KaliLeenstraPhotography

NEW BLOG!!!!

2009-02-06T01:02:00.000-08:00

I got a new blog, check it out http://kalileenstraphoto.com/blog/ I worked all day on getting it set up and I am so glad I am finally finished and can go to bed.

Katie and Dan

2009-01-17T22:35:00.000-08:00

Ok, I know I have been horrible at blogging lately. I have actually been working on getting a new more custom blog, which I am very excited about but in the mean time here are some great engagement pictures! I am still completely in awe that we had such gorgeous weather. We shot these pictures at the Kiana Lodge in Poulsbo, where the couple will be having there wedding in May. I got to ride the ferry over to Bainbridge Island which was a first, I had my family tag along with me for fun. Lena loved being on the boat and watching the sea gulls. Checking out the lodge made me even more excited for their wedding.

I found this start fish on the shore, I was so excited I had to take a picture. My husband and Lena had actually spotted it first and Lena was apparently poking it with a stick trying to get it to "wake up" we had to explain to her that it died.

Check out the Skyline picture, this is the first sunny day we have had in quite a while and it was much needed.

Jex Family!

2008-12-15T18:06:00.000-08:00

Cutest family EVER!! I love how photogenic they all were especially the kids!

Kevin and Christie-Engagements!

2008-12-08T09:15:00.000-08:00

I had tons of fun taking Kevin and Christie's engagement pictures. We were thinking that it might rain, so again I picked a location were it would have been fun to pull out some umbrellas and also get some shots under the big wall arches. We lucked out and the weather was just great. I loved using the University of Washington as a location and will definitely use it again. I found out that I was taking the pictures the day before Christie's birthday and that Kevin had a big surprise for her that night. I hope she had a wonderful birthday and I can't wait to do this couples wedding in January!

P.S I am designing there wedding invitation so help us out and tell us which pictures you like best.

Lindzee's Maternity Portraits

2008-12-01T09:43:00.000-08:00

Here are some maternity pictures, I took these is in Hotel Andra's Lobby. Because Seattle's weather is so unpredictable I am learning new locations that can be used with or with out rain. This is my first winter here and I am learning a lot about the crazy Seattle weather. First off I have to let everyone know that these pictures were taken only about a DAY BEFORE SHE WENT INTO LABOR and a day before her due date. DOESN'T LINDZEE LOOK AMAZING! Normally I would take maternity pictures at around 30-35 weeks unless you look as good as Lindzee. Well they turned out cute and we had lots of fun!

Lena at Park in Renton

2008-11-16T23:48:00.000-08:00

On my husbands day off we went to Philip Arnold Park in Renton and had fun with Lena and took pictures. I am teaching my husband to be an amazing photographer so he can shoot weddings with me and take cute pictures of Lena and I. Check out the pictures he took of Lena and I on the tire swing, he did such a great job!

Alexis

2008-11-16T23:24:00.000-08:00

Here is little 9 month old Alexis, isn't she a doll. I took all these inside her home where she felt comfortable. She was able to crawl around and be herself. Oh and yes we did sneak her back into her Halloween costume for a few shots.

IT'S NOT TOO LATE!

2008-11-07T11:25:00.001-08:00

It's not too late to get your Christmas cards! I am offering a free Christmas card design with any family session booked this month! I just ordered mine and can't wait to get them and send them out. Prices are:

	10	$10.48
	20	$17.48
	30	$24.48
	40	$30.98
	50	$37.98
	100	$61.98

this does not include shipping. They are all folding cards with your choice of message inside. They are also printed on cover linen stock paper.

Paige's Birthday Party

2008-11-03T21:01:00.000-08:00

All the girls were so cute

Paige is apparently very photogenic
Katy eating a cupcake was the cutest thing ever
Cameron has those big puppy eyes

The theme of the party was "Minnie Mouse"
The girls all wanted to smell the pretty stuff.
Jenn's new baby Ryan, his eyes were so wide open!

Cutest little red head
This little girl stole some candy when she wasn't supposed too... but I caught her
Katy found her shape
Rainbow candy

I love Paige's face in this one.

I had fun taking pictures while not being under pressure.

Wedding with Kelli Nicole

2008-10-29T10:29:00.000-07:00

I got to help the amazingly talented Kelli Nicole out with one of her weddings. I was only able to be there for the morning part of the wedding because I had scheduled family portraits for later that day. I love working with other photographers, I always learn something new from them and I get way more out of the experience than I would if I was working alone.

Just hope this never happens to any of my brides.

