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.
30 Days 30 Photos {2013}
Hello, friends!
Alright, so it has been almost 2 years since I officially started Coati Photography… CRAZY! If you are new around here, you have probably never heard of 30 Days/30 Photos. This was something that I made up (inspired by 7in7) to kick-start my business, and to get people interested in my blog. Well, 2 years later, and I’m about to dive right back in. If you remember last year, my 30 days were some-what interrupted. I became “Mama” to the sweetest little man on the planet! This through me for a little bit of a loop, and I never quite finished my 30 days. :(
This year is going to be different… I am challenging myself to stay focused, and FINISH! I have a few other goals in mind, other than just finishing… but that is another post for another day.
As usual, you are all invited to join in!
Here are the rules:
- Starting on Monday, January 14, 2013 you will begin taking at least one picture every day for 30 days.
- You do NOT have to be a professional photographer to join.
- The picture can be of anything, but must be a new photo taken that very day.
- Photo sessions that are paid for by clients do NOT count. This is a challenge to push you. (Why not bless a family or two with some free photos?)
- You must post your photos somewhere for everyone to see… blog, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. This is to take you out of your comfort zone and post things even if they aren’t completely perfect like you would like.
- Use the following hashtag: #30days30photos
So who’s in? If you plan on joining the challenge, just leave a comment below on this blog post and leave a link to where you will be posting your photos. Remember to have FUN!!! :)
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.
Sweet Evelyn Ruth {austin birth photographer}
AHHHH!!! I’m an Aunt… again!!
I received a call early Friday morning from my mother telling me that my brother, Brandon, and his wife, Sara, were headed to the hospital to have their sweet baby girl! They live in Dallas, and I had a photo session scheduled for that morning with another family. So, I went ahead and finished up the family session here in Austin, and then headed straight for the hospital in Dallas. It was such an amazing and beautiful thing to be a part of. Sara already proved what an amazing mother she is, and is going to be. Although things didn’t go the way they had planned, Brandon and Sara have always put their sweet girl first, and I am just so proud of them and the way that they have already made such great sacrifices for their little girl! What an incredibly beautiful thing! I could go on and on, but I will let you see for yourself what an incredible day this was…
The Strimel Family {austin family photographer}
I think this sweet little girl wins the award for the most fun 3 year old to photograph. We had a chilly early morning session, but that didn’t stop her… she was full of energy and SO much fun! AND we both share the same love for purple… win.
Smith Family {austin family photographer}
I first photographed the Smith’s a couple of years ago when I had just started my business, so I was extremely excited when they asked me to do their family photos this year. How adorable is their little girl? I have always been slightly annoyed when people try to match up their itty bitty babies… but let’s be real here people, I wouldn’t mind one bit if our little man ended up with this cutie one day. Seriously… so cute.
The Adams Family {austin family photographer}
Indiana is a local Mom/Style blogger here in Austin. Her family is so incredibly adorable and oh so sweet! If you want to see more of this cute family, see them over on Indiana’s blog… Adored Austin.
The Jost Family {austin family photographer}
This family is beyond adorable! We had the most perfect Fall weather for this session, and those boys were so much fun. This is the first of many Fall Family Sessions to come on the blog… so keep checking back over the next few weeks. Also, it’s not too late to book your own!
The Switch {austin lifestyle + portrait photographer}
Hello there!
After much thought, I have decided to make The Switch. What exactly is “The Switch”? Well, let me explain…
Over the past year, I have photographed numerous beautiful weddings and loved every minute of it. However, as most of you know, we began fostering our sweet little boy at the very beginning of this year. There is absolutely nothing I love more than being at home with him and watching him learn something new every single day. We were just given the news that he will officially become part of our family next month! I CAN NOT even put into words how happy this makes me. We are thrilled!
All of this considered, I have decided to pull back on the number of weddings I accept, and focus more on lifestyle and portrait sessions. This is where I began my business, and it really is what I desire to do. Not only am I extremely passionate about family photography, but this will also allow me to spend even more time with my own family! What could be better than doing what you love, and getting to enjoy it all while watching your little one grow? Nothing.
So, head on over to my new pricing page and check out the changes that I have made. Please feel free to spread the word that our family sessions are back in full swing!! :)
Warmly,
Kimberly
Brandon + Sara {austin maternity photographer}
I’M GOING TO BE AN AUNT… AGAIN!!! My brother and his wife are about to have their first little one… Miss Evelyn Ruth! I was lucky enough to spend this past weekend with the two of them, and it was so incredibly sweet to see how excited they are to become parents. Evelyn’s nursery is probably the cutest I have ever seen. Sara has always had an eye for decorating around the house, and Brandon is an INCREDIBLE graphic designer. He designed a few special things in Miss Evie’s room, and I will admit I am a little jealous… they are so adorable and perfect.
Hurry up Miss Evie… we can’t wait to meet you!
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.
Children’s Holiday Sale
There is nothing I love more than the holidays, other than my precious family of-course. There is just something so cozy about this time of year, and guess what… it’s just around the corner! I could not be more thrilled!
One of my absolute favorite things about the holidays, is running out to our mail box and receiving holiday cards daily. It used to just be around Christmas time, but I’m loving this new trend of picking your family’s favorite holiday and sending cards then. I especially love this, because it makes me feel as though the holidays have been extended… Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, etc.
