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Full Time Fun - Woodlands TX photographer

For those that know me, you know that for the last 4 years, I have been running this studio on my nights and weekends. Not by choices, as this is my passion, but by necessity.

Well... Today was my first full day of full time work at Kara Powell Photography! Yippee!

Yes, I am now a full time employee of my own studio. Which means, yes. You can book your sessions during the week, as well as during the weekends. I will be opening my new branches soon (more to come on this). And the new blog will be launching soon as well. There will be a lot of new and exciting things coming your way! I'm going to be catering more to the mom.

So for all of you that encouraged me along the way, thank you. I am hoping that this will be the start to a long and really exciting journey. But most of all, I hope that I can help many of you capture those fleeting moments of your families. As, I know how quickly they go by.

Here is to many more productive days ahead.

Kara

Authentically You, Sept Minis - Houston Child Photographer

This month, it is all up to you!

You choose the look, location, background, clothing, everything. All I need is YOU! I want to see your personality shine! September mini sessions are called Authentically YOU and are going to be held on September 11th and 18th.

The only stipulation? You have 30 minutes! Be silly, serious, crazy, sad, whatever shows your personality. I have even does this with you pet! (This is a great opportunity for all of those that need a session, but don't want a full session, with full session pricing).

You tell me where to be and I will be there. The price is still $30 and discounts to the normal packages will apply. Most exciting part? You have an opportunity to purchase a 12x12 collage for $40, that will include 9 photos. That is a savings of $55. Wow!

So what are you waiting for? This is great for all ages. A perfect Christmas gift and/or back to school package. Best yet? It can all be done INSIDE! Yeah!

School's back in Session - Woodlands TX Child Photographer

With the start of a new school year, comes hesitation, excitement, the smell of new crayons, lots of money being shelled out for school supplies, etc. A lot of my clients are getting their little ones ready for the first day of school on Monday. So I thought I would put a little bug in your ear about school scrapbooks. I know you guys have tons of time on your hands to do this for each and everyone of your children!

But I do know that you take a ton of snapshots of your kids. Especially on the first day of school. So here are some ideas to extend that notion. Some of these won't take any time at all and can be done online.

1. Take a photo of your child every year on the first day of school (and the last day, too, if you want). Try to take the photo in the same spot, or near a certain item (a tree, for example) each year—you’ll really notice how much your child has grown each year! For another fun idea, have your child hold up fingers to indicate what grade he/she is in.
2. Take a photo of your child as he/she gets on the school bus for the first time.
3. Take photos of your child in his/her classroom, sitting at his/her desk, with his/her teacher, and outside the school. You can do this at your school’s open house before school starts or on the first day of school.
4. Your child will probably bring home lots of artwork and school papers that you’ll want to keep. However, it can be an organizational nightmare to store all of those loose papers. Take a photo of your child holding their artwork and put all of those photos into a book you can print online (like Snapfish).
5. Create a series of fun questions to ask your child every year—things like “What is your favorite subject?”, “What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch?”, “Who is your best friend in school?”, etc. Ask the same questions every year, record the answers (or, have your child write down the answers if they are old enough!), and include them in his/her school scrapbook. It will be fun to see how their answers change as they get older!
6. Have your child write his/her name on a piece of cardstock and include that in his/her school scrapbook, too. You’ll get to see how his/her handwriting changes throughout the years!

Don't forget, scrapbooks don't have to be made with scissors and glue. They can be done online in a few minutes for those of us with not a lot of time. And the kids LOVE looking at them. Grandparents like them too. So don't forget to get out that camera and document the small and big details of that important first day.

Fabulous Find - Houston TX Photographer

You guys know that I love props! I need a bigger house just to hold them all. So when I came across this on Etsy, I just had to order one for Caden. And when it came, I was not disappointed.

Caden loves his monkey ball. And I had the chance a few weekends ago to photograph him playing around with it. If you would like a ball of your very own (which I would highly recommend, especially for high energy toddlers), go visit Handmadepretties. This shop has all kinds of great "Giant balls" as they call them. You can order them in dinosaur, farm, sports, cupcake, twin balls, etc. And the best part is, they are personalized! how fantastic is that. There is even a new one for school spirit.

So surf on down to Handmadepretties and tell her I sent you (I get a referral, which I will inturn pass on to you). You might even see some of Caden's photos there.
Enjoy!

Chalk it UP, Back to School Mini Session this Saturday - Woodlands TX Photographer

Just a reminder that I have a few spots left for the Back to School, Chalk it UP mini sessions this Saturday.

