her special day. Nothing makes me happier than seeing girls that I worked with, find the amazing men that they dreamed of at 16. Jenny & Greg are a fabulous couple... not to mention smart - both U of M graduates from the College of Pharmacy! You will see this theme throughout the wedding (GO BLUE!).

Ann Arbor is such a cool backdrop for wedding photography and I had such a hard time narrowing down to a few photos. All the details were wonderful, locations beautiful and the bride & groom, stunning. Enjoy your extended Sneak Peek!

[YOU CAN CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO VIEW IT LARGER]

We snapped a few portraits before the ceremony so we could focus on the

fun afterward. (Above are the Bride, Groom, Best Man and Maid of Honor)

Maize and Blue were the appropriate colors for these U of M grads.

Jennifer's stunning entrance. Her beautiful wedding gown was actually

her mother's wedding dress! What a special moment for them to share.

Beautiful ring and even more beautiful bride!

...yea, it happened... but its pretty darn funny. It's what ya get in a college town.

Jennifer & Greg and their fellow College of Pharmacy graduates!

What a wonderful accomplishment!

One of my FAVORITE pictures. Downtown Ann Arbor is full of

gorgeous scenery everywhere you look. We were walking from one

location to another and I fell in love with all the ivy on the bridge.

The BEAUTIFUL U of M Student Union.

(Do you see that amazing weather we had in the upper left hand corner?!)

The gorgeous (and yummy!) cake was done by Gwen's Cakes. (click the link)

Jennifer's grandfather entertained the guests with a toast & a song on his harmonica :-)

Such a fun group of guests! No matter that it was 2:00 in the afternoon, the party was just starting!

What a beautiful (did I mention beautiful?) and fun August afternoon celebrating the marriage of Jennifer & Greg. God bless you two, in your life's adventure together!

Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your special day!

~Kelly

Website Updates

2011-10-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FRIDAY!

If you haven't been to the site in a while, you might want to see what's new. Especially if you are a client...you might, just might, see your beautiful face advertising my work!

A monsterous thanks needs to go to Anna Ellerbroek Photography for the picture of myself (finally... I've been avoiding this task for quite a while!).
I'm posting this, not to vainly show a picture of myself - believe me I'm forcing myself to do this, but to show off Anna fabulous work:

Have a fabulous weekend & enjoy some
good 'ol fall festivities...
(& eat an extra donut for me!)

~Kelly

Thankful in Many Ways | West Michigan Photographer

2011-10-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

When I first started my photography business, I obviously utilized (read: pestered) a lot of family and close friends. Honestly, I never thought I'd ever have anyone outside of that little realm that would want me to take their pics! But lucky me, I met two Army families who were one of the first (if not THE first) clients who had no idea who the heck I was.

I met Lesli and her 6 month old, Easton, at a playground. I normally am not so chatty to random people, but I was on the prowl for new moms to invite to MOPS (a mother of preschoolers group) AND she had a fantastic southern accent! I knew she was not from around here. We were fast friends and a client many times over. Many of you probably know her now from her Markers & Mud business! I've taken their family pics since Easton was 9 months old and since then, he's gotten a little brother, Grayson. The two of them call my boys -- "The Guys". Which totally cracks me up.

Lesli introduced me to Alyssa and Ben and their little Lilah. You've seen her many times too! I have taken Lilah's pics since she was 1 month old! The one below was taken 2 or 3 days before they left Michigan...

Both of them have encouraged me so much in my photography (partly because they hired some crazy girl with not much experience... and then continued to use me!) And also make me so thankful for servicemen and their families.

Both families were moved from my West Michigan area... one to Colorado and one to Germany. Both dads are in the Army. I am so jealous of the photographer that gets to take over my job.
(I'm not the greatest at sharing! LOL)

I haven't ever known someone close enough to "experience" the life of a serviceman (or woman). You never really think about everything these families have to go through, even when they aren't in the center of a middle east fight. These dads make me more confident in the people defending our country and keeping us safe. Seriously. They are so committed to their families. And the moms (lesli & alyssa)... well, I stand in amazement at your flexibility and support you give your spouses. You put many of us to shame. Love you all and God bless you and protect you (as well as continue to give you children who are traveling well!!!)

Thanks letting me be a part of your families for a few years!

NOW..... Make sure you thank any servicemen or women that you encounter or know personally... like, now. Yep. Do it. They deserve it.

if you are still reading this, you haven't thanked them yet. Go on. Hit facebook or the phone or a notecard. :-)

~Kelly

A Grand Adventure | West Michigan Family Photographer

2011-09-20T20:02:00.000-07:00

(click on image to view it larger)

A shot from this evening's maternity session... There is nothing more precious than new life! Best wishes to our cousins as they await their baby, Abigail.

Have a beautiful day!

~Kelly

Dance Like No One is Watching

2011-09-08T05:40:00.001-07:00

I can hardly believe my little baby is now riding the school bus by himself, enjoying 1st grade and playing soccer. Seems like just yesterday he was charming us with his dimples, while he was in that deep baby-dream state, just a few hours old. His first time clapping was watching cars go by. By 4 months he was jamming on anything he could play drums on. So funny all the character and personality you can discover about your child even at just a few months old!

The kid LOVES to move and watch things move. He still has a major obsession with anything on wheels (he's saving ALL his birthday money to buy his own Corvette someday. Or a K5 Blazer.) He still has a drum beat pumping through his veins... which is probably why can't STOP moving!!!

And... why this happens at EVERY wedding. One day I stayed to watch him at kindergarten in music class and they were playing a dance-dance-freeze type game. All the kids were shouting "go Ian! wow that's so awesome!" LOL Its basically a barrage of arms and legs going rightside, inside, upside-down and around again. He calls it break dancing... Its something inbetween that and karate. So don't be imagining some kind of twirly ballet fluff. This is serious business. LOL

This picture makes me want to stop whisper-yelling through my teeth at him, while traversing the aisles in the grocery store to
"STOP dancing... just WALK. p l e a s e. " (envision eye darts flying)

The kid dances like no one is watching everyday. Which is pretty awesome. Now I'll probably continue to ask him to walk through the grocery store, but only to save the lives of people who would rather not get a shoe or knee to the face, shin, or worse! (i'm telling you, the dances are totally inhibited!)

Hope you have a few minutes today to crank up the radio & dance like no one is watching. I'm sure our Heavenly Father is cheering you one (and probably getting a good laugh, too).

~Kelly

Brad & Megan | Michigan Wedding Photographer

2011-09-07T16:05:00.000-07:00

[brad & megan]

I probably should have seen it coming. They're family. I got to witness their engagement...(see here) No, not the fact that they might hire me to photograph their wedding. What I should have known, was how hard it would be for me to pick a FEW pictures for the preview.
18 pages.
e i g h t e e n .
Not only because my cousin (Brad, the groom) and his wife beautifully grace almost every picture... but I have aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins in the back of mind saying "I wanna see this one!" and "you'd better choose that one." LOL

Alas, I've narrowed them down.
Because ultimately, its about [brad & megan].

High school sweethearts. Detroit sports fans to the core. Disney dreamers.
Most importantly, they love God more than anything and He is the center of their wedding and their marriage. Thanks again for letting me be a part of your big day!
Their wedding took place in my aunt & uncle's own home in Michigan. You will see the fabulous job my aunt did with all the gorgeous details! She thought of everything :-)

Enjoy the preview everyone!
(All images are watermarked & property of New Song Photography. Please do not copy, print, edit, etc. Links for proofs will be given to the bride for sharing & printing.
Thank you.)