2008-10-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

My friend sent me this link and I just had to post it. It is the most hilarious thing ever.

Worst Best Man Ever @ Yahoo! Video

Cari and Darren's ONLINE GALLERY!

2008-10-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

Check out ALL the pictures from Cari and Darren's wedding day. Just Click here and type in the password to see all the pictures. If you have forgotten the password or never got one just email me at Kali@kalileenstraphoto.com to get it. Enjoy the pictures!

Cari and Darren

2008-10-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of photographing Cari and Darren at the beautiful San Diego Temple. The temple is truly breathtaking so while I was waiting for them to come out I took a few pictures.

Here they are as they walked out of the temple and together for the first time as a married couple.

This little one was pretty camera shy but I managed to snap a few when she wasn't expecting.

Cari's flowers were beautiful, I loved the soft colors of her bouquet.

We did a portrait session on La Jolla shores. I couldn't believe how hot it was out there. I wanted to jump into the water!

Her shoes were outrageous! I loved them.

I made the groomsmen climb on these rocks, one almost slipped off. No one got hurt and we ended up with a great picture.

There are so many great pictures from this wedding. I am hoping to have the online gallery up soon. I loved working with Cari and Darren they were such a fun couple. I had such a great time photographing their wedding. There whole family was wonderful! Thank you guys so much.

The Kings

2008-10-15T23:57:00.001-07:00

My awesome neighbors, the Kings came to the pumpkin patch and got a quick little family portrait session.

"my little pumpkin"

2008-10-15T23:45:00.000-07:00

Here is Lena picking out her own pumpkin. She had the hardest time deciding and probably picked up at least a dozen different pumpkins before she found the perfect one.

Here is the final choice

I have missed that last two Halloween's because of nursing school. I am so excited to be able to spend this years holiday with Lena. I wanted to really get into the spirit of fall so I went out and bought her a cute little outfit and took her to the pumpkin patch. We picked out two huge pumpkins and let Lena pick out her own little one to keep in her room. I have already cut up one of the pumpkins and cooked it. I love cooking with pumpkin. I made the yummiest pumpkin soup tonight for dinner. Ok enough pumpkin talk. Check out my pictures.

Online Gallery

2008-10-15T22:14:00.001-07:00

Your online gallery is up! Click here. I have emailed you the password. Enjoy!

Check out this family!

2008-10-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I got to photograph a big family out in Tacoma. I met the family through Janni and Calebs wedding that I did a few months ago. The location was at "Grandma's House" I was worried that her yard would not accommodate everyone but I was wrong. They had a huge yard!

Matt and his girlfriend Taylor were lots of fun, I wasn't sure about their relationship at first but they joked about not being engaged yet... maybe I could photograph their wedding. hee hee.

These two boys, RJ and Lane were awesome in front of the camera. I love when I get smiley babies.

This has got to be the cutest little baby I have every photographed. I love her cute little face.

These two girls were just as cute as their little sister. They loved including the dog in all their pitures!

We ended with the entire family. I am working on editing the rest so I should have their on line gallery up soon.

Do you have these days?

2008-10-06T19:28:00.001-07:00

Today I had one of those days where I felt like a complete idiot. I actually washed these two items together in my wash machine and yes all the white stuff came out pink. How many years have I been doing laundry now? I broke the cardinal rule of doing laundry mixing dark colors with white. Well I am making a note to self... NEVER wash a whole load of white clothes with your red rug. What was I thinking, or I guess the real question is, was I thinking?

Kid clothing sales!

2008-10-02T20:00:00.001-07:00

Click here to see the website

One of my friends sent this to me, I am going to try and go and see if I can find Lena some stuff. Click here to see the website

The Redford Family!

2008-09-29T22:40:00.000-07:00

When I asked Luke to smile he would close his eyes and smile. I thought it was so cute.
Jagger and Owen are great friends. They both were so photogenic.

Brad was so helpful at lugging all the kids to the different photo spots we chose.

I can't get over how cute this picture of mom and dad is.

Aren't they cute, the Redford family has so much personality, can't you tell. This family session was a little challenging because little Lucy was sick and we got kicked out of the park we were at by a security guy who had a megaphone. We ended up going to a grassy area right out side of the park and by this time the sun was almost gone so we had to rush. Despite everything the family was really good about letting me take their pictures. Thanks guys.

David's Bridal "One Love" Contest

2008-09-27T22:27:00.001-07:00

Click here to go to their website

You have to check this out!

2008-09-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

I found this website where you can put in any URL and it will make a word collage of all the most commonly used words on it. You can play around and change the fonts and colors. So try it with your blog and see what it comes up with.