This is a perfect time to take some fun, photos before school starts. We have a custom chalk board that your child will have a blast decorating just for them! And an antique desk for hours of entertainment.

Sessions are 30 minutes for $30 and can be extended for multiple children. Also offered are special packages, pricing and gifts.

Call me today to book your session and your time.

New Goals for New studio - Houston TX Photographer

So as a lot of you know, August is the start of a new time for me and my studio. I am kicking off all kinds of new things, products and ideas. I am taking what you have told me works and building on it. Taking what you said didn't and throwing it out.

I thought one of the best ways to build a great foundation is to sit down and write out some goals. And what is the best way to hold myself accountable? Publish them! Oh and there is no timeline on these. Just hopefully get to them by August of next year.

So here are the new goals for KP Photo on going. See what you think. Some are personal, you are steal them! And some are business related. I wanted to share them, so that we can all better ourselves at the same time. And frankly you guys can help me stick to them. So it is a long post, but I have a lot of goals!

Building Relationships
1. Spend at least 1 weekend a month doing “nothing” with my husband
2. Get in touch with and/or visit a friend I haven’t seen in years
3. Write a real letter to someone once a week for 3 months
4. Meet a neighbor I don’t already know
5. Make 3 new friends
6. Really get to know my studio clients – relationship building

Charity/community
1. Volunteer my photography services to a community project or a family in need
2. Host Mamartazzi technical photo club
3. Donate old books to local book drive
4. Do an anonymous favor or ‘pay it forward’
5. Donate portrait shoot to charity auction
6. Purge closet of anything not worn in last 2 years, clean out garage!
7. Buy a meal for a complete stranger
8. Host a random giveaway on my blog

Fun with Husband, Caden or Family & Friends
1. Take a staycation with C&C and just lay around the house
2. Institute date night at least twice a month, money isn’t required
3. Make sure Caden get’s outside to play at least twice a week
4. Check out new places like Gymboree, Little Gym, My Gym, YMCA, local parks
5. Have neighbors over for dinner at least once!
6. Plan holidays with family – don’t hibernate

Health & wellness
1. Work out at least once a week
2. Go to bed by 9pm every weekday for a month
3. Try a new recipe at least once a week
4. Take a full lunch break away from the computer at least twice a week for 3 months
5. Institute quiet time every morning before Caden wakes up for devotionals

Personal growth & development
1. Publish an inspirational quote on FB every other day for a month
2. Go to library at least 6 times to read and learn, not sleep in the quiet rooms.
3. Try 5 new restaurants
4. Establish $5000 personal emergency fund (that doesn’t involve shopping emergencies)
5. Learn to scuba dive and/or sky dive
6. Read and implement Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover
7. Pair down the “stuff” in our house
8. Learn to relax and do nothing!

Photography
1. Get published in Woodlands Instyle magazine
2. Get published on a blog other than mine like Savvy Photographer
3. Photograph a destination portrait or wedding session, preferably in Europe
4. Enter a photo competition or two in 2011
5. Go on a photo safari to document India or African children
6. Get certified through PPA
7. Shoot a session in the rain
8. Find a pet project to take at every session
9. WPPI in Vegas
10. Get out in the community more, Spring mom’s and babes, advertise in school functions, etc.

Rest & Relaxation
1. Spend a day I bed doing nothing for no real reason
2. Go an entire day with no email, text or message boards
3. Get a massage every Saturday for a month
4. Sleep in until at least 7:30am every Saturday for a month

Travel
1. Visit Africa
2. Take a random road trip with Chris
3. Visit France with Caden
4. Take another trip to Costa Rica
5. Visit Australia, concentration camps, Russia and Maine
6. Take another cruise through the Med
7. Take Caden to Iowa, Hawaii and CA

Random stuff
1. Focus on one room at a time and finish decorating it , start with Caden’s room, then the studio
2. Pay off credit cards
3. Create our wedding DVD
4. Watch 10 movies I should have already seen
5. Put a note in a book for a random stranger to find
6. Create our wills
7. Complete 2 truths and 2 dares proposed by someone who comments on this post
8. Send a care package to someone who comments on this post (randomly selected)

Ties and Tutus Mini Session Saturday - Woodlands TX Childrens Photographer

I am pleased to announce the start of Mini Sessions at the studio!

Our first mini session is this Saturday and the 14th and it is called Ties and Tutus.

