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.

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/2013/05/21/may-fine-art-challenge-a-study-in-shadows/

The post Ignite: A Creative Discovery (May Fine Art Photography) Arkansas Photographer appeared first on Kate Suzanne 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/

The post 10 on 10 – May (lifestyle photography) Heber Springs, Arkansas photographer appeared first on Kate Suzanne Photography.

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/

The post Ignite: A Creative Discovery (April Fine Art Photography) Arkansas Photographer appeared first on Kate Suzanne Photography.

Starting the morning with baseball practice

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

Jumping on the trampoline before lunch

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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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/

The post People Pictures: “Turn Your Camera Around” (Self-Portrait) Arkansas Photographer appeared first on Kate Suzanne Photography.

For this assignment, Orwig suggested we generate portrait ideas based on creative descriptions or words. We should choose words that describe the types of portraits we’d like to make. For me, “whimsical, dreamy, artsy” are some of my favorites. I love images that make you smile, with colors that are warm and cheery, in settings that are architecturally interesting. And with any session involving children, I can guarantee they’ll be pooped by the time we’re done. I love having them run, laugh, twirl, whatever it takes to bring out their little personalities.

In the case of this little model, it brought out her very big and adorable personality. This is the 5-year-old daughter of one of my dearest friends. And she is a hoot! I really came into the session thinking I’d get a few sweet poses of her but when we started, out came the little actress. She skipped, twirled, posed, posed again, and posed some more! It was hilarious! She’s beautiful and a very confident 5-year-old “mother hen” who unsuccessfully tried to discipline my very stubborn 6-year-old son. I’m convinced they’ll be married one day.

But I hope I captured her independence, her confidence and her playful personality. What a cutie!

Please continue in the circle and check on my friend Melanie’s beautiful portrait at

Melanie Kay Photography ~ http://wp.me/pZE8n-Gy

The post People Pictures: “Language that Liberates” Arkansas Portrait Photographer appeared first on Kate Suzanne Photography.

I was made to have boys. They’re funny, energetic, smelly, silly, and well….just boys. I love that they can pound on each other one moment and five minutes later, fall over laughing hysterically together. There’s no drama, just boys being boys. And once I gave birth to one little guy, I knew I wanted another.

There’s something about the bond between brothers. Yes, they’ll yell, pout and tell on each other at least 10 times a day. But then there’s that moment when my younger son will look at his older brother with awe and adoration and my heart melts. I love watching when they’re playing quietly together, or when one compliments the other on a Donkey Kong win or for scoring a basketball goal in the driveway. I’m glad they have each other.

It’s their goofy, quarreling, loving relationship that inspired this month’s fine art photography post. I thought, “what would brothers do to each other if they had the means?” Nothing awful, just silly, brotherly shenanigans…and this is what evolved.

Please continue on in the fine art photography blog circle by visiting the talented

Susan, Susan Grace Photography, Hammonton, NJ

 http://www.susangracephotography.com/march-2013-ignite-a-fine-art-discovery/

The post Ignite: A Creative Discovery (March fine art photography) Arkansas Photographer appeared first on Kate Suzanne Photography.

Last week, I braved the bus and fifty-something elementary kids, including my oldest, to serve as a chaperone on a field trip to the Arkansas State Capitol building and the Old State House Museum of Arkansas History in Little Rock. Oh how that rickety old school bus with the dark green, vinyl seats brought back memories. But the kids were great dressed in their Sunday best for the capitol tour. And since it was my first visit, I learned a little something, too!

Almost every seat on the bus ride down was filled with 2-3 kids and a couple of iPods. What did WE do on those long bus rides years ago??? Sit still? Talk? Look out the window?

A view of the Arkansas State Capitol building through the bus windows

Walking up to start the capitol tour

The kids meet Josh Miller, the Arkansas state representative from our district whose son is also in their class.

Arkansas State Rep. Josh Miller, who’s also a quadriplegic, heads off to work in the capitol after meeting with students.

A man on the phone sits at the bottom of the steps to the Senate.

My oldest and his friends take a photo of themselves

A man walks by on his phone framed by the capitol archways.

My oldest peers out the window of the Old State House Museum at the Arkansas River below.

On the bus ride back to school and the kids are once again, busy on their iPods.

Please continue on in the blog circle by visiting the talented Lisa at

Lisa Howeler, Lifestyle Photographer | Northeastern PA Photographer

http://www.purephotographybylisa.com/2013/03/10/the-day-the-sun-finally-came-march-10-on-10/

The post 10 on 10 – March [Heber Springs, Arkansas Photographer] appeared first on Kate Suzanne Photography.

Simply put, narrative portraiture is a photo that tells a story. Orwig explained it this way in his book – “In photography, narrative is the extra ingredient that makes a picture take root in our heart.” It helps tell the subject’s story – a little bit about who they are, what they do. It’s that little something extra that helps the viewer get to know the person in the photo.

For this exercise, I focused on a dear friend and neighbor’s daughter. I adore my friend. She’s beautiful, funny, talks faster than anyone I’ve met, is a tiny little thing, and when she dresses up for work or to go out, she looks perfect. Great clothes, high heels, lots of shiny things…how any girl would love to look.

Her daughter is in middle school. And she, too, is beautiful. She’s tall, skinny, great hair, gorgeous face but show her a high heel, a dress, or a sparkly girl thing and she’s out the door. And by out the door, I mean she’s probably headed for the driveway to play basketball.

She’s good at basketball, really good. I know it’s not raining if I wake up and hear that familiar thump of the basketball bouncing as she plays across the street. Any beautiful day, she can be found on her driveway playing while her mom sits to the side watching. She can shoot from any position, is quick on her feet and really seems to love the sport. But she has no interest in playing on a team even though she easily could. (We’ve been trying to convince her to play!)

Unlike her mom, her preferred attire usually includes athletic shorts and a hoodie. She has a confidence at that age that I still strive to possess.

Please continue in the blog circle by visiting the talented Melanie at

Melanie Kay Photography – Thousand Oaks Photographer

http://wp.me/pZE8n-FR

The post People Pictures…”Narrative Portraiture” Arkansas Photographer appeared first on Kate Suzanne Photography.

In a couple recent blog posts, I talked about my father. He had open heart surgery in December, came home a week later, and had a major stroke that greatly affected his left side. He’s now in rehab relearning to do basic things like picking up objects with his left hand and walking.

It’s hard to watch at times but leave it to my dad to make light of the situation. He laughs, makes silly and sarcastic comments and jokingly plots his escape from the rehab center. “Just leave the front door cracked, and I’m out!” or “One phone call to Tony (his childhood best friend) and he’ll break me free!”

(On a side note…the rehab center is a great place. His therapists are amazing and the employees have been so kind. His comments on “escaping” are based solely on his desire to be home for good…which he soon will be!)

So I thought, what if? What if we planned his escape from the rehab center through a child’s eyes, specifically his grandson who calls him Po? And why not create it like a fine art photography movie poster? A little creativity, a bike, some superhero flying powers and he’s good to go!

Please continue in the fine art photography blog circle by visiting

Valeria Pereira-Howell – Orange County,CA

http://zenmindphotography.blogspot.com/2013/02/ignite-february-2013_19.html

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