So, what better way to kick-off the holiday season than with a Children’s Holiday Sale? This is our very first year to have a little one in the family, and there is something so sweet and exciting about getting to share this season with a child. I’ll be honest, I CAN NOT wait to send out our holiday cards this year (still not sure which holiday to pick.) We have already booked our family photo session with our photographer of choice; now it’s your turn! Now – November 17th, you can book your child’s Holiday Mini-Session for just $150. Holiday Mini-Sessions are 30-45 minutes long. You will receive a DVD with 20-30 Hi-Res Images from your session.
To book your session just e-mail me at info@coatiphotography.com
*Also, if you like us on Facebook keep an eye out for a super special deal! ;)
The Gayhart Family {austin family photographer}
I had so much fun with this sweet, sweet family! They are from Dallas, but were stopping through Austin for a little mini-vacation… I am SO glad that they did! How adorable are they?
Dustin & Meagan {austin wedding photographer}
I could go on and on about this wedding. Dustin and Meagan are probably on my top 3 of couples to work with. They know exactly what they want, but are so easy-going at the same time. So easy to work with! Not to mention, they are CRAZY about each other! Their wedding day was so absolutely perfect… just beautiful!
*Special thanks to my assistant: Tiffany Palmer
Dodson Family {austin family photographer}
This family is so sweet, and the photos are just that. Simple, sweet, straight to the point… Family. Their son Pascal is only 6 days older than our little man, and he did such a great job! This family absolutely ADORES him if you couldn’t tell. :)
The Paquette Family {austin family photographer}
There is nothing sweeter than shooting young families… the kids are always precious and easily entertained. The Paquette Family was no exception. These three kiddos were so much fun! They kept begging to jump in the water, and I promised we would finish with a bang. The best, is when they completely forget I am there taking pictures. That is when you get the genuine giggles and sweet moments. LOVE this family!
Miss Veda {austin infant photographer}
Oh. My. Goodness. There are no words to describe how much I love this little girl! Little Miss Veda is the daughter of some of our very best friends, Jimmie and Laura. Laura had been asking me if I could get some sweet photos of Veda before she grew out of her infant stage, and we finally picked a day! We kept it simple and just went downstairs to their apartment pool. I absolutely love how the photos turned out. She is just so precious!! :)
Style Me Pretty Feature {austin wedding photographer}
Today is a GREAT day! Not only was yesterday the most wonderful 1st Mother’s Day, but I woke up this morning to some fabulous news. Meagan and Dustin’s engagement shoot is featured on Style Me Pretty today! There are no words to tell you how excited I am about this… not only because it’s an honor, but because Meagan and Dustin are the most adorable couple alive. I am so looking forward to their wedding in June!
Family Sale {austin family photographer}
Families… you are in luck! Ever since bringing Little Dude into our home, I can’t help but feel all mushy when it comes to family. There is just something so great (yet so terrifying) about becoming a mommy for the first time. So, because I am in such a lovely mood, I would love to offer families a REALLY great deal for the entire month of May. YES!!! This can include anything from newborn, senior portraits, or just your good ‘ol fashion family photos (with a modern twist). Sessions will include an online proofing gallery of ALL of your photos, along with a DVD of 30-50 HIGH-RES retouched images.
Are you ready for the AMAZING deal?? Only $200. Yes, that is correct… you are getting a whole $100 off of your session. I may be crazy, but you should probably take advantage of me during this oh-so-sweet new-mommy-moment. :)
How to take advantage…
Send me a quick e-mail here: info{at}coati photography{dot}com
Brad & Megan {austin engagement photographer}
Oh my goodness… how sweet are Brad & Megan? The answer… SO sweet! This was my first official photo session since our little baby boy came into our home, and let me tell you… it felt so good to be back at work. I have missed getting out of the house and interacting with clients. Brad and Megan made it so very easy to get back into the groove of things. They were complete naturals, and so much fun to work with. Check out the last couple of pictures. Just as I started to pack everything up and call it a wrap, Brad pulled Megan aside and asked her to dance. Precious!
I am so bummed that I was already booked for their wedding day. You can bet that it will be one beautiful day!
Branches & Light Stylized Shoot {austin wedding photographer}
It’s been two weeks since I attended the Branches & Light workshop, and let me tell you… it blew my mind! I am beyond excited about the changes that our coming to Coati Photography this year. If you are one of my brides this year, prepare to be spoiled. We are raising our standards here at Coati Photography, and I can’t wait to share the changes with you in the near future!
For now, please enjoy this oh-so-lovely stylized shoot. Caroline & Nancy did such an amazing job preparing everything. You can also check out a behind-the-scenes video from the workshop here: VIDEO
feel the love.
Good Morning & Happy Love Day!!
Today marks 2 weeks of being a mom, and after a couple of weeks away from working… I am definitely feeling the love. So, for today only I would love to offer everyone the opportunity to book a full session for just $200 PLUS a free gift. Oh, yes! Remember those really fun View-Master toys that everyone had when they were younger? Well, with your session you will receive a custom View-Master along with a reel full of your favorite images from our shoot together. Fun, right?
This special will only last until 11:59 PM tonight. February 14, 2012. If you are interested or need more info, please send us an e-mail: info@coatiphotography.com
30 Photos/30 Days {day 10}
Day 10:
WOW. Obviously I am behind on 30/30, but trust me… I have a good excuse. WE HAVE A BABY!!! I wanted to show you the photos that I took literally 5 minutes before I got the call on Tuesday. I was just waiting to board my flight back to Austin, making a long to-do list for when I arrived home. That all quickly changed with one phone call. We have a baby. I finally got home at 5:30 Tuesday night and by 9PM, we had a little baby in our home. The last 2 days have been amazing!
So, please excuse me if I get a little behind on this project. :)