Click on any storyboard to view it larger.

(that little guy below is my youngest son)

(Many early dates happened at this Dairy Queen for the Bride & Groom...
not too mention we all grew up begging for treats here!)

(if you know me, the Coke was calling mah name... probably why it served as centerpoint of this page! lol)

(any of you SNL fans need to click this pic and view a larger version to read the message on the bell!)

(yes, that would be my adorable son again...
but also those are my wonderful parents posing for the booth below him!!
Yes, they'll probably kill me for posting, but they were so cute!)
To view these little photo booth gems, via Elite Entertainment,
--->[click here.]

(i just loved how beautiful the lights looked as dusk fell)
(I'm pretty sure I see some bouquet planning going on here!)

What a fabulous, memorable evening it was! Special thanks to Jana Howell, for being my very last minute, second-shooter for the ceremony. What a life saver!
Also a big thanks to the owners of the Dairy Queen, John & Anna, for the yummy gift of ice cream!!!

Decorations: Lisa Pugh, party planning extraordinaire!
Location: Personal home in Wayne, MI
Photo Booth: Elite Entertainment
Photography: New Song Photography
Caterer: Fat Chef in a Little Coat (a seriously killer burger bar/buffet!)
Trolley: Tecumseh Trolley (our driver was really wonderful & especially gracious through all the crazy road construction!)
Ice Cream: Dairy Queen on Wayne Road! :-)

"I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait, I'm yours..." - Jason Mraz
Love you guys!~Kellyp.s. if family would like the spiral bound 8x10 album that these storyboards fit in to, please contact Kelly for pricing. Links for proofs and printing images will be given by the end of the month.

Beach Beauty - West Michigan Senior Portait Photographer

2011-08-06T19:14:00.000-07:00

There are so many life moments that I get to witness through the lens of my camera.

One of the most fun, laid back events I get to capture is Senior portraits. And I finally kicked off the Class of 2012 with miss Haelee. Lucky me, I've watched Haelee grow up (I was one of her youth leaders at church) and become this beautiful woman! I had a blast the evening of her session, along with her mom and her cousin... the laughter flowed all evening.

To top it all off, the evening was GORGEOUS. I really couldn't have asked for better weather for beach pics. Enjoy the sneak peak... until the next ;-)

Congratulations Haelee!

God Bless ~
Kelly

My Favorite Things! | West Michigan Photographer

2011-07-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

I have students, friends, and clients ask me all the time what equipment, props, clothing, inspiration, etc. are my favorites to use in my business. And when meeting other photographers, the first question is always "what do you use", or "what do you shoot"? So I thought I'd do a fun little post about my Favorite Things. Yes, ingenious, I know. I am the first person to ever to share my favorites. (read massive sarcasm there) ;-)
Nonetheless, I thought it would be kind of fun! And maybe give some other really awesome companies some long-due props. As always, I don't claim to be any expert in any of this, its just to answer Q's and to make known some really great businesses.

Really quick: Its not a "favorite" per se, but the most common question is what I use. I shoot with two cameras.
#1, a Canon XS (great for people that want to learn & enter the DSLR world - but don't just buy one and not take a class on it. Learn how to use it!)
and #2 a Canon 40D that I just bought this summer. I'd love something fancier, but I'm focusing on getting great lenses for now.

So......here it goes!

My FAVORITE go-to:
borrowlenses.com
I can't say enough about them. I'm still in the money 'making' stage of my business, so I can't afford to buy every lens I'd like to own. And sometimes I just want to try something new or different. Its nice to try out lenses that you are considering buying. The customer service, in my experience, is fabulous!

My favorite lens:
50mm 1.8
Now honestly, I would love to have a 1.4 or 1.2, but the 1.8 is still my go to portrait lens. I love yummy bokeh and its small size makes it easy to take as a second lens. Its also a super cheap "first" lens, for people that bought a DSLR but have been afraid of trying another lens (or for those that don't know why you would buy a 2nd lens!) lol I know you moms are out there that bought a DSLR for the continuous shooting and haven't explored the awesome options!

My favorite Forum site:
I Heart Faces Community
This has been a fabulous help in every stage of my photography hobby & business. It was started by 2 moms, which appealed to me immediately, because their perspective in their writing & tutorials was spot on for me. Not sure if its because I only have 1 hour of nap time to squeeze in a tutorial... or because I'm majorly ADD (ok, most likely the latter)... Either way its fun, its inspirational, its for everyone and any stage of knowledge, and its full of great, kind people. Seriously, I've never been in an online community that is THIS wonderful. I've never seen a nasty email or "club" like atmosphere. God bless you, Angie and Amy! mwah!

My favorite Printing Lab:
Unitprints.com
/ Color Inc. Pro Lab
Oh, Color Inc., how do I love thee? Let me count the ways... #1, until I figure out how to manage meeting with clients to order prints from me directly (yes, you pros... i am super slow on learning to plan my time well to do this - but I promise, its next on my list), they've provided a GREAT site that I can send my clients to for FABULOUS printing. Unitprints.com can be used by me to upload images for clients to print from... and many end up becoming unitprints converts! They print from Color Inc, so the images my clients get are beautiful. I get SO MANY wonderful comments from clients that have used them. And they really have a nice amount of options and add-ons for the photographical lay-person. (i think I made up a word)
#2 Besides Color Inc.'s amazing prints, products and wonderful (seriously) support staff, they provide classes! Color Inc.'s School of Photography has been a fun way to learn and connect with other photographers. (I hope they continue this!) Check back in fall on their blog for the next School of Photography, offered monthly.

My favorite Inspirations:
Pinterest
I've recently discovered this creative phenom web site. So my walls are still pretty bare, but it is so fun to look at the... well... everything! Seriously, what isn't on Pinterest?

Jones Design Company
*sigh*
She's brilliant on creative ideas and really beautiful DIY projects. Never enough time, but I have delved into a few. Its such a serene site too! I love to relax my brain and just look, read and downright ogle. She also inspires the way I write on my blog posting - just like you were talking to a friend.

My Family
No cute link here.... yet! We have our family pictures scheduled for September, by one of Grand Rapids Area's many talented photographers. My 2 young boys and wonderful husband have provided support, inspiration and countless hours being models and white balance assistants! Oh how I love them :-) (this is my boys in the fall of 2010)

I think that's enough for now... I have a lot of other favorites, like props, marketing advice, & shooting locations. But I there is probably enough for you to check out for now!

I'll end with my Favorite Bible Verse:
Matthew 6:25-27
" ²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"

God Bless
& have a beautiful day!
~Kelly

Hitched! - Rowland Wedding | West Michigan Wedding Photographer

2011-07-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

July 9th, I was privileged to photograph my second (yes, second! those brave people) wedding...the marriage of Simeon & Andrea Rowland. I knew Sim when he was much younger; his dad was my Pastor growing up in Wayne, Mi. Well, Sim met beautiful "Annie" through some friends that went to Cornerstone University, where she attended. Now, Sim is one of 5 brothers... but Andrea is one of 7 children in her family! This made for one very large and VERY entertaining wedding party.

Simeon & Andrea: Thank you so much for taking a chance on what little experience I have, and letting me do something I love - crash weddings! LOL No, really... I LOVE weddings and it is such a unique perspective, being the photographer. You were both delightful to work with and GORGEOUS to photograph. God bless your adventure together - may every turn be exciting knowing that the love of your life is by your side!

[images are in clusters. click on a cluster to view them larger.]