Mindy and Chris- Engagments!

2008-09-08T22:07:00.001-07:00

What do you think about letting a little light in on this picture. I wanted to give it a soft effect.

This couple was so fun and easy to work with. They basically did all their own posing. I can't believe how nice the weather has been here is Seattle. It is also supposed to be sunny the rest of this week! I can't wait to find out what picture they decide on for their invitation. I also can't wait to do this couples wedding.

First time at the dentist

2008-09-06T14:33:00.000-07:00

Lena was so excited to get to pick her pair of shades!

She looks a little nervous in this picture.
After everything was all over she got to pick out some toys out of a treasure chest. She picked this cute little head band.
We were so proud of her she did so good!

Even when they weren't cleaning her teeth she kept her mouth open, it was funny.

Such a trooper!

More pictures of Lena

2008-09-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

I took these Friday! Lena was totally posing for me and I can't believe it! I think she has grown out of the "I don't want to look at the camera phase." I'm blowing these pictures up and putting them all over her room.

JANNI AND CALEB'S ONLINE WEDDING GALLERY IS HERE!

2008-08-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

CHECK OUT THEIR ONLINE GALLERY CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THEIR WEDDING PHOTOS! This is a private gallery and a password is needed to view the photos. If you forgot the password or lost the cards just email me at Kali@kalileenstraphoto.com.

Janni & Caleb's Wedding!

2008-08-18T02:00:00.001-07:00

This was a one of those spur of the moment creative ideas that I came up with. It was also a really fun pose.

The temple was under some major construction but we got really creative around the temple grounds.

I love the way this shot of Janni turned out. I was so lucky to get such a gorgeous bride.

Janni and Caleb's reaction when they just came out of the temple!

Janni was so cute around all her nieces and nephews. I love Cole in this picture, so shy.

This is my all time favorite picture, Janni is more beautiful then ever. I love taking getting ready shots. Janni only had about 25 min to get ready but we still got some good pictures.

Janni's sister did her make-up. Her sister told me not to take any pictures of her but I thought the sister to sister moment was just too cute to pass up. Sorry.

Her shoes were so fun, they also looked very comfortable which is a must on your wedding day.

The temple grounds were so lovely, there were so many blooming flowers.

I had such a wonderful time at Janni and Calebs wedding. This was one of those weddings where so many pictures turned out so great I couldn't decide which ones to post on my blog. I haven't even looked at them all yet either. In a couple of days one I finish editing ALL the pictures will be posted on my online gallery so check back soon. Please, as always let me know what you think and which photos are your very favs.

Lena

2008-08-09T11:16:00.001-07:00

Lena just had her 3rd birthday! I can't believe how beautiful she is getting. I took these while we were in California and just had to share them.

Cassie Anne

2008-07-29T10:39:00.000-07:00

This was such a fun and easy photo shoot. We just walked down hwy 101 in Cardiff and found the best backgrounds and props to use. It's hard to believe that all these photos were taken in the same place.

The Kadarusman's!

2008-07-25T23:24:00.001-07:00

1.
2.

4.
5.
6.7.
8.

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Another family session! Except this family was my favorite yet, because it was my sisters cute family. We took these right on Moon Light beach in Cardiff. She is already picking out the ones she wants to print. These are also going to make great holiday greeting cards! I numbered them all so please give me feedback and chose your favorite picture of all. I really love hearing everyones comments it helps me open my mind to new ideas and ways to improve.

My new best friend!

2008-07-25T11:21:00.000-07:00

I've upgraded. I can't wait to use this on the weddings and engagement sessions I have coming up.

Save the date wedding cards

2008-07-16T16:43:00.001-07:00

1. "danny and brooke" size: 5x7
This is front, back is blank

2. "allen and marie" size: 4x6
This is front, back is blank

3. "andrew and lisa" size: 5x7
This is front, back is blank

4. "andy and rachel" size: 4x8
This is front, back is blank

I have been working on some "save the date" designs Let me know what you think. All the cards can be customized with your wedding colors and dates. Wording can be changed as well. Contact me if you are interested in these designs. More designs are coming soon. These cards are great to send out early so family and friends can make early plans to attend your wedding.

San Diego Here I Come!

2008-07-16T07:53:00.000-07:00

I know I posted that I was going to be in California earlier but my flight changed and I am heading out tomorrow. I'll be taking lots of pictures so check out my blog to see them.

Tear Jerker!

