Meg and Puppy Nicole | Mt Shasta Portrait and Wedding Photographer

Over Thanksgiving, my sister came up with her new guide dog puppy, Nicole.  She was introduced to the whole family of dogs.  If you follow my posts, you may know I have a black lab/aussie mix named Chloe.  My parents also have a yellow lab named Carissa.  Fun fact – Carissa was my sister, Megan’s, previous guide dog puppy.  About half of all guide dog puppies in training flunk out for various reasons (Carissa for being too sensitive), so when she was about 8 months old she came to live with our parents.  For Meg and Nicole’s shoot, we included Carissa in a few shots as well.

John’s Senior Portraits | Mt Shasta Portrait and Wedding Photographer

I’ve known John’s family for a while, since our moms both work together – and his dad is our dentist (funny, adorable, small town things).  So, you can imagine I was excited about doing his senior portraits this fall.  I just want to point out that this bright, athletic kid is only 16, has great grades and is involved in varsity sports.  We had a blast on the shoot, which he brought his mom to.  I posted these photos to Facebook a long time ago, and thought it was about time that I shared them here as well!

Murr Family | Mt Shasta Portrait and Wedding Photographer

Jessica is a friend of mine who came to me because she hadn’t done family portraits since her baby girl was born.  We got together this past weekend at a local park to take some shots she could include with Christmas cards.  Jessica had won a photo shoot from a past contest, so now was the perfect time to take photos and show off how cute her family is!

Here’s a touching moment I caught between mom and baby as the boys were getting ready for their pictures.

Edit Out Breast Cancer | Mt Shasta Portrait and Wedding Photographer

Welcome to the first installment of Edit out Breast Cancer.  This week’s photo was submitted by Heidi.  She can view, download and use the web sized photo free, or contribute $25 to Passionately Pink for the Cure to get the full resolution file.

Original Photo:

Boosted colors, sharpness:

A moody black and white.  Burned down the right side and lightened up the left side to provide even tones.

So, there you have it.  Please email your sharp, well exposed photos to authenticallybeautifulphotography@hotmail.com

Kelly

Maternity Shoots | Mt Shasta Portrait & Wedding Photographer

I don’t know what all the ladies were doing last winter, but I’ve done two maternity shoots in the past month!  There were both outrageously cute and had amazing and adorable stories.  I had so much fun with these ladies, I couldn’t wait to share.
Valdia contacted me at the last minute for her maternity shoot.  She was actually 2 days past her due date!  I was afraid she would go into labor during our photo shoot.  She was still cute and ALL baby.  If you walked behind her, you couldn’t even tell she was pregnant.

Katina and I had talked for over a month about doing her photo shoot, but we wanted to wait until she was pregnant enough.  She still has about a month to go and she had a perfect little baby belly.  It was windy and amazing outside.  We’ve known each other for a while, so it hardly felt like work when you’re just hanging out with your girl friend.

I had such a blast taking these photos.  There is something so amazing and temporary about maternity portraits.  You really only have a small window to get pictures of that special time.
If you’re having a baby anytime soon, let me know!  Maternity shoots were the majority of my first professional portraits and I still love them.  I’d be honored to be able to photograph any of the other ladies who were having fun this past winter.
Kelly

Evelyn in the Daisies | Mt Shasta Portrait and Wedding Photographer

Just a quick random shot from yesterday with my niece, Evelyn Sky and her new hair ribbon.  She’s such a cutie, and always so deep in thought.  She likes to look through my camera and say, “Wow, that’s so cute” to every photo on the memory card.  3 is such an adorable age.

I’m also entering this one in I Heart Faces’ People’s choice contest for the week.  Be sure to stop by and vote here:

Kelly

530 Bride Guest Post - Top 10 Reasons You Should Hire a Professional Photographer

I was recently featured as a guest writer for a Northern California wedding blog called The 530 Bride.  It's called "Top 10 Reasons You Should Hire Professional Photographer" and it has great information about ways you can use professionals to make your special day more relaxing.  Here's a taste:

In this economy, budgets are tight. People are trying to decide where to cut wedding costs.  Should I get a cheaper dress? Skip the DJ and use an iPod?  Have my friend/Uncle do the photography (or worse, skip it all together)?  In my opinion, I have just named the 3 biggest things NOT to skimp on.  Here are the top 10 reasons why you should hire a professional photographer for the most important day of your life.