First Look...
(best location ever - under a willow tree! So romantic)

Andrea & her ladies ~ seriously, these girls were so beautiful :-)

Sim & his groomsmen...

The Hitching Post in Ravenna, Mi was a super cute & unique locale...
made for a perfect country wedding, complete with barn AND chickens!

A beautiful sunshiny day - perfect for I do's

Reception details ~ Andrea thought of everything!

Time to celebrate!

CONGRATULATIONS
MR & MRS SIMEON ROWLAND!

I've got the June Bug! | West Michigan Family Photographer

2011-06-20T11:56:00.001-07:00

Nothing makes me feel better then the warm breezes of June. Of course, its Michigan, so wait an hour, the forecast will change. :-) Still, we have the most beautiful seasons here and tomorrow summer officially begins.
I'm posting today to do a review of my work in the month of June... BUT, I thought I'd put a quick plug in for the Class of 2012! The most common package last year was a 2 hour, 3 sets of clothes, on-location package for $250. It includes 30 images to keep on CD. We have a lot of fun! Send me a message or comment below if you'd like to discuss options. See some pics from the class of 2011 HERE.

So, June. Friends old, new and newly reconnected...babies, oh how I love babies!, families, and lots of kiddos. I am so blessed to have chances to connect and engage with so many people through photography! Quick thanks to Lila with Lila Armock Photography for letting me borrow her studio for some children you'll see below! She's a killer photographer from Florida and pretty recently moved here. I always say so I'm so lucky to live in the GR area with other photog professionals who are friendly and helpful and not the least bit selfish or snobbish. Seriously, we have such a cool photography community here. I'm hoping by fall, I'll get my in-home studio up and running for babies & kiddos.

Enjoy! [click on any image to view it larger]

Family reunion in Rockford, MI [not all pictures can be "serious" can they? :-) ]

Gibbons boys taken in Canton, MI

Kovic boys taken in Cedar Springs, MI

Katelynn taken in Cedar Springs, MI

Poteet kiddos taken in Rockford, MI

If you are looking to book in July or August, please contact me very soon! August is my most popular month and I'd like to schedule ahead of time.

Check back in mid-July and mid-August for some wedding previews that I cannot WAIT to shoot!

Enjoy your summer days - a hammock, the beach, a book - and make memories with your families! God bless!

~Kelly

Marvelous May | NE Grand Rapids photographer

2011-05-16T07:16:00.000-07:00

Engagement pictures, belly shots, and 3 uber cute kiddos... And two of my absolute favorite locations to shoot at! If you've never been to the north end of Grand Rapids/Kent County and into Rockford, you're missing a lot of really quaint, fun things to do. The engagement shoot below (see the restaurant pics) were taken at Rosie's Diner: a cute little 50's diner... greasy spoon kind of place, but a good indulgence. They have all kinds of special Saturdays to bring in your vintage vehicle, motorcycle, etc etc... to show off. Or you can do what my sons like to do and go to gawk at them.
The other two sessions were taken at Townsend Park on the southeast part of Rockford, in the village of Cannonsburg. It is a beautiful park with a creek running through, filled with little stone bridges, trees, and lots of play & picnic areas. Its also a little hot spot for outdoor weddings.

Enjoy a few shots from the sessions! (click on the image to see a larger version)

Beautiful couple, Simeon & Andrea ... stay tuned for their wedding pics in July!!

Super fun new clients, Shawn & Kathryn, expecting their new edition...

One of my most loyal, adorable clients and friends, the Daniels... annual individual pics for 3 out of the 5 kiddos, but most importantly Tater-tots 1-year birthday pics (a little delayed by 5 months! oops!)

Blessings to you all, and don't forget to hug those kids tonight!
~Kelly

Caption Contest!

2011-04-15T13:45:00.001-07:00

Good "Laugh-ternoon" Everyone!
(to quote my son's favorite PBS kids show)

I'm having a Caption Contest on my Facebook page (click here)

You must enter ON my facebook page to win the prize.... a $5 Biggby gift card.
First "like" New Song, then comment under the picture.

Here's a sneak peek at the picture. It's from my newborn shoot today. She was feisty and full of girly attitude this morning! LOL Gotta love bein' a girl.
Anyhow, so many quotables came in my head after seeing this shot.
But I know there much more creative people out there! So.....whaddya say she says?

Best Wishes!

(gift card will be mailed to the winner... Sorry to those of you who don't have Biggby Coffee in your local area --- they are yummy!)

~Kelly

Fresh from the Factory!

2011-04-14T18:10:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh... can't you just smell it? No, not the spring rain. Babies!! And noooo, not their diapers. That beautiful, fresh, new baby smell. There is nothing quite like holding that teeny, tiny, perfect, little bundle in your arms. It is amazing how quickly it all changes. I remember what seemed like blinking, and my boys were 1 month old. The photographs on the blog today are at the hospital in the first two days of birth.

(I'm patiently waiting for someone to hire me for a birth session!!! I'd even throw in a regular newborn session for free to the first one! I know you have to be a brave momma...but I know she's out there somewhere.) :-)

So, congratulations are in order for the families of sweet Baby girl Katelynn, and handsome Baby boy Graham. A few more miracles entered the world...

(click on the image to view it larger)

Baby Katelynn...

& Baby Graham...

God bless and take time to recognize those precious miracles in your life!

~Kelly

Its Raining Cutie Pies!

2011-04-09T13:18:00.000-07:00

Nothing makes up for a rainy/snowy begin to April like a sunshiny, 65 degree day!! And, nothing makes my heart warm and fuzzy like a couple of cutie pies! What a great start to April ... 18 month old Lilah and 6 month old Colton. Lilah's were indoor in her adorable, newly redecorated room...with an appearance from my youngest son :-) . Colton's were right here in Cedar Springs at the White Pines Trail (amongst a few dozen cyclists!) It makes me realize how quickly time has flown for my two "little" guys (who are 5 1/2 and 3 1/2 already!). Oh, how this time is fleeting!

Here are a few snapshots!

Happy Birthday

2011-04-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Me means
Good Things for YOU!

All my birthdays wishes today have put me in a fabulous mood! So at the last minute, I've decided to pour that happiness into some generosity...

How about a GIVEAWAY?!

A straight up, New Song Photography giveaway.

One 1/2 hour mini session.
Use as you'd like.
$90 value!
(Travel outside the greater Grand Rapids area is a $25 fee. CD is not included. CD prices range from $10 - $60. Spiral bound proof books are available at a cost as well)

THE RULES:
Head to my Facebook page by clicking on the Facebook icon at the top left of this page...
Suggest my page to friends & make sure they post WHO sent them on the wall.
The person who sends the most NEW friends to my fan page wins!
Contest ends tomorrow, April 5th, at 5:00pm.

Best Wishes!!!
~ Kelly ~

Tis So Sweet... | Personal Post

2011-03-31T07:34:00.000-07:00

"Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus / And to take Him at His word /
Just to rest upon His promise / And to say 'thus saith the Lord'
"Jesus, Jesus how I trust Him / How I've proved Him o'er and o'er /
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus / O for grace to trust Him more."

This is a hard post to write, because I had every intention of this being one of excitement and breaking news... It is also terribly personal. I have sitting in my unpublished posts, a diary of sorts that started on Friday, February 18th. The day I found out that I was pregnant with number 3. Five weeks later, I was ready to finally publish the big announcement with all the little diaries of experiences that I wasn't able to share with everyone (you know, while I was trying to keep my exciting secret).

