A Merry Clayton Christmas {Fort Smith Photographer}

Sunday, I got to be a part of something totally, wonderfully, amazing. I was asked to be the photographer for the Clayton House Christmas.

The Clayton House is an historic home here in Fort Smith that is simply breathtaking… for SO MANY reasons! Now, I'm going to gush a little bit and say that Julie, the lovely lady that runs the Clayton House, is the absolute best part about visiting. She's the sweetest woman ever. So patient and kind, and genuinely in love with her job and the people she meets every single day. I love to listen to her speak about the Clayton family, and all the volunteers and artifacts that have been donated to the house. I just want to hug her every time I see her (and I do!).

Angelic Julie with Santa!

The event started off with a bit of piano playing, and then the Fort Smith Chorale sang Christmas carols, then there was a vignette, refreshments, and crafts. Simply wonderful! It was so fun to see everyone coming and going, learning, appreciating, and being merry.

The Clayton Family vignette actors

Of course, Santa made an appearance, and what a lovely Santa he was! I even got to meet the future Mrs. Claus, and she snapped my picture with Santa and texted it to me. I had so much fun.

Seeing the children's eyes light up when they saw Santa really lit a fire inside me! I already love Christmas, and I have two children, so the magic is very real to me. Every year it is like I get to experience Christmas in a new way, through the eyes of my children. Being a mother is a wonderful gift, and I think it is even more so during the holidays!

This cutie was enthralled with Old Saint Nick!

One of the Clayton sisters hanging out with Santa between the chorale and the vignette.

This image is my favorite! Not just because it happens to be of my daughter, but because of the serious love this little girl obviously has for Santa!

Christmas at the Clayton House has been my favorite part of this holiday season, so far. I hope to be invited back next year, and I hope that all of you will join us! What a magical, historical time!

xoxo

kP

Julian | 2015 {Fort Smith Senior Photographer}

Hello!

Today I'm posting about Julian. :) He's a super sweet high school senior out in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. I had the pleasure of meeting Julian while I was at the Deck The Halls event at the First Assembly of God out in Sallisaw. I was showcasing my photo skillzzzz :) haha and he was helping out with his youth group (the event was to raise money for the youth ministry!).

Anyway, we started talking about senior year, senior pictures, senior rings, you know.. all that exciting stuff! The rest is history. I had a fun day hanging out with Julian and his youth pastor Ashton during his session. Thanks, guys!

Julian told me he feels very called to youth ministry. That is so cool! My heart is so full when I encounter someone with such an evident love for God. To see that in our future generations is seriously so amazing. 

Thankful Thursday & BBR {Fort Smith Photographer}

I've been thinking about writing a weekly "getting to know your photographer" post for a while now, and I think that this morning is the perfect time to start. I need to write down the words that I couldn't get out this morning!

In case you didn't already know, I am a member of a wonderful group of people called Business By Referral. It is an amazing, seriously, I can't put enough adjectives down in this sentence to describe them, fabulous, group of souls. I was invited to join the group by a very dear friend of mine (who at the time was only an acquaintance, but she also happened to be my neighbor, and her kids are friends with my kids). I was over the moon to go and probably drove her a little crazy asking and re-asking what time the meeting was and would we ride together or should I just meet her there? I was nervous to go in  to the Chamber of Commerce as a business owner and entrepreneur. Especially coming off of a couple of years without really working, and 7 months of not even owning a camera (this is a story for another time, my struggle with my decision to go back to work- I'll post about that in another getting to know me entry!).

The morning of my first meeting came and everyone was so nice. I could not believe that I could be a member of a group of like minded, business and desire driven people, much less in person and not over the internet (helloooo life of a stay at home mom with a husband that travels a lot! Much of my adult interaction comes by way of Facebook or GeoClique!). Fast forward to today, after 5 or 6 months of weekly meetings with these people.. laughing and learning more than I ever could have dreamed of!

This morning was our Thankful Thursday breakfast and I wasn't sure what to expect other than a lot of love. Boy, was I right. Almost everyone brought a guest and many people shed tears of thankfulness over our little group. It was beautiful. I brought Jeannie, the Youth Ministries Coordinator at my family's church (St. John's Episcopal in downtown Fort Smith). Jeannie was the first person that reached out to us when we moved here. Actually, our former Priest, Father Jesse, contacted our now church home and let them know we were moving here. Amazing. So, Jeannie has been so supportive of me and my family since we moved here almost two years ago. Except, it seems like we just moved here like, last week! My kids call her Grandma, and she is wonderful at being a part of my family. :) We love her so much and we are so thankful for her.

