May 21 2013

Ignite: A Creative Discovery (May Fine Art Photography) Arkansas Photographer

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(The following image is part of a series I’ve started based on the crazy, silly, messy and always unpredictable life with boys. This is the second “Boys Will Be Boys” fine art photography installment. Check out the first one here.)

Boys…they’re messy. Simple as that. But I never truly understood the depths of their messiness until now.

Here’s what I’ve learned thanks to my two adorable sons who can sleep in a bed full of cracker crumbs without stirring and wear the same pair of socks for a week.

Lesson 1 – An apple core left behind a bed post and unnoticed for three months will morph into what appears to be a dark glob of…well…applesauce which then hardens into a rock-solid mass and is not easily removed from the carpet.

Lesson 2 – “Flarp” that’s been thrown at the ceiling will not come down. Two years later, and it still will NOT come down. (Flarp, also know as noise putty, is a green goo that comes in a plastic tub and makes a farting noise when pushed. It is kind of funny.)

Lesson 3 – Scented candles will only remove the stale, footy smell of a boy’s room for about 15 minutes after the flame is extinguished. After that, you’re on your own.

Lesson 4 – Boys are not bothered by bathing and putting back on the same underwear they’ve worn for the last week. (Always buy different colored underwear, some with stripes, to make sure they make the switch nightly.)

And finally, Lesson 5 – No matter how many times you threaten boys to throw away their trash in an actual garbage can, they still manage to shove it under the bed. Anything. Dirty plates, muddy socks, banana peel, half-eaten sandwich, utensils, anything. And so lies the inspiration for this month’s fine art photography post, “What Lies Beneath.” Take a peek if you’re brave. I don’t recommend it.

"What Lies Beneath"

 

Please continue on in the blog circle by visiting Amanda, the newest member of our fine art photography group. Welcome, Amanda!

Amanda, Amanda Voelker Photography, Naples, Italy photographer

 http://amandavoelkerphotography.com/2013/05/20/may-fine-art-challenge-a-study-in-shadows/

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May 10 2013

10 on 10 – May (lifestyle photography) Heber Springs, Arkansas photographer

Posted in 10 on 10 5 comments

10 on 10… Ten photos taken throughout one day or event documenting that day or event as an exercise in lifestyle photography

My oldest son just taught me and his little brother how to play chess the night before so that’s what the little one wanted to do first thing in the morning. He beat me!

Pumpkin muffins for breakfast, a variation on a recipe from the blog “Chocolate-Covered Katie,” recommended by a fellow Bloomie on the Bloom Forum. Mine aren’t as pretty as the ones on the blog!

Big brother playing quietly in his room making an origami tank

The little guy riding on his buddy’s scooter and making me nervous! But I love the green of spring!

Then it’s inside to play with blocks (It’s amazing what they’ll do when you take away the video games!)

Spending the afternoon at a friend’s house for a bonfire, mimosas, and beef tenderloin sliders

While the parents hang out, the kids play “Ga-Ga” in the car port. Check out what Ga-Ga is here. (And if you’d rather not click, it’s an Israeli variant of dodgeball.)

The kids blow on the campfire to keep it going and make more smoke. I love this image because it’s kids being kids…playing outside, getting dirty, the best! And the sweet girl in the back corner was an added bonus. She’s the kid who always gets hurt. I love that I caught her checking out yet another injury!

My oldest working on his science project last minute. Yes, my son picked Uranus for his planet and yes, he knows why that’s funny. Boys. And as a sidenote, during his research we found out that some scientific scholars and teachers have started pronouncing the planet differently to avoid the giggles. Silly.

Caught my little guy reading a Mo Willems book before bedtime…love his books!

 

Please continue on in the blog circle by visiting the talented

Roxanne Bappe | Imaging Rox | Central Iowa Photographer

http://www.imagingrox.com/2013/05/10/10-on-10-5-a-day-in-the-life-of-rox-2013/

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gretchen ceranic - May 13, 2013 - 12:49 pm

Kate, every single one of these felt like they could’ve come from my house! They all made me smile! How old are your kids? They seem very similar to mine…we should all get together! I want them to teach us how to play ga ga! Love the campfire one, that could go on the cover of a kids magazine, and the yes, it’s warms my heart to see my kids, especially my older ones, playing with things (and I totally agree, you gotta take away the tv and video games to see it!).

Rachel - May 13, 2013 - 1:10 pm

Kate, these are so awesome! I just love the first one of your little guy playing chess with you (such a cool perspective) and the last one of him reading in bed. Great captures of your everyday!!!

Emily - May 13, 2013 - 1:25 pm

Such “boy” shots! Love the campfire one (and the uranus story!)!