Bring your little one for a short session to just play! These are great for updating your photo wall, or just getting some photos done in a more economic fashion. We can provide the Ties or Tutus, or your can bring your own. FYI, I have over 10 tutus in the studio, all sizes and colors! This session will be 30 minutes in length and will cost only a $30 session fee. This fee does not include any prints or digital files. I am offering a special mini session package and it is at a huge discount! This would normally cost $120 at my studio, but on this Saturday only, it is your for $50. This package includes an 8x10, 2 5x7s and a page of wallets for $50. All of these prints have to be of the same image.

So come play with me at the studio, as this is going to be Tutu fun! Best for all ages! Call or email me to set up you session, as sessions are limited to 5 per Saturday. And once they are full, we are done till next year.

Can't wait to see how you wear that Tie or Tutu.

Personalized Baby Block - Houston TX Newborn Photographer

Last week, when I shot Mr. L, he had the cutest block that someone gave them as a gift. It was just beautiful and I'm sure he will have it for a very long time. Well, he will probably chew, throw, hide, sit, etc with it for a very long time. But you know what I mean.

So I did a couple of extra shots of him with it. I especially love the shot of his tiny fingers around it. Oh, they are only this tiny for such a very short time.

What a precious gift with all of his memories in one place! If you would like to give a gift like this to someone you know. Here is the link. It is very affordable. Love it! Tell them I sent you.

Enjoy!

iPhone Crazy - Woodlands TX Child Photographer

I know that a lot of my families carry iPhones or iPod touches. So I thought I would pass on this information that I read on one of my clients Facebook posts. It was super helpful and thought some of you might enjoy it.

There are several links below that all of your iPhone lovers will enjoy. Caden, at 18 months just loves my iPhone, mostly the Baby Piano app, Matching Zoo app, Vehicles apps and I Hear Eww app. They can keep him entertained for about 10-15 minutes which is a lot for an 18 month old with attention issues. :)
So I thought I would pass on some more helpful lists of apps for all of us moms.

Top 50 apps for moms
Top 10 apps for kids - at the top of this page are all kinds of other catagories

Also, if you didn't know, my studio sells beautiful iPhone and iPod cases with your photos on them. They are on sale! If you are interested, give me a call!

Enjoy downloading those apps!
Kara

Designer Diapers - Woodlands, TX Child Photographer

I saw a small boy wearing the new designer diapers this weekend at a 4th of July parade, although he had the denim ones on. Now all be it super cute, I'm not sure how I feel about these.

Now, don't get me wrong, if I had all the money in the world, Caden would probably have all 11 styles, but since we don't, he doesn't.

So I wanted to throw it out there. How do you mommies feel about the new luxury diapers? Cool and fun or out of control?

http://www.luxist.com/2010/06/30/cynthia-rowley-works-with-pampers-on-designer-diapers/

Might be a good idea for photoshoots, as I don't like the idea of diapers showing and I'm always trying to cover them up. But white is always easier to hide than plaid. :)

Confessions of a bad mom - Woodlands Baby Photographer

Yesterday, as I drove home from work, I was sad. I looked into my rear view mirror at something I swore I would never see in my own car (an 18 month old watching a video). And then I started thinking about the life I live today. It has a lot of things in it that I thought would never happen. Actually I told myself, "When and if I ever have kids, I will never do ..." The list was long. I have included some here, as I'm hoping I'm not the only bad mom out there. The blog has been quiet lately and I'm needing some moral support.

I think that all of those hopes and dreams, while pregnant are fantastic. And please, keep dreaming them! I'm sure that there are some fantastic moms out there that can pull some, if not all of these things off. It just wasn't in the cards for me. Maybe on the next baby. :)

So here is my list of confessions for being a bad mom. This is for all of you that have asked me how I do it all...
I swore I would never... Then I ....
I would never have an epidural That was the best thing ever invented. LOVED it, I would have married it and had it's babies!
I would never speed with by baby in the car When the baby is screaming, that means speed up to get to the next stop sign so I can feed him or reach the pacifier!
I would never try to multitask and hand things to my baby while driving, it is dangerous.
It is very dangerous, that is why I have everything very organized and well placed around me and him in the car for close access and finding by "feel".
I would never have my child sleep on his stomach Caden has slept on him tummy every night since he was 3 days old
I would never let my child go into a store without pants on Caden has done it several times
I would never let my child eat fast food Caden does it at least twice a week
I would never let me child run around naked Caden loves it! LOVES it! Could this be a bad sign?
I would never buy a car, just for the DVD player. Yes, I did. And yes, I use it every morning and afternoon on the way to and from work. I feel dirty even writing that. But he only watches Little Einstein, does that make it better?
I would never put my child to bed just because I was tired. Ha! Do they ever get tired? Mama needs a break to, sorry Caden.
I would never put work before my child, especially since it took so long to finally get him. Well, I'm really working on work/life balance. And I actually do a pretty good job at this. Life does come first, but a lot of times this means I'm up until midnight. And Caden get's to be a model, which he isn't thrilled about, but he does enjoy the tutus. :)

So even though Caden might only see the back of my head for hours at a time in the car, or think that the computer is attached to my arms, I hope that he ultimately doesn't think I'm a bad mom. As mom's we can all find our own ways of telling our children that we love them. It might be a special song, special time spent just with them or making their favorite food. But my favorite is just spending some time with him just "being". Not really doing much of anything. He knows that I'm there and that is all that matters.