While I was telling my BBR friends and their guests about Jeannie, I began to cry. I didn't plan to, but sometimes when we think about how blessed we are, and how thankful we are, the words just aren't there because all we can feel are those waves of unbridled love and gratitude welling up from within us.  I have so much to be thankful for in business and in my personal life, and every single member of Business By Referral is part of that. I meant to speak a little longer about how BBR has changed my life, about how each person has touched me in some way or another, but I just couldn't get it out. I don't want my lovely friends to think I walked away this morning without being thankful to and for them.

I have so loved getting to know each member, some more than others (don't worry, y'all. I want to know everyone equally!). I am so thankful for Cassie, of course, for inviting me… and for being the best friend & realtor a girl could ever hope to find when she moves to a new place. Cassie's husband Bob isn't in our BBR group, but I think they're probably a package deal, and I am so thankful for him, too. Bob and Cassie have helped me on so many occasions with my kids (last minute babysitter, anyone!? With a traveling husband, schedules can be so hard!), fed my family multiple times, offered support to me when I was stressed or frazzled, given me referrals for work, hired me to work for them (love that real estate photography!), and just been great friends to hang out with and sip wine on their back porch. I just could not imagine my life in Fort Smith without them. The Almighty PlummaGirl formerly known as Michelle, for being so freaking cool and making me laugh every time she opens her mouth. I think she could probably make anyone blush and giggle, and I am so thankful for her presence in our group, and to consider her a friend. Rick for being flat out hilarious, his Facebook status updates need to be compiled into a book. They'll be better than $#!T my dad says' twitter/book for sure! He has blessed us musically at our meetings and every time there is a cause in our town, he steps up to provide, or coordinate, or both. I don't get to go to as many functions as I would like to, and I have yet to be able to attend one that Rick does- but I can only imagine he's the belle of the ball! Julie at the Clayton House. I don't have words kind enough to describe her. I have never met someone so sweet. She's someone that I am most honored to know and I can't hug her enough. If you're ever in Fort Smith, please make it out to the Clayton House for a tour, and say hi to her. Your life will be better because she was in it, even if just for a brief greeting. I promise. Liz, our president, one of the very sweetest ladies I have ever known. I knew she was amazing through her work with ovarian cancer support, and over the last couple of weeks she has been in situations with my children and been so completely amazing to them- I think she was born to be maternal. Liz has always made me feel so welcome and valued as a part of our group. Susan at the Reynolds Cancer Support House, I am so thankful to know her and be involved with DWR House in each and every way I can be. One of the most provoking meetings I have ever attended with BBR was at the Support House, and Susan opened my eyes to cancer patients and what I can and need to do to help. She made me want to be a better person, to give more of myself as a volunteer and as an entrepreneur. There are so so many amazing, kind, caring, PHENOMENAL people in BBR with me. Nathan, Raymond, Bobby, Sheila, Stacy, Dean, Phil (who always manages to post the absolute WORST photos of me on Morgan Supply's Facebook page every single Thursday), Amy, and everyone else in BBR: Thank you SO much for being a part of my life. I am so sorry I couldn't spit this out at breakfast… I had something in my eye. I love you all and I pray that I am a member of our little group for years to come.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jeannie, the Youth Ministries Coordinator at St. John's Episcopal Church in Fort Smith

Super blonde me and Cassie out for a night of networking last summer!

Sweet Patricia at the BBR table at Teal Night In Tahiti

Phil, the worst photographer in BBR (I think he does it on purpose) and his gorgeous now-wife Nikki 

Cassie, Plumma Girl, and me!

BBR!!

Some people in BBR like each other so much, they plan coordinating outfits

Susan, me, & Cassie at Teal Night in Tahiti

Plumma Girl, me, Cassie @ Teal Night

Stacy and Teresa @ Boots n' Bling

Julie, me, & Cassie @ Boots n' Bling!

BBR girls at Boots n' Bling!

Dave playing guitar at one of our meetings!

a selfie with the Almighty Plumma Girl :)

Christmas Mini Sessions {Fort Smith Family Photographer}

This weekend, I had the pleasure of photographing so many beautiful people! I went home to see my family in Central Arkansas for a couple of days, and I always like to schedule a session or two when I go back. Greers Ferry is just too beautiful to visit and not photograph.

I scheduled a few Christmas Mini Sessions and it just so happened that this weekend was our first snow!! Of course, and luckily, it waited to start sputtering tiny wet snowflakes until after everyone was finished! I would have loved the snow in the photos but I couldn't bear to see the little kiddos be so so cold! :) It was a gorgeous weekend for pictures!

Thank you to everyone that came out for these mini sessions! If you're in the FSM area, I'm doing another "mini marathon" on Saturday! Contact me for details!

I had so much fun! I can't wait to see everyone's Christmas cards! I love to receive them… I put them on our trees like ornaments. This year, I got a new 9.5 foot tree so I have LOTS of room for gorgeous cards from friends, family, and clients. :) That makes me super happy!

