Boys in My House

I've got boys in my house and I've been reminded lately that they aren't so little anymore.  Daily these two remind me that I.am.blessed.  I came across this poem and although some of the things mentioned are already long gone from my house, the memories will stay forever.....just like these images. 

Boys in my House

Author: Erin Jo Kilmer

 

There are boys in my house - and Spiderman shoes

And 200 papers in various blues.

There's Bob (he's a builder) and Thomas the Train,

There's a fireman coat to wear in the rain.

They have cars on their shirts and frogs on their hats

There's a glove and a ball and a red plastic bat.

There's dirt on a face and a smudge on a nose;

Grass stains on knees and sand between toes.

There's bathtime at night with bodies to scrub,

And when we're all done there is dirt in the tub!

There's bandaids and bruises and curious bumps,

There's smiles and laughter and sometimes there's grumps.

There's odors most icky; there's boogers so green

There's more yucky things than I'll ever get clean.

There's piles of laundry; there's stories at night;

There's bedtime and bathtime and dinnertime fights.

There's cars and there's trains and there's books about trucks

There's Scoop, Lofty, Dizzy, and Travis, and Muck.

Sometimes there are bugs, and sometimes there are frogs;

Sometimes they are lions, or dinos, or dogs.

There are cute little vests and darling neckties

Dragged right through the mud - oh what a surprise!

There's running and climbing and jumping and falling

And laughing and crying and hugging and brawling

And rolling and losing and finding and creeping

And whining and stealing and sometimes there's sleeping.

There's tantrums and time outs and extra loud noise -

 

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There's love in my house shaped like two little boys.

5 Ways to Help Your Wedding Photographer - Calgary Wedding Photography

Over the years I've had the opportunity to shoot many weddings and I've learned a few things about what can be done to make the day smoother for myself.  I like to pass these little tidbits onto my couples as they are preparing for their wedding day.  I like to stay communicating with my couples from the moment we sign a contract until their images are ready to view and these 5 tips I find help the day go smoother for all of us!

You must have fun on your wedding day! Forget about those minor problems or insignificant details. Enjoy every moment of your day. So.....laugh a lot, make funny expressions, be free and be playful.  Don’t forget, this is YOUR day and it’s a day to really be happy and to celebrate!


1. Keep in mind where you're getting ready. One of the first things I do when I get to the bride's house the on her wedding day is check out the location and see where I can best shoot details and you getting into your gown.  I look for a space with good light that is somewhat clutter free.  So a room with windows and space to move around is great. I sometimes move a few things around to clean up the background.  A towel on the dresser, an unmade bed, hairspray sitting on the counter....all those things can be distracting to an image and if I can move them...I will. So if you're getting ready at home try to have a place that fits that description or at least try to keep it clutter free!

2.  Give up control. This is your day....you've spent a great deal of time pouring your ideas, heart and soul into it and you should be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor.  If you don't have a wedding planner then I'd suggest you find someone you trust and is organized that will be your "go to" person for the wedding weekend.  Give them all the details of things to be taken care of that day (like where will the flowers be delivered to?), they will worry about them. All you need to worry about is making sure you soak up every single second of the wedding day. 

3.  Have a schedule.  (this ties in with #2!) I like to give my couples my schedule for the wedding day. They know where I plan on being at what time and what and where I'm expecting them at specific points in the day.  It's not a hard and fast schedule but it's definitely something I work from and refer to throughout the day. It's also super helpful for me to have your cell number (or a bridesmaids) just in case! You should have had a conversation or two with your photographer going over your expectations and must have shots of the day.   Having a plan avoids any unforseen issues like missing half the wedding party at a photo location.

4.  Be prepared! Be ready for what the weather brings.  Your photographer should have a back up plan in case the weather is completely sour on your wedding day.  This is something to ask your photographer before you hire...."do you have a back up plan?".  Your wedding day may dawn with boiling, cloudy skies ready to dump a pile of rain, a little sprinkle, it may be -30 degrees outside or it may be a nice partly cloudy, overcast day.  Whatever the season, make sure to have yourself prepared to be outside in not so great weather. So that means, bring a jacket, mitts, rubber boots or blanket if needed.  I always have umbrellas and a blanket to sit on, but you need to provide your own coat!

