My mom will be so proud to see this post (she is a Reading Recovery teacher and has great passion for teaching children to read).

Today is international literacy day!  Enjoy a stack of books with your children and/or make some time to read for yourself.

BTW…see some of our favorite summer books here.

Exciting news!  Noah & Lilah is hosting an OLIVIA give-away!

How to win?  Simply leave a comment below.  The winner will be selected on Friday, Sep 10th at 8 pm.  Remember, only blog comments qualify (FB does not allow contests and giveaways so be sure to leave your comment on the KA photo blog).

Once a winner is selected, we will email you about options for your size and choice of fabrics.

Check out this week’s listing on HyenaCart and also the Noah & Lilah site.

note: If you’ve had a photo session with me in the past year and would like to see card samples, please send an email and let me know what photo(s) you would like incorporated in the card.  If you are interested in booking a family session or holiday mini session, contact me soon.  I will be offering sessions for the next 6-7 weeks before taking a maternity leave.

Thank you, Tony!

Keeping it real…

I’ve noticed a trend on some blogs recently where the writer includes notes that share some of the real-life tidbits behind the scenes.  The concept is appropriate here so I will apply this method and give it a whirl.

- Notice Julia is in the majority of the pics here.  Madelyn was too busy climbing fire hydrants in the background to be bothered with a photo op.

- Typically, it’s the other way around.  Julia is nearly impossible to photograph because she is always running off and doing her own thing.  People often ask how I get such great pictures of a 2 year old.  The answer is patience, perseverance, and often once in a great while: bribery.

- Obviously, I took the camera back in my control for the images of Tony with Julia (love the playfulness between them here…so true to life)

- I kinda can’t believe that we came up with these 8 pics in TWO minutes time (in 100+ degree heat).  Seriously.  We kinda rocked it!

- If I look better than usual it’s because I wore eye make-up (another very rare occurrence).  I vamped it up for the night, friends:  shadows, mascara, and liner.  Totally out of the ordinary.

- The composition on the bottom left image is wonky, yes…I tried to fix the crop up a bit but nothing looked too great – so whatever…I still like it (+ I needed one pic more to fill the empty space).

- Julia is at my favorite age right now.  Full of wonder and fascinated by every little thing.  What I love most about this series is that the images capture her sweet disposition.

- More about the night’s ‘special event’ later.  We were actually somewhat coordinated for a reason.

- I’m thinking that I should make a point to hand the camera over to hubby at least 4 times per year (once every season).   This will be my new goal.

- Photog friends, I challenge you.  We really do need to get in FRONT of the camera once in awhile!

- Baby bump timeline: 32 weeks (only 8 weeks to go!)

Great job on the pics, Tony!  Now that I know you have talent, I ask for your assistance as a 2nd shooter for our family memories.  XO.

A few holiday card orders are already in the works!  I am simply amazed by how well some of you plan ahead…way to get a job done!

Over the following weeks I will be sharing card samples every couple days so visit often for a variety of options.

Here’s a peek at the first 3 card samples for oh-ten (all of these are 5×7 but can be adapted to a different size):

If you’ve had a photo session in the past year and would like to see card samples, please send an email and let me know what photo(s) you would like incorporated in the card.  If you are interested in booking a family session or holiday mini session, contact me soon.  I will be offering sessions for the next 6-7 weeks before taking a maternity leave.

I can’t believe we are writing the last pages in our story of summer 2010.  Time flies!  I must say that I am more than ready for fall – soooo excited for cooler weather, back to school, football, harvest festivals, halloween, and of course….a new baby!   Only 2 months to go! 

Random notes on summer 2010: 

- The girls have played together all day everyday throughout the summer.  I think they are actually learning how to resolve some of their own fights!   I’ve noticed that Ms. M is really sneaky in her ways and uses a lot of reverse psychology.  If she wants full reign of the MLPs (my little ponies) she tries to distract little sis with lite bright or books…and then takes full control of the ponies and their palace as soon as Julia is immersed.  Her tactics are often successful but J is catching on and will not be fooled.  She is getting to be a smart little cookie. 

- We have stuck it out in AZ all summer long (other than a wonderful trip to Maui at the very beginning of summer).  We missed family and would have loved a MN vacation but we’ll plan on that for later.  We have been so busy balancing work + children + getting the house ready for #3.  We are constantly working on creative solutions to make our small space livable and comfortable for a growing family.  