During a break from photos, I had my super sweet almost sister in law Paige take a couple of my family while we were all in one place. That doesn't happen often, lately. It seems like my husband travels more and more for work! 

I can't believe that this is our 10th Christmas/year together. It has been an amazing decade, for sure! I hope you have a very wonderful Holiday Season… I can't believe it's here already!

Be Blessed!

xoxo

kP

Jessica + Leroy {Fort Smith Couples Photographer}

*waves*
HI!

I've been dying to share this session since the minute I started photographing this sweet couple! In Arkansas, the leaves are afire with gorgeous reds and oranges, shades of green, and some yellows. It is perfection. The sun is golden and warm, and the breeze is chilly and perfect for a fire, a mug of hot cocoa, and snuggling!

Finally Fall!

Happy Fall, y'all! It is finally here… the season I wait for all year long.

F A L L

Yes, autumn, Whatever you want to call it. I love it. Unfortunately, even though it is technically "fall" here down south in Arkansas, it isn't totally autumnal weather. We're having highs in the mid-80s this week and well.. I'm just done with that.

One of my favorite parts about autumn?? NO MORE SWEATING while shooting! Or, for you, my sweet clients.. no more sweating while POSING. HA!! Doesn't that just make life so sweet?!

I have had a couple of A M A Z I N G sessions in the last two weeks and I'm just dying to post a huge preview for you.

Sorry… I can't, yet!

But what I can do.. is post the previews I've already given on Facebook. My lovely clients haven't seen all their images yet, and I don't want to spoil the surprise. I'm beginning in-person gallery viewings THIS WEEK so I can have that lovely customer experience… oh, you know.. seeing the client's face when you see your images for the first time. I can't wait. I can't wait to see the light in a young girl's eyes when she sees the photos I've taken of her and actually SEES herself for what seems like the first time. I love that. Showing a girl just how gorgeous she really is. Seriously L O V E.

So, before this session, I had never worked with a horse. Now, I would prefer each client to bring a horse. FOR REAL. Such majestic animals. Dignified. Beautiful. Looking at a horse just reminds me of how great my God is. Like looking at a brand new baby, or a beautiful woman with a lifetime of wrinkles on her face. There is so much beauty everywhere, and I'm so incredibly thankful that I get to capture that magic.

After I posted this preview, I had a couple of my number one fans text me and tell me how amazing they found this image to be. I seriously have never felt such love from people not involved in the photo whatsoever. It was a profound moment. 

While this was a fabulous session, both of them.. it was so, so incredibly hot and sweaty. YES! I'm so excited for upcoming sessions in the coolness that is fall! :)

One more tiny photo for this post… my sweet kitty cat. Well, my girls' sweet cat. His name is Sir Wall-e Sprinkle the first, but we just call him Wall-e Sprinkle for short. HA. He was super mad in this photo, we had been on a walk and this adorable, fluffy little gray kitten had followed us home. Wall-e Sprinkle would not look at any of us until the kitten left our yard. Animals are hilarious. :P

Supporting One Another {Fort Smith Portrait Photographer}

Something is on my heart lately, and I'm excited to get to tell you about it.

Recently, I got to tour the Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House. This place is amazing. The staff is amazing. The house serves as a meeting place for cancer patient support groups, a hotel for cancer patients that need a place to stay when traveling to Fort Smith for treatments, and a safe haven for newly diagnosed cancer patients.

My sweet friend Susan runs the House, and she does a beautiful job. All the volunteers at the House are so warm and welcoming. There are event rooms that can be used for various things, but one of the best things she told me about- parties for kids. Kids that have cancer, that deserve so desperately to have a moment like any normal kid. A birthday party. A valentines party. A just because party.

Cancer sucks. To put it bluntly. My grandmother is a breast cancer survivor (Thank You, Jesus!). I remember how terrifying it was to know that I could lose my Grandma. I know that fear that kids have. The fear that parents feel when their kids are diagnosed. The sadness that anyone feels when they or a loved one are diagnosed with this life changing and sometimes life ending disease.

So last night, when Susan asked me as a last minute favor, if I could photograph today's Butterfly Release for Ovarian cancer survivors and in honor of those lost, I couldn't say yes fast enough. I have told her since the day I toured the House that I am happy to volunteer my time and talent as often as she needs me to. These people are amazing. As I was photographing, and looking on at these amazing survivors, I said a little prayer. A thank you, for allowing me to be here. A special blessing on these women. And a prayer of comfort for the families that lost their loved ones.

This was such a beautiful event! The House is very near to my heart and if you would like to donate there are quite a few ways. If you live in Fort Smith or near by, you can check out their wish list and drop the items off during weekday business hours. If you're out of town, you can always order things from their wish list off amazon (use smile.amazon.com and you can even choose to have a percentage of your purchase price go to the Support House!) and have the items delivered. And if you're local local, you can always volunteer your time. 

Find out more about the Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House here.