Kelly Marie Photography

Orange County Lifestyle Photograher

Aug 31 2010

My new addiction, and the Spyder3

Posted in Business

The truth is, I don’t know when it started or why it happened, but I live every day for checking the mailbox. While part of me enjoys just thumbing through the weekly ads, the other part of me thinks that maybe today I will receive something better. Maybe a letter, just like the olden days. Handwritten on homemade stationary, filled with words of love and stories from some distant place I’ve never seen. Or even better, a package! All boxed up in its cardboard glory just waiting for me to tear inside and find a special gift waiting for me. And although I know the mailman prefers to bring me bills and bank statements, I still open my front door every day, anxious and excited for the unknown.

Sadly, I’ve recently realized that I get just as excited over ordering packages for myself! I admit it. I am now officially addicted to online shopping. There’s just something about finding that special something online, tracking my order across the nation, and finally seeing it resting on my doorstep. All of that built up anticipation kind of makes me feel like I’m having a baby — a cardboard baby, without the stretch marks.

My latest package, the Spyder3 Color Calibrations System, arrived last week and I have had so much fun playing with my new toy! If you’re a photographer reading this, monitor calibration is a *must* and I have definitely noticed a huge different in my prints. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a reasonably priced, effective solution for their color correction needs. Check it out!

Happy Tuesday everybody!

*KM

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Aug 18 2010

Holli & Dan – San Diego, CA Portrait Session

Posted in Engagements

Meet Holli and Dan. I really wish I could tell you their story, but the truth is I would never do it justice.

All I know is, last November my best friend did something I could never imagine doing myself. She called to tell me that she had quit her job, gave a 30-day notice to her landlord, and was leaving on a month-long vacation to tour Europe. Alone. And when she came home? She didn’t have any plans, but that didn’t matter. Maybe she would find a job in Europe, or Seattle, or anywhere else she wanted to. That’s right – the girl that has had the next twenty years of her life planned since the day we met was giving up everything to do a little soul searching. And I was so excited for her!

The rest of the details are a little fuzzy for me, but somewhere between London, Paris, Venice, and Prague, Holli fell in love. With Dan, the Australian tour guide, who swept her off her feet over and over again.

Fast forward almost a year, and Dan has followed Holli from Australia all the way to beautiful San Diego. As luck would have it, both have landed great jobs and an awesome beachfront apartment – and if you ask me, life is working out just fine for them.

Holli – I truly could not be happier for you! Watching you in this new phase of your life honestly makes my heart smile. And Dan – thank you for bringing such happiness to Holli’s life, for bringing out all of her best qualities, and for letting her lean on you when she doesn’t feel like standing on her own anymore. And special thanks for putting up with my poor imitation of your accent, questions about kangaroos, and jokes about Thunder From Down Under. I promise I’ll be less annoying with time.

Reason #36589720 why I love Holli. Dan put his arms around her and she asks: “Does it look like he’s holding my unborn baby?” Holli, you are SO. RANDOM.If you knew them, this would make you laugh too!

Enjoy your pics you guys! Maybe sometime soon we can do an engagement session? Just sayin.

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Aug 14 2010

Me vs. Friday the 13th.

Posted in Personal

Dear Friday the 13th,

I was fooled by the promise of a good day when I woke up and realized that I had just slept for 6 hours. Straight. Which is A LOT for me these days. I opened the window to let the sunlight in and climbed out of bed with confidence, thinking that I was going to win this year. You know, the whole war against the black cloud of bad luck follows you every time you come around. I felt like putting on a sweat band and a good pair of boxing gloves so I would be prepared to face you head on.

Then I perched myself on the couch, logged onto my computer, and ran face-first into nothing but problems with my new software program. You know, the one that I spent a ton of money on with hopes of making my life easier. But after hours on the phone with a support tech, I made no progress and decided to give up. Nice move, Friday the 13th.

After that ordeal, I thought I would try to show you who’s boss by relaxing and even sneaking in a lazy afternoon nap. But not only did you make me oversleep, you made me forget that I was supposed to go to the store like I’ve been meaning to for the last week. Because I’m out of paper towels, and a girl needs paper towels…especially when she spills Diet Coke all over her carpet like I did today.

It wasn’t until Cody started dragging his food bowl across the floor that I remembered dog food was also on my grocery list for today. So after accepting my crown for world’s worst mom, I tried to improvise and gave the dogs some canned food that I had been holding onto just in case. Well, not even 5 minutes later I found myself with two dogs throwing up uncontrollably because apparently you managed to POISON THEIR FOOD – or at least that’s what it looked like. And you scored again, Friday the 13th, because despite the huge mess on my floor, I still didn’t have any paper towels.

Combine all of this with leaving late for work, and then realizing I didn’t have enough gas to get there anyway.

So in closing, Friday the 13th, you made for one hell of a day. I want you to know that you won. And also, I hate you.

Sincerely,

*KM

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Aug 12 2010

Cori & Chris – San Diego, CA Engagement Session

Posted in Engagements

It all started as a friendly bet with coworkers. While working one night at Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Chris spotted the cute, reserved Cori from across the store – but she wouldn’t give him the time of day. She actually hadn’t paid attention to any of the guys working that night, and after much discussion they all reached an agreement that she was untouchable. But refusing to accept defeat, Chris stepped up to the plate and made a wager: he would be the first one to break her. With his pride on the line, Chris made his move on Cori and 2 1/2 years later, I’m happy to say that he won. He won the bet, he got the girl, and next summer he will make her his wife in a beautiful ceremony on Coronado island.

Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of meeting up with these two at Balboa Park for their engagement session. It was a gorrrrrrgeous day with so many great places to shoot. And Chris – I can honestly say that I’ve never come across a guy who was so into his engagement pics! Thank you both for such an awesome day, and for allowing me the honor of documenting your journey together. Enjoy!

Hellloooooooo gorgeous light!! I’d like to thank the breezy San Diego weather for making this next shot extra special! How beautiful is Cori? I especially love her adorable freckles, but I might be a little biased. And Chris, you’re not so bad yourself. I’ll end this post with this shot, because it makes me smile every time. Happy Thursday everyone!