Not one day goes by...

...that I haven't thought about my dad and missed him a ton! My dad passed away two years ago, today. I still talk to him every day and hope he can hear me. Sometimes I'm lucky enough that he'll send me a sign or he visits me in my dreams. He's only visited me twice before, but I was lucky again last night.

I had a dream... my car started to overheat. The dials were spinning all over the place, red lights were blinking! It was complete chaos. I pulled into a gas station and sat there, confused and stressed out. Then I looked out the window and my dad was standing there. I stepped out of my car and told him what was happening. A ton of steam poured out of the hood of my car. He said to me, in his usual tone, "Kate, turn on the a/c so the fan comes on." So I did. Then, in a voice of complete confidence, he told me to keep searching and I'll find the answer I need.

Now, I have to tell you that my dad was a fanatic car guy. He knew how to fix almost anything on a car and was always the first person I called when I heard a knocking sound, saw a light come on or had a question about my car. He taught me to do my own tune-ups and oil changes. He was always there, whenever I needed him. And he taught me that I could learn to do anything and to fix anything, myself. (My mom instilled that in me too!)

This afternoon, I shared my dream with Chris. I smiled and was happy to see and hear my dad again, as it has been so long. Chris said to me, "Kate, the car is your current stress. The steam is the release of that stress. Your dad was there to tell you everything will be okay and that you'll be able to search and find the answer to solve your problems." Now, how's that for an amazing husband?

I never thought to equate my dream to anything more than just getting to hear and see my dad. Maybe Chris is right. I have been under a tremendous amount of pressure and stress, most of which is out of my control. I felt so relieved after this dream, as if the stress was the steam that just poured out of the engine. I know I will be okay and so will those around me. I just have to keep searching...

My dad always complained when I'd take a zillion photos of him, but he was also the first to always ask "Kate, where's your camera?" when I decided not to bother anyone with it. Thank goodness I never backed down, because while I cannot have my dad here with me, I'll always have these and many other images to remember him by.

I miss you, dad :)

Our last photo together, just us :)

I was always on the outskirts, hanging with my dad at events.

My dad loved Chris so much for me.

I am so thankful to God every day that he let him be with me to walk me down the aisle, on that beautiful September day.

Not one day goes by...

Only 293 Days Left to Go...

I mentioned in a prior post that I was participating this year, again, in the 365 Project. It hasn't been easy remembering to take a self portrait every day for the past 72 days, but I have managed not to miss a day, or an emotion. Some days I leave my SP until the very end of the day and it's a tiring image of what's left of my energy. Other days, I plan ahead or just luck out with an interesting concept. And, of course, there are phenomenal groups and individuals on Flickr who inspire me daily with ideas and images.

At first glance, you may think this is very vain. Actually, it is the total opposite. Throughout the my 365, I learn a lot more about myself and I grow in leaps and bounds as a photographer. The reason I am where I am today, is because of the 365 project that I started in 2008.

If you've ever participated in such a project, you quickly learn that it isn't easy. It's not about just capturing myself with a snap shot, although some days that's all I end up with. 365 is about capturing feelings, emotion and conveying them through images. Or exploring buttons, dials, lighting, props or scenery I've never explored before. While I love to be on the back side of the camera for portraits, this helps me to understand my clients, what they feel in front of the camera. I get camera shy too!

Here are a few wonderful images throughout the past 72 days of my project...

This image was not planned this way, but when I saw it, I was just drawn to it.

This is a glass apple my dad gave me many years ago. I'll always cherish it.

See, I wait until the end of the day and sometimes I'm in my pajamas! My brother-in-law bought me that book :)

The cold of winder brings out so many feelings inside.

Sometimes we must keep our heads and eyes to the heavens for guidance.

Only 293 Days Left to Go...

"Patience is a Virtue"

My mom always told me that. Did I always listen? Usually, no. Sometimes, I can be one of the least patient people in the world, but I have learned over the past few years to slow down and enjoy the ride. It's not about the finish or getting on to the next step, but it's about being in the here and now.

Here's an example of my lack of patience... I rushed through four years of college and picked up a second bachelors along the way since I plowed so fast through my classes. Then I finished my masters degree in less than a year. Yes, 60 graduate credits (the program was insane) and I was done in a year, 12 months, 365 days. In the past six months I'm almost finished with another 5 graduate courses while working full-time, running this precious passion of mine and being a daughter, wife and support system to so many awesome students.

I mentioned in a previous post Listen and see... that I would discuss how photography has taught me to be more patient. While listening to my clients, I am able to see their personalities and reflect that in my images. Sometimes, when working with anyone who is camera shy or full of lovely energy, such as a young child, you need to find patience within yourself to wait for the right moment to snap. Snap, as in take a photo, not lose my mind :)

Some sessions fly by, I'm done in less than a half hour and I've gotten all the shots I've wanted and much more. Other times sessions move along at a more relaxed pace. Either way, I come home with fantastic images I am proud to share. Walking into many sessions, I am unsure what to expect. I never know what will happen, but I always am open to listening to my clients, learning about them and slowing down to be in the moment with them.

