kristiebradleyphotography.com

Introducing {Wyatt Luke ~ 7 Days Old}

Mon, 20 May 2013 09:00:01 +0000

I am so excited to welcome our newest addition, Wyatt Luke, to the family. He truly completes us and we couldn’t be happier. Born May 7th, 2013 after only 3.5 hours of labor{I know I am super lucky}, Wyatt weighed 7lbs 10oz and 20 inches long. Delivered by his father’s hands the experience was completely amazing.
Being on maternity leave is difficult for me. I LOVE being home and taking care of my new bundle of joy, but I find it hard not to want to work still. So many dreams and goals for KBP that my mind is always working on the next idea. I miss my sessions and cannot wait to photograph my next senior in a few short weeks! It felt good to get my camera out and take some shots of Wyatt at one week old. I kept it simple and used just one bowl and blanket. I am hoping to do some more with him this week in his new room. I am sure I took way too many of my little guy, but he kept making the cutest little faces and I wanted to get each one recorded. I hope you enjoy these images and I cannot wait to share some more as he grows.

If you are interested in booking a session for Summer or Fall please contact me so we can schedule your consult.
I am so excited about the sessions planned and what is yet to come!

iPhonography{Tips, Tricks & Examples}

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:00:51 +0000

I have to admit I am guilty of not getting as many pictures of my family as I would like. Sometimes I just put my camera away to be safe and sound between sessions and forget to bring it out during family time. Every now and then I realize that I have been doing this and make a point to do a special shoot just to capture some moments that are so fleeting. Usually though, my phone becomes my go to camera.
Its much easier to sneak in a photo of a special moment of the day without digging out my “big” camera.
I have found some great resources that help me utilize my phone a bit better and wanted to share them here so that maybe some of these apps and tips can help you.

Instagram

This is probably the most popular, and in my case, easiest way to take and share images. I love Instagram and use it probably daily. I did find however that some of the quality was sacrificed with certain Instagram filters. I also didn’t always want to use some crazy filter and just wanted to do a slight edit and post my image the way I took it.

Enter PicTapGo:

This is a wonderful new app. PicTapGo has many more options to edit your photos with just a tap of your finger. You can adjust shadows, highlights, contrast and there are some more creative filters as well. I noticed my images were not as grainy and a bit higher quality from this app. You also have the option to export your image right from the app to Instagram in the square format OR in the original rectangle format. I love this because sometimes the square doesn’t work for the image I take.

Postal Pix

I recently found this app through my sister. I wanted a way to print some of my Instagram images to use in a display in our home(more coming on this soon). You can choose and order your prints right on your phone. Mine came in 2-3 days! The quality is pretty good. As good as can be expected from iPhone 3Gs pics I suppose.
I was happy with them for our display:)
I am planning to try a few other options and will update with my experience.

Tips for iPhone Pics:

I try to keep in mind many of the same rules that I use in photography when I am using my phone. This doesn’t always happen as sometimes I am trying to capture a very quick moment and composition, light and angles are not as important. When I have some time to set up a shot I like to keep these in mind:

Light

Photographs are all about light! If you don’t have good light the quality of your image is greatly affected. Light can create mood and different effects in the image. Where the light is coming from creates dramatic differences in an image. Look for light from windows, doors and even electronic devices. Ideally if you are taking a picture of a person you want light in their eyes. This gives them life and a sparkle. However, that is not a steadfast rule. You may want a silhouette, a back-lit image or some dramatic shadows. These cases call for different light.

Composition

The placement of your subject can change an image dramatically. I try to follow the Rule of Thirds. A lot of phones now have the option to put a grid on your screen which can help you with placement. Ideally you would place your subject in one third of the grid either horizontal or vertically. This technique is pleasing to the viewer. There are cases though that centering your subject is the better decision however.

Angle/Point of View

I also like to try unique angles. It is fun sometimes to get down on the ground with my son and take a picture from his point of view instead of always looking down on him. Try it!

Here are some of my favorite iPhone images!

{I currently use an iPhone 3Gs~hoping to upgrade soon….:)}

Scenic

These next two were some of my first PicTapGo pics.

My little{soon to be big} guy.

I love how our kitty cat is peeking up from the corner and the light that is coming in and glowing around his hands.

This one was a quick capture while on the road. He just got this new jeep during our visit to the Toledo Zoo in Ohio and he wouldn’t put it down, even when he fell asleep. Too sweet:)

Sometimes I just like to capture his little habits. He LOVES to line up his cars and toys.

