I had the pleasure of taking Miss Coopersville's official portrait. Tara Graftema is a senior at Coopersville High School. We laughed and had a lot of fun during her session. It was a great way to get to know her better. I was very inspired as I listened to the many ways the experience has positively affected her character. The best part is that she looks great all dressed up and wearing a crown, but I suspect she's still pretty comfy in her jeans and boots.

It was also great to hear the way many of Coopersville's business members supported her and many others, as the senior class faced a multitude of tragedies during the beginning of the year.

Good luck in all your future endeavors Tara!

Kim

Gianna absolutely cracks me up!!! She is full of expressions, energy and the most hilarious comments. Kids do say the darnedest things:) I love photographing at rustic farm settings. What a fun place to let a child explore and be her curious self!

Karen

If you know Chelsea, Randi, Jenna or Aubreanne and you are a 2010 senior, be sure to get a business card from one of these ladies. If you bring the card to your studio session you'll be able to choose a gift valued at $35! What are your gift choices you may wonder.... stay tuned!

Kim & Karen

Professional Photographers of Western Michigan (PPWM) is holding a print competition this month. The subject matter is seniors and the judges are seniors and their parents. This is a bit of a departure from our typical print competitions. We're looking forward to be judged by prospective clients instead of our peers. I'm assuming the criteria will be more emotional based than technical.

These are the prints that Karen and I are entering. Do you think we have any winners?

Kim

Well, they're not technically mine, but I'll claim them as my own. Avery does look just like her Aunt Karen as a baby...

I can't believe how quickly my nieces are growing up! They have more personality every time I see them. Brenna is little miss independent. It's almost impossible not to laugh when she's being naughty. Suddenly Avery, who is now 6 months, is sitting up, holding her bottle, and reaching for you when you hold your arms out. She just isn't a tiny baby anymore! Perhaps it's because I don't have children of my own yet, but I'm astonished at how quickly they learn and change. They are so much fun right now and I wish we could freeze time for a little while.

And thank you to Lisa for making us this adorable hat:)

Karen

These two little ones are so sweet! It's almost impossible to stop watching them and smiling. They are going to have so much fun together in the very near future. It's amazing how aware they are of one another and so affectionate already. Of course, it deserves to be said that they have great parents and grandparents as well. This session was so laid back and fun.

Kim

P.S. A big thanks to Lisa for being my extra eyes and hands during this session!

I have the best job!! Anthony Gonnella asked me to come back to Kicked Up Catering and take some images for use in a new brochure. It was so much fun to do something a little different. I should admit my devious motives.... I hoped that if I touched the Chicken Parmesan sandwich enough they'd let me eat it! My plan worked so well!!

If you haven't stopped by yet - put it on your to do list. Once the tourist hit Grand Haven, this place is going to be crazy busy!

Kim

Chelsea was in the studio last night. She makes my job sooo easy. Can't wait to have her back in the studio one more time for a special session :)

KK

This session was so much more fun that I could have ever imagined it could be! I must confess that the thought of three dogs in the studio kind of scared me. One more reason I love working with Karen (four hands are waaay better than two). She did the shooting and I helped wrangle the dogs. Having only one dog myself, I had no idea that dogs had such different personalities. Stella is the matriarch. She is very sweet and gentle. Hunter is the certainly the middle child and loves to explore. Little Harley is only 10 weeks old, but he's going to give Hunter a run for his money. I'm so glad Rick and Debbie want to capture this special part of their family.

Kim

Lance, Sally, Aaron & Molly are on the brink of a big adventure. Very soon they'll be moving to Florida for a very unique career opportunity for the whole family. God has amazing things in store for this awesome family!

We're so glad they had time to come into the studio for a family portrait before they head out of state on their new adventure.

Could this little guy be any cuter??? Rory made us laugh throughout his whole session. He was so expressive - whether it be actively flirting with his beautiful long eye lashes or laughing his happy little belly laugh. He was an absolute joy to have in the studio.

Happy First Birthday Rory!

Kim

My nephew Wyatt is such a sweet one year old! He's a hugger and a cuddler, that is, when he's not on the move. He'll be walking before his parents know it! There was a lot of exploring to do in the studio today.

Isn't he a little man?

Karen