So today, whether a good or bad mom, go spend some quality time with your kids!

Foxy Mama's out there?? - Woodlands Maternity Photographer

A couple of days ago, I wrote about wanting to expand my maternity portraits to include a new look. The Foxy mom! I knew you guys were out there and man I was right! I have heard from a few of you! I'm so excited. So here is what I have decided to do to get the rest of you to come out of your shells. The deal still stands. See below.

If you are adventurous and willing to try out this new, untested form of maternity portraits that no one in Houston is doing. Give me a call or email me. To be a model, you will need to be in your late 7th or 8th month of pregnancy and sign the model release. We will do this new form of portraiture (semi-nude, lingerie), as well as any other traditional maternity photos that you would like for your collection. The sessions are usually around 2 hours.

For your kindness, you will receive 1 free digital file from the session and 15% off any additional purchases from the session. We have all kinds of packages and gift items. If you book your newborn session during this maternity session. We will extend this 1 free digital image and 15% off to the newborn session as well.

The fantastic part? I'm throwing in this Foxy t-shirt for the next two mommas who call and sign up! Isn't it too cute? That is a $40 value. Stella Maternity is a fabulous store for soon to be moms. If you are really feeling foxy, check out the lingerie section. :) Can't wait to hear from all of you foxy moms!

Adverturous Mommy to be Models Needed - Houston Maternity Photographer

So I was thinking today. Being pregnant, is not the most sexy time of a woman's life. I probably don't have to tell most of you, but you don't feel 100%.

Well, why not? I know you are tired. But towards the end the morning sickness is over. And usually when I shoot my mommies they haven't started the too big stage. I see being pregnant as a truly, joyous thing. So many miraculous things are happening inside you, so why not flaunt it!

Heck, even be sexy!

So to that point, I would like to try something new. A new trend in portrait photography, especially bridal and wedding photography is boudoir. This is just celebrating your sexiness for your hubby! So why not do this along with maternity portraits? The pregnant form is beautiful by itself, and then add high heels? Come on!

So if you are adventurous and willing to try out this new, untested form of maternity portraits that no one in Houston is doing. Give me a call or email me. To be a model, you will need to be in your late 7th or 8th month of pregnancy and sign the model release. We will do this new form of portraiture (semi-nude, lingerie), as well as any other traditional maternity photos that you would like for your collection. The sessions are usually around 2 hours.

For your kindness, you will receive 1 free digital file from the session and 15% off any additional purchases from the session. We have all kinds of packages and gift items. If you book your newborn session during this maternity session. We will extend this 1 free digital image and 15% off to the newborn session as well.

If you would like an example of what regular boudoir photos look like, this is a friends site. She is great. It is called Emme.

So call us today and feel free to forward this to your mommy to be friends! Let's show Houston that Mommy's can be sexy!
Kara

Gift items Galore - Woodlands TX Photographer

If you haven't been to the studio in awhile or have had the exciting pleasure of having your portrait taken by me lately, you might have miss some of our new gift items! I am very excited to show off these items, as they are super unique and really make your images stand out from the crowd.

Don't have room on your walls at home? Well, then carry them around on your iPhone or around your neck! Yes, we now sell iPhone cases, a whole line of jewelry and home accessories. Below are some photos to wet your appetite. To see the rest, you will have to come in to see the newly renovated studio and sales room. Plus, I would love to see you and catch up!

Jewelry
I now carry a whole line of waterproof jewelry. I must say, this line of jewelry is selling itself. Every time I wear my necklace out somewhere, I get comments on it. We have necklaces, bracelets, keychains, belt buckles, cuff links, etc. You name it, I probably sell it with your photo in it! We even sell holiday ornaments, which I will talk more about later on in the year, they are beautiful!

iPhone or iPod touch cases

These are not stickers to cover. These are hard shell cases that wrap your entire iPhone. They have saved my phone several times. Teens and husbands love these!