Peeking at our little frog friend:)

This one is fun because I captured a self portrait in the reflection.

Great example of how light can affect an image. I love the glowy light in this one.

These next to are selfies of the bump. One of the reasons I want to upgrade is the lack of front camera on the 3Gs, making these hard, but I like these two images I got during my pregnancy.

If you already follow me on Instagram most of these look familiar. If not, head over there and follow me today!
@kristiebradleyphotography

A Senior Session{Bethany ~ Class of 2013 ~THE DRESS!}

Mon, 13 May 2013 09:00:55 +0000

If you remember THIS post, you know that I have been anxiously waiting to post these pictures for over a month now!

The gorgeous Bethany made her own prom dress! She is so talented! We did her session in late March so I had to wait until prom as to not ruin the surprise:)

I think it has been worth the wait!

Look how stunning this dress and she is in amazing light!

Love this in black and white and color:)

A Tribute to all the KBP Moms{We Love You!}

Fri, 10 May 2013 09:00:17 +0000

I can only hope that you have a Mom as amazing as I do. She is the best and I can honestly say she would do anything for me and my sister.
She is our rock and I know I can speak for my sister and I when I say that we hope to be half the Mom she is for our children. Love you Mom!!

Mother’s Day is in a few days. I am writing this post ahead of time because any day now we are expecting our second baby! I hope he has arrived by the time this post goes live, but if he hasn’t then maybe I will have an extra special Mother’s Day this year:) I wanted to do a post dedicated exclusively to the Moms I have photographed over the years. I know they all are very special to their families!

Enjoy some past and present Mothers and have a wonderful weekend!

The image on the left is my Mom with Jackson{our first son} when he was a newborn. Almost 3 years later and #2 is either here or on his way:)

The couple on the right and the next few clients are expecting new babies this Spring and Summer or have had a baby recently, congrats!

Happy Mother’s Day!!

Class of 2014 Spokesmodels{SWAG}

Mon, 06 May 2013 09:00:53 +0000

Well, it is the second week of May! Already! The school year is winding down and the Class of 2014 will soon be able to call themselves SENIORS! I am so excited to begin meeting my 2014 seniors in June! Now is the time to start thinking about your senior session. Although I am on maternity leave from shooting, I am still taking inquiries and scheduling consults. I have an amazing group of ladies who are representing KBP this year. Check them out HERE. These ladies are my Class of 2014 Spokesmodel Team! You can talk to them all about the KBP experience and they got a bunch of SWAG to show of their images.
So go talk to them, contact me and let’s get your session on the calendar!

Check out the goodies my KBP Spokesmodels received:)
Pretty boxes delivered to the girls!

Inside I filled the boxes with a little candy, Spokesmodel cards, a CD of images for the girls and a fun 5×5 mounted print
{you may have seen these on Instagram, if not go follow KBP!}

Mmmmm, Jordan Almonds from our favorite candy shop Sweet Spot!

Love their MOO Luxe Spokesmodel Cards!

Contact Kristie to book YOUR session!

Happy May!

CHIC Critique{Cover Contest}

Mon, 06 May 2013 02:39:05 +0000

Chic Magazine is a stunning magazine for photographers! To be in or on the cover of this magazine would be a dream come true! So…I am putting myself out there and entering their cover contest! I decided to enter one from Bethany’s Senior Session, an all time favorite of mine and actually one of her prom portion that hasn’t been released yet! She is so stunning and classy!
Make sure you go check out Chic Critique Forum!

Here is my entry!

Class of 2013 {Is Going Places! – Part II}

Thu, 02 May 2013 09:00:03 +0000

As I mentioned in Part I of this post, Dr. Seuss is one of my most favorite children’s book authors. “Oh the Places You’ll Go” is an all time favorite.
Not only is it super catchy and fun, but I love the message it sends!
Today’s post continues the celebration of some of my Class of 2013 seniors and their incredible plans!
I love seeing where my seniors decide to take their lives. College, dreams, travel, jobs. It is such an exciting beginning.
I am so proud of my Class of 2013 seniors so I wanted to share with everyone “the places they’ll go!!

{click on their image to see the full session}

Congratulations to all of my Class of 2013 seniors! I am so proud of you!!

