2011 Seniors!!!!

Ask me anything!

Bloomin' on UP - West Michigan child photographer

April showers bring May flowers!!! 

Well, this April I am wanting to shower you with some fantastic savings on  artistic life style portraits of your budding and blooming children!!!

Being a mom of two great children, I know how important it is to capture as much of their childhood as possible. They grow up much to fast . Every moment is a blessing and a treasure. I know I never want to miss a thing. Because I know how important it is to savor our children's childhood, I am gifting you this great deal. I hope you will take advantage of it so that when you look back you will have this cherished memento of a time when life was simpler and more innocent.

What a FANTASTIC Mother's Day present this would be!!!

For all childhood sessions booked during the month of April you will receive a 50% savings on your session fee. As an added bonus I will even throw in a treat of a free 8x10. 

All you have to do is book your session during the month of April for anytime between 4/1/10 and 7/2//10...thats it..

All children between the ages of newborn to 16 are welcome!!!

I also have a great referral program and incentives if you tell your friends and family how much you enjoyed your session and how moved you were by your images!

I have some great portrait packages that will give you a significant savings over the ala carte menu.

Contact me today, book your session today!! April will be here and gone in a flash!

Be sure to read my availability link at the top of the page before booking your session.

As always, any questions...drop me a line and I will get back with you as soon as possible. 

Have a blessed, happy and safe Easter! 

~ Kristen Marie

just a few of my fave images, thought I would share with you  : )

Flawless - West Michigan Senior Photographer

More of Miss Erica...

after her spur of the moment mini session, we took our time with this, got all kinds of prepared...we were oh sooo ready to it hit right!!!

This flawless golden skinned beauty has eyes that actually cause mine to turn green with envy! Which is OK by me...since I LOVE green eyes!

We had such fun, we chatted, we giggled...truly a very sweet and smart girl...OK, so she's my niece so I adore her...but still if she were anything other than as I described her I would call it.

Thank you Erica for allowing me to do this! I am looking forward to our next session!

There are more from this session, but of course I can not post them all...so I picked a few that I adore...the last two on the bottom simply make me *swoon*

Enjoy!!!

a little re-arranging

Hi all...please bear with me as I am doing some house cleaning and re-arranging here on my blog...hopefully this should not take to long!

Smash-tacular Seniors!!!

Hey there all you rockin' 2011 seniors!!!

Do I ever have a deal for you! Are you ready?

All 2011 seniors who book their session through the month of April will get 50% off their session fee...that's a $50 savings! I know Mom's and Dad's will love that, since we are all trying to save a buck or two here and there!! Not only will you get 50% off your session fee, you also will be able to earn some FREE prints!!! Wait  there is MORE!!! You'll also get a 25% discount on regular priced prints!!! Plus your bonus of 8 wallet size photos FREE!

The only catch is you need to secure you date during the month of April. You don't have to have your session in April, you just need to book your date. You do need to choose a date prior to or on July 17th 2010. That's it! That's all their is to it to get your session fee at a 50% discount, book it during the month of April 2010!!! Doesn't get much easier than that does it?

So how do you earn the free prints you ask? Well, each of you will receive 20 rep cards to pass out with your image on them. For every rep card that is returned to me with a full session booked and paid for you will get to choose a print sheet FREE!!! There will be a special little bonus for those that return your rep cards as well. They will get a 20% discount on their session fee!

As an added incentive...the first senior who has at least 17 rep cards returned to me, with full sessions booked and paid for you will get a FABULOUS gift of thanks from me and get a second senior session...FREE!!! oh yeah, that's right...you work hard and get your friends to come see me , have fun, get their senior portraits taken by me...well, you will be very richly rewarded!!! A second session FREE...

So, not only will you get your original session at 50% off, earn some free prints, plus get an additional 25% off regular priced prints, 8 free wallet sizes...YOU could earn yourself a SECOND session...with NO session fee!!!