Tuesday, March 22nd, at 3:00pm, I went in for an ultrasound at 10 weeks and heard the news no mommy wants to hear. Rewind... at 1:00pm, a little ad popped up on Facebook for a group called Chelsea Moon & Uncle Daddy for a bluegrass style Hymn compilation. For some reason I was drawn to their version of "Tis So Sweet". I had instant comfort. I also had a good feeling that there was a reason God sent this song to me.

The sound in the waiting room is silence. I am no ultrasound tech, but I've had two boys, and I know the picture isn't right. The sweet tech, playing my favorite Christian radio station in the background, says "I'm terribly sorry, but there is no heart beat." It also appears the baby stopped growing at 6 weeks - my body just hadn't responded to it yet. A "missed miscarriage". I was by myself, and the tears just quietly flowed.

Over a week has passed. I have definitely done my mourning. I have seen that God protected me by giving me an unusually slow March for photography work. I have had my ups and downs trying to figure out how I should respond to losing this sweet baby...

Some mommies prefer to remember by ultrasound picture.
Some make ashes and put them in a prominent place for memorial.
Some have a funeral...no matter how young the baby in utero was.
Some give them precious names.

I could go on and on. I know it is hard for others on the outside to understand a bond that only comes from wanting and knowing that you have a special relationship called motherhood to that little creation inside you. Each women decides for herself how to respond to the emotional goodbye.

At first I struggled... was I a bad mom for refusing the ultrasound picture? Or any of the other very thoughtful ways that other moms have chosen to give meaning to the life that was inside them? Do I wait 1, 3, 6 months to go on with life, the way it had been going before I took that pregnancy test?

No doubt I was, and am, sad. But the "peace that passes understanding" is much more powerful than I ever dreamed. It probably has to do with my faith in God and what I believe in my religion and worldview. I KNOW that God created this baby with as much forethought as my other beautiful children (Psalm 139). I believe that he/she is being cared for now by that very Creator. I am blessed to have had the 10 weeks I had with him or her. This child has made it more clear to me that every child is an absolute MIRACLE. If you think about all the impossible things that must happen, even those first few weeks of a child in utero... cells splitting, nerves firing, heart forming and pumping... you can't help but be at awe of God's intricate design. I am so appreciative, and eternally grateful for the 2 boys I get to have in my home, in my arms, right this minute. For as many minutes as God gives us.

So why am I writing this and publishing it? Perhaps for my own emotional processes. A bit because friends & family have had questions. It is definitely NOT to start a theological discussion on how/or where you think my baby is - you can take that conversation elsewhere. I know what I believe and do not wish to discuss it over this situation.
I DO, however, wish to write this so that God gets the glory. Over every good and seemingly bad situation, I want Him to get the glory. My child did not go in vain... if I remain silent, I feel it shall - and this is MY way of processing. God has brought me through this pain, and He has taught me more (more than I chose to even write about here), through this tiny being's 10 weeks.

God bless & comfort the many many women that go through this same sadness. For the women pregnant at 10 weeks, 6 months, or those after birth who had just 3 days before saying goodbye. For the women who lose children from cancer, accidents, illness... I can't say I know exactly how they feel, but they are on my mind and in my prayers even more deeply then they were before.

Hug your kids tonight and thank the Lord for nothing short of a miracle.

Love,
Kelly

p.s. for my clients: I will be back in business very soon. I also wrote this so that you know I am comforted. There should be no worries about if I'm okay to take maternity pictures or sessions of babies :-) I have actually already done a baby since the miscarriage. I am humbled by your concerns... In fact, I think the whole experience has given me a new fervor for those subjects. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!

A few updates...

2011-03-01T12:07:00.000-08:00

Happy March! For me, that's one month closer to being out of this snowy weather. "In like a lion, out like lamb", right? In west Michigan, we still have several inches of snow...which always makes for some interesting locations for an on-location photographer! But before I show you those sneak peeks...

BABY CONTEST - Apparently I didn't choose the right months or shouldn't have made the contest on my blog only... but lucky for them, we only had 2 entrants! So instead of picking one and disappointing the other, I decided to make both moms winners! Shauna from the Detroit area has won a session and baby announcements by Markers & Mud, while Theresa from West Michigan has won a session (yes, I'm a giver) and a Diaper.com gift certificate from Savvy Spending. I will be drawing between their entries for who wins the knitted hat by Sweet Pea Pods.

THANK YOU to our fabulous, giving sponsors! Stay tuned, because I'm sure I'll have another contest up my sleeve.

Now, for February SNEAK PEEKS: (click to see any of them larger... but if you try to print them, trust me, they won't look good - so don't even try!)

God Bless! And here's to a fabulous March!
~Kelly

Baby Contest Announcement | West Michigan Photographer

2011-02-08T12:25:00.000-08:00

I am excited to announce another FANTASTIC contest with some FABULOUS friends of mine:

Markers & Mud
Savvy Spending
Sweet Pea Pods

Click on any of their names to see their website and show them some love :-)

Please make sure you read the entire flier AND all the rules & instructions below it.

[CLICK image to enlarge.]

**Contest begins Monday, 2/14/2011 & ends on Wednesday, 2/23/11**

(If you have trouble enlarging the image, to enter --> we want the first few lines of your baby's life story: How you met, a difficulty he/she overcame already, love at first site, etc)

To enter your baby's story, comment on THIS BLOG ENTRY. For more chances to win, you can do any or all of the following:

Visit Savvy Spending. Become a blog follower. Then comment on her site AND mine that you did so. (you'll also find GREAT coupons for baby & more!) Her $10 gift certificate is for www.diapers.com
Visit Sweet Pea Pods on etsy.com. Peek around on her ADORABLE site filled with hats & cocoons made with luxurious yarn (trust me, they're gorgeous!) and comment here, telling me what your favorite item was. (the winner will receive the bear hat pictured here!)
Visit Markers & Mud on Facebook & become a fan, then let me know here. Lesli is back (yeah!) to provide 25 custom press printed baby announcements*!
Share this link on FACEBOOK! Then comment here & let us know that you did so. (While you are at it, become a fan of any of our businesses!)

* * Baby must be 0-6 months by May 2011 & the family must live or travel to Detroit or Grand Rapids, MI areas for the photography session. Sessions are on-location, 2 hrs long. Items NOT included: CD & images are available for purchase. Additional announcements are also available for purchase. Sweet Pea Pods also makes a cocoon that matches the hat available for purchase. **

We can't wait to read your stories and make some new friends! Remember, if you are pregnant, and will be giving birth by early May, you are certainly free to enter!

Best Wishes!

~Kelly
p.s. I forgot to mention that the baby session is a $75 value!

Loving [Framed]!

2011-02-03T10:29:00.000-08:00

If you are a pro photographer, hobby photographer, make-up artist, stylist, model, etc, etc.... you are going to fall in love with a new online t.v. series called [Framed] .
Check it out. Really.
I just watched it and I can't WAIT for the next one. [Framed] offers a great sneak peek into a photographers world - what inspires them, who supports them, and why the can't get enough of it. It is really very inspirational, making you want to get you off your duff and doing something that lights up your brain and gets your artistic sensory nerves tingling. Even though we might work for clients, when we find what works for us as photographers/stylists, the clients will find US. Inspiration is catchy. Like a cold. But something that people actually like. LOL

Have a great weekend everyone!
I have a few shoots schedule for this month (now that my vaca is over) so keep your eyes peeled!

Love & blessings,
~Kelly

Finally a Website! | West Michigan Photographer

2011-02-01T06:51:00.000-08:00

The snow has been gently falling for over a month now. They are predicting a blizzard and 9 inches of snow by tomorrow... So what else does a cabin feverish photographer do in the winter? Well, this one FINALLY got a website together! I know it has been totally irritating to those clients that want to refer a friend, and I have had nothing but a facebook ad page to send them. Drum roll please............................