Contact Kristie to book YOUR senior session HERE

Class of 2013 {Is Going Places! – Part I}

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:00:10 +0000

Dr. Seuss is one of my most favorite children’s book authors. “Oh the Places You’ll Go” is an all time favorite.
Not only is it super catchy and fun, but I love the message it sends!
This brings me to today’s post. I love seeing where my seniors decide to take their lives. College, dreams, travel, jobs. It is such an exciting beginning.
I am so proud of my Class of 2013 seniors so I wanted to share with everyone “the places they’ll go!!

{click on their image to see the full session}

Stay tuned for Part II later this week of more amazing young adults and “the places they’ll go”!!

To book your senior session contact Kristie HERE

It is PROM season! {Hair and Makeup Tips}

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:00:41 +0000

It is officially prom season! I am starting to see the postings here and there of girls in their colorful dresses and guys dressed to the nines in their suave tuxes. It is such an exciting time of year. Counting the days down until prom and then the summer! Who will you go with? Where will you eat? Limo? So many questions to answer so I thought I would help the ladies out a bit and share some of my go to tips for hair and makeup. One less thing to search for right!

For my senior sessions I have an amazing stylist, Katherine. She just knows how to make each girl look AMAZING! She doesn’t use a ton of makeup, but she knows how to put it on right. You can find an article in last year’s {twelve} Magazine with some great tips! Check out page 25.
{By the way, I cannot wait for this year’s edition. So many gorgeous sessions to showcase and if you get in before August your session could make the cut!}

Today I wanted to share with you my Hair and Makeup Pinterest Board!
There are so many great resources out there and Pinterest is the greatest way to save things all in one place. If you are not following KBP on Pinterest yet you should! Not only do you get to keep up with what we are doing, we also pin great outfits and inspiration for your session!
Here are a few of my newest and favorite pins that I think are great for Prom.

Another great pin is this one that shows the different ways to put on eyeliner to change or highlight the shape and size of your eyes. Love it!

Then add some color. There are a few great tutorials on adding subtle color or going all out!

Head over to the board and check out the other pins. So many fun ideas!

Don’t forget about the hair! Here are a few of my favorite hair inspirations, but there are MANY more over on the board.

I hope you find some inspiration and maybe even get inspired to try something fun for your senior session with KBP!
Some of my favorite makeup from past senior sessions came from Savannah, Emily and Lauren:)

Natural Pink

The Eyes Have It

Ruby Red Lips

Check out our Pinterest Boards
Follow on Instagram
LIKE on Facebook

Meet the Class of 2014 Spokesmodel Team{Seniors Rock}

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:00:51 +0000

I have been dying to get these up ever since I introduced the entire team in their group post HERE a few weeks ago. These girls are the BEST!
Not only are they stunning, but they are fun, talented and sweet!
The KBP Spokesmodel team is here to help you! Want to know more about how you can have an amazing senior portrait experience? Need to know how to contact me to book your senior session? You can even ask them if I am nice or fun..haha:) These girls are your go to girls to find out all about the KBP experience!
So, if you know them or see them around ask them all about KBP, heck message them on Facebook or send them a tweet!

Here they are!

LAUREN

Love those red lips! Not many people can pull that off, but she is radiant!

KEELEIGH

She is just a gorgeous doll. This girl has a huge heart and those brown eyes are to die for!

ERIN

Sweet Erin, makes me smile! I just love how she says what is on her mind and makes everyone around her laugh!

NICOLE

Yet another sweetheart{how did I get so lucky}, Nicole is full of smiles and immediatly makes you feel like her best friend!

ELLA

This girl has a secret rocker side to her! Don’t be fooled though she is very sweet and thoughtful and even though she is quiet she will be able to tell you all about KBP because she also had a family session with us in the Fall! She is pretty much a pro by now!

ALLY

With Ally I am always amazed at how lovely she can look with that sassy short hair-do. We gave her a little curl treatment and I just loved the romantic look it gave her.
This spunky girl can rock many styles!

I love these two in both color and black and white!

ELLIE

We joked at the shoot about all the L’s in their names…haha!
Ellie is just breathtaking! Blue eyes and red hair. We were going for a softer color scheme, but I couldn’t pass up this royal blue dress she brought!
It worked out wonderfully and of course she rocked it!

LOVE the black and white!

See!! What did I tell you? These girls are just phenomanal! I am so excited to be working with them this year!

You will be seeing more of them on Facebook and Instagram so be sure to follow KBP so you don’t miss out!
Let’s get YOUR senior session booked!