Have I gone crazy? Possibly...but go right ahead and take advantage of my craziness!!!! I love it!!!

So spread the word, get your session booked TODAY!!!

Any questions...just shoot me an email or a message on facebook and I will answer you as soon as I possibly can!!!

Looking so forward to meeting some awesome seniors!!! 

 *session fee is due at time of booking in order to secure your date.

Miss Erica - West Michigan Senior Photographer

Erica is my official 2011 senior rep...does she not have the most amazing eyes???? Oh, to die for!!!

We did a real quick mini session and here is what we came up with. I had fun with her, but I have had some back troubles so I was  no where near as fun as I could have been, nor as energetic and creative. This is also why is was just a mini session...we will be seeing more of this beautiful girl.

Thanks a bunch Erica!!!

One size? No! - West Michigan Lifestyle Photographer

Well, Hi there! I am excited because I really think spring is here to stay!!! For that I am dancing around like a silly little girl…oh geesh, hope no one is peaking in my windows seeing that.

I have been wanting to write this post for a bit and deciding I had better do it now while I had the time. I have had questions relating to this subject and thought it was important to answer them.

So off we go… my hope is that this will be informative for you.

Is there just one style of photographer? A one size fits all? Without doubt, I can proclaim the answer to that is a resounding NO!!! Thankfully this is the truth, since we are all beautifully individual and have different tastes and different loves, it is wonderful that there are many different types of photographers! To capture you and your loved ones in a way that does fit you, do some searching and checking. There is a photographer out there that is just right for you!

When you are looking for a photographer, it is imperative to you the client to thoroughly look into them. You need to look at their previous work, see their style, get a feel for what they do, where their passion lies. If you are looking for more traditional portraits then you really need to look for a photographer that excels and loves that area. If you hire a contemporary or lifestyle photographer and you are looking for the more traditional posed, studio portraits, you will not get it. You will be left feeling disappointed and most likely you will have a frustrated photographer as well. The same can be said if looking for contemporary or lifestyle and hiring a traditional photographer. As a photographer myself, I will not speak for others, but I'm sure some would agree with me, there is a reason people/potential clients are drawn to our work. It's the passion behind it, it's the love of what we do, that's what makes our work alive. When asked to do something that is just not our style, we may try, or we may just say "no", but I will tell you, if they do try give it a go it will most likely lack the magic and feel of what drew you to us in the first place. Can you suggest something? Why sure...but always remember what it was that drew you to that particular photographer in the first place and let go and trust a little.

Always find out where, when they shoot. Check the prices, session fees, what the session fee entails, print prices, do or don't they offer image CD's, do they have packages..get it all. Don't understand the fees or why they are set the way they are, ask. Trust me there is a reason and it is not to get rich. Get details on how you can expect your session to go. How long can you expect your session to last, whether or not clothing changes are permitted, how many, find out all you can. Most photographers are more than willing to share all these details with you, many will have this information posted for you either on their blog or on their website.

Capturing and preserving your memories is important to you, as it should be. As a photographer, it is important to me as well. I personally love what I do because I love to capture all that for you, there is no greater feeling than knowing you love your portraits.

For most of us this is our bread and butter, this is how we take care of our family. We love what we do or trust me, I don't think any of us would do it. That being said, there is reasons we love it, reasons that drive us and the last thing I think any of us wants is to be in conflict with what you want and what we offer. We want you to love your portraits. I personally do not know of any photographers that would ask you to compromise what and who you are, so make sure you find a photographer who's work you are drawn to and love, one that you will not ask to change who they are and what they do. No one will be happy if they are asked to change or do something they are not comfortable with.

Your hard earned money, your time is precious to you...and when it comes to portraits of you and/or your loved ones it is equally as precious and it is an investment for the future. To carry on the legacy, the emotions, the time, your life. So, please make sure you do your homework in finding the photographer that is the perfect fit for you. Trust me they are out there and it will be well worth it in the end and one of the best investments you can make.