To read the full post - go here

Kelly

Edit Out Breast Cancer | Mt Shasta Portrait and Wedding Photographer

If you follow my work, you may have noticed that breast cancer is my cause of choice.  I have a sister, mother, and a large group of close girl friends I love so much.  I want to find a cure before breast cancer effects any more of the women in my life or the lives of others.
I’ve been donating 5% of proceeds from photo shoots to breast cancer through Passionately Pink for the Cure.  I also have organized a number of fundraisers.  In addition to running another event this upcoming October and a special photo fundraiser for Passionately Pink (more on that soon!), I’m going to start a regular feature here and on my Outside the Frame blog where I will edit viewer photos to raise awareness and funds for Passionately Pink for the Cure.
Here’s how it works - send your sharp, high resolution photos to authenticallybeautifulphotography@hotmail.com.  I will edit them (for FREE), then post a 500px wide copy on this blog. 
I will retouch the photo using all the fun tools and actions available to me in Photoshop and post the before and after shots.
If you sent the photo in, you will be free to download the blog sized file and use it online to your content.  If you love the photo, I will sell the high-resolution version of the file for $25, all of which I will donate to Passionately Pink for the Cure.  The high res file is great for websites and printing spectacular photos to display in your home.
Here’s an example of a fan photo sent in by Melanie that I retouched recently.

Now she has an amazing photo of her and her daughter to print and display in her home.
To participate, send your photos to authenticallybeautifulphotography@hotmail.com.  I’ll be posting a new edit every Monday for your viewing and fundraising pleasure.
Thanks,
Kelly

Exclusive for this Year! | Mt Shasta Portrait and Wedding Photographer

When I originally built the photo booth, I really wasn’t looking to start a rental business.  I did it because it was fun.  I wanted it to be a feature at last years Weed Arts Council breast cancer fundraiser.  I rented it a few times, donated it a few times and charged for it as a vendor a few times.  However, the most fun I’ve had was at events when it was open and free to use.  There is nothing quite like hearing the constant giggles coming from the booth (or better - being the one giggling in it).
Also, you may have noticed that photography is my passion.  I love doing it.  I love being around people and being a part of special times in their lives.  I love weddings.  Just so you know I’m serious, I love weddings.
So, for all the reasons above:
I’m including my photo booth free at all weddings I book through Authentically Beautiful Photography in the next year.
You heard me.  I haven’t lost my mind, I just want to have a fun year and I want everyone to have a fun year with me.
Here’s the fine print.  To qualify for the FREE photo booth, simply book and pay for your wedding.  I will bring an assistant to run the booth for the duration of the time that I am booked to photograph your wedding reception.  The amount of time the photo booth will be at your event depends on both the package you have booked and the schedule for your wedding.  The schedule for booth rental will be determined at our consultation.  At this time, this offer is limited to local (Siskiyou County I-5 corridor) brides.  I will accept weddings outside that radius on a case by case basis.
I think this is a pretty fabulous detail.  I will be adding new features to the photo booth over the course of the year as well.  This offer is good until the end of September 2012.
To see wedding packages Read my Wedding Welcome Packet.  To contact me, visit www.AuthenticallyBeautifulPhotography.com, www.facebook.com/AuthenticallyBeautifulPhotography, email authenticallybeautifulphotography@hotmail.com, call (530)918-8575 or send a letter to Authentically Beautiful Photography, c/o Kelly Samuelson, PO Box 1391, Mt Shasta, CA 96067.
Looking forward to wedding season!
Kelly

Print Sizing | Mt Shasta Portrait and Wedding Photographer

Not everyone knows this, but the sizes that prints are available in don’t always use the same ratios that cameras capture pictures in.  When you take your prints to Walmart, you could be losing precious space in your photograph.  Need a visual?  Here’s a standard photo showing different sizes and how they will affect cropping.

Now, what can you do to save precious space in your photos?  Have a professional help you get them printed.