Home accessories
This is a line of products, I just love. In particular the nightlight. Very sweet. We have other items, but I will save those for later. :)

Another new product we are showcasing is a 5x10" print on mat board (hard surface) and displayed on a beautiful little easel. These are great for entry way tables or desks! They are selling like hot cakes!

Happy Father's Day! - Woodlands TX Child photographer

As you all know, today is Father's day! Congrats to all of you dads that are out there. I saw on the news that this is the 100 year anniversary of Father's day. So that is exciting.

Well, it is only our 2nd Father's day. And unfortunately Chris had to catch an early flight to Vegas this week. Caden missed him terribly. But instead, we had grandpa to play with today! Just as good, and sometimes even better.

So we had a fabulous day of playing with the dogs and just hanging out. Even spent some time in the sprinkler. Some of you might notice that they have matching t-shirts from the Blue Bell factory. Too cute! And yes, they do get cranky without their Blue Bell.

But we wanted to share a photo and send a Happy Father's day note to all of our clients and soon to be clients out there. Enjoy those quiet, silly or whatever you just love about your kids today. They grow up way too fast. Soon, they will be calling you wishing you a Happy Father's day with a child of their own.

Enjoy.

Kara, Chris and Caden

Creekside YMCA Opening this Saturday - Woodlands TX Photography

Need something to do tomorrow?

Come check out the new YMCA at Creekside. My friend Amy will be showcasing my photography in her booth with her fabulous business. You have to check out her stuff. Do you remember the tutus from this session awhile back? She made and designed the tutus and outfits. She will be there in person. Go meet her and see some of my photos! Here is a link to her website, so you can check out her stuff online. So cute. I have a few of her tutus for babies in the studio, even a UT tutu. Gotta love the colors...

The opening of the new YMCA is going on from 3-9:30pm. Here is a link with directions. Best of all, it is all FREE. Located at 6464 Creekside Forest Drive in the new village of Creekside Park.

Google map link to Creekside YMCA

From camel rides to 30 foot giant swing, hot air balloon to tipis, thumbprint art to water slide, magic show to 50 foot alpine climbing tower, there is something for everyone. Call the YMCA at281-367-9622 for more information. See you guys there.

KSeraSera Maternity Shirts - Houston Maternity Photographer

I was searching around the internet (shopping, don't tell my husband) and I found this shop that has the cutest maternity shirts!

I couldn't pass up telling all of my soon to be mamas about them.

You can find KSeraSera Maternity on Etsy and online. You know it is my favorite store!

Their shirts come with a KSeraSera tag and are also made in a SWEATSHOP FREE environment. Our unique BAMBOO FABRIC is 100% earth friendly. We have designed our shirts with a longer cut, to cover that growing belly through the ENTIRE PREGNANCY. Right until the bitter, puffy end!

I love the one below.

National Photography Month - Houston Photographer

I know you see the monthly listings at your kid's schools or in the newspapers.

It's National Whatever Month!

Well, these always intrege me. Who chooses these? And why do we have so many? And why are some of them so weird? I searched for an hour and still have no idea.

But I did want to let you know that May is National Photography Month and Foster care awareness month. Those are just the ones that are relevant to my studio. There are so many others.

Well, I have some fun links and discounts for you in honor of these great causes.

Digital 1to1 is a neat link put on by Amazon. It will teach you all kinds of things about photography.
DePelchin is a local Children's center that can give you more information on various things including Foster care. You can drop by there if you are in the Woodlands. They have a center on Lakefront.

In honor of National Photography month, book a full session with me and receive a free 8x10. Offer expires June 15th.

If you are or know of any families that foster, have them contact me, I will give them a free sitting fee. :) No expiration on this.

So enjoy this month of May and make it picture perfect! Go out and learn how to use that expensive camera.

Happy Mother's day! - Woodlands TX Baby Photographer

Well, even though Mother's day is coming to an end, I did want to acknowledge it and wish you all a wonderful and well deserved Happy Mother's day.

I have said it before, but I do have the best Moms in the Woodlands. You guys are so patient, kind, loving and most of all FUN! I couldn't ask for better clients.

So on this Mother's day of 2010, I hope that your husbands pampered you, your children gave you tons of kisses and you took some time for yourself. And if you didn't do it today. Here is a secret thing I do. The day after Mother's day, I do all of the things I really wanted to do on Mother's day. It is My day! I take some time for myself, eat what I want, watch my shows, go shopping, etc.

So feel free to take my idea, especially if you didn't get everything you asked for today.

And again, Happy Mother's day! And here are two photos of Caden with his mommy and grandma on Mamma's day!