- Summer home renovations:  a TON of reorganizing, mainly.  The girls are sharing a bedroom now and we’re revamping the baby room a bit.  Nothing major – just some color changes and slight improvements (new blinds, paint, etc).    I love home decorating and hate it at the same time.  There is nothing like finding a great deal and the thrill of the hunt…but putting a room together is such a process and takes sooo much time.  Also, I have a terrible habit of buying things and returning them (I have the hardest time envisioning how things will look until I see them in place).  This whole process is very tiresome.   I’ve purchased 4 different varieties of curtains to ‘try out’ (and then returned them) and still have not found the right look.   Blah, blah, blah… 

- Little J is a total bookworm.  She brings books to me several times throughout the day and asks me to read to her.  I try to stop what I’m doing and sit down with her for a book – or two – or ten (I wish I could say I always do but it’s not always so easy).   If I am busy, she will lay down with a pile of books and look through pages on her own.  To see her cuddled up ‘reading’ books is one of the perfect things about this totally imperfect life.  My heart swells with love as I watch her grow and become a little girl.   She absolutely delights in reading.

- Ms. M is the fashionista of the family.  She would make the perfect best friend for Fancy Nancy.  She loves glaming it up and has radar for costume dresses,  jewelry, sunglasses, make-up, nail polish, clip-on earrings…you name it.   

- Julia is talking so well and I love the pronunciation of her words.  She says ‘I wuv you mama’ dozens of times every day and every time I hear those words, I pick her up and squeeze her full of love .  I adore this age!  Seriously, 2 year olds are the best.  Everything she says pretty much makes me melt…and the wonder that she has for the world causes me to slow down and take it all in alongside her.  Who made up the phrase the terrible twos?  I disagree.

- Not to say that every day is blissful as a mother (a pregnant mother, at that)…but there are so many moments that fill your heart. 

- There are also many moments that drive you crazy.  Spilled milk (for the 5th time this morning).  Crayola on the walls.  Tantrums.  Sibling Rivalry. Whining.  Kids who will not take ‘no’ for an answer (my parents words are ringing in my ears on this one).  It can be tough business.  

- Speaking of tough business…pregnancy is just that!  The AZ heat is really getting to me and my energy is zapped.  Kinda sick and tired of feeling sick and tired.  I feel like most of my summer has been filled with running around to various Dr. appointments, tests, ultrasounds, etc.  OK, enough for the complaints department already.  I’m just saying pregnancy is much easier in the cooler months.    

- M is so excited to start (pre)school and see her friends again.  Her teachers have come over to our house to visit and she completely adores them (one of the teachers she had last year and the other is new).  She can’t stop talking about school and asks us every night how much longer it is until the 1st day.  2 weeks ago she selected her outfit for the 1st day and packed up her backpack + lunchbox!   I took a peek inside her ‘lunch’ to make sure nothing perishable would rot inside: fruit snacks, cookies, an apple, and a box of Hello Kitty band-aids.  She has everything ready to go. 

- Speaking of band-aids… this kid has an obsession.  To her, band-aids are another fabulous accessory.  She throws a new box in the cart every time we stop at Target.  We have a collection of all varieties: Hello Kitty, Dora, Barbie, Disney Princesses, Mickey and Minnie…we haven’t passed up one option.  Notice in the picture above that each leg is covered in pink band-aids?  That’s just how she rolls.  

- Also in the picture above…cute headbands!  This is the newest product of Mady and Lu!  More about that soon… 

- ASU started classes last week so at work we are already rolling with the new academic year.  I started teaching a new class and look forward to a few months with a great group of freshman sundevils before I have to turn them over to a colleague once baby arrives. 

- Grandma J (hubby’s grandma…sometimes referred to as Mother Theresa) was in a car accident a couple weeks back and is dealing with difficult pain.  We pray for her and send our love.   We miss all of our grandparents in Minnesota so much!  One of the hardest things about not making a MN trip this summer is missing out on time with them. 

- We are so thankful that Tony’s mom was able to visit for a few days earlier this month.  We all love to have her stay with us!  She helps us with projects we tend to put off,  cares for the girls with great love + attention, and overall brings so much happiness to our family.    One of the most difficult things about living across the country from family is that we are largely on our own.   Our kids have just the 2 of us on a day to day basis.   I often wish that there was a larger family support nearby.  The more people to love and care for children, the better.  It is a fortunate thing for children to grow up with attention from grandparents and a larger family unit.  We are so happy when our parents can visit and spend time with our kids.   Looking forward to family visits this fall!

-The world lost an amazing spirit in this last week.  One of my oldest and dearest friends, Anna, lost her father after a long battle with cancer. We all have such wonderful and funny memories of Tom but the world sparkles just a little bit less in his passing.  My love and prayers… 

- Just realizing once again that life is good — and it goes by quickly. 