See the New Song Photography site HERE.

I am not a skilled JAVA script genius. So I am so thankful to have found Showit Sites. I was able to put together the site rather quickly. I'm a click-n-drag kind of girl...that's probably why I like MACs. So this was the perfect program for me. Plus it allowed me a lot of my own creativity. The mobile device version will be following soon.

A huge thanks goes to my friend, Jen, for making the bird on my logo. She's a Kendall College of Art & Design student and she was so gracious.
My font (free commercial font!) came from typedepot.
Another thanks goes to my beautiful, fabulous clients that allowed me to use their mugs for my website.

God has been so good to help me stay focused and allow me to continue doing something I LOVE to do. Can't wait to see what 2011 brings and the new friends we will meet.

Love & Blessings,

~ Kelly

Bitter & Sweet | Grand Rapids Photographer

2011-01-24T08:01:00.000-08:00

If you follow me on facebook that you probably heard me complain multiple times about how {bitter} cold our weather was this past weekend. Of course, this ends up being the weekend that I choose to take a hiatus from my month and a half session break to do an engagement shoot. (brr!) Thankfully it was for a couple that I really love! (I've known Katie since she was, oh, 11?) Because really, in Michigan, snowy days and {sweet} couples are a fabulous combination. The snow flakes were so beautiful & romantic. Plus the snow on the ground acts as a built in reflector and just gives the best all around lighting on faces... love it!

Here are some shots of their urban winter session in downtown GR... Congratulations Katie & Adam! It won't be long until the weather changes and your warm summer wedding is here!

[all images have been resized for web. New Song Photography]

Believing in 2011

2011-01-03T11:45:00.000-08:00

2011.
This is the year I believe in myself.

......................in who God created me to be.

This is the year I take the encouragement, the love and the boosts of can-do from my friends and family and GO FOR IT.
This is the year I treat my business like a business.
This is the year I believe in my abilities as a photographer.
This is the year I can help provide for my family & help others through my talent.
This is the year I don't second guess every session, every cost, every dorky word I slip up. : )
This is the year I put my family first and get my life organized.
This is the year I give God proper glory for everything that He's given me by giving Him the due time in my life.

As I rack my brain while I'm planning for big changes in my still-green business, those are the thoughts God keeps drilling in my brain. I think its hard for moms at the end of the day to think there's still plenty to share with the world, our hubbies or even God. I want this year to be different.

2010 was great! Don't get me wrong! I met so many new wonderful friends. I pushed myself more than I ever thought possible. I have the most beautiful clients ever, both inside & out. I have love Love LOVED hearing everyone's stories and making memories with them.

But the craziness of it all did come at a cost. I'm so thankful I took some of December and all of January off to reflect on this past year & a half with New Song Photography. Now... is the time to fit it (the business) around my family and God. I know it is possible.

Through Him, all things are possible.

Love and blessings,

Kelly

Pilgrims & Pie

2010-12-06T06:39:00.000-08:00

I am quite a bit behind on my blog postings, so I thought I post something a little more personal, rather than subjecting my clients (well, that's the next post! lol) I don't normally do this, so bear with me!

Our family spent Thanksgiving with my in-laws up in northern Michigan. Just half of the family on Turkey Day, 8 of us, but we enjoyed the wonderful smells and delectable eats. The pictures make me feel warm and cozy and I just wanted to share them with you all as well!
I have been abundantly thankful for the journey the Lord has taken me this past year with my photography business. If you told me last summer that I'd be here, clinging onto sanity during a VERY busy fall season, I would have laughed in your face! (and then apologized for my outburst :D )
More than that, I grow more thankful everyday for my gracious, stubborn, & handsome husband, my extremely loving and entertaining little boys, and my growing family (my other bro married the girl of his dreams in Oct). Even through stressful, chaotic days when I couldn't see the light of day, God has been soooo good.

On that note, I am taking a month and a half off of my business (returning the 1st of February) to catch up with all non-photography related things like learning the art of couponing, making a website (finally), remembering what "clean" looks like, and making paper snowflakes with my sons. I'm sure you working moms now my plight on the latter statement. I'm so thankful my boys still shower me with hugs and kisses after all those times I've said "not right now, mommy's working".

Hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving with your families!

[I should have taken a pic of the damage afterward!]

As the season turns...

2010-11-03T07:54:00.000-07:00

All I can say today is "brrrrrr" - with a few extra r's in there! In west Michigan, the leaves have all turned brown, the kids have all their candy sorted from Halloween, and warm pumpkin bread is in the oven! Its November. Even though the cold has started to creep in, I still have a few determined clients planning their family pictures this week! Yesterday I did some neighbors of mine, who's Sneak Peek you'll see below. This weekend, I head to the east side of the state for some more sweater-wearin' families. Time for scarves and hats!!

If you need some good, warm, fall recipes, I just wanted to quick plug my friend's wonderful food blog Pennies On A Platter
Just looking at the pics warm me up! heehee

Drapers- Enjoy your Sneak Peek!! (click to see a larger version)

Wrap me in the warm colors of autumn...

2010-10-25T18:01:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful fall we have had! I was absolutely blessed to have the rain hold off for not one, but 3 of my sessions this weekend! I was so relieved for all the deserving families that were trying to squeeze in the last of these amazing fall colors.

One the families were these guys! Friends (and well, practically family, once or twice removed or something) Here is the sneak peek to their family session, including their 3 adorable children...don't you just want to eat them up?!

Also, included is a sample of the Pretty Presets I've been using. People either prefer the traditional look or love the the artistic look it brings.

Enjoy!
(click on the image to see a larger version)

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Fall 2010 Contest

2010-10-08T05:37:00.000-07:00

(Click flier for larger view or to print. For details & Rules scroll below)

Pettiskirt & headband from Studio 1631

Woohoo!!! Finally little girls get to win big!!
(Headband from Studio 1631)

GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN - FALL 2010 CONTEST/GIVEAWAY

Parents of girls ages 1 yr to 8 yrs can enter their daughter to win a super cute & fun package of:

- 1/2 hour photo shoot with 8 images to keep on CD from New Song Photography (1 yr expiration)

- Pettiskirt and hat (your choice of color and size) from Studio 1631

- A package of spa goodies from blogger Meghan from Savvy-Spending

- $20.00 in credits to Markers & Mud Designs (personalized cards, t-shirts, printable parties, & more!)

Entrants must be in the Greater Grand Rapids area, Lansing Area or SE Metro Detroit area or able to travel to the Grand Rapids area.

Parents send to k_clum@yahoo.com any type of picture of their daughter, along with a note granting permission to post their photo on the web, phone number and email address (Phone for contest contact ONLY.. we will not bug you randomly with phone calls! We just don't work that way!) The child will be addressed by last name. First names and ages of the girls will not be posted. Concern for their privacy is important to us. To qualify the picture, please "like" New Song Photography, Markers and Mud, & Studio 1631. Also, become a "follower" of savvyspending-meghan.blogspot.com. Hopefully you have already done this for some of these businesses!

Theses steps are easy and very important AND must be done BY OCTOBER 15th @ MIDNIGHT.

Starting on October 18th, your friends and family can vote for your daughter's picture. This is done by "like"ing New Song Photography and then either "like"ing the photo or commenting on the photo.