God Bless

~ Kristen

I love feedback...so please go right ahead and leave me some comments on this or any of my posts : )

In honor of spring I am posting one of most fave images from last year...this is my my beautiful daughter and my beautiful niece.... I love this one : )

Precious One - West Michigan Newborn Photographer

YAY!!! This little one was long anticipated and well worth every second of waiting for his family and for this sometimes overly eager photographer!

His momma and I planned our session time around his usual nap time, however Baby B had other things in mind. He didn't want to miss a thing that was going on, no not at all. Sleepy time was the last thing on his sweet little mind. When he would doze off this big ole' meanie, that would be ME , tried to move him and position him, tried to take his paci away...ugh what's up with that? right? *snicker*. Needless to say he was not happy with me for that. Poor little guy! If I tried to roll him over onto his belly, he got quite frustrated with me and would stiffen up and fight to get back to the way he was. I certainly don't blame him. Would you like someone moving you around while you're napping? I know I wouldn't. So, I gave in and let him lead how this would proceed. I certainly didn't want to get him all riled up and then just up and leave him for his momma to tend to...that would not have been nice of me at all.

Lucky for me, I got to snuggle with this sweet baby. Smell that new baby smell, you know what I'm talking about right? Letting him grip my finger with his teeny tiny hands.Cover his precious little face with my most likely unwanted kisses. Hey, I couldn't help it! It's an uncontrollable urge to kiss babies. Oh, I just turn into a puddle of mush when around newborns. I had to keep my composure though and get to getting on with snapping some shots of him. 

So here is the long awaited, making a grand entrance new precious one...Baby B

I hope you were able to get that nap after I left little one. I look forward to getting more images of you and your family.

look at this sweet slumber smile...make me melt

sweet baby lips...

Your Story - West Michigan Contemporary Photographer

It's that time of year again!!! Ya know, the time when we all start to get antsy and excited and ready to get outside and enjoy all the beauty and wonder of Mother nature!I know I'm ready, how about you?

I have several openings beginning May 15th. There are spots available before then, however please contact me before hand for availability.

I am so excited to get outside and see the flowers blooming, grass growing and listening to those sweet little song birds. I also am looking forward to meeting and making new friends like you!

Are you looking for something unique, something "out of the box", looking to have your story told in images? Then I'm your girl! I think outside of the box, I am not your traditional sit, pose and smile photographer. I tell your story through images, I will capture and preserve those special moments, that beautiful bond, the great love and your personality. When you look at your photos I want you to feel it, I want raw emotions saved, never to be forgotten. Time is precious and goes by much to fast. You owe it to yourself, to your children, to your family to give yourself a wonderful gift like this...your story, told in images and emotion.

Contact me today and lets talk! Lets get YOUR story written, not with words, but with images, images of you and those that you love. Your story should never be forgotten.

I will be having some great promotions coming up soon.

Here are somethings I am cooking up for you...

Some sweet deals for the class of 2011

Captivating moments for you lovebbirds

Togetherness for all you rockin' families

Mommy and me two-fers maternity/newborn

just a little nibble of all the good things coming your way!!!

as always, if you have any questions ...please don't hesitate to contact me!

Be sure to read through everything on my blog here, from the "who I am" through the "details" link!!! 

Have a blessed day!

~ Kristen

Ashlyn - 2010 Kristen Marie Photography Spring Cutie

A big HOORAY goes out to our official Spring Cutie of 2010 Miss Ashlyn!!

All those voters on my facebook page have earned Ashlyn and her family a complimentary photo session with yours truly!!! I am so excited to meet this beautiful little girl, of course and her family too... get to know her and play...her momma tells me shes a bit on the shy side. That's ok, I will be able to capture her deep brown eyes and get that beautiful soulful look that I love so much. I will get her to warm up, let her have some fun and capture that sparkly girlie personality I am told she has. I have great ideas running through my always busy, never stopping mind of mine for our session. Since she is a girly girl, I'm thinking all things girlie, let the imagination go... ...even some quiet reflection. Oh yes, girlie girls need that too.