2008-07-12T16:05:00.000-07:00

Last night my husband and I watched this movie. I have never cried so hard in a movie, Jake fell asleep half way through. I love the fact that my husband will let me watch chick flicks he is such a sweety.

My Little Swimmer!

2008-07-11T17:25:00.000-07:00

I love summer and thats all I have to say.

What would you have done differently!

2008-07-07T07:57:00.000-07:00

The first two pictures are ones I took as a second shooter with Laurence Kim

I have wanted to post this for a while. I can not tell you how many friends of mine have reminisced about something they wish they would have done differently on their wedding day. I want to get feedback from those of you that are married. What would you have done differently. I will start by admitting that I didn't get my nails done and that was a mistake! I think a bride needs to feel beautiful on her wedding day and get pampered like crazy. Pedicures and manicures are a must. It also makes your pictures look a lot better. I'd like to help all the brides to be and make sure they don't make the same mistakes that we have all experienced.

The photos above are some examples of where your nails might show up in some pictures. And by the way, all of these girls had them done and they look fabulous, mine however did not look good and I am afraid I am too embarrassed to post any pictures of me on my wedding day that show my nails.

Oh by the way thank you for voting for the best Reno family picture. Check out my website to see which ones I chose.

The Reno Family!

2008-07-02T09:23:00.000-07:00

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15
16.

I had the opportunity to shoot the Reno family. They were so much fun. Thank you guys so much for being so good even in the incredible heat. Their little one was not too excited about getting his picture taken and he kept running away. I love how the pictures really show this little boys personality. He was not happy until the end of the shoot were his mom and dad let him splash around in the water. I wanted to ask everyone which picture they think is the best and should go on my website. Let me know. (:

MY WEBSITE!

2008-06-29T16:31:00.000-07:00

Check out www.KaliLeenstraPhoto.com !

Puppy Pics

2008-06-23T07:45:00.000-07:00

How can you resist!. My brother in law and his girlfriend just got a new puppy. I couldn't resist taking pictures. Jake and I for about a day though about getting a dog but we just aren't ready right now to take on that kind of responsibility. Maybe when we have a bigger place.

Update...

2008-06-18T11:06:00.000-07:00

I've been slacking. I just wanted to update real quick on what has happened these past few weeks. First I did get to shoot a wedding with a pro photographer and It was amazing. I learned so much. I posted a quick shot I took of him during the wedding. I will be posting some of those pictures but I am buying some new editing software and I wanted to wait to try it out. Fathers day was wonderful. Lena has been the cuteness she always is and lately has been falling asleep in her high chair. This is probably because I don't put her down for naps anymore and she has been staying up late with me every night. I am going to try and do better about putting her on a nap schedule. I am trying out a new logo I designed. I am also getting a website! That should be ready soon. My last excitement is that I am going down to Southern California June 25th through July 8th.

The Campbell Family

2008-06-09T08:27:00.001-07:00

I had the privilege of photographing the Campbell family this last Friday. They were wonderful! It had been raining all day I even called and just about canceled the session but Jocelyn told me she had high hopes. Just as we got to the park the sun began to peak out through the clouds and it stopped raining. I was stunned. The shoot went perfectly it took us less than an hour.

Little Lena

2008-06-04T13:06:00.000-07:00

Lena's nick name is "Littles" she has always been petite for her age. She is so fun her smile always warms me.

Strawberry Crepes

2008-06-03T08:21:00.001-07:00

My friend Heather inspired me to post a breakfast food. I woke up really early with my husband this morning so I could see him before he left for work. I decided to make him my favorite breakfast. I love Crepes, they are so easy to make and the best thing is you can eat them for breakfast, lunch or dinner depending on what you fill them with. Here is the recipe.

2 beaten eggs
1 cup flour
1 Tbs cooking oil
1/4 tsp salt
(for sweeter crepes I add a tsp of vanilla and 2 tsp sugar)
Just whisk up all these ingredients and your crepe batter is finished.

Make sure you put a few tbs of oil in your pan and heat it up before spooning in the crepe batter.

If you don't have powdered sugar make some- blend up granulated sugar and a few Tbs of corn starch in your blender. (I ran out of powdered sugar so I had to make my own this morning.)

Drawing Monsters!!

2008-06-02T10:54:00.001-07:00

I had to show off the pictures that Lena and I drew. Lena is such an artist. I also wanted to ask all of you moms that have little ones if you have any good craft or art project ideas that are fun for kids. We do not have a TV hooked up right now so I have found myself being very creative trying to entertain Lena. Let me know.

