Wednesday, April 30, 2014

It's THAT Time of Year!!!

Yes, everyone, it's THAT time of year! Because my family celebrates our Christmas at Thankgiving (aka Thanks-Christmas to those of you newbies to the blog), I start getting into the holiday spirit, let's say, around October 1st. :) Maybe it's all the family portrait sessions that I know will end up on Christmas cards...maybe it's the down comforter on my bed...or maybe it's all the cinnamon and pine candles that begin appearing on the Yankee Candle shelves at stores. In any case, I mentally begin my holiday season.

Some people's choice of music is R&B, Country, or Pop...mine is Christmas. I'm still waiting to be asked to be a guest judge on some Christmas music awards that I just know will exist at some point. Every year, I try to add a bit to my Christmas classics. If you weren't a blog reader last year, you can click here to get the full list of classics from years past. And, here are my picks so far this year.

  • Merry Chrismas, Baby by Nicole C. Mullen
  • Lamb of God by Nicole C. Mullen......oh my gosh, I'm in LOVE with this song and listen to it nonstop!!!.....and it's not what you'd expect at all as far as beat, but I LOVE the message and visuals.
  • Redeemer by Nicole C. Mullen....yes, not a Christmas song, but I have it on my Christmas playlist, and really, shouldn't all Christmas music be Christian music and vice versa????!!! Anyway, this song gets to me....in like a bring-a-tear-to-my-eye way. Excellent message in reminding us that God is in control.
  • I Need a Silent Night by Amy Grant....yes, no list would be complete without Amy on the list! Fun, upbeat tune that reminds us, again, of what Christmas should be about.

And, because blog posts aren't fun without a bit of eye candy, just wanted to let everyone know that my sister Kim has uploaded a selection of her custom Christmas cards to my site! Take a peak and see if there are any you like....you might just be the featured family in one or two of them as well!!

You can access the cards by going to http://kellymccormickphotography.com > Clients > Password "Christmas".

And, as a means of contributing to my annual Christmas music post, Kim says do not buy the new Sheryl Crowe Christmas CD...in her words, it echoes her last name. :)

Happy Holidays!!

Kelly

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Chad and Katy - Engaged

I'm getting ready to head out the door for the last family session of the year, but before I leave, I desperately wanted to get these amazing images posted of Chad and Katy!! When I first went through their images, I had 223 marked as 'favorites'....I think it's taken me the last 2 weeks to get it down to a more managable (sic?) number. I actually said to my sister yesterday on the phone, can you please drive here and decide which of these images should be in the final set?! They're adorable, photogenic, and willing to go anywhere I asked of them!!!

Chad and Katy, I'm so excited for your wedding and all you have planned! (Katy's plans for image displays at their reception is going to be like no other reception I've been to! Can't wait!!) Thank you for introducing me to areas of Shelby County I'd not visited before!...and for giving me the chance to be a part of your big day!

Blessings on you all! Kelly








Monday, April 28, 2014

The Smith Family

A few weeks ago I met up with the Smith family for both family portrats and a quick senior session as well!

Here are a few of my faves from the session!!



This one was for mom....



....and this one was for me! LOVE it!


Cassidy laughing....when her dad stepped into a hole, if I remember correctly! I love laughter in pictures.


Probably my all-time favorite of the girls that day.




Daddy's girls.




But Mom wasn't going to miss her chance to get a picture with the girls!


And, finally, the man of the hour....Cody's a senior this year, and like most senior boys, he was SO looking forward to his senior pictures. (sense my sarcasm here?)


But Cody, you did just fine, I think. LOVE the grin in this image!


A solemn moment. Probably reflecting the greatness of his future. Or, what he's going to do when he gets done with these pictures!!! :)



And, what would a senior session be without an image of a boy and his beloved truck!!
Thanks, Smith Family! You're awesome!!
Kelly




















Sunday, April 27, 2014

The McCormick Family!

A few weeks ago I met up with the in-laws for our 2nd annual fall family photography session! Here are a few of my favorite images!


The husbands are not usually excited about family pictures to begin with...especially since we started at 7:30 am! But, the light is awesome at that time of day!!


....and we were done shortly after 8:00!!! It doesn't get any better than that!

Since having a child, I have decided that really having kids of your own is to get grandkids someday! This was the most important picture of the day!....for Christmas cards! To heck with the rest of the fam...it's all about the grandkids! Just teasing you, Ar!!!

Grammy, what you laughing at?



Claire is the niece that makes me feel old with each passing year....she was just a newborn when Nick and I got married. Grow down, Claire!




Rosco Peco.


Hate my open mouth....love the rest of the image.



Colby was her usual unwilling participant for the family portion of our pictures.


This image gives me hope that she'll get better as she gets older!!
Thanks for checking in!









Saturday, April 26, 2014

Jeff and Christina - Engaged

Christina gave me a call after seeing the engagement images from a previous engagement session on Facebook! I'm excited about their wedding for several reasons: 1) They're beautiful and adorable, 2) very photogenic, 3) getting married in my home area, and 4) they want their wedding to be unlike anyone else's! The wedding itself is at an old mansion in Peoria....when I first heard that, my heart started beating rapidly...old staircases, beautiful woodwork, soft lighting with wood floors....a photographer's dream!!! Top all of those sweet things off with how beautiful and photogenic they are, and it's easy to see why it's a wedding to look forward to!!

Christina and Jeff....such a pleasure getting to know you and your beautiful relationship! Looking forward to May! Kelly








Nolan and Jamie - Engaged

Excuse my lack of comments over the next few days, everyone! I'm working feverishly to get as many sessions from the last few weeks edited and posted for all to enjoy....

And first up we have the beautiful Jamie and Nolan...they are sweet, down-to-earth, and excited that God has brought the two of them together to walk the path of life. And, can I mention again that they're beautiful...both inside and out.











Wednesday, April 23, 2014

HEHEHE!

This image from a shoot last Saturday keeps putting a smile on my face.


Oh the love of siblings!

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

The Machlitt Family {Valparaiso, IN, family photographer}

My sister and I met up at Starved Rock Park a few weeks ago to update their family portraits in time for the winter holiday season!!! Here are a few of my faves!!



    My sister and her little gal, Amelia.




One of my favorites from the day.






    I'm not sure who has who wrapped around their finger here!


    Daddy! You're too much fun!!!