We are just waiting for the weather to warm up a bit more, for some leaves to burst out, for some flowers to bloom, for those soft breezes that wisp through your hair....*sigh* sounds heavenly doesn't it?

Anyway enough of my never ending rambling.....here's Miss Ashlyn...photo courtesy  of her momma

Blessings ~
Kristen

Sneaky Peak at Spring the Cuties - West Michigan Child Photographer

Here is a quick little peak at the Spring Cutie Promotion entries!!! 

All photos will be uploaded tomorrow and the voting can begin.

Be sure to come on over to Kristen Marie Photography facebook page to vote for your favorite image!

correction: Ashlyn's age is 5...this has been corrected for the FB upload...I do apologize.

children are in no particular order.......

Spring Cuties ...now for ages 2-8 by request : )

Due to some recent requests on the "Spring Cutie" contest, I have dropped the minimum age to 2. I hope this will open the door for more "cuties" to be entered into the contest.

For those with kids out of that age group be on the look out for some spring time portfolio building promotions. I will be having some tremendous deals for you. I will be putting up the details of that with in the next week.

Also there will be "Couples in Love" promotions soon! So, if your looking for e-sessions or just want some nice custom photos of you and that special someone I am your girl!

I am very excited to have spring arrive and I look forward to meeting you and making some new friends!

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend and is gearing up for some longer sunshiny days!

~ Kristen

I am so excited and I love spring!

...so here's all the details!

This offer is for 1st time clients only, no worries though...I have some specials coming up for those of you that have trusted me with capturing your little ones in the past, so be on the look-out for that! Also you must be within 30 miles of Ludington. If you are outside of that radius, travel fees will apply. Travel fees will depend on how far I need to drive. Please contact me on this before deciding you are outside of the radius and not entering your child : )

Photographs sent can not be professional photos. Must be clear, close up shots of your sweet little cutie. This is to your benefit, so that all the voters can really see who they are voting on. Child must be between the ages of 2-8 looking for little guys and little gals. Email your photos in jpeg/jpg format in a pretty decent size so that they upload clearly. Make sure to include childs name and age as well as your contact info, name, preferred email address, phone number. Email photos to kristenmariephotography@ymail.com. They will then be uploaded to the Kristen Marie Photography facebook page. The rest will be up to the members of my page, so make sure to tell everyone to to join and vote!!! Most voted for photograph will receive a custom session with the session fee waived, you also will receive a free 8x10 your choice of pose. There will also be a 25% discount on any other print orders you would like.

As a bonus and thank you, you also will 10 receive rep cards with your childs image on it to pass out to family and friends. If at least 7 of those cards come back to me,with fulfilled session and minimum print order complete, you will get 35% discount on prints on a future session with bonus 8 wallets, regular session fee applies. Now your family and friends that set up a session,order print minimum and turn in your rep card also get a little thank you as well. They will get 15% discount on prints as well as the bonus 8 wallets to pass out as well. Rep cards have a 12 month shelf life : )

I will ask that you sign a model release form, so that I can use your darling little spring cuties image for future promos, advertising and/or marketing. All images are copyright protected and remain the property of Kristen Marie Photography unless express and written consent given.

All entries must be in by Saturday March 13th 2010. No entries will be posted until such date. To make it fair I will post all images at once. Images will be posted Tuesday March 16th. Then it will be ready, set ... vote! Contest will run for one week. Votes will be accepted until 11:59pm on Tuesday March 23rd. Only one vote per person, votes must be in "comment" form such as the word "vote" will work. "Likes" will not be counted as votes. Votes will be tallied up and the photo with the most votes will be announced both here on my blog as well as on the Kristen Marie Photography facebook page on Saturday March 27th. The photo that received the most votes will also be the profile picture on the Kristen Marie Photography facebook page so that everyone knows and sees the sweet most voted on image.