I PASSED MY NCLEX!!!

2008-05-28T13:39:00.000-07:00

I just had to share the most exciting news ever! I passed my NCLEX and I am now officially a Registered Nurse licensed to practice in the State of Washington. I found out yesterday!!!

Off Camera Flash

2008-05-28T13:12:00.000-07:00

Its time to learn all about using a flash. I did some house pictures for a real estate agent this week so I used some of the money I got from that project to rent some flash equipment. I rented the canon 580 ex, some pocket wizards and a flash stand. It was fun to play around with the stuff I just wish I had more time to experiment and a model who didn't need to be bribed with candy.

I get to shoot with a pro!!

2008-05-26T23:00:00.000-07:00

I couldn't be more excited. Today I met with Laurence Kim. I get to shoot a wedding with him next month. I can't wait. I know that I'm going to learn so much. I am a little nervous because I want to do a really good job.

CD cover

2008-05-26T22:59:00.001-07:00

Here is another CD cover I made. Simple but cute.

Last ones I promise

2008-05-20T23:23:00.000-07:00

I promise these are the last three pictures I will post from this wedding. I know I'm a photography dork.

My New Big Wheel

2008-05-20T23:09:00.000-07:00

I finally broke down and bought Lena a big wheel. her legs are just a wee bit short and she can't reach the peddles. She like to stick her legs out and ride down hills. It is so fun to watch her.

Wedding Albums

2008-05-16T10:54:00.000-07:00

Here is a sample of the coffee-table style wedding album that I offer. These albums are a hard bound, 8x11 size, and are custom designed matching the theme of your wedding. These books are made by Blurb
I absolutely love the way this one turned out.

More from David and Colleen's Wedding Day!

2008-05-16T00:12:00.000-07:00

I think I am going a little overboard with posting this wedding. I can't help it I just love so many of the pictures and how they turned out. The bridals on the rocks turned out so great and the best part about those pictures was it was all the brides idea. I love photographing people who are already creative enough to pick out their own locations. Well hopefully I don't post too many more.

Colleen and David's Getting Ready Pictures

2008-05-13T17:04:00.000-07:00

Here are some getting ready pictures from the wedding I did last weekend! I will be posting more pictures soon! I love taking the pictures of the bride and groom getting ready. The pictures really show what the beginning of the day was like and I capture some really great moments. I love the one of the bride getting her vale on. These pictures made great black and whites.

Mustang

2008-05-11T14:40:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I was asked by my father in law to take some pictures of his Mustang. He is getting a new website www.fastcatscars.com that will show off his amazing car collection. His website isn't up to date right now but pretty soon you will be able to see all of his cars on there. I will be photographing most of them and posting them on his site soon. He also has a great website that I designed a few years back. Take a look at www.fast-cats.com P.S Happy Mothers Day. Jake was going to try and surprise me with a new apartment. He wasn't able to get the apartment but it's the thought that counts.

Spring!

2008-05-09T14:02:00.001-07:00

I had such a relaxing day yesterday. I just played with my little one outside. I love spring time when everything starts to bloom. Lena's new favorite activity is looking for bugs.

Photo Tip #1

2008-05-07T11:25:00.000-07:00

Always know your equipment before using it! It sounds obvious but I can't tell you how many times I have finished a shoot and then learned something that could have really been useful. I rented the Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS lens for my first wedding I ever did. This was my first time using this lens. On the side of the lens there was a little button that showed stabilizer mode 1 and 2. I had no idea what the difference between these were. Durring the wedding it was difficult to get an "in focus" shot. Had I known that Mode 1 is for stationary subjects while mode two is for moving subjects I would have had a much more success with using my image stabilization. Keep in mind that if you are using mode 2 it will drain your battery more quickly. My last words of advise are that sometimes the best way to learn your equipment is to use it, just don't learn while taking someones wedding pictures.

CD cover

2008-05-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share this CD cover that I designed. This is something that every one of my clients will receive.

Chase and Rebecca's Wedding

2008-05-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to start this new blog. My goal is to start fresh in hopes that I update my blog daily. I will try and post something new everyday. I am still in the process of learning so much about photography I will try and share everything I learn!. This wedding I did was great, It was held at the CLF Church in Aberdeen Washington. The church was old, dark inside and not a great location for pictures but the grounds surrounding the church and parks only a few minuets away were perfect. I have to say that everyone involved in Chase and Rebecca's wedding were so genuine. I learned so much from this wedding I will share my "photo tip" in another post probably tomorrow. I have another wedding this Saturday and I am super pumped.