Rox - May 15, 2013 - 2:59 pm

I am LOL at Uranus. :) You captured some great shots, which make me want to spend more time outdoors…

JanM - May 15, 2013 - 9:51 pm

What a treat to share your day. You know I love all of these but I think that my favorite is around the campfire. Being a mom to boys requires a special talent… you have to be able to laugh at anything and everything!

Apr 17 2013

Ignite: A Creative Discovery (April Fine Art Photography) Arkansas Photographer

Posted in Fine Art Photography 11 comments

Fine art photography time and…Boy oh boys! I know I’ve mentioned this before but I’m surrounded by them! Boys at home, a boy dog and a boy husband – a whole herd of ‘em! Smelly socks, goofy grins and a bunch of boys just being, well, boys.

Because of that and because I seem to be drawn to the quirky side of fine art photography, I’ve decided to start a series on my own little men. My first official post from the “Boys will be Boys” series can be seen here in March’s fine art photography blog circle. These were both inspired by the photography of Dave Engledow who does photo creations of him and his daughter Alice Bee based on the “World’s Best Father” theme.

And now for my next post….

Wedgies! Yep, the ole “yank someone’s underwear from behind and pull…hard!” And sure enough, my boys have done it. They given each other wedgies, given their friends wedgies, and attempted to give mom and dad one. They were not successful.

But what if they could give a really good wedgie to someone? And I’m not talking your typical “just a few inches above the waistline” stretch. I mean, what if they had the means to go full out in the wedgie department?!!!

I enlisted the help of my oldest son, who refused to be the one receiving the wedgie, and his super awesome buddy who was more than happy to be featured hanging from above, and planned the shot. His friend, who once again was so nice to be on the receiving end of the “ultimate wedgie,” is also a fine little actor and gave me some great expressions.

So here we go… (And for the safety of little brothers everywhere…please do not attempt this at home. Seriously.)

Please continue in the fine art photography blog circle by visiting Eleanor to see her amazing images at

Eleanor Haley, Baltimore Family Photography    http://www.eleanorhaleyphotography.com/bath-tub-fine-art/

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Susan - April 17, 2013 - 2:23 pm

I always look forward to your posts Kate. Laugh out Loud, every time!!!! Thank you for always make me smile with your creative art. Amazing and refreshing :) Still laughing here.

Melissa - April 17, 2013 - 4:05 pm

Oh my gosh! This is hilarious! So perfect. This photo is going to go viral, I just know it. Great Work

pamela joye - April 17, 2013 - 6:04 pm

that is funny. content aside, your composition of this is genius. the swivel line, the curvy line, the angle under the tree; the poses too. you got the right moment — the expressions are ouch and true to what you outlined above!

Tricia - April 17, 2013 - 6:09 pm

I soooo look forward to what you are going to post every month! This is hysterical!! Gorgeous job!

JanM - April 17, 2013 - 7:05 pm

Everything we expect and more, Katie. Every.Single.Time.
Thanks for the laugh… this image rings so true for rascally boys. Love your creativity and find it an inspiration.

stacie - April 17, 2013 - 7:45 pm

Hahaha! So wonderful.

Eleanor - April 18, 2013 - 12:11 am

I have no idea how you do these, but they are pretty awesome.

Carrie - April 18, 2013 - 10:08 pm

I look forward to your creativity so much and this series is so much fun. I have two boys of my own and know right where you are coming from:)You are so talented!!

Renee Bonuccelli - April 19, 2013 - 1:51 am

lol! Awesome. As a fellow mom to many boys, I will be following this project closely! LOVE it.

skye - April 22, 2013 - 9:26 am

I love the idea of this series! Can’t wait to see your monthly installments and this one is fabulous! Not just the idea and the awesome execution of it(as usual you have done an exceptional job) but I also love the rich colours in this and gorgeous setting. Your boy and his friend are great actors!

Everyday Fine Art | Bokeh Burger - April 17, 2013 - 10:18 am

[...] Please continue with the circle by visiting the very talented Katie.  Her images can be found at Katie, Kate Suzanne Photography, Arkansas Photography [...]