Extra votes are cast by voting for the contestant by liking their photo again on Studio 1631, Markers & Mud and commenting on Savvy Spending's Contest Announcement (comment the child's last name to vote). Voting closes at midnight on November 5th.

We will then draw a name RANDOMLY from all the votes we have collected. PLEASE NOTE this is not a contest of "who gets the most votes" but a RANDOM DRAWING. More votes still gives you a higher chance of winning.

**** There must be a minimum of 5 entrants for contest to take place. If minimum is not met, we will postpone the contest, but keep qualified entrants until further notice. ***

Best wishes to all those entering!

Print Life Giveaway!! {Flourish}

2010-09-18T08:21:00.000-07:00

I'm entering the Print Life giveaway for a $75.00 gift certificate to Flourish Design - helping make photographs an extraordinary piece of art!

Check out this link for the CONTEST through Color Inc's Print Life blog.
Then, check out Flourish Design BEAUTIFUL textures, action sets, templates, brushes and more.

Don't you think their designs would go perfect with this:

or this:

or this?

Hope you check Flourish's stuff... it is really beautiful!
~Kelly

IHF week 35 - Photojournalism

2010-08-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

So I haven't posted on IHF in forever... but photojournalism is my FAVORITE subject. Nothing is better then looking at a picture and jumping into the story - even if its just a split second of a moment - it pulls you in!

This photo is one of my favorites in the photojournalistic realm. This is when I first started my business last year, so the quality isn't amazing. I just TOTALLY relate to this moment in the middle of their family pictures. When can two parents get a moment to themselves! I was actually trying to get a shot of just the 2 of them and the girls wouldn't let that happen. One was mad that she couldn't and the other was so stubborn and wouldn't take no for an answer! lol But still, my friends are so in love (#3 baby has come since then!)

Please check out all the other photog stories at I Heart Faces!

Christmas Sample #1 | Markers & Mud with New Song!

2010-08-23T05:56:00.001-07:00

Ready to see some of Lesli from Markers & Mud's fun design work?

Here is sample reveal #1

Now remember, your design may not look exactly like this, but you can get an idea of the styles Lesli can provide. She will work with the colors your family is wearing, the amount of photos you want to use, and the message you want your card to have!

We'll reveal another one tomorrow...

Hope everyone is enjoying these last days of summer (well, in school terms anyway!) Michigan doesn't start until Sept 7th, so we are just starting the preparations for our first school year at our house!
God bless,
~Kelly

Holiday Mini Shoot 2010 | NE Grand Rapids, MI Photographer

2010-08-19T05:41:00.000-07:00

The BIG REVEAL is here!

Saturday, October 9th, I am offering my first ever mini-shoot day! Not only that, but I have teamed up with another fabulous mommy, Lesli from Markers & Mud Custom Designs, to offer totally unique, custom to your photo, Christmas cards! Every day, on our Facebook accounts, we will be posting pictures of the location AND a new sample card so you can see her fun & classic styles. So make sure you head to our Facebook fan pages, click "Like" and stay tuned to the daily reveals!

This day only, you will be getting a STEAL. A 1/2 hour session, 25 CUSTOM Christmas cards, and 3 images on CD to keep. See the promo above for pricing. For the session, we will be heading to a cute farm in Belding, MI with fall trees, open fields, fun gates, decorated horse stalls, and festive fall & Christmas deco to choose from. Hurry, because there are only 12 time slots available!

And finally, the FREE part to the announcement: The first 2 people to reserve (with their $25 deposit) gets an Extra 25 Photo Cards FREE!!!

So, print off the promo card, download the letter with the detailed information (*coming soon*), and email me to reserve your spot!

Spread the word! Thanks for joining us on this new adventure!

*** RECENT PAST CLIENTS ***
Lesli charges a very reasonable price for .jpeg's of Custom Christmas Cards for YOU too. She sends you the finished card (photo included) via CD or email, and you can print them wherever you like, or she can have them printed. Take advantage of her first year pricing!

IHF Challenge - Purple

2010-07-26T07:31:00.000-07:00

This really is a photograph! I've been holding on to it for the purple challenge. It was taken in a cute little boutique in southern Indiana. My friend was engaged to be married and I thought it would be cute to be sitting, wishing & waiting for her wedding day to come!

Click on the link below to check out the amazing I Heart Faces site and to see more amazing entries!

*God bless you today!*
~Kelly

June/July Seniors! | NE Grand Rapids, MI Photographer

2010-07-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year of course and I just have to show off some of the fabulous Seniors I have had the honor of capturing this month or so. It is my first season doing Seniors and it really has been a blast! Now I only have girls posted but click here to see a couple guys represent. These ladies were real pros and I am so thankful that they took a chance on me :-) They are all beautiful and really made my job easy. If you are interested in seeing more from my Seniors Sessions, click on the Facebook link on the right side of my blog or click here.
(see prices below)

My basic package is a two hour photoshoot at two on-location spots of your choosing. You may have 3 changes of clothes (you can bring more if you are having trouble deciding - and I can help you out!). Bring any fun props or hobby items you want! I love making pictures that scream YOU! I'll do a mix of the traditional and unique. Finally, you'll choose 25-30 pictures from proofs to have on CD. For my first year, this steal of a deal is only $220. You will have a hard time finding a Senior photographer that will give you the CD (especially of THAT many pictures). I also guarantee that I will not offer this deal after December, so 2011 Seniors - TAKE ADVANTAGE NOW! Email me at k_clum@yahoo.com Other packages and add-ons are available at at extra cost. Pop me an email if you have any questions!

God bless you this day!
~ Kelly

The light in the eyes of him whose heart is joyful, rejoices the heart of others. - Proverbs 15:30

June in Review | NE Grand Rapids, MI Photographer

2010-07-07T06:57:00.000-07:00

Once again, I have failed at my attempt to be a better blogger. :( But I do want to show you all the fun things that have happened in the month of June! A few are from May as well, but I was held to secrecy because they were gifts ;-) If you are interested in a session, please email me at k_clum@yahoo.com You can also see many more pictures on my Facebook page.
For 10 days of June, we were off in beautiful Cape Cod, Mass. visiting my husbands family. What a gorgeous place to have taken some family's pictures! We had the best weather ever!!
I pray everyone has a blessed July celebrating the 4th and soaking in this beautiful sun. If you haven't yet, take a moment to run through the sprinklers with your kids - and maybe even hit the slip n slide and act like kid!

Play! | I Heart Faces Challenge

2010-06-07T13:31:00.000-07:00

What's more playful than young love? Last month, I took engagement pictures of my brother and his sweet fiance. We wanted to do something a little different and not the standard sit. More fun, more unique, more.... playful! I LOVED how they turned out. I love their genuine laughs and smiles. and I love how big the bubble they tried forever to get turned out! lol

As always, check out more fun play entries (or enter your own!) at www.iheartfaces.com

Love, Peace & Play,
Kelly

Busy bees got nothin' on me!

2010-06-01T12:26:00.000-07:00

As my hubby can attest to, I have been running around busy like chicken with my head cut off...(ew - not the mental picture I wanted) In between end of school year events and weddings and Memorial day fun, I did manage to squeeze in some photo shoots.

June is gearing up to be even busier. Nonetheless, I promise, even WITH vacation, to be better on the blogging front this month. I've missed my I Heart Faces challenges and business updates. Its time to get the whip a-crackin'!

p.s. God bless our soldiers for the sacrifice the make and their families who so graciously share their loved ones so that we can be safe. I've had the honor and privilege of becoming friends with several military families this past year and watched 2 young men make the leap to join. I have never felt more thankful or more appreciative after watching these families trust God with everything they have. You are our hereos...

