Napa Portrait and Wedding Photographer » Uncategorized

| The Yellow Leaves | The World Exploded into Love |

admin — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:33:55 +0000

The title says it all really. I was on my way home from a photo session one afternoon a few weeks ago and I decided to take a detour to see what was happening on ‘the yellow leaf street’. It’s this great street lined with Ginkgo trees. Sometime toward the end of November and into December, the street looks like it snowed yellow ginkgo leaves. Well, this lovely family that I know, has been taking photographs of their children and family in this very spot for 12 years now. We had tried to work out a date for me to take photos of their family, but we just couldn’t align our schedules and the leaves were moving out. The question of if the leaves were still there was really bugging me, even though I knew we’d missed our opportunity for a session, which also really bummed me out. So as I’m driving slowly down the street and noticing that most of the leaves were gone, I spy a court with a load of leaves. I also spy what I believe to be a family attempting to take photos of themselves. No offense Dave, but that little itty bitty tripod dealio looked like it wasn’t working so well. I back up my car, pull up to the curb and park. Yes indeed, that’s my family! I get out of the car, we laugh that I looked like a stalker slowly driving down the street and backing up, but how fortuitous, we all agree, I’m here!

It wasn’t the photo session that we had tried to schedule, but it worked. They got the worn out photographer traveling home from an out of town shoot, but we were only looking for a few fun shots. I think we got ‘em. And, no one rolled in hidden dog poo either, always a plus! I thought it would be fun to show Camp Kaywoodie (as they’re known by the loads of people who love them) their proofs from that day as a slideshow gallery here on the site. So you’re seeing everything. I even kept in some of the in between shots, the ones that are blurry. To me, they have meaning too. It’s kind of like real life, don’t you think? Life is fast, life is full of these blurry, fleeting moments of squished noses from pressing our foreheads together with those we love, messy and unkept snippets that we wouldn’t trade for anything. That’s what I’m after. There’s no fancy background here, you see the neighborhood cars, bicycles, blah, blah. Mostly, you see love.

Kari, I’m glad I happened by. See you soon.

Kathi

3039 Text Slide 1 3040 3041 3043 3044 3045 3049 3052 3053 3054 3070 3071 3077 3083 3084 3085 3086 3088 3089 3090 3093 3097 3098 3099 3100 3103 3108 3109 3115 3120 3123 3126 3133 3134 3137 3149 3150 3153 3161 3168 Text Slide end Family in the Yellow Leaves Family in the yellow leaves

| Sara & Marty got Married in Napa Valley | A Slideshow Just For Them |

admin — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 04:06:40 +0000

Sara and Marty are such a fun couple. Originally from Chicago, they moved out here to California/Bay Area just to have the experience of living on this side of the country. When I met them, they were living here in Napa, way up on top of one of our beautiful little mountains. Their home was nothing less than magical. You’ll see in the slideshow below what I mean. Because they’re not from the area, a handful of family members flew out to ‘stand-up’ with them at their Civil Ceremony. Each of their sisters, along with the brothers-in-law, attended. We started the day at one of my favorite salons here in town, Sala, where the primping and beautifying happened. Over to the Napa River Inn for the ‘getting ready’, then a walk (not the bride, she arrived in style with her sister and brother-in-law in a nice ride) to the Justice of the Peace. Cool. It was my first time photographing a courthouse wedding and it was fun! I think it had to do with the company I was keeping, because the aesthetics aren’t what you might find at, lets say, the San Francisco City Hall. After the wedding ceremony and me chasing everyone (I’m fast, just ask them) back over to the Napa River Inn area, we took a long ride back up to where Sara and Marty used to live for a champagne/wine reception hosted by the lovely owners of Elan Vineyards. Simply stunning venue for such an occasion, not to mention a photographer’s dream! We had a fantastic time at Elan, then finished off with a lovely, intimate gathering at one of the wedding guest’s home, complete with Hog Island Oysters, one of my personal favorites.

I take a limited number of weddings a year. I have to say, each and every couple I’ve had the honor to work with have been incredible and we’ve remained friends, seeing each other here and there long after the wedding day is over. How cool is that? Cool! And, for this slideshow, to honor my new friend Marty, I’ve decided to go with some of his favorite artists. Sorry Sara, I love your favorites too, just had to make a choice and stick to it. Actually Sara, I did sneak in a tad of Iron and Wine there at the very end:)

Thanks again Sara and Marty for ringing me up and choosing me be to your photographer! Looking forward to photographing an anniversary session with you next year.