Apr 10 2013

10 on 10 – April (Lifestyle Photography) Arkansas Photographer

Posted in 10 on 10 7 comments

10 on 10…Ten photos taken throughout one day or event, documenting that day or event, as an exercise in lifestyle photography

Starting the morning with baseball practice

lifestyle photography

Then grandpa “Po” comes over for lunch and visits with Patrick the Poodle

Jumping on the trampoline before lunch

lifestyle photography

Nibblin’ on a rib

A little driveway science time with the sun, a magnifying glass and the hope for a flame

Cooking out with friends…juicy steaks

Goofing off with friends…boys will be boys

And reality…glancing over the table of food at my friend’s…wine and a baby bottle. Times have changed!:)

Please continue on in the blog circle by visiting

Emily, Emskyrooney Photography, Massachusetts

http://emskyrooney.blogspot.com/2013/04/10-on-10-april.html

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Rox - April 10, 2013 - 3:50 pm

Steaks and the outdoors – a great combo. The last image is great. Wine makes everything better. :)

Lisa Howeler - April 10, 2013 - 10:44 pm

Great shots. My son loves science too. :-)

Emily - April 11, 2013 - 10:48 pm

Great shots! Love the shot of “Reality”.. And now I’m craving a good steak!

Rachel - April 16, 2013 - 2:19 am

I looooove the black & whites with the boys being boys!! Such a great story of your day. You captured it so well :)

gretchen ceranic - April 16, 2013 - 1:38 pm

Kate, what a wonderful day! I love all the details, pure, simple and sweet. The wine glass/bottle cracks me up and I love the poodle/pop shot! Made me smile :)

Charlaine - April 30, 2013 - 11:50 pm

I miss Razorback shirts being a part of my every day. Great 10 on 10!

Amanda - May 13, 2013 - 5:20 am

I love these! I especially love the first photo. Great capture!

Apr 08 2013

People Pictures: “Turn Your Camera Around” (Self-Portrait) Arkansas Photographer

Posted in People Pictures 6 comments

Oh the dreaded self-portrait! As photographers, we ask people to smile, lean in, move a little to the left, a little to the right, sit up straight, act like you like each other, and so on. We’re always saying as we snap away, “the photo looks great!” or “Relax, you look beautiful!” and then wonder why people can’t stand having their photo taken. And then we turn the camera on ourselves. Ugh. Yuck. My heartbeat races a bit just typing this. I hate taking a self-portrait. HATE IT. So when the next assignment for the photography group I’m participating in came up as “take a self-portrait,” I sighed, a really big sigh, and not in a good way. (The group includes photographer friends who are going through the assignments in Chris Orwig’s book People Pictures as an exercise in creating authentic photos.)

So in an attempt to create an authentic self-portrait, the book suggested several exercises to help define who we are based on interests, past experiences and future goals. One exercise included listing 30 words to describe yourself. That was tough. But “goofy, artsy, fun-loving, and laid-back” were at the top of the list. And with that in mind, when I thought about what really defines me right now – besides photography and being a mom to two busy, busy boys – the one word that kept coming up was “laundry.” Yep, laundry. It haunts me. It never ends. I’ll spend an entire day doing load after load and assume I’m done. Then both boys take a bath, the hubbie puts on his “lounging pants” and suddenly the hamper is full again. I’ve heard stories of people who do laundry every day but seriously! Who wants to do that?!

So how could I work my goofy, artsy, fun-loving self in with laundry? Head to the laundry room, of course! I enlisted the help of my sons who took turns hiding behind the door to cover me with laundry. They also snapped photos along with my husband who was rolling his eyes at the insanity of it all. But he married me!

And yes I cringe looking at the photo. Why is it so painful to see yourself when you so easily photograph and edit the magnified details of clients each week? Who knows but I’ve done it, here it is, and hopefully I won’t have to do a self-portrait again for some time.

 

Please continue in the blog circle and check out

Scott Jambor’s Portrait Project – http://myportraitproject.blogspot.com/

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Melanie - April 8, 2013 - 3:38 pm

Hahaha! This is awesome Katie! So creative and so familiar! I too battle the mountain range of laundry each week. Love this self-portrait! So fun!

Jenn - April 8, 2013 - 3:42 pm

Oh, wow. This is great. I love the chaos/laid back feeling of this. And you look so happy! Crazy to be so happy in all that laundry, but I love it! =) Great creativity. And you are very pretty – you should be in front of the camera more.

P.S. How can one have such an awesome laundry room? Look at that light! That space! Drawers! Counters! I might want to do more laundry if I had that space!!

admin - April 8, 2013 - 4:28 pm

You’re so sweet! And I guess I do have a pretty cool laundry room…if only I could see it behind the piles and step into it on bare floor! It really is ridiculous. And now I head back downstairs to do what else…switch loads for more laundry!

Kristin - April 8, 2013 - 5:02 pm

I love it! It is a beautiful photo of you.

Scott - April 9, 2013 - 2:24 am

You did a great idea on the photo this week. It was a fairly loose assignment (which I find tend to be harder) and made a very unique photo.

Project: People | Self Portrait | Las Vegas portrait photographer - April 8, 2013 - 12:21 pm

[...] continue on to Arkansas photographer, Katie, of Kate Suzanne Photography, to see her Self [...]

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