Need an excuse? | Mt Shasta Portrait and Wedding Photographer

There are certain obvious times in our lives where we take photos.  Weddings, senior portraits, engagement photos, newborn and maternity photos… but if you do the math - there are such crucial times in between these huge life events that deserve documentation. 
Don’t you want to look back when you’re 90 and remember how great you looked in your 20’s (or 30’s or 40’s… or you 90’s for that matter!)
What about your kids?  Will you remember in 30 years what your child looked like at 18 months?  Have you taken a single decent photo in between birthday parties (other that possibly those awkward, embarrassing photos the school takes each year)?

Do you need an excuse to take photos more often?  Click Read More for a list of great excuses.

Becky and Tovy’s Engagement Session | Mt Shasta Portrait and Wedding Photographer

These two make such a cute couple, I haven’t finished editing all the photos, but I had to throw a couple up as soon as I finished them since I liked them so much!

Looking Back

I won’t forget.

Night Photography | Mt Shasta Portrait and Wedding Photographer

There are so many interesting things to photograph at night.  Stars, lightening, and a multitude of interesting things that can be seen during the day, but have an entirely different look at night.  Here are a series of shots I took in the backyard the other night during a lightening storm.

Fall Facebook Special | Mt Shasta Portrait and Wedding Photographer

The weather is still beautiful and I just can’t wait to get outside and take some photos!

Use your smart phone to save on your next photoshoot | Mt Shasta Portrait and Wedding Photographer

Have a smart phone? Email? Facebook? You can use all of these tools to socialize with friends, research an interesting topic and now - to save on your next photo shoot with Authentically Beautiful Photography.

Dog Days of Summer | Mt Shasta Portrait and Wedding Photographer

It’s been a long (not so hot until recently) summer here in Mt. Shasta. I’ve been fortunate to spend it working, playing, surrounded with friends and with loved ones (and unfortunately losing loved ones as well - Rest in Peace, Amber and Roy). I’ve also been fortunate enough to spend it surrounded with… dogs. I never knew I was a dog lover until I adopted Chloe, and I can’t imagine going back. So, for fun, enjoy some photos of my favorite dogs of this summer.

Building Your Brand with Business Photography

Say that five times fast! However, I wanted to write today about the advantages of photography in business. I love networking and working with other businesses to help them grow their ideas and market them to the world. One of the best ways to do that is with photography.

Sneak Peek–The Shoop Family | Mt Shasta Portrait and Wedding Photographer

A little while back, I had a contest on Facebook and Dalene and Guy Shoop won a gift certificate for photography services. Last weekend, we finally got to get together with the whole family and play at Dunsmuir City Park. I had such a great time, the kids are adorable and we had a chance to replicate a photo that was taken and Guy and Dalene’s wedding (they came to the park afterwards to take pictures). Here’s a sneak peek!

Amber

As artists, we all have muses. People who give us great ideas, people we love to photograph, people who love to have their photos taken. Amber Kellar was an inspiration and muse of mine for the past year that I had the pleasure of knowing her.

Your Favorite Things Contest | Mt Shasta Portrait and Wedding Photographer

Thanks to everyone who entered! To see the photos from the winning shoot, visit www.facebook.com/AuthenticallyBeautifulPhotography
As promised on Facebook, today I’m starting the “Favorite Things” contest.

“Your Camera Takes Nice Photos” | Mt Shasta Portrait and Wedding Photographer

I think one big misconception about the photography industry is that all you need is a 10 megapixel rebel on Program mode to be a professional photographer. But, I promise, there really is a reason I’ve been studying this for 12 years and that was so I could learn to capture amazing photos. Anyone who’s talked to me, taken a class or read my “Outside the Frame” blog knows I know the technical ins and outs of photography and working with clients.

Spring Here | Mt Shasta Portrait and Wedding Photographer

I love when all the flowers start doing flower-y things. It’s officially Spring in Dunsmuir.

Business of Art Classes | Mt Shasta Event Photographer

Siskiyou Arts Council is starting an amazing group of art classes geared toward helping artists with their businesses. I will be teaching a workshop, titled The Basics of Product Photography for Artists, both in Yreka on April 30th at Liberty Arts and in Mt. Shasta on May 7th at the SAC gallery. Both classes go from 3:30 to 5pm. It’ll be a great class for learning how to photograph work for promotion.



There will also be a number of amazing workshops, I know I’ll be going to Nikolas Allen’s workshop and Joanne Steele’s as well.

For the whole list and how to sign up, take a look at the Siskiyou Art Council Business of Art webpage.

