Let the Countdown Begin…
School is almost out and Summer is just around the corner. We have had some crazy weather around here… hot, cold, rainy… we never know what to expect. We do however know that Austin Summers are out-of-this-world HOT, which is why now is the best time for photos. In the midst of our Countdown to Summer, I have decided to bless 1 very special person with a free session, plus 5 others with the chance to book a session for half-off… that’s right, HALF-OFF! Gosh, I just LOVE giveaways. (You will find instructions below on how to enter.)
You may be thinking to yourself, “We could really use some updated family photos, but I could probably just use our nice camera and it wouldn’t cost a dime.”
This is true, but I am here to tell you that unfortunately, they will not look the same. There are some very nice, smart, affordable cameras out there that do a great job, but you will not get the same end results. It is not always as simple as it looks. Read HERE to see what I’m talking about.
How do I enter to win??
1 – You must ‘like’ us on Facebook… facebook.com/coatiphotography
2 – To win the FREE photo session, you must be the very first person to e-mail me. Tell me how you would use your free session.
3 – The first 5 people to e-mail me (after the winner) will receive HALF-OFF a photo session.
E-mail: info{at}coati photography{dot}com
GET TO IT PEOPLE!!
Spring Mini-Sessions {austin family photographer}
Despite the weather being insanely crazy lately (what’s new?)… Spring time is on it’s way! Which means that our Spring Mini-Sessions are quickly approaching! We will be offering a limited number of 45 minute time slots between the dates of March 13th thru March 27th. We will be offering them at a discounted rate, which means they will fill up quickly, so we encourage you to book your session sooner than later. :)
Spring Mini-Sessions:
$175
45 minute photo session on location
DVD including 15-30 high resolution images
Print Release
For more information, just send me a quick little note: info{at}coati photography{dot}com
Day 17 {Bryan, Michelle & Jessie}
Today I met up with Michelle, Bryan, and their adorable pup. What started as a “30 days” photo turned into almost a full shoot, because let’s be honest… these 3 are PRECIOUS, and I just couldn’t help myself!
2013 Goals / January Goals
I can not even express to you how much I have thoroughly enjoyed 2012. Last year, when I was planning and writing out my goals for the year, I would have never guessed that my year would have turned out the way that it did. God had bigger/different plans than I had made for myself. Isn’t that usually the way things go? I had big dreams of becoming a full-time wedding photographer, traveling somewhere I had never been with Philip, buying a house, completing 30 Days 30 Photos, etc. None of those things ever happened. You would think that reflecting on that would be quite a downer… but you would be wrong. You see, this year I learned a very valuable lesson. Sometimes you make big plans and have dreams for what your life will look like… when all of the sudden something crazy happens and those dreams immediately change over night.
On January 30th, I was in North Carolina attending the Branches & Light Workshop with some lovely ladies. I learned SO much and was immediately inspired in so many ways. The very next day, I was sitting at the airport waiting to board my flight back home, writing a very long to do list when the phone rang… We had a baby boy on his way to our tiny little home. That night, our lives completely changed. My goals completely changed. My dreams completely changed. Some might say that I gave up what I dreamed of when Caleb entered our lives, but that is the furthest thing from the truth. What I gained was an extremely sweet handsome son, who taught we what is truly important in life. My personal and business goals all changed for the better.
I go into this year, setting goals and dreaming big, but knowing that only God knows what is best for me and my family. My goals will forever be changing and growing… and for that I am thankful.
All of that to say… here are my “goals” for 2013.
Kendall + Erin {austin anniversary photographer}
It’s no secret around here that anniversary sessions are my new favorite… and this one is most definitely no exception. Kendall and Erin are celebrating their one year anniversary by traveling back to their honeymoon destination. Count me as jealous. So, in going with that theme, why not go back to their wedding location for their anniversary photos? Kendall and Erin were married at Three Points Ranch, located just outside of Austin in Round Mountain, Texas. Although I am familiar with this venue, I had never been. Let me tell you, if I had our wedding to do all over again, this would be THE location. Beautiful.