Kathi

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| Last Day of School | Longboards | It’s Personnel |

admin — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 21:15:58 +0000

It’s the last day of school, the sun finally came out here in Northern California, let Summer begin, yahoo! In short, it’s a beautiful day in many ways. Both of my boys are on my mind today. One, finishing up his first year of high school, and wow, that was an adjustment for this mom, but it was all good. Really, really. No worries you other moms of incoming freshman, they’re way more ready than we sometimes give them credit for. We probably all realize that it’s more like, are we ready? Sure, it’s new territory for all us; but they’ve been prepped by their awesome teachers, support from old and new friends, and most of all, the foundation we have done our best to give them as parents. It’s been a very good year. My youngest son, well, he’s moving into his last year of Middle School. And, that’s mostly who this post is about. He actually asked me to blog these pictures today, wow! Now-a-days, they don’t let you post hardly any pictures of them. They’ve got their own online thing going!

This young man found a passion this past year and it’s called Longboarding. Honestly, I didn’t know the difference between skateboarding and longboarding, but now I do! It all started earlier in the year when our neighbor of many years decided to give my son a vintage longboard. A totally cool Sector 9! It’s more like a surf board! Anyhow, it was all over from there, in a good way. I have a whole new point of view on skateboarding, longboarding and that whole culture. In short, I love it! On the whole, these kids are not a bunch of unmotivated, up to no good, irritating kids some adults might think they are. For us, it’s been such a positive experience. My son has found a whole new group of super nice friends he gets together with. They spend hours outdoors finding new roads, hills and really fun places to ride their boards, learn new tricks, turns and maneuvering these high-tech planks with great skill. They make videos, they learn new woodworking skills and team together to try their hand at making boards themselves. And, they’re very good at it! This last part, I didn’t expect at all. His grades went up! Through finding this passion, came a new drive and focus. Not just for the sport, but refining his scholastic skills as well. Wow, pretty cool. We saw improvement all the around. There was less ‘sassiness’ and just an overall evening out and maturity across the board. We also discovered this amazing store in our neighboring town of Sonoma, Sonoma Old School. This place is so much fun! Rob, the owner, couldn’t be nicer. He’s really got some special recipe going there. You just feel good when you walk in the door. My son has even asked if when he’s old enough to get a work permit if he can ride his bike there to work! Uh, that’s a very long bike ride dude!

So, congratulations on a really good year, my sons. And Evan, good job dude!

Let’s start where it all began, the Sector 9. Thanks, Jeffrey, you rock.

There was a very cool Gravity board before this one, but oh my gosh, when the Evo came to town! Landyachtz, well, they are awesome, don’t you know? Our first of many purchases at Sonoma Old School.

And then, just the other day, we went over and got some new trucks, wheels and bearings. OK, even I can see that those bearings are amazing! Those wheels look like they’re on fire with the light shining through them when he’s on a hill. And oh man, they are SO smooth. Construction stage here. The Evo gets new product. Uh, after my young man ‘wears’ his wheels first.

Now we’re ready to roll, after this close up of the new product.

The maiden voyage.

Just in case you’re wondering what Rob, of Sonoma Old School looks like. One of his employees made this custom board for him. Yeah, he’s that cool. And, check out his awesome rewards policy below for good grades. Rob, we so appreciate you and Sonoma Old School. Thanks so much!

| High School Senior Portraits | Claudia Class of 2011 |

admin — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 18:05:32 +0000

And just like that, they’re all grown up. Claudia was no ordinary senior/teen for me to photograph. I have been photographing Claudia and her younger sister, Clara, since they were in 2nd and 5th grades. I have such a library of images of these girls year, after year. I love them both. I love their parents. I love that they keep coming back each year and honor me, with the gift of photographing (and hanging out with) their beautiful girls. This is all about Claudia, as she’s making her grand exit from High School, but I had to put a single image of her equally beautiful sister, Clara, at the end of the post, well, just because I had to. Also, Claudia is not a girl who feels like ‘it’s all about me’. She really didn’t even want a Senior Session all to herself. This is from our annual photo session, but knowing that it was her senior year, we did a little extra with just Claudia.

Claudia and her sister are so sweet, talented and really, really fun. Last year when I photographed the girls, we almost had to call off the shoot because we were laughing so much, I almost couldn’t gain my composure to continue. Clara started with the giggles, then Claudia, then me. It was hilarious! I was tearing up and could barely see.

It’s been so amazing to watch Claudia grow up, follow her interests and talents in various areas, such as; dance and early childhood. She is amazing with children. I was so bummed recently that I had a conflict with one of her dance performances and wasn’t able to go. But I was delighted to be invited.