Kelly

College of the Siskiyous Student Collaborative

One thing I’ve really enjoyed participating in every year has been the advanced photography class at College of the Siskiyous in Weed. Not only do I get (almost) free darkroom access for an entire semester (though I will be setting something up this summer for personal use), but each Spring the students come together to showcase the best of their work in a co-collaborated show.

Even though the curriculum is similar, each year I learn some strange alternative photography technique from another student thinking Outside the Frame, and each year hopefully someone learns something from me as well. I am the queen of the color darkroom and I like to help out when I can.



The class also gives everyone the opportunity to jump into the real world of professional art by organizing and curating a full show. The shows at COS were my first curatorial experience and now I successfully put together shows for other events and organizations.



This year, Focal Aberrations – The 2011 COS Advanced Photography Student Show, will open on April 27th from 4 to 6pm in the Gallery located inside the Learning Center on the Weed COS Campus. Please come down and show your support not only for me, but for the other hardworking students who put the show together. Also check out our collaborative Facebook page and the department’s Facebook page.

Kelly

Portraits in Spring | Mt Shasta Portrait and Wedding Photographer

The sun is coming out, and it’s time to get outdoors and take some pictures! This time of year is really perfect for families because it allows nice weather that isn’t too hot for kids or adults.
Shooting outside when it’s sunny can also be a problem, so I’m including a few simple tips anyone can use to improve their shots this spring.
I was able to go on a shoot with the Harrison family recently. They were so fun to work with. Here are some of my favorite shots incorporating my tips.
Tip #1: Use open shade. The sun can cause unflattering harsh light when you are photographing people, so put people under a tree, roof, something where the light is even.

Tip #2: To avoid squinting, have subjects close their eyes and count down to the shot. This way they get a break from strong light and you get a shot with wide open eyeballs. Also, kids think this is especially fun.

Tip #3: Think about using a flash. I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but some cameras can use fill flash to brighten shadows and hopefully lead to more even lighting (especially if someone is wearing a hat).
Hope those help with your sunny weather snapshots, and if not I’m still promoting mini-sessions for Spring on my KLS Photography Facebook page.
Kelly

Mt Shasta Event Photographer | Photo Booth

One project I’ve been working on slowly since last October has been adding a photo booth to my event photography services. It sounded like a fun idea, so I started by configuring the software/hardware combos. Once I did, I was really really mad at myself for not doing it for my own wedding in June like I had wanted to, but didn’t think I had the time.

Next, I put together a makeshift booth for the Weed Goes Pink Breast Cancer fundraiser WAC hosted in October. Huge hit! We decided we needed a photo booth at every event.

I met an awesome craftsman in January and he built me a professional photo booth box. WAC and I put the box in a boxcar and the photo booth for Hot Winter Night in Weed was born.

Finally, we decided to bring the photo booth to Pickin’ for Wishes to raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation. We put together a full curtain, brought in a photo booth specific monitor and once again, it was a huge hit! Everyone donated to MAW for use of the booth, it was fantastic.

Because the back curtains aren’t connected (I did that on purpose to easily change backdrops), people found out they could sneak in behind other people in the booth.The booth didn’t have live view enabled that night, so you didn’t know until after the picture was shot (which then previews on the screen for a couple seconds before snapping the next one). Hilarity ensued.

Future additions include adding a door and lighting, as well as adding a second monitor on the back that will slideshow photos that have already been taken during an event. I’ll also be painting the piping black to match. I can’t wait to see how this continues to evolve.

The next photo booth appearance will be at the Siskiyou County Chamber Mixer at the Mt. Shasta Brewery in Weed this upcoming Wednesday starting at 5pm! Be there!

Kelly

Sorry for the errors with the photos in the original post. I couldn’t figure out how to fix them, so I’m reposting.

Good Things | Mt Shasta Portrait and Wedding Photographer

It has been a while since I updated, but it’s because I’ve been busy. Being busy can be overwhelming, but lately it’s been a good thing! See what I mean (In no particular order):
We’ve been doing amazing things on the Weed Arts Council board.

Raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation through our First Thursday Brewgrass, which also featured my businesses Photo Booth launch (more on that next time).

We made a lot of money for the MAW kids in one night. I wrote a press release about it. Hopefully that (and this and Facebook) will keep people coming out and showing support.