Will + Jessica {austin couple photography}
Oooooh goodness… I am beyond thrilled to share these super sweet photos from Will and Jessica’s one year anniversary session. To be honest, I have not had many requests for one year anniversaries, but I do believe they have just become my new favorite thing. What a sweet idea, right? They even brought their year old wedding cake for the shoot. LOVE. Also, did I mention that Jessica is a fabulous photographer? Well, she is… check her out!
Okay, okay… on to the photos.
Nikki + Chris {austin engagement photographer}
These two are just so adorable… I can’t even begin to tell you. Their wedding is in August, and I can not wait. You can be sure that there will be loads of sweet family and friends there to celebrate this couple. They are the kind of people who just radiate love, and you just can’t help but want to be around them.
What to Wear {for the bride + groom to-be}
One of the most common questions I am asked by my bride and grooms to-be is… “What should we wear for our engagement photos?”
The answer is really very simple. Be YOU! Yes, there are a few things that I would steer away from, such as; your everyday tennis shoes (converse are the exception), super matchy-matchy, large writing and logos on your clothing, etc. However, there are some exceptions to the rules, but for the most part try to avoid those things.
This is not the same for every photographer, but I prefer everything very sweet and simple. Do you really want to look back at your photos 20 years from now and think, “Wow, that is not at all who we were.” Does anyone remember those Glamour Shots from the 90′s? You know, the place in the mall where they gave you big hair, hot pink lipstick, and sparkly clothes. I remember my Mom doing this (Sorry Mom!), and now when I see those photos of her I think, “That was not my Mom.” You want your photos to reflect who you are now as a couple, rather than the craziest/latest trends. Keep it simple and YOU. Don’t over-do it. Trust me, you won’t regret that decision.
Everyone knows of Pinterest, right? It’s one of my most favorite things. On my personal Pinterest, I have created a “What to Wear” board. Take a look around for some inspiration, and notice how simple everything is. When I look at these couples, I feel like I really have an idea of who they are.
Meagan + Dustin {austin engagement photographer}
There is simply one word to describe this engagement session… GORGEOUS! Meagan and Dustin came to this shoot fully prepared. WAY prepared. It was beautiful, and it was all Dustin’s idea. That is what I call a cooperative groom! Meagan’s brother brought his ’49 Ford truck, and Dustin brought vintage bicycles, coke bottles, hats, etc. If you want to win me over, this is the way to do so. Not only was the set up and location beautiful, but do these two not look like they came straight out of a J.Crew magazine? Seriously precious.
I can not wait for their wedding day!
Jeremy & Lydia {austin engagement photographer}
I am so excited about these photos that I just couldn’t wait to edit and post them. Jeremy proposed to Lydia last night at the French Legation Museum here in Austin and it was beyond precious. These two could not be more perfect for each other… it’s ridiculous.
The actual proposal was kept private, but Jeremy had contacted me a couple of weeks ago to see if we could do a mini-session immediately afterwards. I got their a little early to find Jeremy so excited and so nervous. He had planned everything out so well. I hid behind the beautiful plantation style home waiting for Lydia to arrive. I saw her walking down the long path, looking at Jeremy waiting for her in the distance. It was beautiful and I felt so honored to be part of their special day.
Congrats guys!!
Lesley & Carlton {austin engagement photographer}
I don’t even know where to begin. This engagement session is by far one of my favorites! There were so many great shots that I almost gave up blogging about it, because I just couldn’t narrow down my top choices. Lesley and Carlton are like a photographer’s dream couple… so ridiculously easy-going and easy to work with, gorgeous, fun, sweet. The list could really go on forever. I am so thrilled that I get to spend my birthday shooting their wedding! After all… January 7th is the best day of the year.
Michael & Emily {austin wedding photographer}
Where do I even start? I met Michael and Emily a few months back when we met up to talk about me possibly shooting their wedding. I knew right away that I would love working with them. They were so obviously in love, and I couldn’t help but notice how laid back they were about everything. Working with them was going to be a breeze… and it was.
The whole day was so laid back, and everyone was so at ease. Emily even assigned me a theme song, Paparazzi by Lady Gaga, which she proceeded to play while I stood on top of the bathroom toilet in order to get some good angles. Hey, you gotta do what you gotta do… am I right?