Here's a little snippet of May...

High Schoolers VOTE!

2010-04-18T13:34:00.001-07:00

I am gearing up for my first season ever in Senior Portraits and I get the awesome privilege to kick it off with the Class of 2011! Thankfully, I have a some teens I know from our church youth group who are helping me with some marketing shoots. (a few are even signed up as representatives for the '11 season!! woot!)
Anyhow, I wanted to see what fads in "post processing" (things i do on photoshop) are most likable to the Class of 2011 (and maybe even a few parents). But if you have comment or suggestion and you aren't a teen or parent - go for it. What the heck are blogs for?

Soooo, we have option 1 which is bright and more basic.
Option 2 has some cool layers on it to make it look scratchy and a bit darker.
Option 3 has been muted in tone (technically, with carmel & candy tones).

click on the photo to view it larger.

Please VOTE for your favorite in the comment section below this blog entry. (if you sign up anonymously, will you please write if you are a teen, a parent, or other... thanks!!!) If you like them all, post what order you like them from most to least liked.

Have a fantastic Sunday!!!
~Kelly

p.s. if you are a student or parent interested in me as a photographer, feel free to check out my original post in 2009 in this blog that lays out my testimony. If you are interested in portraits, pop me a message and I'll either send you a price list or (if its Senior pics) I'll point you to an amazing Senior Rep!

Fix it Friday #50!

2010-04-16T11:00:00.000-07:00

This was a fun I Heart Faces Fix-it! I'm getting ready to do senior pictures and I thought this would be a great opportunity to show what I can do with blemishes/smoothing out skin. The photographer also didn't like how dark (or underexposed) the photograph was.

Here's the first one:

And here's my redo in PSE6 (i haven't figured out actions yet):

I duplicated the original layer and in "layers" chose to Screen layer. I did it twice bc it was rather dark.
I desaturated the red (usual i'm saturating reds but screening cause the red to look unnatural)
Using the sponge saturation tool, I saturated the green grass & her turquoise shirt, and her eyes.
I de-blemished by using the healing-brush tool on red blemishes (use this on myself often!) and using the blur tool set at 59% to smooth skin.
I sharpened the in-focus area a tad more, and then her eyes a bit more using Unsharp Mask tool.
I lighten just her irises a bit. Not so much that it doesn't look natural.
I used the burn tool set on shadows to darken areas to make it pop a bit more.

I was trying to focus on making her photo as close to out-of-camera as possible. (well, the way she would have wanted it to look OOC)

See more amazing fix-its and try-its ---> click below!

IHF - Focusing on Angles

2010-03-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

For this weeks angle challenge I just had to pull out my favorite picture of my nephews & niece. They are always such hams and will pull off almost anything I ask them to!! (not to mention 4 gorgeous kiddos) Love them!

As always, to view some amazing entrants or to enter your own photo, go to www.iheartfaces.com - the most amazing, inspiring place for any kind of photog or hopeful.

All Bundled Up - IHF

2010-03-15T16:44:00.000-07:00

This entry is for I Heart Faces - Bundled Up
It's been a while since I last posted for IHF. Time to get back to participating after 2 weeks of massive editing!
Now, I live in Michigan...and have PLENTY of winter coat-hats-in the snow-bundled up kind of pictures! But I took this picture last week at a session for a 6 week old and I couldn't resist entering it. I love these cocoons and so do babies. This one is hers, and being a friend of the family, I know Baby T loves this thing. When she's bundled into it, she's fast asleep in 5 minutes!

Um...Do they make these in adult size???

To view more amazing entries, visit www.iheartfaces.com

Fresh Delivery!

2010-03-06T19:11:00.000-08:00

Baby Grayson's mommy and I met randomly at a playground (where all mommies meet of course). They are an army family from the Lone Star State, & now we attend MOPS together... (see their blog at Keeping Up With Kovics ) She's been one of my loyal clients from the beginning and she always makes me feel like the greatest photographer ever! I am so thankful for them! 1 week old Grayson's debut was so exciting for me because he's the youngest baby I've photographed yet (besides my own little guys). Of course, he slept the whole way thru - what a precious little bundle.

Sunshine and Baby Cakes

2010-03-05T18:38:00.000-08:00

I love gorgeous days like today... and did I ever NEED the sunshine. It was a great start to my weekend-o-baby sessions! Baby S was probably the easiest baby I've ever taken pictures of. Her daddy, Todd, came home for a lunch break to help us cap off her first baby pictures. Monica is a friend of the mom from the previous blog posting... it is crazy how word of mouth spreads! I have been so thankful for new customers and friends. This adventure in photography is getting so exciting! I feel so blessed to enter folks' homes and share a special moments, like first baby pictures, with them. How special and wonderful is that?! It just reminds me to thank everyone that has gone out on a limb for a starting-out photog with one camera and a couple lenses. Thank you for the encouragement. And thank God as always, for the grace and privilege to do this for a living.

Enjoy the lastest sneak peek!

Psalm 139

2010-02-19T18:22:00.001-08:00

Just yesterday I had a shoot with Baby J and momma at their home (since I do not have a studio. plus, what mom wants to drag their new baby out in this snow & freezing wind?!). As soon as I walked into this cute room, I saw a basket full of yarn - and Psalm 139 popped right into my head. One of a few verses I have memorized. It is a comfort to me... and now as a mom has much deeper meaning towards the lives of my sons. We are all fearfully and wonderfully made by God our Creator. And every little detail in us gives Him glory. Kinda makes you feel special, doesn't it?

IHF - I Wanna Dance!!

2010-02-15T05:48:00.000-08:00

I love this picture at a family wedding - it is of a cousin & her father dancing, but in the foreground? My son and another cousin's daughter who look like they're enjoying the moment (notice the tossed bouquet in the girls hand!) but REALLY just want these two to get off the floor so THEY can dance!!! lol And they danced they're hearts out for 2 and half hours!!

see more amazing pics at iheartfaces.com!!

Hot breakfast

2010-02-11T11:59:00.000-08:00

Once or twice a week I try to skip the cold cereal/oatmeal breakfast with my boys and opt for a more time consuming, but more delicious hot breakfast. Its special to my boys (pancakes, eggs, "stirrum" (a family recipe), cinnamon rolls, etc. ) This picture makes me feel that early, fall morning and smell those steaming, scrambled eggs. Of course, I love that I can even see the swirls of hot air rising! It was a rare Saturday with nothing to do (thus the time to take picture). I had nothing to do - but make my boys some eggs and sausage.

What does it make you feel?

I Heart Faces Challenge: kisses

2010-02-09T11:33:00.000-08:00

This is from a recent engagement session with some friends.... She was giggly the whole time - gotta love a couple awaiting a beautiful marriage and life together! I still get that feeling from my hubby of 7 1/2 years :-)

For MORE entries go to iheartfaces.blogspot.com and click on Photo Challenge!

For: Through the Lens of Worship

2010-02-04T06:13:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to find another inspiring photography challenge. I am obviously a part of I Heart Faces - and through a few ladies there I've discovered "Through the Lens of Worship". Actually this is their first "challenge" week. I am so excited for the opportunities God will give through this! If you haven't read my info or my first entry, I absolutely think that photography is my "New Song" unto the Lord. I feel the same way when I take pictures as when I am singing worship to my Lord!

Now, I'm in Michigan - so obviously this isn't from this week. Plus we've been battling illnesses... But I wanted to show my support of this blog & find a picture i already had.