Speaking of writing… I have a monthly local arts column. It’s due in less than 2 weeks. No clue what my next topic will be.

I’ll soon be teaching 2 classes with the Siskiyou Arts Council’s Business of Art series.

The Dunsmuir Storefront Galleries are doing great.

I won Best of Show in the Sisson Museum Water Show

Weed Chamber Member Directory and Visitor’s Guide came out with the photos I took of the board.

And I won a grant for a Chamber membership to the Mt. Shasta Chamber. I’ve been working to get my marketing materials up.

Also taking a couple amazing classes from the SBDC and JEDI. Business-y stuff.
:Long story short, it’s been busy. In the future, I’m going to try a lot harder to post more often. Hopefully at least once a week or more. Wish me luck!
Kelly

Art Shows and Snow

I love art shows.  Going to galleries, participating in shows, seeing other’s work, seeing what a panel of jurors choose as the best photo.  Also, most opening serve wine and who doesn’t appreciate some wine with their art?

Siskiyou County has seen its fair share of snow since “Spring” began.  Up to 4 feet in Mt. Shasta City and 3 feet right in our front yard.  This past Monday and Tuesday, I braved the storm to drop off art for various shows.  Dropping off art in snow storms may be my least favorite thing ever.  Keeping prints and glass dry, trying not to fall in slush while carrying a stack of 16x20 frames.  I was calling my mom periodically to express my frustration, and she kept talking me into not giving up when I clearly wanted to.  I’m from Santa Barbara, so I feel like I’ve had my fill of this snow stuff!

Well, I’m glad I didn’t give up. 

The first drop off spot was my own storefront gallery next to The Pizza Factory in downtown Dunsmuir, part of the Dunsmuir Storefront Gallery Project.  Nancy Newbauer and Joanne Steele from the Dunsmuir Revitalization Project set up the galleries, and they look amazing!  There are a number of locations around town, so please click the link above to see who and where the other artists are.

Second, I submitted 3 pieces in the Sisson Museum Annual Photography Show.  This year’s theme was “Water”.  I got a call yesterday letting me know I had won Best of Show!  Just amazing.  The show was put together by the staff and juried by James Gilmore, Kevin Lahey and Dennis Weathers – all local photography experts.  I’m really honored to have won!

A lot of wonderful local photographers submitted work to this show.  I went in today to be photographed for the paper and got a sneak peak, but I’m really waiting for the opening this Friday at 7pm.  There will also be a people’s choice award, so if you live in the area, please come and vote!

I have to say, it’s still snowing, but I feel surprisingly refreshed.  I’m ready for Spring, but I won’t be afraid of submitting art in a blizzard ever again!

Kelly

Types of Portraits

Portrait is a great term that describes a picture of a person, but if you’re looking to have portraits done, you should think about what TYPE of portraits you want done.  They have different photographic approaches and may require using different photographers (we all have our specialties and weaknesses as professionals, it’s true!).  Personally, I think I specialize in capturing natural beauty - branching away from un-authentic poses and working around a person’s actions instead of trying to have them work around the camera.  I like when people get comfortable enough to pretend I’m not there.  Works amazingly with children.  Here’s a beautiful example of Miss Evelyn Sky.

I also like applying this approach to professional headshots.  These are much more formal, as a rule, but that doesn’t mean they can’t look natural!  I had a lot of fun with the Weed Chamber Board for their portraits.  While I only had a couple minutes to work with each member, I thought it was really important to get them to relax and the pictures turned out great because of it.  Here are some of my favorites.

100% genuine smiles.  Above: he really is that nice every time I’ve met him, nothing but pure smiles all the time.  Below: I happened to say something silly and elicited a small giggle right as I snapped off the shot.  I love how authentic her smile is.

Below - Cabins staff Erika and Stephanie.  These are the most caring, wonderful girls!  I always feel welcome in the Chamber/Visitor’s Center.  They’re helpful and friendly, so I was especially committed to showing that in their shots.

I am so proud when I can show how beautiful and authentic people are.  Especially people who say they aren’t photogenic, because everybody is photogenic with a talented photographer!  If you’ve never had portraits done (or the last time was your senior portraits), consider hiring a professional to take some soon.

Kelly