Colorado - {Landscape & Travel Photography}

I recently got to escape this *ahem* spectacularly warm weather that has rocked Texas as of late and make a run to the mountains of Colorado. The break was wonderful and the cooler temperatures were so nice! 

This is just a small sampling of the places I visited!

View of the mountain in my wine glass :)

The storm clouds rolled in & created so much drama in this photo!

Now, if only Texas could take the memo that being over 100 with ridiculous amounts of humidity every day is completely unnecessary.
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Krystal

Mom's (and Dad's) Photography Class

Are you a mom with a nice DSLR (or a dad since it was pointed out on Facebook that mom's aren't the only ones who take photos)? Ya know, the camera with all of those buttons that you have NO idea what they are there for? Did you know you are wasting money by having that camera if you never take it off of Auto mode?

 Do you want to know how to make your children really stand out? 

Or how to get that nice blur behind them?

 Or how to get good images straight out of the camera?

Or maybe you just want to be more comfortable photographing in manual mode?

If so, check this out!

I will be offering Mom's Photography classes - or "Mom-tography" as I like to say - here in the DFW area and will expand to other areas if there is significant interest there. For one afternoon, I will teach you how to use your camera in manual mode as well as some tips and tricks that will vastly improve your photos.

A couple of notes before I get to the good stuff:
This class is being held in just a few weeks so REGISTER QUICKLY to ensure your spot.
Because it is a hands on experience, class size is limited and on a first come, first serve basis. 

Here is some of what will be covered in the class:

• Basic camera settings (including aperture, iso, shutter speed)
• Understanding your camera & how it works
• Using your camera in Manual mode
• The problems with Auto mode & how to fix them using creative modes
• Using natural light
• Basics of white balance, focus modes and file types 
• Storing and backing up your priceless images 
• Tips & tricks for photographing children and babies
• And more!

This will be a casual atmosphere where you can ask questions & get hands on training. Plus you don't have to spend numerous nights/weekends away from your family like you would going to a class elsewhere!

I am a firm believer in hands-on learning, so please bring your camera to the class. We will have yummy appetizers to snack on AND door prizes to give away! Please note this class is not intended for professionals nor is it for those looking to expand into a business.

Class Details:
Class Date: Saturday, September 24
Time and Place: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm in Dallas, TX ( I will email the address and directions 1 week prior to class)
Cost: $99 (due at time of registration)

Additional Details:
Only a limited amount of seats are available for each class to ensure that there is plenty of opportunity to ask questions and learn on your own camera.
You do not have to have an SLR to attend. Many of the lessons taught can be applied to a point and shoot camera.
All attendees receive 15% off a future photography session by KM Photo Studio
All attendees will be entered to win some fabulous door prizes.
Come with questions - there will be time to ask away.
After the class, I would love to give any comments/feedback on your photographs via email.
Come with a friend or come make some new ones!

*If you would like to host a Mom-tography class at your house, please let me know! There are perks for hosting & it is a great way to spend time with your friends. We can make it a private event just for you and your friends as long as you have a minimum of 5 people attending the class.*

To register, email me at krystal@kmphotostudio.com

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Krystal

Jewish Naming Ceremony - {Event} - Sneak Peek!

A few months ago, I was contacted about photographing this event. I had never been  to a ceremony like this before so I was very excited to be able to witness such a special event! Please bear with me as I attempt to explain this as well as I understand (and correct anything I might get wrong! I am not claiming to be an expert in this at all). :)

Typically, Jewish parents give their baby a secular name as well as a Hebrew name to express their individuality as well as maintaining connections to previous generations. So, carrying on the family name in a way. The Hebrew name bears a lot of significance so it is chosen very carefully. During the ceremony, traditional blessings are given, scriptures are quoted and they speak about their hopes of the child. Close friends and family attend the ceremony.

The ceremony was held at a cute little wine bar called The Wine Therapist here in Dallas. After the ceremony, it was time for food! The sweet baby girl being honored that day was SO good! She slept almost entirely through the event and was so content being passed around. I wish I could better put in to words what a special experience this was, but words couldn't explain it! Instead, I will leave you with photos from the day. :)

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Krystal

Luke - {2 Years Old}

Today is such a special day to me.

Two years ago, I met the sweetest little boy a mother could ever have.

Seeing him face to face for the very first time was a moment that I will never forget. Looking right into the eyes of a precious life that was now my responsibility.

You've heard it before & you'll hear it again - being a mommy is a full time job. 24/7. But you know what?

Every minute of sleep lost is worth it. Every tear I shed (some seemingly for no reason other than hormones) is worth it. Every bite of food that is no longer mine because someone so sweetly asks "Mommy, pleeeease?" - worth it. He is more than worth any of these things and so so so much more.

Now, two years later he still makes my heart smile every day (even the days when he uses me as his own personal trampoline and re-decorates the house for me by leaving 234875 toys out). He has given me so much joy and I am so lucky to be his mother.

Happy Birthday, sweet Luke! 

You are so loved.

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Krystal

Lil Nugget Boutique - {Product Photography}

When Lorena from Lil Nugget Boutique asked me if I would be willing to trade services with her, I was so excited. I had seen some of her products on her Facebook page so I knew she was talented. Little did I know how good she really is! She custom designed this shirt for my sweet little boy's birthday. He absolutely loves the shirt (because it has his favorite - Mickey!) and we are in love with it too!

If you ever need any custom products for your lil one, I highly recommend her! Here are a few photos of the darling shirt she made for us!

And finally, I had to share a little piece of my own work (besides the photos, of course). This is the custom made invitation I designed for my little man's birthday! (Except it had my real phone number and email address on it- hah!)

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Krystal

Sam - {Newborn} - Sneak Peek!

You were able to see when I  photographed this sweet baby's arrival. So now, you get to see what a cutie he is! Sam was so laid back during the session. His mom warned me that when the diaper comes off, he is usually waiting to christen you. Haha! Luckily for me, that didn't happen! In fact, he is the first newborn EVER to not do a number on my blankets! (and honestly, I don't mind it when they do because it is all part of the expected!) It was more of a shock than anything that he held it that long!

Sam has three older siblings who are *very* helpful. If he made just one small noise, there were at least 2 pairs of hands right there to ask me if he was okay and if I needed help. It was so sweet seeing all of the love being poured out on this little guy. All of the kids wanted to help me & kept asking if it was their turn to hold him yet. :) It thrills me that I get to photograph this family as they grow and I cannot wait to see them again!

It was really hard narrowing it down to just a few photos to share. So here are just a few of my favorites!

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Krystal