Why am I doing this? Cause I am crazy with Spring Fever and I am excited to get out and start capturing all those sweet little peeps and their colorful personalities!!! I love what I do, I adore children and I so love making new friends! So get out there, start snapping some shots of your little cuties,I love fun and creative shots...so it doesn't have to be a serious photo or one where they are giving their best "cheese" let their little personalities show. As long as I can see their face clearly it's in. Get those photos emailed to me...tell EVERYONE you know to join Kristen Marie Photography facebook page and ask them to vote!

I am excited to do this and I so look forward to getting your photos and getting to know you all.

Any questions that I may not have answered please never hesitate to contact me.

Lets get ready to welcome back SPRING!

Blessings to you all ~

Kristen

West Michigan natural light child photographer

My beautiful sleeping little beauty. It was a rough weekend for my family and I since we were all sick. Instead of resting like I should have been, I had the urge to "shoot". So as I was going around the house shooting and playing with macro..my sweet girl was napping...and I couldn't resist.

Here is 1/3 of my Valentine...the other 2/3's were the hubby and my handsome son...

but is she not the sweetest? *swoon*

{ Bundle of Love - West Michigan Maternity Photographer

Ok, so here it is...my first maternity session that I was blessed enough to do for a dear friend of mine. I was nervous and excited all at the same time. The fact that she is beautiful and sweet as can be made me feel a bit more relaxed and not so "excitable". If you know me, you know I am a pretty excitable person...you know how hunter's will get "buck fever"? Well, I get "camera fever" hahaha! Being a natural light photographer I was so worried that we would not have enough light coming in through the windows, even though where we did the shoot is FULL of huge windows. God however was smiling down on us and blessed us with a beautiful sun shiny day. The sun was just streaming in through all those windows...and boy did I take advantage of it. It was pretty warm (hot actually) in the room we were in, I was sweating and T was cool as a cucumber, she was a real trooper and did all that I asked. The look I was wanting to capture was soft and dream like. I wanted the feeling of pure beauty and peacefulness to come through and I think I got that accomplished. I see a few things I would change, like I seemed to keep her almost in the same position and shot from the same angle (nerves take over sometimes) this was a huge learning experience for me and loved every minute of it. I am very pleased with how the shoot went and happy with the final outcome. T you are beautiful and truly, thank you from the bottom of my heart for trusting me to capture this blessed time in your life. Love you!!!

So here she is...my beautiful friend T...enjoy!

this one is seriously one of my faves. I think it's in part to the sun flare and also how the light is sitting just right on her baby belly : )

how sweet is this? little Master L loves to poke at mommy's belly button...c'mon, can't blame him, how fun would it be to try and push that belly button only to watch it pop back out..hahaha

this is another of my faves, she looks like such an angel..it's just so peaceful... *sigh*

I love to get creative with textures, sometimes they can add such depth to a photo, not to mention an artistic touch.

Thanks again T for allowing me to be a part of your ever growing baby. I hope these will hold some fond memories for you. I can't wait to meet the newest member of your family.

{ New Blog }

So, I have been going insane trying to make my blog more "me" and I think I am well on my way now. Its not perfected, but it is so much better than the one I had before, it certainly has more of my personality in it. I was able to customize my header...which was huge for me. There are a few more things I would like to add and given enough time I will get that all figured out soon enough too. I am much happier with this one and in fact had to change blog hosts. Anyway, I know this is a lame first post, but I had to make sure everything was working and it seems to be...so yippee..and the photo, well this is one of my very faves of my beautiful children and it reminds me of sunny days and it always lifts my spirits. Due to cloudy cold winter days and me not dealing well with it...I need all the lifting I can get.

: )