As I was putting this post together, I came across this email message from her aunt: “I simply wanted to let you know how very much your fine work is appreciated. I am in awe, year after year, over what you are able to capture on film, and am thrilled to have collected such wonderful documentation of my beautiful nieces as they blossom over time. Sincerely, THANK YOU for your extrordinary gift!!” Wow, that felt really good. Did you catch the film part? Yes, I’m a film and darkroom shooter/printer. Though now a days I do both film and digital. Love them both. But really, the gift here is Claudia, Clara and their mom. Hey Becky, that’s you! Thank you, you sweet ladies down the road. I don’t want this to ever end! I’m going to go cry now, but they’re happy tears.

Claudia, I wish you all the best and fully expect you to come back up North each year to finish out Clara’s remaining sessions with me!

Love to you all, K.

And now, the sweet and equally beautiful, Clara

The Blue Victorian Winery | Marco + Cassie’s Wedding |

admin — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 05:07:55 +0000

This was an unforgettable wedding on so many levels. The venue was out of this world stunning. It was held at one of Cassie’s family’s wineries, The Blue Victorian . It is a nearly century-old landmark in Suisun Valley, that has been restored by it’s owners, the proud parents of the bride, Frank and Liz Vezer, of The Vezer Family Vineyards. Friends and family came from all over the globe to attend this happiest of occasions. Guests traveled from as far away as Canada and Hungary. Let me just say right now, I live in Wine Country, Napa Valley. However, I really was not so much aware of my neighbor, Suisun Valley, in terms of wine making. I was, simply put, blown out of the water when I discovered this beautiful setting that is The Vezer Family experience. It is truly some of the most remarkable wine I’ve ever had. And the setting in which their wonderful wineries live, spectacular. I’m so grateful to have been invited into the lives of these lovely people. Something you find out pretty quickly when you are getting to know the Vezers: ‘we are family’. And that is not just a phrase. Cassie and Marco have such a grounded, loving family. In a day and time when we all live so fast, it was refreshing to witness first-hand, their love of family, extended-family (and there were many!) and their many, many friends. I’ll repeat myself to those who were at this wedding, I’ve never seen so many beautiful and elegantly dressed people in one place at the same time.

It was such a gift to be a part of this beautiful day. Thank you for showing me such a wonderful time and making me part of your family. It is not possible to be with the Vezers and not feel loved.

Enjoy!

Stunning sister portraits in Napa Valley | Napa Teen Photography

admin — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:40:06 +0000

That’s what I think! Here it comes, I haven’t posted a portrait session in a bit, so make way for a big one, ha, ha. And, I love these girls so much. I really love all my clients, you know I do, it’s just that I have some history with these young women. Every one of them is beautiful inside and out, talented, funny, sassy (in a good way of course) and, oh so much fun. They come from a long line of wonderful. You may remember a post sometime back here Three Generations of Beauty. They are all accomplished swimmers. Our oldest beauty here, Bailey, was a participant in the Escape from the Rock, an open water swim from Alcatraz back to San Francisco. Her time was 37 minutes and she was the 3rd female in! Top 10% over the whole field. Can you say WOW?! In her mom’s words “for these things, you just sign up because you’re kind of crazy”.

This was a hard post to put together though because there are so many images from this day. These girls just don’t take anything but gorgeous pictures. We got together on a pretty warm Fall day in November. We had an unbelievably hot November here. Everything had this surreal feeling to it. The colors were still exploding, the light was low and beautiful, the wind would kick up and whip their beautiful hair around at just the right time. We were together until dark, shooting, laughing, talking. It was great. I felt so energized. As we were walking back to my car to load up and go home, we were talking about Bailey’s new coolio car, the fact that next year I’ll also be photographing her senior pictures (I’m privileged, it’s true), discussing with Addie, our fiery middle-child, who is one of my all time favorite girls, the last outdoor ed trip she went on in Southern California, and just generally giggling with Lindy, my little Sprite! It was a very good day. Really, can’t think of anything I’d rather do than photograph families and these kids as they grow up. Every age is so special and there’s always going to be special moments and connections to document in this beautiful medium called photography. I’m thrilled that I get to do it.

And, in the order of appearance, let’s get on with the show. Oh yeah, I felt like mixing it up a bit here and there. Hope it’s not too distracting switching out from color, to various black and white impressions, folks. Thanks all.