Anyhow, I am entering this photo. It is of my two boys standing on our driveway watching the sunset. It reminds of the faithfulness of God. The sun is setting, and by His hand, it will rise again tomorrow. But it also reminds me of Psalm 139:7-12 talking about "If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me" Especially with my two little boys in the picture, it gives me peace about their future and put their lives in God's hands. His creation is so beautiful and I am so thankful He uses it to teach me lessons about His love!

God Bless!
Kelly

My First Engagement Session!

2010-01-31T07:41:00.000-08:00

I have been dying to do an engagement session...but being that I'm way past the age that friends are getting hitched every other weekend, they've been hard to come by. ;-) So when Ben & Missy got engaged, I was on them like a hawk! Ben is my sister-in-law's brother (make sense?) and I used to be one of his youth sponsors way back in youth group times. And now they are both looking to go into ministry! They are so in love with eachother and our God! Missy said it best as we were preparing for their session - "I don't want those serious poses, I want people to know that I LOVE this man!". AMEN! lol So on an outrageously sunny Saturday, with 18 degree weather, we tromped around downtown Grand Rapids for some pictures. I am VERY happy with how my first engagement session turned out! Give me more!!! haha

~ Kelly

I Heart Faces Challenge: Texture

2010-01-25T11:01:00.000-08:00

As usual, gotta give props to I Heart Faces for making challenges that encourage me to get better at photoshop! This is from a recent shoot of a 3 mos old baby. When I saw Texture as the challenge, I immediately that of this picture. The tutu and the bracelets are texture in and of themselves, but since I've learned more about layers I had actual texture given to the photo as well. I love the color, the roly baby skin... cuteness :-)

See more amazing entries at iheartfaces.blogspot.com!

The Sweetness of Baby Toes

2010-01-15T19:46:00.000-08:00

Nothing is cuter or sweeter than an adorable baby girl. "L" turned 3 mos. and in the 2nd shoot of her one year baby package. I love the challenge each new family, growing child, or location brings. I really wanted to continue shooting on-location, but Michigan winters are not conducive to outside baby shoots! My husband helped me make a diy Lighting and backdrop I found on the internet. And for right now, the back drops are just sheets. I know. Not the proper stuff. But I was surprised how well the pictures turned out! I did have a little help from a slider window and a grey day outside giving us a little extra light.

Here's the cutie:

Best Face Photo - Michigan Winter

2010-01-11T10:28:00.001-08:00

I can't remember if this was the first or second huge snowfall we got in December, but it is definitely memorable for by boys. My son's LONG eyelashes were a magnet for the falling flakes! It looked like an icicle just hanging out there :-)
This is for I Heart Faces' Best Face competition. For more info, click the link after the photo...

Best of luck to all the entrants! -Kelly Check them out at iheartfaces.blogspot.com (under "this weeks competition")

Fix it Friday #40

2010-01-08T07:37:00.000-08:00

Another First! I'm trying my hand at a fix-it friday picture from I Heart Faces blog. (therefore note - i did not take this picture. Only photoshopped it.)
I thought it was Great to begin with but I did do a few fun things with it. I did some obvious lighting adjustments...but I added more luminosity to the candle. I despeckled & sharpened the boy, bc I like the noise and slight blur of his crew. Then i tried one of the cool holiday bokeh layers for PSE on the pic and I thought it really added to the picture!

Here's the original

And here's mine:

Ian <3 faces! #2

2010-01-03T16:37:00.000-08:00

2 ENTRIES:

"i heart faces" has a weekly bloggers competition for photogs. This week was a little interesting bc I had to use their logo creatively in a face picture (naturally!). It was fun! This is my son, wearing a red-eye tree frog mask at his birthday party. He's always giving us a good laugh! I photoshopped in the "i heart faces" logo...

I am submitting this photo into the I Heart Faces logo photo contest. By entering, I am granting I Heart Faces LLC permission to consider my photo for use in the marketing and promotion of their website

This is one of my good friend's daughters. We have a huge mirror-windowed building downtown & we were taking the kids birthday pics. It was an irresistible shot!

2010-01-02T11:01:00.000-08:00

Reflections on Christmas

2009-12-29T06:39:00.001-08:00

What a busy season of love, celebration and wonder! December brought an expected lull in clients (because of a busy schedule!), but a month full of wonderful memories with my boys. Michigan was dumped with snow, the boys are old enough now to do things like decorate cookies & visit Santa, and church Christmas programs this year were priceless. I enjoy watching the boys' faith grow and listening to my 4 year old's theological questions about Christmas. I thought I'd share a few of my favorite pics from our events! God Bless!

Old friends bring the same ol' smiles

2009-11-27T19:58:00.000-08:00

It's fun to do pics with friends I have grown up and watched their children now grow up before our eyes. Here is a sneak peak for sisters I have known for a long time and their families...

Christmas Pics Idea...

2009-11-19T10:58:00.000-08:00

Struggling to find the perfect card to download with your new Christmas pics? Make it simple... put your message on your 4x6 (or any size) pictures. Here are some samples of what I've done on photoshop. For $10, I will add a message to a current clients' photo or for $20, I will place a message on a photo sent to me (you will then receive it on CD).

Tworek Family Sneak Peak!

2009-11-14T18:20:00.000-08:00

I usually use Facebook as my means to provide a sneak peak for my cleints, but I created this blog because realize that not everyone has succumbed to addiction of FB...like myself. So, for friends and family of the Tworeks, here is a sneak peak to their family pictures today!

I love this picture of the kids! Such a sweet brother & sister :-) All kids have their moments!

2009-11-08T18:15:00.000-08:00

Never had so many comments on a pic than on this simple picture! I'd seen other photogs taking window/mirror pics and wanted to try it with a kiddo. In straight color, it didn't look all that fantastic. Fun, but not especially neato. So I decided to give that "through the looking glass feeling" by tinting just her reflection. I feel like she's the center of her own little world in the middle of the city busy-ness. i love it!

2009-10-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

So I'm trying a new photography site out called I <3 faces... its super cute! They have weekly contests and this weeks is of course Halloween Dress-up. So I of course could not pass up knowing I have this hilarious pic of Brady, all dressed up as a cowboy, lookin' mean as the fastest booger flinger east of the Mississippi. Love it!

Welcome to New Song Photography!

2009-10-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought it might be fun to track my progress on this little photo journey of mine. I still can't believe that someone would actually ask ME to take their pictures! Each friend and client has meant the world to me - their graciousness in allowing me to take their pictures as I am just starting out is truly a gift to me.
So why "New Song Photography"? I get a strange look with each person I share the name with! After hours and hours of racking my brain and checking domain availability and tossing out the cheesy ones, I had a thought. This business is absolutely and totally a gift from God - I still don't even understand how everything came together! As things started falling into place (gifts & help from friends, family, clients) I realized "hey, this could really work!" And as ADD as I am (ooh, a squirrel), I knew if I didn't jump on this God-wagon, I might watch it pass by. SOOOO, maybe, just maybe, I should pray for a name that I would have to point to and give glory to God each time someone asked me what the name of my business was. That's when I heard the song "The New Song We Sing" by Meredith Andrews. *lightbulb* "New Song" made perfect sense, because photography expresses my worship (a new song to the Lord) when I just don't have the words (which happens a lot after having birthed 2 boys!) AND, as a friend pointed out to me, "New Song" for clients might mean something too: thankfulness for a new baby, excitement over an engagement, love bursting over a lasting marriage and gratefulness in a family.
New Song Photography is an over-pouring of my love for God and His creation. Now, I just follow His path in this journey. I learn everyday as new opportunities arise.