LOVED this day!!
I also had some incredible help from my second shooter… Kelsi Williamson of Kwil Photography!
stu & nicole {austin couple photography}
Stu contacted me about a month ago wanting to know if I could help him plan a surprise photo shoot with his wife, Nicole, for their 5th anniversary. Ummm… YES!!
This shoot was SO much fun! Stu had also bought Nicole a brand new Public bike and wanted to use it (and his) for the pictures. These bikes are probably some of the most awesome bikes that I have seen around Austin. I was IN LOVE… please don’t tell Philip that he has been replaced by a bike. :) Seriously though, I’m sold. I’ve got to have one.
It’s Your Lucky Day
Guess who got a new camera??
Join me in celebrating…
Just because I am so ridiculously excited about this, I decided that I would give you guys a chance to get in on the excitement as well. So here is the deal… I have 2 really great opportunities.
#1 – WIN A FREE SESSION:
- Great for families, engagements, senior portraits, etc.
- 1-2 hour session on location (normally 2-4 locations with as many outfits as time allows)
- 20-30 fully retouched images in a password protected online gallery
- Online ordering for prints
- One 8×10 of your choice
How? I will announce a winner June 6th at 8pm on twitter. You must live within 20 miles of Austin, TX, or be willing to come to Austin for your session. All you have to do is follow me on twitter (@kim_ellis) and tweet this one simple sentence:
I would LOVE to win a free photo session with @kim_ellis, of Coati Photography, because… (insert a really spectacular reason!)
#2 – GET A FREE 16×24 CANVAS PRINT:
With your purchase of a session, you will receive a free canvas print (of your choice)… a value of $100. SWEET DEAL!! So, if you don’t win #1, and you were already trying to decide if you wanted to schedule a session or not… well, now is the time. If you schedule a shoot with me between today and June 30, you will get your choice of any photo from your session printed on a 16×24 canvas. YES!!! Spread the word and tell your friends… the more the merrier! :)
So get to tweeting, blog friends!!!
Chuck & Courtney {austin engagement photographer}
OOOOOOH YESSS!!! If you hadn’t heard… I had THE BEST “photo shoot” tonight. I had the opportunity to capture a SUPER exciting moment! Chuck and Courtney are engaged! :)
I have had the pleasure of taking care of Chuck’s 3 precious boys for the past six months or so, and I can not tell you how excited I am for him. These two are extremely blessed… Courtney is getting a super great guy, and Chuck is getting a really sweet girl. Not to mention, there are now SIX adorable kiddos in this family!
Tonight was so much fun. Chuck had been planning this proposal out for weeks now, and I must say that he did an incredible job. We all arrived in Gruene, TX and he gave us all very detailed instructions. He had planned out a very elaborate scavenger hunt which involved all of their friends and family. It was just perfect, and I am so honored that I was able to be a part of their special day.
Jason & Jade {austin couple photographer}
Tonight I had the pleasure of shooting some of our good friends… who by the way, are hilarious!!!
These two are some of the most talented people I know. Seriously.
You may have heard of Jason Poe… he is an absolutely incredible singer/songwriter. If you haven’t heard his music, you are missing out. His music was just featured on Private Practice 2 weeks ago. Philip gets to play drums for him here and there, and we love him. Check him out… NOW.
You have probably also heard of Jade… or seen her for that matter. Jade is the one giving you all of the important news here in Austin on KVUE. But most importantly, she is one of the sweetest human beings that I have ever known.
I’m pretty sure that we laughed through this entire shoot…
day25 – autum & leif
Today I had the privilege of shooting this super sweet engaged couple. LOVED getting to spend a little bit of quality time with them. I first met Autum in a class at our church and we share a special bond… we are both too tiny for our own good. We can’t find clothes that fit right or 5.5 size shoes to save our lives. Thankfully, Autum works for TOMS shoes… that’s right. Can you say AWESOME? I must say that I am a little jealous. Okay, a lot jealous.
So please contain yourself and don’t have a heart attack when you see how adorable they are…