The Modern Headshot | Highlighting Napa’s Local Realtor Giselle Lampe

admin — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 21:11:08 +0000

Headshots are something most of us need, and we have them done from time to time. However, I have found that it’s not always at the top of our list because, well, they don’t have that ring of ”this is going to be so much fun” to them. I’m here to tell you, it doesn’t have to be that way at all. More often now, many people are going for a more modern, approachable image of themselves to use professionally and personally. Something less traditional, more real. I’m always game when someone calls and has a vision in mind about their headshots/portraits. What I really like about the type of headshot we’ve created here for Giselle Lampe, of Coldwell Bankers, is that there’s so much more life to it than your usual studio shot (which I also do, but with flair I might add). You get to catch a glimpse of the subject’s personality. And, it’s always nice to meet new people in the business community and learn about their chosen career paths. Not to mention, the huge benefit of networking within your community. It’s all about supporting local businesses, as well as our wider surrounding communities.

So let’s meet Giselle. Giselle is just as friendly and approachable as she looks. This is a seriously talented woman and I wanted to share a brief interview of Giselle here with you. When we met for our pre-session consultation to discuss what she was looking for with her session, I just couldn’t stop asking questions about her background and what she had planned for her new business venture. Her background is pretty impressive. Please read on and find out more about this exceptional local business woman. You can also find Giselle on Facebook and Twitter. And, don’t forget to call me when you’re ready to update your look.

You are not originally from California, how long have you been here, and what was the reason for your move?
Kathi I moved here just over 3 years ago from British Columbia Canada, where I worked as a Realtor. My move was based on a request from my brother to help him start up his winery. This was a new idea for me and sounded like an adventure and a challenge the idea was to take a leave from my business and come here for 2 years to start up operations.

Well now you’ve been here for 3 years and you’re a Realtor here. What changed in your plans?
Put it simply …I fell in love! I did move down with my two daughters and I started up the winery as well as enrolled full time at Solano College to continue my Marketing education. During that time I met my husband who is a Manager and Partner of a restaurant. I left the winery in September of 2009 in trusted hands just as planned, just over 2 years after my move I married in March of 2009 which wasn’t in the original plans, but a much better turn of events. After my marriage I gave up my Canadian Real Estate License and started working as a Marketing Manager in October 2009.

So you’ve worked as a Winery Manager and Marketing Director for a well-known restaurant in Yountville why now back to Real Estate?
Real Estate is my passion actually anything to do with; construction, design and property is my passion. I love looking at buildings or even vacant land for that matter and seeing what “could be” or admiring the already existing structure. I have been designing houses and floor plans since I was 8 years old. My father who was schooled as an engineer trained me on the principals of function and form. I later developed my training in Interior Design and worked for several years as a designer in Canada prior to becoming a Realtor. It was actually the design industry that converted me into Real Estate. Dear client of mine was a surgeon who was being moving to another city, he insisted that I help him market his home. I told him he should have a professional who understands the laws in real property do that for him. He agreed but stated that he needed a professional who understood the “real” construction and design aspects of property as well…so he said “get your license and sell my home”….I did and I did! That sums it up really for me, I see beyond what is there and I love helping others see it as well. Managing a winery and specializing in Marketing actually added to my background, they gave me additional organization skills, productive time management, consumer awareness, internet capabilities, productive and effective communication these are all skills that I use daily in Real Estate. Coming back to it was only natural.

How do you describe what you do as different from other Realtors?
I don’t really compare myself…I just treat my clients as though they are family members and close friends, people that will be in my life for a long time and who trust and rely on me. I wouldn’t want to let a family member of friend down or steer them in the wrong direction, thus I would never do that to a client. I took a Real Estate Marketing course in Canada and the speaker said “Treat your clients as though they feed and clothe your family.” When you think about it that way you realize that the people who hire you to work for them, they really are the ones who are providing for the needs of your loved ones…how thankful you are to them for that. So for that I give them whole souled effort, I use all of my skills from design tips, to marketing skills being creative and using technology, to managing and organizing timelines in helping them either to purchase or sell their home.

Had to sneak in a few that Giselle shares from time to time on her Facebook page.

Thanks so much Giselle! It’s wonderful working with you.