Many times, patience comes in handy when working with small children. Usually, they are thrilled to meet me, want to know what the big thing is in my hands and then they want to show me their talents. It is so much fun to listen and play with these young guys and gals.

My niece was one of my first lessons in practicing patience behind the lens. As she grows she gets faster and more playful and Aunt Katelyn has to keep up! Knowing when to just enjoy the moment, helps me to find the ground to do my work and not miss a moment of their personalities in my photography.

Photography has taught me to listen to others and learn about them, while learning about myself. In addition, finding my inner patient yogi has helped me really enjoy the moments in time with my clients. For many, this might be a once in a lifetime opportunity to have beautiful portraits taken. I want this time to be theirs, for them to be in the moment and for it to be special, just as it is for me. As I've learned to enjoy those moments, I've come away from each session with a smile on my face and a new friend in my life.

Thank you to all the wonderful people I've been able to meet, work with and borrow a part of your soul for my images. I appreciate you sharing a moment of your life with me and allowing me to create memories for your families to last a lifetime.

Here are a few images over the past year that were a lot of fun and still bring a smile to me when I look at them...

"Patience is a Virtue"

Zany Zayn! / new jersey child portrait photographer

Zayn is such a cute young man and he just wants to have fun. He was so lively during our session and was easy to work with. He's looking to get into modeling and this boy has got a cute look. I love his curly hair and he has such beautiful eyes and skin. Ah, to be six years old again!

Maybe we'll get to meet up again in the spring for some portraits with his fabulous mom, Jana :)

Zany Zayn! / new jersey child portrait photographer

Dinner is my favorite meal!

Out of all the meals I eat during the day, I have to say that dinner is my most favorite. Breakfast seems to go by so fast, I rarely change what I eat for the week. Lunch, well that's usually left overs and I don't put too much thought into it. Now, dinner, that's a masterpiece!

Dinner is the one meal of the day that I can experiment with new foods or make my plate always look appetizing. It's also the only meals I eat each day that I get to share with someone else, my husband. Although, he does work late sometimes, I rarely if ever have breakfast or lunch with him. Dinner is the one meal where we can enjoy each others company, take a moment, reflect upon the day, and then relax for the evening.

I love to cook and I love to eat. I guess those two things go hand in hand. Have you noticed lately I've become obsessed with food? That's what happens when the sun sets by the time I get home and it's too cold to play outside. I'm sure we all have our loves during these cold, snowy, winter months.

And well, wine doesn't go well with eggs or cereal for breakfast and I think I would get "labeled" if I had wine with lunch :)

What's your favorite meal of the day?

This was our dinner from last night...we're making homemade pizza tonight!
(Thanks for the reminder Jen!)

Dinner is my favorite meal!

Snowy Day - Part II

I promised my readers that I'd share some photos of my mom's Snowy Day Stew!

I also took a few minutes to go out and play in the snow :) It is really cold out there! I can't believe how heavy the snow is falling. School's out for tomorrow too... more playing in the snow? Only time will tell :)

Snowy Day - Part II

Snowy Day

This week has been crazy here in New Jersey! We had the most beautiful snow storm over the weekend, but I opted to stay in my pjs all day and relax. I did take a beautiful silhouette for the theme of the day, of me in my robe enjoying the snow from the warm indoors.

Today, on the other hand, it's snowy, windy and well, just wet. The snow isn't the pretty packing snow like over the weekend. Instead, it's a sleet, slush mess. I might get out there and find the beauty in all of this mess, but I'm more likely to make a nice Snowy Day Stew. My mom made this recipe every time it snowed, growing up. This is my first crack at it today and I am sure it'll taste good! Pictures to come...

And I just wanted to mention how happy I am that the Saints won the Super Bowl!! The first time I've ever gone to a football game was at the Super Dome in New Orleans. I think it was probably the only football game I've ever been to, now that I think of it. My brother has been a fan of theirs for as long as I can remember. It was a sweet victory and a nostalgic moment for me. I was also more excited for my brother that he had some joy and less pain for a day, while he recovers from spinal surgery.

Enjoy the slush, I mean snow... if you're on the East Coast!

Snowy Day

Cute Shoes / new jersey shoe photographer

Some things in life are so simple and yet, they bring me a big smile. I love shoes, but not just any shoe, a cute shoe. I used to buy a lot and never wear them because they can be really uncomfortable! Now, I'm a bit more careful to buy cute, but functional shoes. These are my latest, greatest, favorite pair of plaid flats. Aren't they so cute?

What are your favorite little wardrobe things in life? Is it a shoe, a dress, a great pair of jeans? Let me know in the comments section!

This is SOOC (straight out of the camera) during sunset in my back window. So yummy! And not to mention, comfy too!

P.S. I didn't forget about posting about how I learned patience through photography from my other post! It's coming soon :D

Cute Shoes / new jersey shoe photographer