5. Smile, enjoy every moment, and show your love!  There is nothing I love more than a couple that is interacting with eachother.  A wedding image is so much more appealing when the couple is smiling at eachother and showing their feelings! 

Nothing makes me happier at the end of a wedding day to say goodbye to my couple and give them a hug. I love hearing, "Thank you soooo much! The photos were so easy and we had a great time." Sigh...job well done.

Do you have anything to add to this list or change? Drop me a message on my facebook page or comment below.
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Pam and Stephen are Getting Married! Calgary Engagement Photography

He was busy minding his own business trying to fill the time while waiting for a job acceptance.  She knew what she wanted and Pam knew early on that she had to get to know Stephen!  They were both working at the same store and Pam was interested in Stephen early on. She was persistent and they started hanging out, going to movies and spend loads of time visiting after work. It took Stephen a little more time but it finally started to dawn on him how well he and Pam connected. 

Stephen surprised Pam on Christmas morning with a teddy bear wearing a little bag around it's neck.  Pam was completely surprised as she was expecting a necklace.  It took Stephen several months to find her engagement ring as he was looking for a lot of meaning in the ring he chose. He finally decided on a topaz ring due to the fact that they both like the color blue and that Pam wanted a non traditional engagement ring. Let me jus say....it's gorgeous!

I was excited when Pam and Stephen decided to have their engagement shoot in winter as it allowed me to shoot a little differently and it certainly was nice to work with the snow!  I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with Pam and Stephen in Fish Creek Park.  We started out at a fire where they shared some hot chocolate, roasted some marshmallows and then moved throughout the park.  After weeks and weeks of brown, dirty snow we were blessed by a beautiful snow fall and the park looked aMAzing.

Enjoy the images!

Leave some comment love!

To learn more about c koop photography check out my website or scroll along in the blog.

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BFF's - Adrienne and Karla - Calgary Portrait Photography

Besties, girlfriends, BFF's, gal pals, bosom buddies, soul sistas......every girl needs a good friend. Someone you can call anytime and talk about anything. Someone you can totally be yourself with and not be worried about being judged.  A wise man (Solomon) who wrote a book (Ecclesiastes) once said (Chapter 4, verses 9 and 10) "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: if one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" Friends are important!

I had the absolute pleasure of spending a little time with Adrienne and Karla a few weeks ago. We wandered around Inglewood for a little while trying to keep warm and had a great time doing it!  These two have been friends for a long time and have shared some of the "big moments" in life.  They have supported, encouraged and stood by eachother when it really counted. How fitting it is then to celebrate them and their friendship on International Women's Day.

Read below to learn a little bit more about Adrienne and Karla and their friendship.

If you would like some images of you and your BFF/bestie/gal pal contact me via my website contact page, facebook or email me at carly@ckoop.com.  I'd love to hang out with you and your gal pal and capture your friendship and you!

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Karla about Adrienne- "We met at a youth group at the church we both attended. We both went for years together, but it was when I entered High School that we really hit it off and became friends! You know that one friend that you can act normally around, fart, make any kind of joke, tell any secret to or cry with? That is Adrienne for me. We can be doing just about anything and enjoy each others company. From making cards together, shopping, having a tea or coffee or our kids having a play date together, we have a fantastic time! I truly appreciate her honesty and fun nature. She truly is my Best Friend!"

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Adrienne about Karla - "I met Karla at youth/church but didn't really bond I believe until High school. She's the sister I've never had and she's awesome! We can talk about anything with each other and know that we aren't going to be judged. I can talk "babies" with her since we are both at that stage of life and it is a blessing. Even when we don't see each other for long periods of time it feels like none has passed when we do see each other."