St. Helena Family Photography | St. Helena Cyclery’s own Jake Scheideman!

admin — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 20:38:46 +0000

Hey my local friends! If you own a really great bike, chances are that you bought it from Jake at St. Helena Cyclery. And, if you didn’t, next time you’re in the market for a bike, go see Jake. The selection, service and way nice people will make you customers for life! I love my bicycle, and it’s pretty too. Almost looks like it has these pretty henna tattoos on it. Sorry, didn’t think about photographing it and it’s raining at the moment, so no can do. Yep, thought about searching the web too, but nah, just use your imagination, or go see Jake. Anyhow, St. Helena Cyclery is a great resource for upcoming riding events and a lot more. Click on the St. Helena Cyclery link here and check it out. And, just for a bit of added background, if you’re not aware of this organization, DCN, Developing Communities in Nicaragua, it’s pretty amazing. Based in St. Helena, Jake is the organization’s founder, and it’s a coalition of volunteers who’ve partnered with residents of Empalme de Boaco in an effort to help the community towards a better future. It all started long ago out of Jake’s passion for baseball and a trip to this community after college. It has, with the help of many, assisted with housing, education, recreational programs, jobs, and firstly, that coveted baseball field. If you do click-though to the DCN link, please watch the brief, but incredibly moving video, ‘Diamond in the Rough’. See how our own San Francisco Giants got involved. I challenge you to keep the moisture out of your eyes! I’ve only vaguely known about this ongoing project in Nicaragua until recently. After our photo session, I asked Jake more about it and was completely drawn in by the story of how it all began, the steps forward and his then, upcoming December trip with Amanda (that’s his beautiful daughter in these photos). Jake and I talked about the community in depth and I am hoping to see this place and meet the people for myself in the near future. Just an amazing bunch of people, all the way around.

So I leave you with a few images we took this beautiful day, in this beautiful place we call home. Every year when Jake calls, I’m so happy and grateful that I get to photograph the two of them once again. I’ve had the opportunity of photographing these two many times over the years, watching Amanda grow into the pretty young lady that she is today. And wow, I’ve known her for a long time! Amanda and my oldest son, also in high school now, spent some time together as toddlers in a wonderful, super small in-home daycare in St. Helena. Now that does seem like a very long time ago, and I will not cry.

Thanks, Jack and Amanda (He told me I could call him anything I wanted to on the blog, ha, ha. There was this one typo in some correspondence) !

Real smiles, loads of sunshine and fun in the beautiful Napa Valley

admin — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 22:44:33 +0000

Hello and Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a grand Holiday season filled with love, fun, family and friends, and oh yeah, too much food! I have zero complaints and nothing but big smiles when I look over these past several months. The only thing I see that I don’t have is, you guessed it, no blog posts! Well, that seems to be the way I roll at times. I just don’t come up for air. Did you miss me? Well, I missed you and thought I would begin the 2011 with a bright sunshiney post from the end of summer that I never got ’round to showing off. And wow, if you live here in California, there was no shortage of sunshine well into the Fall. How lucky are we? What that means is, more beautiful light in the posts from me ahead. Can you see my big smile? Hear my laugh that follows? If you’ve not met me in person (and you know you want to!), that’s how my smile works. I don’t just smile, there’s always a laugh. What can I say? I’m just mostly a happy person and inherited a ridiculous sense of humor from my mom. I sometimes laugh at the way I see the world, like a Pixar film at times, ha, ha.

Anywho, for anyone in need of some sunshine, smiles and just feasting your eyes on a little person who absolutely, unequivocally knows how to have not just a good time, but a GRAND time. Well then, this post is for you. When I know I’m going to be photographing my friend Lilla, I know I need to have my running shoes on, knee pads ready for the ‘army crawl’, really whatever it takes, because this girl moves very, very fast! I LOVE photographing Lilla! She just makes me so happy. And, she’s the luckiest little thing. She has this great property to run all over, gardens with more flowers, fruits and vegetables, goats, chickens, horses, dogs and cats, as well as her sweet mom. Can’t wait until next time!

Have fun,

Kathi

Fun on-location Family Portraits in the Napa Valley

admin — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 22:59:39 +0000

I believe my very favorite request that I get from people contacting me for family photographs, is on-location photography, in and around their own home. And, the only other thing better than that, is when they preface that request with a statement about what’s important to them and how they go about their day at home. This is what they want to capture. Whether that means everyone is looking at the camera or not. Splendid! Lets do it!

This beautiful family was gifted a session with me as a result of an auction/fundraiser at the amazing Castello di Amorosa, here in Napa, for what is now, my oldest son’s former school (sigh….., I miss them) Stone Bridge School. We spent some time talking about what the family typically does on a weekend day, thus the tea party, as hosted by the very cute little girl with the blonde curls. The very same cutie loves to search the backyard for acorns and play. Their son gardens, loves legos (lucky guy, check out all those LEGOS!), tetherball and goofing around. The parents are both very easy-going, warm and friendly, and I think it’s apparent that they love their children and family life.

As always, I want to thank this family and all of my faithful clients for allowing me into your lives and for all the fun we have capturing moments that you cherish.

Kathi