If you’re still reading this…wow – thanks for sticking with me on the recap of summer!  I’m pushing myself to write more and share more.  I know my blog posts have been infrequent and brief over the summer months.  Life is always full of new adventures and I wish that I was better about sharing more of our story here.  My favorite blogs are those that share freely (and consistently) and I would like to make this happen in my little corner of the cyber world. I love the idea of printing an annual blog book and keeping a record of time passing — but I have to get better about posting what happens in my world + business in order to make that worthwhile.  I plan to get into a better habit of posting and sharing.   Then again, another baby in our home will make it that much harder to find time.   I’m not sure exactly what the future will bring in regards to balancing business + family + my work at ASU (we’ll see how this unfolds)…but I hope to keep up with this blog consistently and share inspiration.  No matter what happens I will always be watching the world behind my camera lens and in love with photography — and this is a good place to record that.  3 kids!  Wow – here we go… 

In more direct business news…I have been working on new holiday cards for oh-ten and will share those next week.  I am very excited about the new design options – modern and fabulous!  Stay tuned.

Happy Anniversary, my love!

Pictures span 1995-2010 (including a few from high school prom!)

Alice in Wonderland (her favorite story at the moment) and it’s PINK (Her favorite color).

The design was so beautiful that I kinda had to have it too…and so I bought it (for her, of course).

So excited!  One of my photos is on the cover of Kids Trends Magazine this week!  

Check out the current Make It Mine issue to see the latest and greatest trends for kids…

From monograms to footwear, and everything in between, we’ve found the goods that have personalized perfected…and we can’t wait to share! Cover by Kelly Anderson copyright © 2007-2010 Kids Trends Weekly (a division of Tot Trends Weekly, LLC). All rights reserved.

 Ms. M is wearing a fabulous personalized shirt by Gorno Couture in the cover shot.   Make sure to visit the GC site to find a perfect gift for any child!

I am thrilled to be in the company of many amazing photographers that have contributed to this magazine and look forward to a celebration lunch with some of my ’photog’ friends!

Many of my blog readers are professional photographers and with this in mind I thought it would be helpful to provide tips on styling a photo shoot from an expert stylist/editor.  I have asked Christina Holm Sandok to take over my blog for the day and share some fabulous advice about style and fashion.

Christina is a stylist/fashion editor contributing to various publications across the country and will soon be launching a new company, Style-Architects, which will focus primarily on developing brand identities for Lifestyle companies (including photo shoot styling.)  Watch for details on her blog at christinaholmsandok.com.  Christina has over 400 pages of published editorial work and she has appeared on countless television shows showcasing the latest trends.

I previously introduced Christina here and today I have invited her to share insight with my photog friends and clients.  Christina will be checking in on the blog throughout the day, so please leave her a question/comment and she will share a response.

Christina, THANK YOU so much for your expertise and fashion forward ideas.  I love that we share a passion for creative expression and making people look and feel beautiful.  You are always an inspiration and I am so proud of all that you are doing with your new company!!  So glad to have you here!! XOXO

Style with Style in Mind.

by Christina Holm-Sandok

I consider styling a form of art. And as an artist, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the final images from a well-styled photo shoot. What most people don’t realize is how much work goes into planning the concept, color palette, selecting the models and scouting the location. Fortunately, most photo shoots do not require a professional stylist, but it is still helpful to keep a few styling tips in mind when selecting the wardrobe.

Think Outside the Box.

When looking for inspiration, many people limit themselves to what’s already been done. As a stylist, I am always looking for inspiration from any source imaginable….my neighbors cobblestone sidewalk, the bright teal swing set at a nearby park, the rusty brushed metal bench outside my favorite coffee shop or an elaborate arched doorway at a local museum. Open your eyes to your every day surroundings and you will be surprised at what you find! Use these ideas when planning your shoot location and color palette.

Mix and Match.

This is my FAVORITE element in photography – the unexpected! Play with the juxtaposition of elements when choosing your location and attire. Mix old with new, refined with rugged, shiny with dull, ethereal with abrasive, modern with vintage…you get the idea. For example, consider throwing on pearls with a t-shirt, pair a sequin top with worn denim or go barefoot with a flowing dress.

 Color and texture.

Bold colors and yummy textures will bring life to your photos. Work with your photographer in advance to discuss the background colors and how they will play off your wardrobe choices. For example, bright yellows, pinks and oranges pop nicely against an ocean backdrop. And if you are going with black and white photos, it is especially important to choose drastically contrasting colors so that they read well on camera. And equally important is TEXTURE. Adding texture gives an added element of interest. A few ideas: shiny belt, straw hat/fedora, linen pants, silk scarf, wool sweater or metallic accessories.

And lastly (but most importantly), KEEP IT REAL! For families, weddings, engagement pictures and graduation shoots…. remember to look like yourself. You want your personality to come through in the images so make sure to breathe life into what you choose to wear. If your son wants to throw on his red converse sneakers with his seersucker pants and bow tie…so be it! In ten years you will look back at that photo and remember his unique style.

Thank you so much Christina!  I can’t wait to see you go forward with Style-Architects!  You have a golden touch when it comes to style and I know you will do amazing things with your new business.  Best wishes!!

Love, Kelly